The Challenge of Missions

by Oswald J. Smith, Mark Brazee (Foreword)

This powerful book has sold over 100,000 copies since its first publication and continues to be compelling reading in this period of exciting growth of the worldwide Church!

Genres: Christian

Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Oswald Jeffrey Smith was a Canadian pastor, author, and missions advocate. He founded The People's Church in Toronto in 1928. He was a leading force in Fundamentalism in Canada.

Reviews

[Onisim Pînzariu · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will not be the same after you read this book. It will completely change your perspective on the Church's mandate to preach the Gospel and you won't be able to remain indifferent.

[Gary Ritter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ms was obviously written many years ago on a manual typewriter and never corrected for typos, as there are many. However, the passion of the author for missions comes through loud and clear and overcomes the lack of editing. This was a man who lived what he believed. He went to the mission field extensively and if not for illnesses that forced him home many times, he probably would have died there. This is a good book to read to get excited about missions, but do so with the expectation that you'll have to overlook the errors.

[David Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most stirring and life-direction changing books I’ve ever read. A great call to the Church to prioritise reaching the unevangelised. Highly recommend l.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by a Canadian pastor in 1959, is an attempt to encourage Christians to evangelism, and particularly missionary work amongst the unreached countries of the world. The author is passionate about his calling to speak and write, to enthuse people to go, even though he himself was in poor health - although he apparently lived into his nineties.

Inevitably the book is very dated, with rather a lot of words we would consider politically incorrect these days, such as 'savages', 'natives', and so on. There's also quite an attitude of western superiority, from this vantage point, and the author's motivation for evangelism seems to be less about caring for unreached people and more about hastening the return of Jesus. But perhaps that's unfair; inevitably a writer uses the language of his contemporaries and will seem dated in many respects over fifty years later.

I wasn't particularly happy with some of the emphases on fundamentalist theology, or the insistence on people wanting to suffer; perhaps the church today has gone too far in the other direction, but it felt unbalanced in places.

Nevertheless, Oswald J Smith's fervour for evangelism and mission work was clear in many places, and was at times inspiring. I wouldn't particularly recommend this; there are better, more modern books on the topic. But it was interesting to read such strong viewpoints from his era.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on missions!!! I think every believer should read this book. There is so much packed in these 150 or so pages!!! From how to give to missions all the way from the proper missions philosophy and a practical idea or two to boot. The great missions quotes just kept coming. Love the emphasis on Evangelism and training men! Once again if you have an interest in missions (aka your a believer) you should read this book!!!

[Geoanth]

its all about being part of God's global kingdom program...its a great book book for all church's and christians...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best book on missions giving, praying, and going that you will ever read

[Petr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book about the importance of reaching the un-reached people for Christ! Going to the end of the world with the good news of Jesus!