Seeing the Power of God in the Lives of Missionaries Venturing in Congo {A Homeschool Review Crew Review}

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to receive a book titled, Venturing with God in Congo from Conjurske Publications. I was fascinated to discover that Conjurske Publications is a Christian publishing company whose mission is to "reprint the greatest Christian literature from the past several centuries and present it to Christians across the globe." They have 22 books/sets available at the moment, and I was intrigued to see there are stories about D.L. Moody and Amy Carmichael, both of whom I have heard and read a bit about in the past. 

The book I received is a hardcover book, 290 pages in length. It is full of short stories written by Darrell Champlin in the year 2000 and compiled by Conjurske Publications. Though Darrell himself has been "promoted to higher service in His presence," his wife Louise and their children continue on the mission field, sharing the Gospel of Christ. 

As you can tell by the title, this family followed God's call to the Congo where they spent 10 years in the mid 1900's before they were evacuated due to the conflict there. 

The book begins with a look at Darrell Champlin's thoughts on missions. There is a Table of Contents, where you can see the titles of the 47 chapters, Acknowledgements from Louise Champlin, Pronunciation Tips for Lingala, a Timeline of Important Events, and an Introduction of Autobiographical Sketches from Darrell and Louise plus a Family Tree of Louise's family. The book then moves into the true life stories of the missionaries' time in the Congo. The first story is actually the story of Louise's parents arriving in Congo and then the book continues on with Darrell's rememberings, starting in June of 1954 when he started out with his pregnant wife, 18 month old son, and Louise's youngest brother Mark Grings, to the Belgian Congo. 

I was intrigued to learn about the different culture there in the dark jungles of Congo. Through these stories the reader is introduced to what appears to us as a primitive culture, people living in mud and stick houses with dirt floors, running around in clothes that are not washed but worn until they need to be replaced due to dirt and grime and sweat. We learn of a people who are steeped in darkness, animism, taboos, and superstition. And it is amazing to see how God works in the lives of these people through the missionaries and then the native people who become Christians and grow the local churches. It touched my heart to hear of people being freed from sin and living without the fear they were constantly bombarded with throughout their lives. 

To realize that missionaries leave the comforts of the 20th century to live these primitive lives so they can reach the lost is quite moving. To know they are willing to live among termites and fleas and deadly snakes and large predatory cats that can walk in on them at any time, as well as go to people who don't want to hear from them, and will at times try to harm them, really touched my heart.  

I love reading of the miraculous transformations of nonbelievers into believers, such as can be found in the chapter "Lulu Bekanga: Miracle of a Murderer." He changes his name to Bekanga Paul and grew in his faith, stood faithful in the midst of torture and demands to deny Jesus, but escaped and lived in hiding, becoming an apostle to his people.

 And the stories of the way God's hand was seen in the day to day lives of these missionaries is just awe-inspiring. To know that God still works in such miraculous ways in these modern times is just so powerful. 

The stories show how seeing God's hand at work helps the native people turn to Him. In "You Are Not Going to Die" the power of God is seen when a woman who just about gives up during childbirth is brought back from the brink of death and both she and her baby are saved. Events like this show the native people that turning to the Christian's God is not going to bring them harm, but deliverance and good. 

In the chapter titled, "Itupa, The Buzzing Snake," Darrell is with Ituku on a trek through the jungle and they come upon a snake that is buzzing, warning them of the danger. Darrell is able to kill the snake, giving them meat to take home, though it wasn't the meat they were hoping for. But more importantly, Ituku tells Darrell, "God is with you. The itupa only buzzes after he strikes. God must have told him to buzz this time before he struck. Thank God for His goodness."

There are just so many examples of God's power in the stories told by Darrell in this book. To see the way the missionaries trusted in God makes me realize I have a lot of growing to do. This book is such an encouragement to me. I did read it myself, and not as a read aloud to my children. Mainly because we have so many things we are reading currently. As a warning there are some parts of the book that might be a bit intense for younger children, such as the part of Bekanga Paul's story when it describes the way he is tortured, or the chapter on Becoming a Man that describes what a young man needs to go through in order to be considered a real man. Mention of half-naked people is mentioned, along with polygamy. 

I would highly recommend this book for you as a parent to read and for older children. I do think it is a great read aloud for younger children, as long as some parts are edited or omitted. Of course, others may not have the same concerns, but you may want to read it first, before reading it to your children. It's definitely a great read for strengthening your faith and encouraging you. And if you are learning about the Congo, it would be a great way to look into the culture there and how God was brought to the people living in darkness. And I love that there are photographs included in the middle of the book.

