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Wherever the River Runs: How a Forgotten People Renewed My Hope in the Gospel
The least of these have the most to give.
In Wherever the River Runs, Kelly Minter invites us on a journey down a river teeming with piranhas and caimans, as well as machete-wielding mothers, heroic jungle pastors, faith-filled children, and miracles too seldom experienced in our part of the world. Kelly’s honest and engaging narrative pulls back the curtain on one of the most captivating places on earth as well as on parts of the gospel we may be able to recite but have never fully believed.
On this beautiful adventure through the jungles of Brazil and the tangles of the soul, Kelly rediscovers Jesus among a forgotten people living well beyond the corners of her previously defined faith — a people who draw her back to their country, their pain, and their hope in Him, again and again.
In Wherever the River Runs, Kelly Minter invites us on a journey down a river teeming with piranhas and caimans, as well as machete-wielding mothers, heroic jungle pastors, faith-filled children, and miracles too seldom experienced in our part of the world. Kelly’s honest and engaging narrative pulls back the curtain on one of the most captivating places on earth as well as on parts of the gospel we may be able to recite but have never fully believed.
On this beautiful adventure through the jungles of Brazil and the tangles of the soul, Kelly rediscovers Jesus among a forgotten people living well beyond the corners of her previously defined faith — a people who draw her back to their country, their pain, and their hope in Him, again and again.
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First published June 1, 2014
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About the author
Kelly Minter
56 books429 followersKelly lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and serves the Lord passionately both across the U.S. and internationally in a variety of creative roles. An acclaimed author, musician, Bible study creator and teacher, she is passionate to see women impacted by Jesus and His Word.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Kelly was raised in a Christian home, the oldest of four children and daughter of a pastor. Her childhood was seasoned with competitive sports, learning the guitar, singing, and a litany of church activities in the congregation her father founded and still pastors. Like many young women, Kelly dealt with inner struggles – anxiety and depression were a part of her growing-up years. “Those struggles are what drove me to Scripture,” Kelly says, “and the catalyst for me to learn for myself who God is.” Throughout her high school career, Kelly played basketball competitively, expecting that to be her path into college. But after a scholarship fell through, she began playing music. And God began a new thing.
Kelly moved to Nashville in the summer of 2000 and released her first record with WORD, followed by a subsequent release on a different label, leading to her first #1 Single on the Inspirational Charts, This Is My Offering. Shortly after this success and several cross-country tours her record company folded leaving Kelly to rethink her vocation and ministry. In the middle of an ever-changing music industry and on a tour through Colorado, Kelly met a book publisher who would two years later sign her to her first book deal.
Kelly’s first book eventually led to LifeWay approaching her about writing a bible study. Authoring curriculum was a new challenge, but one she quickly fell in love with. Kelly’s first three studies include, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, followed by Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Respected Bible Study teacher and speaker, Beth Moore, chose each of Kelly’s resources for three of her widely-reaching online summer studies. Thousands of women participated and were challenged by Kelly’s writing and her unique perspective on Scripture.
Kelly now writes, teaches, and sings across the United States and also in other countries. Speaking at multiple conferences and events, as well as four Women of Faith events in 2012, Kelly has become a steady and respected teaching voice to women, particularly when it comes to the Scriptures. She also partners closely with Justice and Mercy International (JMI), a ministry that serves in the Amazon jungle; she especially loves working with the jungle pastors who encourage her through their remarkable faith.
When home, Kelly’s days are spent writing, cooking, gardening, enjoying her neighborhood, loving her community, investing in her local church, and walking forward in the things God has for her. She is relevant, palatable, and uncompromising in her teachings from the Bible, and women relate to this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 26, 2017
While this was a fascinating glimpse into life in the Amazon, it was more a book about the neat package of Christianity many Americans enjoy.
The author stretched her faith and learned so much from the people in the Amazon. As an example, one woman in he Amazon felt led to invite a young man to church repeatedly and by repeatedly, I mean getting on your nerves, crossing the line kind of repeatedly as we'd define it in the states. However, this woman was convicted and followed that. How often as Americans do we invite someone to church and when told no, move on never to ask again? I am not saying we should always ask others until they are annoyed beyond measure, but I do think there are times we should press more than we do. What does God want us to do?
