Ordinary Missionary
A Narrative Approach to Introducing World Missions
by W. Jay Moon, Pamela A. Moon and Emily G. Moon
Imprint: Resource Publications
I am not like Hudson Taylor, David Livingstone, or William Carey. The stories of these people are inspiring, but they also make me question, "Am I really good enough to be a missionary? Because I don't consider myself super-spiritual like these missionary heroes seem to be." Ordinary Missionary introduces world missions through the story of an ordinary family facing ordinary questions about their own insecurities and inadequacies. Step into the shoes of three authors who combine their thoughts to put a face, a feeling, and a person to contemporary missions. Join Jay, husband and father, as he prepares to minister among the Builsa people in Ghana, West Africa. Observe Pam, wife and mother, as she addresses the personal concerns of the family. Follow Emily, oldest daughter, in the struggles and joys of being a missionary kid.
This story is not a triumphant tale of missionary heroes. The real heroes show up in unlikely places when they are least expected. Our steps are ordinary, but the journey is beyond extraordinary. These real stories will inspire you to trust your own life in the hands of our extraordinary God.
W. Jay Moon, PhD, Professor of Intercultural Studies and Director of the Wesley House of Study at Sioux Falls Seminary.
Pamela A Moon earned a BS in Clothing and Textiles at Virginia.
Emily G. Moon earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree (emphasis in Strategic Communications), Summa Cum Laude-Honors Certificate at University of Missouri.
"Stories and relationship--what a marvelous way to learn! As you enjoy the Moon family stories, not only will they become dear friends, but you will also gain insight into vital lessons in practical missiology. This is a captivating introduction to missions, built on the stories of an ordinary family on mission with God. It will open the eyes of the missionary novice and warm the heart of the cross-cultural veteran."
--Steve Strauss, Department Chair and Professor of World Missions and Intercultural Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
"Ordinary Missionary is an inspiring account full of wisdom and practical insights from a family living and ministering in a different culture . . . Each chapter gives the reader insight into the experiences of the Moon family living in Ghana. Drawn out of these experiences are principles for living and working in a different culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone going into a cross-cultural situation."
--Ruby Mikulencak, Former Director, SIM Ghana
"Ordinary Missionary has completely changed the way I think about missions. I'm so thankful to the Moons for their vulnerability and transparency in sharing how God used them in the midst of their uncertainties. They use stories as a way to share biblical truth, which makes it not only easy to read, but easy to see God at work in their circumstances. As an 'ordinary' guy myself, I appreciate their relational approach to mission work, and recommend this book to any who want to learn how to better serve in a mission context."
--Benjamin Lee, Executive Director, Sioux Falls Seminary Foundation