Eric's refusal to run on Sunday in the Olympic 100-meter race had stunned the world. Now his incredible victory in the 400-meter race further strengthened his belief in God's promise, "He who honors Me, I will honor." Years later, Eric Liddell would be tested far beyond mere physical ability as a missionary to China. His character, perseverance, and endurance are a challenging example for all who would obey the call to bring the gospel to the nations. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The most memorable and inspiring times I can recall from attending Bible college many years ago was Monday morning chapel hour. It was during these special times that we students got to hear the often exciting testimonies of visiting missionaries from around the world. It was a great encouragement to my faith to know how God was using his people to reach a lost world for Christ. As time and providence would have it, I began a career in Christian publishing that eventually led me to serve overseas in a literature mission. Out on the mission field, our family got to hear firsthand stories of the work in China, India, Africa, and the Middle East. Looking back, the most discouraging aspect of my work in literature missions was the fact that the sections in Christian bookstores that held missions-related books were the least visited by the churchgoing public.

While speaking at a homeschool conference one year, I managed a little time off to walk the book display area. I stopped by the YWAM (Youth with a Mission) Publishing booth. Here I was introduced to a series of missionary biographies called Christian Heroes: Then & Now. Authors Janet and Geoff Benge are well qualified to write about their favorite missions heroes, having served 10 years with Youth with a Mission.

I took a few of these books home and began a new tradition in our home called “Missionary Monday.” Based upon the chapel hour of my college days, I desired to instill in my children a respect for missions and an understanding of “How beautiful are the feet of those that bring His good news.” On Monday evenings we read a chapter from the series, have a brief time of discussion, and end with prayer for modern-day missionaries whom we are familiar with through church and newsletters. So far we have read aloud the incredible stories of Gladys Aylward and Eric Liddell (of Chariots of Fire fame), who both served in China during the early 1900s. We not only learned about the people, history, and political struggles of the Chinese, we learned how God in his grace used both gifted and ordinary people to dramatically share his love.

Having a Missionary Monday is no guarantee my children will take up a life of service on a foreign field, but I believe that as we introduce them to the lives of those who have gone before them, they may be more inclined to think and pray about how they may be used by God as they make their gifts, time, and talents available to him. Approx. 200 pages each, softcovers from YWAM Publishing.

—Dean

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