The other aspect I really enjoyed about this memoir was the dry humor.
It was a gratifying read and I recommend it to readers of spiritual growth.
The author stretched her faith and learned so much from the people in the Amazon. As an example, one woman in he Amazon felt led to invite a young man to church repeatedly and by repeatedly, I mean getting on your nerves, crossing the line kind of repeatedly as we'd define it in the states. However, this woman was convicted and followed that. How often as Americans do we invite someone to church and when told no, move on never to ask again? I am not saying we should always ask others until they are annoyed beyond measure, but I do think there are times we should press more than we do. What does God want us to do?
The other aspect I really enjoyed about this memoir was the dry humor.
It was a gratifying read and I recommend it to readers of spiritual growth.
February 20, 2016
A very dear friend recommended and loved this book. So I was probably going to read it no matter what.
And I usually love a good memoir. But I was questioning my resolve about 35 pages in when I began to think longingly about my usual rule to give a book 50 pages before abandoning it.
I think there's a new genre of non-fiction writing I'm labeling "personality-driven writing." It's very self-aware, mildly humorous, sometimes sarcastic and self-deprecating, but if you aren't familiar with the person's personality, it becomes less interesting.
I find this particularly common among bloggers, but as Kelly Minter is a singer-cum-writer (as she loves to remind the reader), I'd say far more of this has to do with the editor. I am possibly a highly sensitive (read critical) reader, but clauses like "With our luggage heaped in the center of the boat like Santa had just slid down the stern and delivered to a very well-behaved family of eleven" take me right out of the flow of the narrative and seem like unnecessary flourishes.
She loves a (not always apropos) metaphor: their boat gurgled along down the river "like a fat man's stomach after dinner" and she and her friend's hammocks "slammed into Redi's thin frame like two pieces of white bread."
Maybe that's how Kelly Minter talks. [But that's where a good, strict editor should come in and slash since it adds nothing to the story and feels like filler driven to let me know that the author is Funny and Likeable.]
Then about 37 pages in, she got to the real meat.
So yeah. I honestly didn't love her writing. But I loved her message: Jesus only. Without the middle-class-female-product-dropping-and-cutesie-personality that I don't have much personal preference for, Minter really shines.
Once she got into the Jesus stuff, I was reminded how small our American Dream Jesus really is. And how big the nation-calling, creation-sustaining, hope-sparking, life-giving real Jesus is.
After introductions of characters, of place – she soon fell into a pattern in each chapter of jungle story, then spiritual application that was interesting and entertaining.
More than anything, it left me with a desire to know this God more, and to do something in His name. I now understand just a little more about our big God. And the only response is to pray and ask – how can I help? How can I bless the people in the Amazon or elsewhere in this big world or elsewhere in my own town? God is doing a big work. I want to be a part.
I still maintain you might enjoy this book more if you're already a fan of Minter, but it's worth reading as there are few missional-driven memoirs on the book store shelves at the moment.
[One small theological caveat from chapter eight. I had to reread this sentence a couple times: "I realized that in addition to saving faith in Jesus, the only other element one needs is water." While it's possible it's just another editing error, it sounds as if she is saying all we need is faith in Jesus PLUS baptism, which I do not believe.]
And I usually love a good memoir. But I was questioning my resolve about 35 pages in when I began to think longingly about my usual rule to give a book 50 pages before abandoning it.
I think there's a new genre of non-fiction writing I'm labeling "personality-driven writing." It's very self-aware, mildly humorous, sometimes sarcastic and self-deprecating, but if you aren't familiar with the person's personality, it becomes less interesting.
I find this particularly common among bloggers, but as Kelly Minter is a singer-cum-writer (as she loves to remind the reader), I'd say far more of this has to do with the editor. I am possibly a highly sensitive (read critical) reader, but clauses like "With our luggage heaped in the center of the boat like Santa had just slid down the stern and delivered to a very well-behaved family of eleven" take me right out of the flow of the narrative and seem like unnecessary flourishes.
She loves a (not always apropos) metaphor: their boat gurgled along down the river "like a fat man's stomach after dinner" and she and her friend's hammocks "slammed into Redi's thin frame like two pieces of white bread."
