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Give me this Mountain
‘Give Me This Mountain’ is the autobiography of Dr. Helen Roseveare, well–known missionary doctor and author. She worked in the north–eastern province of the Belgian Congo with the Heart of Africa Mission in the 1950’s and 60’s. Physical dangers and her personal ambition in the Congo often almost sank her, but her faith and hard work brought her through. Her story is one of bright mountains, conquered after experiencing the dark valleys and learning to give the glory to God.
160 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1966
103 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Helen Roseveare
31 books60 followersDr. Helen Roseveare was born in Hailebury, Herts, England in 1925. She became a Christian as a medical student in Cambridge University in 1945. She continued to have strong links with the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union and was designated as the "CICCU missionary" during the 1950s and 1960s. She built a combination hospital/ training center in Ibambi in the early 1950s, then relocated to Nebobongo, living in an old leprosy camp, where she built another hospital. After conflict with other staff at the hospital, she returned to England in 1958.
She returned to the Congo in 1960. In 1964 she was taken prisoner of rebel forces and she remained a prisoner for five months, enduring beatings and rapings. She left the Congo and headed back to England after her release but returned to the Congo in 1966 to assist in the rebuilding of the nation. She helped establish a new medical school and hospital (the other hospitals that she built were destroyed) and served there until she left in 1973. She helped many people from different countries, and helped them when needing food, and drink.
Since her return from Africa, she has had a worldwide ministry in speaking and writing. She was a plenary speaker at the Urbana Missions Convention three times. She is now retired and lives in Northern Ireland. Her life of service was portrayed in the 1989 film Mama Luka Comes Home. Her touching story about how the prayer of Ruth, 10-year-old African girl, for a hot water bottle to save a premature newborn baby after its mother had died has been widely forwarded by email. She survived rape and trial during the Congolese civil war in 1964 because of the intervention of the villagers she had helped previously.
(Wikipedia)
She returned to the Congo in 1960. In 1964 she was taken prisoner of rebel forces and she remained a prisoner for five months, enduring beatings and rapings. She left the Congo and headed back to England after her release but returned to the Congo in 1966 to assist in the rebuilding of the nation. She helped establish a new medical school and hospital (the other hospitals that she built were destroyed) and served there until she left in 1973. She helped many people from different countries, and helped them when needing food, and drink.
Since her return from Africa, she has had a worldwide ministry in speaking and writing. She was a plenary speaker at the Urbana Missions Convention three times. She is now retired and lives in Northern Ireland. Her life of service was portrayed in the 1989 film Mama Luka Comes Home. Her touching story about how the prayer of Ruth, 10-year-old African girl, for a hot water bottle to save a premature newborn baby after its mother had died has been widely forwarded by email. She survived rape and trial during the Congolese civil war in 1964 because of the intervention of the villagers she had helped previously.
(Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 16, 2025
Sorry, folks. I've discovered I'm no longer a good enough writer to rewrite my five star review of Dr Helen Roseveare's autobiography. I deleted it four years ago, thinking it wasn't good enough as a tribute. But then when I tried to rewrite it, I had massive writer's block.
I thought again, earlier tonight, I could. But then, half-way through it I wanted to delete a phrase, and somehow erased the whole thing. Poetic justice? Now I think the Biblical phrase "the last shall be the first" could never even apply to such a loser as me.
I'm too far out of the running. And there's a reason for that!
I'm simply in awe of Roseveare's practical, homely sainthood. I can't do her justice in words. I constantly fail to live up to her everyday sanctity myself. For me, the same light that led her to heaven is the disturbing bright light of my midnight anxiety.
Meds'll do that.
You see, the bottom has fallen out of the ego that once powered my bipolar disease, and its built-in alarm has turned on all my brain-lights. Every light in my head is halogen. I'm cornered. My spiritual vision is fried. That's modern meds. From Warm to Broil in no time.
Chronic Asperger's Depression Redux, I think it's called.
Oh, well.
And yes, Lord, you're right. If Dr Roseveare's praise WERE ever needed from the likes of me, my praise would somehow come back to haunt me. 'How do you know she was SO great, Fergus?'
Simple Experience. She was able to peacefully ABIDE in that disturbing light. Constantly.
Folks, Helen Roseveare was a SAINT. I'm not. So it would be SO out of place to tell you this book is a Game Changer.
