Bruchko [Updated edition by Bruce Olson (1992) Paperback

by Bruce Olson

Paperback

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Bruce Olson is a Scandinavian American Christian missionary best known for his work in bringing Christianity to the Motilone Indians of Colombia and Venezuela.

Reviews

[Lindsey Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read and such an inspiring story of the lengths that some of the great Christian’s have gone through to make Jesus known to the end of the earth. I throughly was captivated by this book. I literally finished it in 2 days. The author has a way of just completely immersing you in the story and context of his everyday life. Upon first read I did not see anything wrong with his reflection of his missionary journey. Upon reading other reviews I understand their concerns about parts of the book specifically the chapter titled “Jesus the Montilone”. Now, the way I initially read that was that he was not trying to convert them to the westernized version of Christianity but truly just have them meet and accept Christ as their Savior. However, some spectators have commented about how Jesus does meet us individually where we are at yet who he was (a Jewish male in the first century) does not change. And, so, I see their perspective as well. Also the only other thing I could think of is there was not a lot of Scripture or faith development in Bruce’s life. I would have loved to know what he held on to through all of those near death experiences and what Scriptures he specifically held on to. However, all to say I would 100% recommend this read and it is one of my all-time favorite missionary stories. So cool to see all the fruit that came out of his humble perseverance and endurance in the Lord.

[Justin Denlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very blessed by Bruce’s story, and how submitted he was to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
If I live with a 1/20th of his passion and purpose, I would be doing better.

One thing that concerned me was the whole tradition of leaving bodies to be eaten by scavenger birds.
As God’s imagers, we must honor our bodies and what they represent, and the Bible casts a negative light on being carrion for birds of prey. I understand it’s a practice that has significance to the Motilone people, but ultimately, every culture must bow both knees to the Kingdom of Heaven.

The writing style wasn’t my favorite. Still, an awesome story every Christian should read!

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good! It could have done with a lot less details in some places!