Maybe that's how Kelly Minter talks. [But that's where a good, strict editor should come in and slash since it adds nothing to the story and feels like filler driven to let me know that the author is Funny and Likeable.]
Then about 37 pages in, she got to the real meat.
So yeah. I honestly didn't love her writing. But I loved her message: Jesus only. Without the middle-class-female-product-dropping-and-cutesie-personality that I don't have much personal preference for, Minter really shines.
Once she got into the Jesus stuff, I was reminded how small our American Dream Jesus really is. And how big the nation-calling, creation-sustaining, hope-sparking, life-giving real Jesus is.
After introductions of characters, of place – she soon fell into a pattern in each chapter of jungle story, then spiritual application that was interesting and entertaining.
More than anything, it left me with a desire to know this God more, and to do something in His name. I now understand just a little more about our big God. And the only response is to pray and ask – how can I help? How can I bless the people in the Amazon or elsewhere in this big world or elsewhere in my own town? God is doing a big work. I want to be a part.
I still maintain you might enjoy this book more if you're already a fan of Minter, but it's worth reading as there are few missional-driven memoirs on the book store shelves at the moment.
[One small theological caveat from chapter eight. I had to reread this sentence a couple times: "I realized that in addition to saving faith in Jesus, the only other element one needs is water." While it's possible it's just another editing error, it sounds as if she is saying all we need is faith in Jesus PLUS baptism, which I do not believe.]
November 4, 2014
Over and over again, Kelly showed me how easy it is to get complacent as a believer (especially in America) and lovingly and honestly reminded me that it's not all about me. As you can probably guess, I loved Wherever the River Runs. It inspired me, yes, but it also challenged me. And I highlighted my digital copy so much that I'll be purchasing a paperback because it has more than earned its spot on my shelves. If you read Christian non-fiction, I'd absolutely recommend Wherever the River Runs!
See my full review on So Obsessed With!
See my full review on So Obsessed With!
November 25, 2014
Kelly Minter's account of her adventures ministering in the jungles of the Amazon is one that I recommend to anyone who has a heart for the poor and 'forgotten' people of the world. Most of the chapters read like short stories of different things that happened over her several trips to the Amazon. Some chapters like 'The First Annual Jungle Pastors' Conference' and 'Prayer Campaigns' will convict you and cause you to examine your own faith in the life-changing power of the gospel of Christ.
February 2, 2019
Good book...so much of it resonated w me going on mission trips to Haiti. Made me a little "Haiti-sick"!
July 21, 2015
Beautifully written and full of gospel truth that will convict, challenge, and inspire. If you've ever gone on a mission trip and had that experience "wreck" your world and change your view of the gospel you should read this book. I've loved Kelly's bible studies and she really finds her voice here. Hope she writes more. In the meantime, I'm sure I'll re-read this book many times.
March 11, 2016
I loved reading about the real people's stories and seeing God change them. It was so encouraging to me that these people are not forgotten and God not only sees them, but loves them and desires relationship with them...and not only them but us. This book restored my hope.
March 19, 2022
Well written in an interesting way with insight into learning how to begin to reach out to people less fortunate than we are. I highly recommend it. She has given great descriptions of the Amazon and some of its people.
April 18, 2023
Inspiration at its Best
The surprising thing about Kelly that I learned in this book, is that she is hilariously funny. I already knew she was theologically sound and could take a reader or listener to deeper levels spiritually with God our Father. I laughed throughout the entire book when I wasn’t crying or shaking my head in pain or disbelief at the circumstances of which she detailed the Amazon people and their lives.
You will never be the same again if you read this book and take her words to heart. I myself have been to other countries on mission trips, where the people are not as “fortunate” monetarily as we in the US. It does make you think about your excess when you return home and how much we as Americans have compared to those less fortunate third world countries. We take much for granted.
Kelly Minter is masterful in writing a story that is engaging, entertaining and compelling all at the same time. If you haven’t read this book, do yourself a favor and get it today! You will be blessed by her inspiring words that point to God’s Word and you will learn more about a people that it seems have been forgotten. Everyone needs to read this book because it is a message of love and compassion for those who need it most.