But I will. It will not only change your sly little games, it could SAVE YOUR LIFE.
For at least it helped save mine...
From the lies of our collective postmodern Entropy!
I thought again, earlier tonight, I could. But then, half-way through it I wanted to delete a phrase, and somehow erased the whole thing. Poetic justice? Now I think the Biblical phrase "the last shall be the first" could never even apply to such a loser as me.
I'm too far out of the running. And there's a reason for that!
I'm simply in awe of Roseveare's practical, homely sainthood. I can't do her justice in words. I constantly fail to live up to her everyday sanctity myself. For me, the same light that led her to heaven is the disturbing bright light of my midnight anxiety.
Meds'll do that.
You see, the bottom has fallen out of the ego that once powered my bipolar disease, and its built-in alarm has turned on all my brain-lights. Every light in my head is halogen. I'm cornered. My spiritual vision is fried. That's modern meds. From Warm to Broil in no time.
Chronic Asperger's Depression Redux, I think it's called.
Oh, well.
And yes, Lord, you're right. If Dr Roseveare's praise WERE ever needed from the likes of me, my praise would somehow come back to haunt me. 'How do you know she was SO great, Fergus?'
Simple Experience. She was able to peacefully ABIDE in that disturbing light. Constantly.
Folks, Helen Roseveare was a SAINT. I'm not. So it would be SO out of place to tell you this book is a Game Changer.
But I will. It will not only change your sly little games, it could SAVE YOUR LIFE.
For at least it helped save mine...
From the lies of our collective postmodern Entropy!
August 6, 2015
I give this one star for the book/writing, not for the story of Dr. Roseveare's life. I was very excited to read this, because I think her story and life are powerful. However, the book is poorly written and edited, and it is difficult to follow. The duration of time is completely unclear for different events and across events. Seemingly important people and situations come up once and then never again. I was also frustrated that it was merely a retelling of events, with very little of her heart/learnings/emotions folded in. The Epilogue was great because it did include that, but it was only the last few pages. Perhaps this book presupposes some knowledge about her life or is filling a niche that other books about her life don't cover? I read this for a book club, and everyone felt similarly.
April 2, 2013
Wonderfully honest story of a missionary doctor. Her honesty and raw faith is inspiring. I will go back and reread my highlights again. You can google her on YouTube. She is still alive as of 4/1/2013
January 23, 2026
While I don't agree with all of her Scriptural interpretation, one cannot help but be challenged by her unflinching look at following the Lord, particularly on the mission field. One of the things I loved most was how explicitly she submitted to the Congolese church elders, continuing to put herself under their authority and respect their biblical insight into her life. Helen's humility in self-examination is also quite refreshing. Definitely worth the read!
October 29, 2023
This was such a wonderfully God-glorifying account. Helen did such a beautiful job of showing how God used the sufferings of her life to make her more like Him and learn what it truly means to die to self and suffer for Christ. I honestly think those of us who are tempted to complain and despair when even the slightest hardship comes should be required to read a missionary account like this weekly! Through her account, I was shown clearly the many similar sins I battle in my own life and related to her much on that account. All glory to God who has chosen to save a wretch like me. I pray that He would use my life for His glory and to make me more like Christ.
February 3, 2024
How can I not give this book 5 stars!! Helen Roseveare writes about her life with refreshing honesty, so clearly conveying her journey of sanctification and the rewards she experienced of being made more like Christ. Even though I’m not an overseas missionary, there’s so much to relate to in her story, and I long to pursue Christ as she does!
December 3, 2018
"My life has possibly included more dramatic episodes than many another, but this is not the impression I wish to leave with any reader. Rather, it has been for me a journey towards one definite and glorious goal, 'that I may know him. . .', our God, revealed to us in his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Give Me This Mountain is the autobiography of Dr. Helen Roseveare, a medical missionary to the Congo in the mid-twentieth century. The advantage of its being autobiograhy is that you get a firsthand look not only at Helen's life but also at the spiritual struggles and triumphs she experienced along the way. She is not at all afraid to be honest. I appreciate that since some missionary biographies sometimes unintentionally present their subjects as "superhero" Christians. Helen's honesty gives us a better sense of how God orchestrated the events of her life to make her more like Jesus. Keswick theology seems to influence a little bit of what she writes, so take note of that. But this is still a worthwhile book to read!