You can find Conjurske Publications on Facebook. 

Don't forget to click on the banner below to read the thoughts of my fellow Crew Mates.

5 Days of Homeschool Encouragement: Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday

Welcome to the 5 Days of Homeschool Encouragement Back to School Blog Hop from the Homeschool Review Crew. I am so glad you are here. My fellow Crew Mates and I are hoping you will find encouragement through these posts this week.

Sometimes homeschooling can feel like quite the lonely path. All around us families are sending (or getting ready to send) their children off to school. You may be wondering, "Am I making the right decision?" Especially if this is a new venture for you. Or perhaps you are concerned your children are not learning what they should be learning, and are thinking of sending them to school instead of continuing with homeschooling. Maybe you are burning out and are so tempted by that school bus as it passes by your home.   Let me just reassure you by saying, "You can do this mama! You are not alone! You are doing what is best for your children! And you are most definitely NOT the only one who ever has doubts." 

Here is what helps me to stay motivated.

First, I remember what led me to homeschool in the first place. I always wanted to homeschool our younger children. In fact, I wanted to homeschool my older children, but their dad (my ex) wouldn't let me. When I look back now though, I have to admit, I didn't quite have the same reasoning as I do now. Half of families in my Conservative Mennonite church homeschooled their children. Granted, that was two families, as there were only four families with children in our small church. But as they were large families, that was a lot of children being homeschooled. I figured that was what God wanted for our families, but couldn't really explain my reasoning. I won't go into all the craziness of my relationship with my ex, but yes, he won that fight, and the children and I had to suffer through public school. 

After I remarried, and we had our first child, Tabitha, I approached my husband about homeschooling. He was hesitant at first, but he knew the struggles the older children had dealt with, in addition to his own problems in school, so he was onboard, at least for a trial run. We knew we didn't want to deal with bullying. We wanted our children brought up in the Lord, without having to deal with doubts thrown at them through the indoctrination of the public school system. I didn't want my children being taught that the lie of evolution was real. I wanted to make sure they had solid reading skills, which my older children did not, which caused them to struggle with comprehension in all their subjects. And more than anything, I wanted to be with my children, to be the one who saw that glimmer of understanding, to partake in their excitement when they learned something new. 

The fact that I am still homeschooling tells you that the "trial run" was a success. Hubby saw the benefits and saw the children learning. Tabitha is now going into sixth grade, and we have no plans to send any of the four children to public school at any time. 

Are there times I doubt myself? Oh yes. Many. Are there times I am tempted to send them to school? Yes, but they are brief flickers that are quickly extinguished. Because I remember what the public school was like for my older children. I see what the public schools are becoming, so much worse than they were. I mean, I loved school as a child. I always wanted to be a teacher. But now that I am an adult and can see them as the indoctrination institutions that they are, that is almost all the motivation I need to stay firm on this path the Lord has set before me. 

However, my top motivator is knowing that this is where the Lord wants me to be. His Holy Word tells parents that we are to be the ones training our children. In fact, I've had a "Scripture Tag" of Proverbs 22:6 on my blog since just about the beginning of this journey. 

Here are some other verses that have helped to keep fellow homeschool mom's I've asked motivated. 

Deuteronomy 6:7

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Proverbs 31:17, 27

She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 1:9-14

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

I know that it is the Lord's will that I be home with my children, teaching them, not just the academic subjects, but the truths found in the Bible. My husband and I desire to raise children who will grow up loving and living for the Lord. 

And when I need that bit of a nudge to remind me that I can do this, I have my husband who will keep me focused on my path. 

I have the Lord, through whose power I can do all things. See, he promises me that very thing:

The full verse states:

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

If the Lord could strengthen Paul who was thrown into jail, faced hunger, and trials, and other needs, if He could strengthen many throughout the ages who were persecuted for their faith, why should I not be able to trust in Him to strengthen me in this simple (in comparison) path of homeschooling my children. And hey, at least we are living in a time when it is legal to do so, right? 

So, yes, I have my struggles as you do. But I will continue to look to the Lord to strengthen me, because these kiddos are so important to me, and I want what is best for them.

Here are some of the other participants in this week's blog hop, and you will find more in the linky below.

Jennifer @ Dear Homeschooler
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Kellyann @ Walking Home ...
Kimberley @ Vintage Blue Suitcase
Kristen @ A Mom's Quest to Teach
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Laura @ Four Little Penguins
Linda @ Apron Strings & other things

The 2018 Back to Homeschool Blog Hop is coming!