The surprising thing about Kelly that I learned in this book, is that she is hilariously funny. I already knew she was theologically sound and could take a reader or listener to deeper levels spiritually with God our Father. I laughed throughout the entire book when I wasn’t crying or shaking my head in pain or disbelief at the circumstances of which she detailed the Amazon people and their lives.
You will never be the same again if you read this book and take her words to heart. I myself have been to other countries on mission trips, where the people are not as “fortunate” monetarily as we in the US. It does make you think about your excess when you return home and how much we as Americans have compared to those less fortunate third world countries. We take much for granted.
Kelly Minter is masterful in writing a story that is engaging, entertaining and compelling all at the same time. If you haven’t read this book, do yourself a favor and get it today! You will be blessed by her inspiring words that point to God’s Word and you will learn more about a people that it seems have been forgotten. Everyone needs to read this book because it is a message of love and compassion for those who need it most.
September 8, 2025
Fantastic, uplifting read. Insightful, honest, humble, and entertaining. Kelly explains how God invited her to bring worship and the gospel to people in the Amazon. And then how to bring that same Gospel of Jesus back to her own neighborhood.
Two truths she learned (pp. 77-78):
1. The gospel is a message for individuals who make up the masses. Jesus didn’t forsake the individual to pursue the masses. He encountered each individual while moving among the masses.
2. Our need to be seen, known, and loved is greater than all our physical and material needs. Meeting someone’s physical needs carries eternal value when we give in the name of Jesus, with the love of Jesus.
P. 95 - “It’s always easier to take care of someone else’s poor.” What’s hard and inconvenient and sacrificial is taking care of the poor in your own neighborhood. Being here-and-now aware of and responsive to my own next-door Needy is the Big ask, the Jesus way. Our local mission field is ready and waiting - ready or not, scheduled or not. p. 97 - “I was happy to serve, just so long as it was an occasional activity, an accessory to my faith and not a primary characteristic of it.” Oh, how I can relate to that…
Two truths she learned (pp. 77-78):
1. The gospel is a message for individuals who make up the masses. Jesus didn’t forsake the individual to pursue the masses. He encountered each individual while moving among the masses.
2. Our need to be seen, known, and loved is greater than all our physical and material needs. Meeting someone’s physical needs carries eternal value when we give in the name of Jesus, with the love of Jesus.
P. 95 - “It’s always easier to take care of someone else’s poor.” What’s hard and inconvenient and sacrificial is taking care of the poor in your own neighborhood. Being here-and-now aware of and responsive to my own next-door Needy is the Big ask, the Jesus way. Our local mission field is ready and waiting - ready or not, scheduled or not. p. 97 - “I was happy to serve, just so long as it was an occasional activity, an accessory to my faith and not a primary characteristic of it.” Oh, how I can relate to that…
November 22, 2017
A story of a singer/songwriter of modern worship songs who got involved with a ministry in the Amazon.
A story of an American from the suburbs encountering life on the flooded Amazon river, where the "road" is the river and where it runs changes by time of year and the amount of water.
A story of a man who felt called to serve the people of the Amazon, those he brought to the ministry with him, and what he left behind after he died.
A story of multiple visits to the Amazon and the different people who were encountered there -- men, women, and children; pastors and witchdoctors; babies, parents and grandparents; healthy people and those with chronic illnesses; village chiefs and those with no status; those near to Manaus and those far far away; those who don't believe, new believers, and prayer warriors.
A story of an American from the suburbs encountering life on the flooded Amazon river, where the "road" is the river and where it runs changes by time of year and the amount of water.
A story of a man who felt called to serve the people of the Amazon, those he brought to the ministry with him, and what he left behind after he died.
A story of multiple visits to the Amazon and the different people who were encountered there -- men, women, and children; pastors and witchdoctors; babies, parents and grandparents; healthy people and those with chronic illnesses; village chiefs and those with no status; those near to Manaus and those far far away; those who don't believe, new believers, and prayer warriors.
March 28, 2018
Reading this book required some persistence - to stick with it through the first few chapters, but then the author launched into reflections on how her short visit to the Amazon region transformed her views on how to live life as a sincere Christ follower. Lots to reflect on. Minter paints an accurate contrast between the short term missions trip, with defined ending point, versus "actually sharing your life, which is what the gospel requires of us."