Give Me This Mountain is the autobiography of Dr. Helen Roseveare, a medical missionary to the Congo in the mid-twentieth century. The advantage of its being autobiograhy is that you get a firsthand look not only at Helen's life but also at the spiritual struggles and triumphs she experienced along the way. She is not at all afraid to be honest. I appreciate that since some missionary biographies sometimes unintentionally present their subjects as "superhero" Christians. Helen's honesty gives us a better sense of how God orchestrated the events of her life to make her more like Jesus. Keswick theology seems to influence a little bit of what she writes, so take note of that. But this is still a worthwhile book to read!
January 12, 2019
This was a challenging and humbling read but I didn't really like the style. All the same i expect some of the lessons will stay with me. It also made me want to find out more about the Democratic Republic of Congo and pray for the country. So much suffering for so long.
February 27, 2020
If I could give this more stars I would!! Such an amazing and inspiring book. Helen Roseveare has been someone I’ve looked up to for so long. I met her in Keswick about 10 years ago and her smile and warmth have stayed with me. Her story is one of hills and valleys, told so honestly. Not covering over mistakes and failures but honestly admitting how human she is. God worked amazingly through her and I feel privileged to have met her
December 19, 2024
A real reflection by Helen on her upbringing, coming to faith, and her sinful heart. I enjoyed this because of the relatability of her spiritual battle, and inspiring perseverance to live to glorify the Lord.
March 17, 2020
Great faith by a courageous young woman pouring out her life in the Congo. She went into good depth on the wrestling in her heart over sin like pride and strugges like dispondancy.
December 14, 2024
Fascinating read. Remarkable story.
April 21, 2025
Helen has an inspiring story. While this book does not have an overarching theme like her other ones, it is still a very interesting and engaging read.
June 24, 2025
Beautiful but honest account of her life before Christ and as a missionary in the Congo.
July 6, 2021
V honest account of overseas missionary endeavour & related inner struggles. Esp enjoyed her story of coming to faith & leading others to faith through her university Christian Union
Read
June 16, 2020Helen Roseveare died in December of 2016, having fought the good fight and finished her race. Long acquainted with her ministry, but never having read any of her highly praised books, I ordered this book the day word came to me of her death. We had a long put off appointment together, and the power of the written word to speak beyond someone's life was again emphasized to me.
Roseveare was a doctor, not a writer, and her story has a very "technical" feel to it. Don't read it hoping to find amazing prose. But read it, because of the incredible wisdom she shares along the way. Three highlights are particularly noteworthy and and worthy of your time:
1) Roseveare is forthright about the challenges of missionary work and the flaws of those who engage in it. She contrasts her life at home in England with her life on the field, and gives insight into the cultural obstacles as well as the personal challenges. She articulates the tremendously stretching nature of long term faithfulness in missions. Rather than the incredibly flawed "Poisonwood Bible" (fiction in the setting of Roseveare's life), as some have recommended, I think "Give Me This Mountain" (and Tom Hiney's "On the Missionary Trail") should be required reading for prospective mission workers. For those looking for another perspective on the Congo, Sam Wellman's biography of Mary Slessor, "Mary Slessor: Queen of Calabar" is also quite good, and covers the work of a previous generation in the Congo.
2) This wrestling with missionary work, though not limited to, is inclusive of Roseveare's own spiritual, emotional and physical struggles. The scientific nature of Roseveare's personality prevents these accounts from dripping with sentimentality and gives perspective on her internal churnings. What is lovely about this is that her difficulties are refreshingly common to the Christian walk, and her observations reassure the reader about one's own faults and trails, while peppering us with the wisdom she gained in the valleys of life.
I grew up reading Corrie Ten Boom and her numerous works. One of the things I love about Ten Boom is her honest revelation of her flaws and struggles. I'm pleased to discover the same raw revelation in Roseveare's work and it makes me eager to make her better acquaintance.
3) The epilogue is the crescendo of this book. It won't have the same poignancy if you skip ahead, so read through! Written after the author herself read the manuscript, Roseveare highlights the events that were most important in shaping her walk with the LORD. Understanding the context of her remarks, I may pull down this gem just to read the epilogue.
And yet, I confess I am somewhat unsatisfied. Roseveare deals with her captivity during the Simba rebellion in the 1960s in generalities. She gives us broad strokes that she and a group of people were brutalized, and shares her thoughts about identification with Christ in her pain and the death of some missionaries, but her process is big picture. Given her faithfulness to the LORD, and my interest in trauma recovery, I would like to more information on how she overcame this bitter experience. I'm also hoping I might be able to share that process with others who struggle through similar valleys.
So, I shall have to read more! "He gave us a Valley" written in 1976 is the second half of Roseveare's missionary service biography.
Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver, 1998
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
On the Missionary Trail, Hiney, 2001
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Corrie Ten Boom: Her Story, 2004
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
He gave us a Valley, Roseveare, 1976
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mary Slessor: Queen of Calabar, Wellman, 1998
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Roseveare was a doctor, not a writer, and her story has a very "technical" feel to it. Don't read it hoping to find amazing prose. But read it, because of the incredible wisdom she shares along the way. Three highlights are particularly noteworthy and and worthy of your time:
1) Roseveare is forthright about the challenges of missionary work and the flaws of those who engage in it. She contrasts her life at home in England with her life on the field, and gives insight into the cultural obstacles as well as the personal challenges. She articulates the tremendously stretching nature of long term faithfulness in missions. Rather than the incredibly flawed "Poisonwood Bible" (fiction in the setting of Roseveare's life), as some have recommended, I think "Give Me This Mountain" (and Tom Hiney's "On the Missionary Trail") should be required reading for prospective mission workers. For those looking for another perspective on the Congo, Sam Wellman's biography of Mary Slessor, "Mary Slessor: Queen of Calabar" is also quite good, and covers the work of a previous generation in the Congo.
2) This wrestling with missionary work, though not limited to, is inclusive of Roseveare's own spiritual, emotional and physical struggles. The scientific nature of Roseveare's personality prevents these accounts from dripping with sentimentality and gives perspective on her internal churnings. What is lovely about this is that her difficulties are refreshingly common to the Christian walk, and her observations reassure the reader about one's own faults and trails, while peppering us with the wisdom she gained in the valleys of life.
I grew up reading Corrie Ten Boom and her numerous works. One of the things I love about Ten Boom is her honest revelation of her flaws and struggles. I'm pleased to discover the same raw revelation in Roseveare's work and it makes me eager to make her better acquaintance.
3) The epilogue is the crescendo of this book. It won't have the same poignancy if you skip ahead, so read through! Written after the author herself read the manuscript, Roseveare highlights the events that were most important in shaping her walk with the LORD. Understanding the context of her remarks, I may pull down this gem just to read the epilogue.
And yet, I confess I am somewhat unsatisfied. Roseveare deals with her captivity during the Simba rebellion in the 1960s in generalities. She gives us broad strokes that she and a group of people were brutalized, and shares her thoughts about identification with Christ in her pain and the death of some missionaries, but her process is big picture. Given her faithfulness to the LORD, and my interest in trauma recovery, I would like to more information on how she overcame this bitter experience. I'm also hoping I might be able to share that process with others who struggle through similar valleys.
So, I shall have to read more! "He gave us a Valley" written in 1976 is the second half of Roseveare's missionary service biography.
Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver, 1998
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
On the Missionary Trail, Hiney, 2001
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Corrie Ten Boom: Her Story, 2004
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
He gave us a Valley, Roseveare, 1976
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mary Slessor: Queen of Calabar, Wellman, 1998
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 26, 2025
Okay, so I have to be totally honest - this is not a riveting read. I'd even go so far to say it started rather slowly, but knowing the basic story and having a high regard for Dr. Roseveare, I hung in there and was very glad I did. The last half of the book more than made up for it for me. Helen's transparency and humble account of her challenges in what was the Congo were very inspiring and convicting. I recommend this autobiography to anyone involved in missions or ministry, or perhaps simply going through a particularly tough time.
Update: Rereading July 2025, I appreciated it even more than the first time through. I highlighted numerous sentences and sections of this inspiring, convicting, and incredibly honest memoir.
Update: Rereading July 2025, I appreciated it even more than the first time through. I highlighted numerous sentences and sections of this inspiring, convicting, and incredibly honest memoir.
January 6, 2022
I aim to read more biography/memoir about Christians this year. This little book has been on my shelf for a while and I’m glad I took it down and read it. Miss Roseveare was very honest about her failures as a missionary in Congo and I think the lessons she learned are applicable for anyone in Christian ministry. As a Christian wife & mom (and daughter & sister) it is easy to think more big picture ministry and not focus on my attitude around my family or my relationship with Christ. This encouraged and convicted me in that it all counts. The Holy Spirit wants to help me in every area to let everyone I’m around benefit from that spiritual fruit.
July 14, 2017
Miss Roseveare said it best as she summarized lessons learned through years of both trial and blessing in ministry:
• "Participation in His suffering is necessary to each one if we are to fulfill His will in this world."
• "The pre-eminence of His Son is essential that we may know in very truth His all-sufficiency at all times."
• "Praise through His sacrifice is possible even in the midst of danger and horror, as we rejoice in His working out His purposes."
• "Participation in His suffering is necessary to each one if we are to fulfill His will in this world."
• "The pre-eminence of His Son is essential that we may know in very truth His all-sufficiency at all times."
• "Praise through His sacrifice is possible even in the midst of danger and horror, as we rejoice in His working out His purposes."
June 26, 2017
Amazing book! “God never uses a person greatly until He has wounded him deeply. The privilege He offers you is greater than the price you have to pay. The privilege is greater than the price.” —Helen Roseveare
February 9, 2016
Open and honest story of an impressive faith journey - including being held by Congo rebels for five months. The writing is a little choppy, but not distracting.
March 1, 2017
She has an amazing story to tell, but she gets bogged down in all the little details. I really struggled to finish this one.
December 4, 2019
Seems like an interesting woman, but the is so poorly written that it's hard to read. It's like a list of activities extended over 150pp.
January 20, 2021
When I was at university, I had an oppurtunity to go meet Helen Roseveare before she went to be with the Lord. I've alway regretted that I didn't take that opportunity. Give Me This Mountain and it's sequel, He Gave Us A Valley, came to me highly recommended by many friends and spiritual leaders whilst I was at university but, it's taken me almost over eight years after having left university to finally get around to reading it. God has his timing. I would not have gotten much out of Give Me This Mountain as a university student; however, having served on the field for eight or so years now, I can find things in Roseveare's testimony that I can relate with.
As many other reviewers have noted, Give Me This Mountain is not sensationalized in the slightest. It is written in a very journalistic and, occasionally, dry writing style that makes it, at times, a bit of a slow dragging read. For me, the book did not pick up until Chapter Six when Roseveare arrives in the Congo. Highlights of the book, for me, were reading about the 'charismatic' revival in the Congolese church and the absolutely excellent Epilouge where Roseveare offers these three lessons that I have found true in my own journey with the Lord on the field:
Another highlight, for me, was Roseveare's comments regarding the tension between the growing Congolese church and the 'parent' Western missionaries. I found her reflection on it very insightful and worth consideration for anyone serving on the field in a nation with a growing Church. The ever changing dynamic between a young growing Church longing to grow up and stretch her wings and the well-intentioned but, occasionally overbearing parental figures of Western missionaries is something faced by every missionary but, rarely spoken about or addressed. Furthermore, her surprisingly frankness about division and difficulties with other missionaries and the conflicts resulting from pride, jealousy, theological differences, and etc... and the ability to navigate them with grace and bring forth unity was incredibly refreshing and honest. I can't honestly remember another missonary biography where I have read about internal conflicts within missionaries and it certainly wasn't something I was warned about before stepping unto the field. Also, her observations about the deeply false idea that boarding a plane to a foreign land will magically change someone into a missionary in Chapter 7 made me laugh and nod my head in agreement at the overwhelming number of people I've met who have stumbled on, around, and eventually off the field due to that exact thinking. Honesty is perhaps the best word to describe the book and, while the narrative dragged at times, it was still personally a worthwhile read. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, except maybe the first three paragraphs of Chapter 7 for anyone considering missions but, it was interesting nonetheless and I will read the sequel.
As many other reviewers have noted, Give Me This Mountain is not sensationalized in the slightest. It is written in a very journalistic and, occasionally, dry writing style that makes it, at times, a bit of a slow dragging read. For me, the book did not pick up until Chapter Six when Roseveare arrives in the Congo. Highlights of the book, for me, were reading about the 'charismatic' revival in the Congolese church and the absolutely excellent Epilouge where Roseveare offers these three lessons that I have found true in my own journey with the Lord on the field:
1. Participation in His suffering is necessary to each one if we are to fulfil His will in this world;
2. The pre-eminence of His Son is essential that we may know in very truth His all-sufficiency at all times;
3. Praise through His sacrifice is possible even in the midst of danger and horror, as we rejoice in His working out His purposes.
Another highlight, for me, was Roseveare's comments regarding the tension between the growing Congolese church and the 'parent' Western missionaries. I found her reflection on it very insightful and worth consideration for anyone serving on the field in a nation with a growing Church. The ever changing dynamic between a young growing Church longing to grow up and stretch her wings and the well-intentioned but, occasionally overbearing parental figures of Western missionaries is something faced by every missionary but, rarely spoken about or addressed. Furthermore, her surprisingly frankness about division and difficulties with other missionaries and the conflicts resulting from pride, jealousy, theological differences, and etc... and the ability to navigate them with grace and bring forth unity was incredibly refreshing and honest. I can't honestly remember another missonary biography where I have read about internal conflicts within missionaries and it certainly wasn't something I was warned about before stepping unto the field. Also, her observations about the deeply false idea that boarding a plane to a foreign land will magically change someone into a missionary in Chapter 7 made me laugh and nod my head in agreement at the overwhelming number of people I've met who have stumbled on, around, and eventually off the field due to that exact thinking. Honesty is perhaps the best word to describe the book and, while the narrative dragged at times, it was still personally a worthwhile read. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, except maybe the first three paragraphs of Chapter 7 for anyone considering missions but, it was interesting nonetheless and I will read the sequel.
August 2, 2020
After reading several inspirational quotes from Ms. Roseveare, I knew I needed to read her books. I truly appreciate the depth to which she honestly portrays her walk with the Lord. There were several moments throughout this read that I thought to myself, 'Yes, this needs to be talked about more within Christian circles."
"'I did not escape from myself by going to the Congo. Rather, I came to know myself better, perhaps more as others had already seen me. The ordinary trials and frustrations of life that meet us all were just as real in Congo, and, in some ways, were more pronounced, as there were fewer ways of avoiding or circumventing them. For myself, it was only as I allowed the Lord to show me my own pettiness, or wilfulness, or pride, in different circumstances and problems, that I became willing to let the Lord teach me of Himself. 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me', the Lord said, 'for I am meek and lowly in heart.' What happened in the two years following my first taste of success as a missionary doctor shows simply how very much I had to learn of Him, for surely no-one merited the description of Christ-likeness less than I, if it was to involve the phrase 'meek and lowly in heart.'"
"But the real cause of my depression was simply that I could not put my heart into backing up the vision of others when I felt it ran contrary to my own. I had certainly not learnt the grace sufficient for every need, nor the joy of being spent for Him in just any way that He might direct."
"I went to my room that evening, fearful, afraid to meet God, knowing what He wanted to say to me, but not wanting to listen. I wanted things my way now. I didn't want to be made hungry again after God; I didn't want His promise of love and comfort. I felt I had been following a will-o'-the-wisp for long enough, and I was a failure. This kind of life wasn't for me, and I didn't want to be cajoled into trying again."
"'I did not escape from myself by going to the Congo. Rather, I came to know myself better, perhaps more as others had already seen me. The ordinary trials and frustrations of life that meet us all were just as real in Congo, and, in some ways, were more pronounced, as there were fewer ways of avoiding or circumventing them. For myself, it was only as I allowed the Lord to show me my own pettiness, or wilfulness, or pride, in different circumstances and problems, that I became willing to let the Lord teach me of Himself. 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me', the Lord said, 'for I am meek and lowly in heart.' What happened in the two years following my first taste of success as a missionary doctor shows simply how very much I had to learn of Him, for surely no-one merited the description of Christ-likeness less than I, if it was to involve the phrase 'meek and lowly in heart.'"
"But the real cause of my depression was simply that I could not put my heart into backing up the vision of others when I felt it ran contrary to my own. I had certainly not learnt the grace sufficient for every need, nor the joy of being spent for Him in just any way that He might direct."
"I went to my room that evening, fearful, afraid to meet God, knowing what He wanted to say to me, but not wanting to listen. I wanted things my way now. I didn't want to be made hungry again after God; I didn't want His promise of love and comfort. I felt I had been following a will-o'-the-wisp for long enough, and I was a failure. This kind of life wasn't for me, and I didn't want to be cajoled into trying again."
June 5, 2018
This is definitely one of the most meaningful books I have ever read. Dr. Helen Roseveare was a Christian missionary to the Belgian Congo in the 1950s and 60s and this is her first written account of all of her experiences leading up to this position and all that happened while she was there.
My church had a revival a few weeks ago and we had a funny, entertaining, on-fire-for-Jesus evangelist as our speaker. He comically told us that he was at a conference one time and that a very old, like 8500-year-old woman got up to speak and spent 45 minutes shaking her head and saying in her shaky voice, "My sweet Jesus, do you know my Jesus?" That's what he heard because he was bored and impatient but he went home and did some research on Helen Roseveare and found out...wow!...what an adventurous, selfless, courageous life she had lived. This account moved me to come home and do my own research on her! And I'm so glad I did!
Dr. Roseveare wrote with unflinching honesty about her early Christian experiences as a teenager and college age student. She was falling in love with her Savior and was keenly aware of her own sins of pride, exaggeration, irritability, etc. She struggled to empty herself of herself so that there would be nothing in her but Jesus! What zeal and fervor she had for the Lord, both at home in England training to be a doctor and on the mission field in Africa!
I needed to read this book. I have felt like I have been in a dry and dusty land spiritually and I needed a shot of something to cure me and this book has helped so much! I hold this book right up there with "The Hiding Place" and other books by Corrie Ten Boom and also the biography of Lottie Moon. There are many other books by Dr. Roseveare and I am excited about reading them!
My church had a revival a few weeks ago and we had a funny, entertaining, on-fire-for-Jesus evangelist as our speaker. He comically told us that he was at a conference one time and that a very old, like 8500-year-old woman got up to speak and spent 45 minutes shaking her head and saying in her shaky voice, "My sweet Jesus, do you know my Jesus?" That's what he heard because he was bored and impatient but he went home and did some research on Helen Roseveare and found out...wow!...what an adventurous, selfless, courageous life she had lived. This account moved me to come home and do my own research on her! And I'm so glad I did!
Dr. Roseveare wrote with unflinching honesty about her early Christian experiences as a teenager and college age student. She was falling in love with her Savior and was keenly aware of her own sins of pride, exaggeration, irritability, etc. She struggled to empty herself of herself so that there would be nothing in her but Jesus! What zeal and fervor she had for the Lord, both at home in England training to be a doctor and on the mission field in Africa!
I needed to read this book. I have felt like I have been in a dry and dusty land spiritually and I needed a shot of something to cure me and this book has helped so much! I hold this book right up there with "The Hiding Place" and other books by Corrie Ten Boom and also the biography of Lottie Moon. There are many other books by Dr. Roseveare and I am excited about reading them!
May 29, 2023
“Give Me This Mountain,” a missionary autobiography by Dr. Helen Roseveare has been such a blessing to my heart to read. Through Roseveare’s gut-honest descriptions, we get to walk the path with her from childhood to doctoral training, to moving as a missionary-doctor to the Congo, with all the triumphs and tragedies involved.
I was so touched by Roseveare’s transparent retellings of her struggles with her particular sins of pride and wanting to have everything her way. Her vulnerability goes a long way in helping those of us who struggle in similar ways to see that we are not alone, and to see God at work in transforming even such a messed-up case as this.
Of course, I also felt deeply validated by her descriptions of the petty infighting that was a plague among some of the Christian camp-counselors she worked with, or the mission committee disagreements she was involved with (we are sinners working alongside sinners!). I was moved by her exciting testimony of a season of revival that swept through their communities (such revivals are still possible, even in the churches where it seems impossible). I was stunned by the sheer volume of things that she and her team accomplished! In just a single sentence, she would glibly add, “I had opened 40 clinics covering a 400-mile circuit tour.” Wait. What?!! She was a busy women, make no mistake!
At any rate, I am eager to read other books by her. Likely next, “He Gave Us a Valley,” which seems to be paired with this one.
~Jen
I was so touched by Roseveare’s transparent retellings of her struggles with her particular sins of pride and wanting to have everything her way. Her vulnerability goes a long way in helping those of us who struggle in similar ways to see that we are not alone, and to see God at work in transforming even such a messed-up case as this.
Of course, I also felt deeply validated by her descriptions of the petty infighting that was a plague among some of the Christian camp-counselors she worked with, or the mission committee disagreements she was involved with (we are sinners working alongside sinners!). I was moved by her exciting testimony of a season of revival that swept through their communities (such revivals are still possible, even in the churches where it seems impossible). I was stunned by the sheer volume of things that she and her team accomplished! In just a single sentence, she would glibly add, “I had opened 40 clinics covering a 400-mile circuit tour.” Wait. What?!! She was a busy women, make no mistake!
At any rate, I am eager to read other books by her. Likely next, “He Gave Us a Valley,” which seems to be paired with this one.
~Jen
Read
January 9, 2024This book reads like a stream of consciousness, so not the book to pick up if you’re looking for a well-written novel.
Dr. Roseveare has an incredibly compelling story and testimony. She willingly puts herself in danger and in the midst of suffering for the betterment of the Congolese people and to fulfill what she believes as her God-given purpose. I think in today’s era (modernization, technology, generally safer missionary conditions), it’s easy to forget the extent of suffering and danger that missionaries of different times had to endure and it’s truly humbling and rebuking, personally speaking.
As a Christian who has very mixed opinions on international missions, this book challenged me personally to have a wider perspective on global missions. She briefly touches upon paternalism, racial division in the church, and the fears of neocolonialism that drove the civil wars in the Congo during the 1960s but I think her personal account of the racial unity demonstrates that not all international mission work can be reduced to a colonizer-colonized relationship and what true partnership with local peoples in mission work can look like.
Anyways, this is a book that will trigger lots of self-reflection and soul-searching so read at your own risk :-)
Dr. Roseveare has an incredibly compelling story and testimony. She willingly puts herself in danger and in the midst of suffering for the betterment of the Congolese people and to fulfill what she believes as her God-given purpose. I think in today’s era (modernization, technology, generally safer missionary conditions), it’s easy to forget the extent of suffering and danger that missionaries of different times had to endure and it’s truly humbling and rebuking, personally speaking.
As a Christian who has very mixed opinions on international missions, this book challenged me personally to have a wider perspective on global missions. She briefly touches upon paternalism, racial division in the church, and the fears of neocolonialism that drove the civil wars in the Congo during the 1960s but I think her personal account of the racial unity demonstrates that not all international mission work can be reduced to a colonizer-colonized relationship and what true partnership with local peoples in mission work can look like.
Anyways, this is a book that will trigger lots of self-reflection and soul-searching so read at your own risk :-)
February 20, 2024
Wow… what a testimony. I often found myself relating to the author during the first few chapters for the mere reason that I’m also a doctor but quickly realized I’m far from the faithful and devoted servant of Christ she was. To be honest I was severely disappointed by the middle portion because I found myself being confronted and shook by the Holy Spirit about my own selfish choices and constant shortcomings. The more I read the more I was left in awe at how far my own mind is from the full surrender exemplified by this mighty woman of valor. I loved getting to know her story and if anything this book inspired me to pray more for the missionaries out there who have boldly and humbly responded to the call of God in their lives. I know each of us has a unique burden to bear and that with the Lord’s yoke it becomes light but I still have a tremendous respect for these frontline soldiers, so to speak. Even so it’s amazing to see Dr. Roseveare’s smiling face at the back of the book and how her tale glorified God. Missionary or not I pray every Christian soul can learn to praise the Lord through their own personal mountains.
October 2, 2018
In her autobiography, Dr. Roseveare shares the experiences that lead her to become a medical missionary serving in Belgian Congo. Though she knew God from a young age, it wasn’t until college that Helen was convicted of her sins and surrendered her life to Christ. In Congo, she served as a doctor and trained Congolese nurses to work as midwives and run dispensaries and clinics in area villages. Helen writes openly and honestly about her weaknesses, including struggling with pride and striving fiercely for perfection. After Congo gained independence, there was a sharp increase in hostility toward Europeans living in the country. Tension and violence ensued, and eventually Helen and others were taken hostage by rebel soldiers. Several of the women missionaries, including Helen, were beaten, abused, and raped. Although they were sure death was near, mercenary soldiers rescued them and returned them home to England. At the end of the book, Helen explains her decision to return to Congo to take up once again the task that God had given her.
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