Can you believe we only have one more month of summer? Of course that means it's that time of year when people all around are thinking about their children going back to school. Some have already started, others won't be going back for a couple of weeks or more. Nevertheless, there are reminders popping up everywhere. Though we technically homeschool year round, we still think of our school year as starting in September. So, as always we will be having fun with our Back to Homeschool traditions. One of those traditions seems to be contributing in these Back to School Blog Hops with the Homeschool Review Crew. I've been joining in for the past several years now. This year's hop is called "5 Days of Homeschool Encouragement" and it starts next Monday, August 20th, and ends on Friday, August 24th. My fellow Crew Mates and I are going to look at different aspects of homeschool, and hopefully encouraging you as we do. 

So, what can you expect this year?

Monday August 20th - Motivation Monday. Are you in need of some motivation? Are you doubting your decision to homeschool or feeling burned out? Stop by for a bit of encouragement.

Tuesday August 21st - Take a Look Tuesday. We are going to take a look at our curriculum for the coming year, both our Core Curriculum and what we are adding in from past and current review products.

Wednesday August 22nd - Work in in Wednesday. How do we work in such things as phys ed and co-op. I'll give you a look at our new schedule and how things work for us.

Thursday August 23rd - Thankful Thursday. My hubby always likes to join in with these blog hops, so he is going to tackle this one this year. I had no idea where he was going with it, so it was a surprise for me as well as you.

Friday August 24th - I will either take a look at some of my favorite supplies and resources, or I will be asking the children what their favorite review products have been so far this year.

So, that is what we will be looking at. 

I hope you will find time to stop by each day to get a glimpse into our homeschool. Each day there will be a linky at the bottom of the post so you can easily hop around to see what my Crew Mates have to share about each subject. I will also come back here to this introductory post and link each day above to my post for that day.

The 2017 Back to Homeschool Blog Hop: Dear Homeschool Mom - Encouragement From the Homeschool Dad

Dear Homeschool Mom

Welcome to the final day of the Homeschool Review Crew 2017 Back to Homeschool Blog Hop. Today's topic is: Dear Homeschool Mom

For today's post, the hubby has once again taken over my blog. He wrote a letter to me, the homeschooling mom, a very sweet letter. Here, I'll let you read it.

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Dear homeschool mom,

I've been watching you.  For the last 11 years I've been watching you.  I've seen you at your worst, and I've seen you at your best.  I've even seen you in ways nobody else has.

I've watched you utilize our library for the abundance of free resources it supplies. You use more library books then anybody I know.  They even made an exception for you with regards to the maximum number of books one can have out at one time.  You get to take out 100.  You've earned their trust.  I've watched you somehow, miraculously, keep track of all of these books and/or movies. Always knowing where they are.  You are amazing.

I've watched you work with our children on a daily basis.  Marveling at their accomplishments. Worrying they aren't grasping a concept.  Always trying to help them learn and delighting in the fact that they have.

I've watched you balance home making and home schooling.  I've watched you make sure I had a hot meal before leaving for work even if you were making supper for the rest of the family an hour or so later.  I've never been hungry when I've left the house for my 12 hour shift.  Thank You.

I've watched you teach our children about God.  I've seen them learn of his greatness through you. You even find time to volunteer at church.

I've watched you be there for me when I needed it most.  Over the past 11 years, there have definitely been circumstances in my life that were devastating.  They would have been 10 times  worse if I hadn't had you to lean on.  Quite frankly, I'm not sure I would have made it through without you. Thank God you were there.

I've watched you when we are together.  This is something I really like. You are relaxed then.  Not thinking about lesson plans, curriculum, or anything else except the moment.  You need more of this.

I've watched you when you are sleeping and I can't.  You are relaxed.  Recharging your batteries for another day.  You are at peace and it is beautiful.  Sometimes, I lay there for hours just enjoying the peaceful look on your face.  Other times, I go downstairs so I don't disturb you.  I help where I can in my feeble attempt to make your day better.  Morning will come much too soon and as I'm starting to doze off, your day begins again.

I've watched you come out of your shell.  When we met, you were broken and defeated.  Now, 11 years later, you are confident and whole. You believe in yourself and your abilities.. I'm so proud of you and how far you've come.

Dear homeschool mom,

You've got this.  You are doing a wonderful job. I love you.

Harold

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I'm so blessed to have such a loving husband. One that stands by me as we raise our children for the Lord. Reading the above letter brought me to tears, knowing how much he loves me and supports me. I know how hard it is to have a "husband" that does not support me. So, it means even more to me.

So, Dear Homeschool Mom or Dad who may be reading this post, remember to be there for each other, support each other, remember, you have to count on each other, and the children are counting on you too. 

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Putting on the Spirit Ten-Minute Devotions for Busy Moms Review

Are you like me, knowing how important it is to spend time each day in the Word, focusing on God and renewing your spirit, but struggling to find time to do so?  Do you rush about each day trying to get stuff done for your family, but neglect your time with the Lord? I would love to introduce you to Katie Hornor's new 28-Day devotional, Putting On The Spirit: Ten-Minute Devotions for Busy Moms available for Kindle.

Katie's focus in this study is the Fruit of the Spirit and taking off our "Super Mom" capes to put on the Spirit, because in our own strength we will fail. She does this in short devotions that take approximately ten minutes, figuring that all moms have ten minutes they can find in the day to spend with the Lord. Personally, I like to fit my devotions in before the children wake up in the morning, but everyone is encouraged to find a time that works for them. 

This devotional is 25 short pages but it sure packs a whole lot of punch for your spiritual life. Each Fruit of the Spirit is focused on for 2-5 days, with the average being 3 days. Three days to really look at each Fruit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness (or kindness), goodness, faith, meekness and temperance) and how to let it shine in our busy lives. 

Each day we read and pray over different verses that are relevant to the Fruit we are focusing on. Sometimes we are writing out verses word for word, sometimes we are paraphrasing, other times we are picking out a verse from a passage to summarize the message. But each day we reflect in some way to internalize what we are learning. I love that Katie uses various ways to really dig into God's word and into our hearts. I do have to admit there were a couple of times it took me more than ten minutes to finish the devotion because there was more reading and writing than on other days. This, however, was not a huge deal. Each day there was encouragement and challenge. Challenge in answering some questions while digging deep into my heart, and the challenge of remembering to live out what I was learning. 

I love that I am learning so much about each aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit. Additionally, Katie shared something I have never thought about. For the last day of the devotional she puts the whole fruit together. She makes the point of showing that we are not looking at a fruit basket of different kinds of fruit, but different sections of the same fruit, likening it to a fruit such as an orange where it is not whole without all the pieces being together. We can't pick and choose which part of the Fruit of the Spirit should be in our lives. It definitely gave me something to think about.

As a member of the Launch Team I was given a pdf copy of this book. I downloaded the devotional, printed it out and made it into a little booklet because I really don't like reading it from a computer screen.  I was able to sit with my book and enjoy my time with the Lord. Additionally, we are given the choice to answer the questions in a notebook or to download the FREE workbook, available at Paradise Praises, Katie's blog where she shares about marriage, motherhood and ministry. In this workbook, Katie has given us plenty of room to answer questions, write out verses, lists and/or prayers depending on the day.

So, if you would like to lay down your Super Mom cape and put on the Spirit I would really recommend Putting On the Spirit. You can really get a lot out of a little time in your busy life. 

Find out more about the book, its availability and read some more reviews over at Paradise Praises. You can connect with Katie on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. She also blogs about homeschooling over at Educando En El Hogar in Spanish. Not only can you get Putting on the Spirit in English, but it is also available in Spanish. 

And here is the best news. It is free for Kindle today!! After that it will be 99 cents through Friday December 13th, after which it will be available for its regular price of $4.99. The companion workbook will remain free though. 

Would you like get to know Katie a bit better. Here is some information from the back of the book:

"Katie and her husband Tap have been missionaries in Mexico since 2007. They homeschool their four children and minister through church planting, Bible training, bookstore ministry, and homeschool curriculum development.

Katie is a teacher at heart, and by trade, and loves to encourage women in their God-given roles through speaking, writing and blogging. She is the author of this and two other ebooks (at the date of this printing) as well as the Lemonhass homeschool curriculum for Spanish Speaking families."

Disclosure: I received a pdf copy of Putting on the Spirit: Ten-Minute Devotions for Busy Moms as a member of the Launch Team. I received no further compensation and this in no way influenced my review. 

Re-prioritizing to Decrease Stress {Guest Post at Mom2Mom Mondays}

It's time for another school year in our home, and I have been struggling to make sure I will be more relaxed and at peace compared to last year. I have been so stressed, trying to do too much, focusing on the wrong things. Does this sound familiar?

Have you found yourself floundering, losing your way, unsure of your priorities? I have identified three things that I am going to have to do to turn my life back around to where it should be. 

Join me over at My Joy-Filled Life for Mom2Mom Mondays to read what I have been doing to be more relaxed this year.