She does a fine job of explaining that "God has called every one of His children to the poor, the outcast, those on the fringes of society, the spiritually hungry. Hardly ever do we feel ready, comfortable with the task, confident in our goodness..." but when we walk in obedience, God gives us what we need to do what He's asked us to do.
She does a fine job of explaining that "God has called every one of His children to the poor, the outcast, those on the fringes of society, the spiritually hungry. Hardly ever do we feel ready, comfortable with the task, confident in our goodness..." but when we walk in obedience, God gives us what we need to do what He's asked us to do.
April 8, 2023
Beth Moore's note on the front cover of Kelly's book describes her writing perfectly. "Kelly writes like a portrait artist paints." To be honest, I initially delayed reading this book for a variety of reasons. My reasons won't bless you :). You may have reasons of your own, and I don't want to muddy those waters.
By the second chapter, Kelly had captured my heart. She's not calling all of us to the Amazon. She actually doesn't call us to do anything ... but this story is one of the few I've read where every part of it truly met me where I was and pulled me along closer and closer to Jesus, in the most refreshing way possible. It was like touching the hem of His garment, swimming in a stream of His Living water. I'm a terrible writer, but don't let that keep you from rushing to order this book, so full of surprises, joy and wonder.
By the second chapter, Kelly had captured my heart. She's not calling all of us to the Amazon. She actually doesn't call us to do anything ... but this story is one of the few I've read where every part of it truly met me where I was and pulled me along closer and closer to Jesus, in the most refreshing way possible. It was like touching the hem of His garment, swimming in a stream of His Living water. I'm a terrible writer, but don't let that keep you from rushing to order this book, so full of surprises, joy and wonder.
May 24, 2024
"So many have been hurt by the church, but in her fullness, in her glory, when she is opening her arms wide the way Christ intends, she is the hope of the world" (page 170). I found this book to be such a beautiful journey, and you can tell that Kelly writes straight from the heart. It has awakened a sense of urgency in me and a deeper sense of what it means to truly believe that He has called us wherever the river runs and to wait on Him. Mixed with several bits that made me smile and laugh out loud, the story was a convicting, transformative, compassionate, heart-tugging read. Touching on the stories/lives of Clarinia, Gloria, Aleixo, Pastor Paiva, John, her Mom, and more brought tears to my eyes. I can only hope to be half as inspired and captivated when I visit the jungle myself very, very soon.
April 22, 2020
This is a book about learning to see. And once you've seen, how you are changed. And how once you are changed, you can never revert to not seeing. It's a beautiful account of how we become better when we see. How we find belonging and connection. How we are invited in to more through brokenness and the beauty of honoring one's story. So, of course I loved it. It checks all the things I love and am after. I appreciated hearing Kelly's perspective and watching her growth. It is inspiring to see John's legacy unfold and it encourages me to continue my own pursuit to leave a lasting and impactful legacy through a life of intentional loving. Living to love; it doesn't get much more beautiful than that!
May 29, 2017
Incredible.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
June 20, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I've been trying to read more Christian nonfiction and having a hard time connecting with any of the stuff I've been reading. What was great about this book was that it was a memoir, personal and honest with God featured as he worked in this person's life. No false doctrine, no pushing personal opinions on readers, just a story of how God worked in her life and how she reacted to it. There were some interesting bits, and some encouraging bits, and even some challenging bits. Such a refreshing read after so many mundane nonfiction books.
October 13, 2017
This autor takes the reader on an unusual account up the Amazon into the jungles of South America. Her discriptive accounts of the travel into the lands mos of us will never experience taks the reader along on her travels. You as the reader cannot help but to become involved wht the people and the numerous cultures of the indiguous peopls of the area. The needs are tremendous, How they manage to survive is amazing. How little the people have puts you in wonder. What puts you in wonder even more is the desire to know Jesus. The faith in prayer is something all of us need in our lives.
December 17, 2022
This book will transform your life from the inside out! I can’t say that about many books. I was challenged and motivated in my spirit, mind and heart to make changes in my life.
Admittedly it took me some time to read this book as there are some amazing thoughts Kelly Minter the author shares. She shares a simple story about a missions trip to the Amazon. She shares her experiences and the things she learned. She enjoyed the beauty and the remoteness of the rainforest meeting people and learning more about God.
