Mortal Yearning

“Mortal Yearning is the fascinating and beautifully written story of God’s providence in the life of Merrel Callaway, pioneer missionary to the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Discover in these pages a life of love and sacrifice with twists and turns no one could anticipate. Get to know real heroes, allow their stories to inspire you, and find the joy they shared even through the valley of the shadow of death.”


—R. Marshall Blalock, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Charleston, South Carolina





“It was a joy to jump into the life of the Callaways. I was inspired by the truly biblical virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, commitment, and calling evident in each chapter, the rich history of the Arab regions they lived in, the wealth of daily cultural nuggets shared, and the raw realities of mission life in those times. It left me desiring to run my race to the fullest with the time I have left.”


—Kevin Penman, Pastor, Middle East





“In her book Mortal Yearning, Joy Callaway Godbold recounts the remarkable story of her parents’ lives lived in the service of Christ and his Great Commission. I trust you will be as inspired as I was upon reading the story of their missionary journeys in Palestine, Lebanon, Bahrain, India, Jordan, Morocco, and Yemen. Might our hearts yearn as theirs for the salvation of those dying without Christ.”


—Paul Chitwood, President, International Mission Board, SBC





“This inspiring story of Merrel, Beth, and Arlene Callaway brought to mind the apostle Paul’s statement “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Pouring their lives out to spread the good news to unreached people groups in hard places, they joyfully accepted hardships, challenges, separations, and disappointments for the glory of God. I was both deeply challenged and encouraged.”


—Dave Bruner, Missions Pastor, East Cooper Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina





“Mortal Yearning reminds the reader what it means to live and die for Jesus. . . . Read this book. It allows the reader to borrow the genealogy of faith exhibited by the Callaway family—until you can establish your own generational, global faith.”


—Nik Ripken, author of The Insanity of God





“Mortal Yearning is an inspiring story of devotion and passion for Christ. Weaving vivid narrative with fascinating back-history, Godbold traces the years of her family’s missionary service with skill and empathy. . . . This is a book that cannot be closed and forgotten. It speaks to the heart and begs a response.”


—Karen O’Dell Bullock, B. H. Carroll Theological Institute