Admittedly it took me some time to read this book as there are some amazing thoughts Kelly Minter the author shares. She shares a simple story about a missions trip to the Amazon. She shares her experiences and the things she learned. She enjoyed the beauty and the remoteness of the rainforest meeting people and learning more about God.
May 30, 2017
Kelly recounts her adventures in the Amazon jungle and the people she meets there change her life. Sometimes her descriptions are a little over the top for me but that could be her song writing/poetic side coming through. The contrast between cultures is strong and the American way of thinking about church is questioned. Overall I liked the book but when I stopped reading it, I had a hard time picking it up again. I can't really explain why. If I had the option, I would have given it 3 1/2 stars.
September 30, 2017
This book is possibly a good read for someone that wants to hear about the author's walk with Jesus. On that front, it served the purpose of showing how she felt transformed through the gospel.
Unfortunately, the book was more about the author that about the beauty of the Amazon. It felt like she had already decided what story she wanted to tell. It didn't matter where she was. The beauty of the Amazon was lost.
Unfortunately, the book was more about the author that about the beauty of the Amazon. It felt like she had already decided what story she wanted to tell. It didn't matter where she was. The beauty of the Amazon was lost.
May 31, 2019
I wish I could shove this book into the hands of EVERY Christian. THIS is why short-term missions trips are so vitally important! It's not just to help others, it's so the Holy Spirit can use conviction to transform your life! You will develop the worldview that God wants for each of His children. It will also cause transformation in your everyday life as well. Kelly gets it and she communicates it so well. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
June 12, 2024
this book has an incredible message and had paragraphs in it that I will not soon forget. however, I just didn't love the writing style. It was filled with a lot of unnecessary fluff that made the book almost feel too light-hearted. but-the message of this book is incredible and serves as a message that God is bigger than our glass bubble. wish I could've finished it faster but the fluff really slowed me down
January 17, 2025
Kelly Minter has such a way with words and a gift for sharing the gospel. I've done a couple of her Bible studies and gained a lot from them. This memoir of her mission trips and work in the Amazon was beautifully moving and inspiring. I laughed and cried and fell in love with people I've never met and places I've never been. I would love to be able to join them on one of these trips in the next few years.
May 23, 2020
A very stirring read of Kelly's spiritual and physical journey of growth alongside her family, friends and new friends in the Amazon jungles of Brazil. I appreciated Kelly's transparency in sharing her struggles and the highlights of her experiences and found myself pausing once again to question my own spiritual malaise and how to shake it off and seek Him and serve Him.
September 9, 2023
Picked this book up in a charity shop and whilst there were some really interesting parts , I’m afraid I didn’t warm to the author’s writing. Still I stayed to the end and am thankful that missionaries like these exist for the support they give to some very desperate young families in desperate circumstances.
May 24, 2025
When I picked up this book, I thought it was a novel. It reads as smooth as one, but a novel it is not. I have gleaned so much wisdom from this young author. I am challenged once again to look beyond myself and see the needs of others. Her adventures on the Amazon are amazing. Watching her grow in faith and perspective is inspirational to read. Highly recommend.
June 25, 2017
Make your life count!
This book makes me hunger to make my life count, but it doesn't do it by laying on guilt trips. It does it by painting beautiful portraits of beautiful lives, and inspiring the desire to soak in the beauty ourselves.
This book makes me hunger to make my life count, but it doesn't do it by laying on guilt trips. It does it by painting beautiful portraits of beautiful lives, and inspiring the desire to soak in the beauty ourselves.
October 31, 2017
Loved this book! Took me back to my growing up years in biologic. So beautifully and powerfully written. Loved the vivid descriptions of the scenery in Brazil and the vulnerability from which the author wrestles through life's questions. Very well done. Could not put it down.
August 23, 2017
I enjoyed reading this slowly, a few chapters at a time. Ms. Minter writes sincerely and enthusiastically; her time on the Amazon has clearly made a profound impact on her.
Her stories and thoughts on prayer and the power of prayer have stuck with me.
Her stories and thoughts on prayer and the power of prayer have stuck with me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews