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Destined #3
Andrew Murray: Destined to Wait
Hankering to go, but needing to stayA true story about facing the challenges of Christian leadership in a volatile environment of political intrigue and church secession
Twenty-eight year old Andrew Murray has just married Emma Rutherfoord, the girl of his dreams, and is looking forward to resuming his ministry in Bloemfontein with her at his side. But he is barely back in town, when trouble strikes. The small, land-locked Orange Free State throws up a series of nail biting situations in which Andrew is called upon to play a central role. They
The attempted take-over of the Orange Free State by Marthinus Pretorius, President of the TransvaalThe devastation of Beersheba Mission by a Boer Commando during the Basuto WarThe secession of Psalm-singing (Dopper) members within his own congregationAntagonism towards his bilingual education program at Grey College The need to acquire Dutch teachers for his farm school projectBetween dealing with all the tensions outside the home, there is also the small matter of Andrew only knowing his wife Emma for about seven face-to-face weeks before he married her. So on the home front, Andrew finds himself having to navigate marriage with a wonderfully talented wife, but one who knows her own mind.
Added to this is his growing desire to start over again in a new congregation. But although he hankers to go, there are responsibilities forcing him to stay, that is, until God has finished with his training.
Scroll up and grab a copy today.
Twenty-eight year old Andrew Murray has just married Emma Rutherfoord, the girl of his dreams, and is looking forward to resuming his ministry in Bloemfontein with her at his side. But he is barely back in town, when trouble strikes. The small, land-locked Orange Free State throws up a series of nail biting situations in which Andrew is called upon to play a central role. They
The attempted take-over of the Orange Free State by Marthinus Pretorius, President of the TransvaalThe devastation of Beersheba Mission by a Boer Commando during the Basuto WarThe secession of Psalm-singing (Dopper) members within his own congregationAntagonism towards his bilingual education program at Grey College The need to acquire Dutch teachers for his farm school projectBetween dealing with all the tensions outside the home, there is also the small matter of Andrew only knowing his wife Emma for about seven face-to-face weeks before he married her. So on the home front, Andrew finds himself having to navigate marriage with a wonderfully talented wife, but one who knows her own mind.
Added to this is his growing desire to start over again in a new congregation. But although he hankers to go, there are responsibilities forcing him to stay, that is, until God has finished with his training.
Scroll up and grab a copy today.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2019
16 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Olea Nel
11 books9 followers Olea Nel was born in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing her training as a teacher in Andrew Murray's heartland of Wellington, she relocated to Australia to further her studies.
Besides attaining a Ph.D. in Linguistics, she also has qualifications in Information Studies and Theology. She has taught at several tertiary institutions in Australia.
As an active Christian and a pastor’s wife, she is often called upon to speak at women’s groups.
Having recently retired from her secular position as a senior librarian at the National Library of Australia, she is now able to pursue her passion for research, especially within the fields of church history and biography. Her aim is to serve God by sharing her findings with other Christians. She is presently writing the first novel in a trilogy on the life of Andrew Murray.
Besides attaining a Ph.D. in Linguistics, she also has qualifications in Information Studies and Theology. She has taught at several tertiary institutions in Australia.
As an active Christian and a pastor’s wife, she is often called upon to speak at women’s groups.
Having recently retired from her secular position as a senior librarian at the National Library of Australia, she is now able to pursue her passion for research, especially within the fields of church history and biography. Her aim is to serve God by sharing her findings with other Christians. She is presently writing the first novel in a trilogy on the life of Andrew Murray.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 1, 2019
Olea Nel has started to lead us on a journey through the life of Andrew Murray. Her novels in the Destined series started off by introducing to us a young, boyish Andrew Murray, eager to serve the Dutch emigrants beyond the borders of the Cape in South Africa. It didn’t take long for the young Andrew to feel overwhelmed by this task and through her second novel, Olea Nel revealed more of not only his disappointments and struggles, but also his growth and need of a strong woman at his side.
Now, against the backdrop of life in Bloemfontein, Olea Nel has set the scene for her third novel. She invites us to walk with Andrew Murray and his new bride, Emma. Apart from starting a new life together, they are faced with the added challenges of church and political issues. Within his own congregation he is often challenged and at times feels the pull towards starting afresh in a new congregation. This desire brings a restlesness and Andrew is being pruned for how to wait on God. Due to the nature of politics in the Orange Free State, Andrew Murray has often been called upon by public figures and leaders of political parties. The conflict between the Transvaal and Orange Free State weighs heavily on his shoulders and both Andrew and Emma are deeply affected by the result of the Basuto war, where the Beersheba Mission has been destroyed.
A matter close to his heart, is education. Andrew Murray has to navigate his desire to start farm schools and a bilingual education system, carefully and in a timely manner. He faces oppostion from many fronts, but perseveres and as such we experience with him the reward of waiting.
Through the three historical novels, Olea Nel has carefully weaved the journey of a young man, destined to serve God with all his heart. His journey has taken him on several paths of self-doubt and confrontation, highlighting his own ego, but also his yearning of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit in his own life. Through the pages of her novels, she has carefully weaved Andrew Murray the man and Andrew Murray the “dominee”, learning to patiently wait on God. Olea has also breathed new life in a part of our South African history that has seemed to be forgotten. She has skilfully translated her careful research into a novel that speaks to the heart of any reader. Don’t miss this series!
Now, against the backdrop of life in Bloemfontein, Olea Nel has set the scene for her third novel. She invites us to walk with Andrew Murray and his new bride, Emma. Apart from starting a new life together, they are faced with the added challenges of church and political issues. Within his own congregation he is often challenged and at times feels the pull towards starting afresh in a new congregation. This desire brings a restlesness and Andrew is being pruned for how to wait on God. Due to the nature of politics in the Orange Free State, Andrew Murray has often been called upon by public figures and leaders of political parties. The conflict between the Transvaal and Orange Free State weighs heavily on his shoulders and both Andrew and Emma are deeply affected by the result of the Basuto war, where the Beersheba Mission has been destroyed.
A matter close to his heart, is education. Andrew Murray has to navigate his desire to start farm schools and a bilingual education system, carefully and in a timely manner. He faces oppostion from many fronts, but perseveres and as such we experience with him the reward of waiting.
Through the three historical novels, Olea Nel has carefully weaved the journey of a young man, destined to serve God with all his heart. His journey has taken him on several paths of self-doubt and confrontation, highlighting his own ego, but also his yearning of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit in his own life. Through the pages of her novels, she has carefully weaved Andrew Murray the man and Andrew Murray the “dominee”, learning to patiently wait on God. Olea has also breathed new life in a part of our South African history that has seemed to be forgotten. She has skilfully translated her careful research into a novel that speaks to the heart of any reader. Don’t miss this series!
March 30, 2019
This book is about stepping stones towards greater works.
Reading through the pages of Dr Olea Nel’s new novel ‘Destined to Wait’ gave me some idea of how passionate she has been in her research of Andrew Murray’s life and ministry. In this novel she is well able to take the reader into the setting of that time of history. I found the description of the characters very well defined and their gestures amusing - I could just visualize it!
Andrew Murray’s life as a pastor consisted of many challenges in and outside of parish commitments where much wisdom was needed in dealing with arising situations of all kinds and people of different persuasion who were not readily open to change to certain issues which I can relate to well because of my Dutch background. Chapter 4 depicts this issue of the ‘psalm singing’ problem where the singing of evangelical hymns was not accepted – but Andrew being a man of prayer waited on God to give him the answers. This was a time in his life to prepare him for the ‘greater works’ that the Lord had destined for him.
Dr Olea Nel is to be commended for delving into the history of his life and ministry for the purpose that this man of God is not to be forgotten but be remembered as a vessel willing and obedient to His call. I found the book very interesting and would recommend it to others.
Reading through the pages of Dr Olea Nel’s new novel ‘Destined to Wait’ gave me some idea of how passionate she has been in her research of Andrew Murray’s life and ministry. In this novel she is well able to take the reader into the setting of that time of history. I found the description of the characters very well defined and their gestures amusing - I could just visualize it!
Andrew Murray’s life as a pastor consisted of many challenges in and outside of parish commitments where much wisdom was needed in dealing with arising situations of all kinds and people of different persuasion who were not readily open to change to certain issues which I can relate to well because of my Dutch background. Chapter 4 depicts this issue of the ‘psalm singing’ problem where the singing of evangelical hymns was not accepted – but Andrew being a man of prayer waited on God to give him the answers. This was a time in his life to prepare him for the ‘greater works’ that the Lord had destined for him.
Dr Olea Nel is to be commended for delving into the history of his life and ministry for the purpose that this man of God is not to be forgotten but be remembered as a vessel willing and obedient to His call. I found the book very interesting and would recommend it to others.
April 1, 2019
M Pettrey
Another Interesting Journey with Andrew Murray.
Olea Nel's novel - Andrew Murray Destined to Wait - is the third volume of a trilogy about Andrew Murray, who was a South African Dutch Reformed minister and a prolific author of inspiring devotional works. The book has been well researched and well written. Besides being very informative, I found the book very easy to read.
Although I was brought up in South Africa and studied History at school, there were many events in this book that I knew nothing about. One was the History of the Psalm-singing 'Doppers'. Another was the many 'hats' Andrew Murray had to wear in a pioneering situation. He was not only called
upon to obtain teachers, establish a college, advise a President, preach to Boers Commandos camped in Laagers, but also to work behind the scenes to bring about peace and restitution.
By writing a biographical novel of Andrew Murray, Olea Nel manages to make his life and Historical events very interesting and enjoyable to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in South African history and the life and works of Andrew Murray.
Another Interesting Journey with Andrew Murray.
Olea Nel's novel - Andrew Murray Destined to Wait - is the third volume of a trilogy about Andrew Murray, who was a South African Dutch Reformed minister and a prolific author of inspiring devotional works. The book has been well researched and well written. Besides being very informative, I found the book very easy to read.
Although I was brought up in South Africa and studied History at school, there were many events in this book that I knew nothing about. One was the History of the Psalm-singing 'Doppers'. Another was the many 'hats' Andrew Murray had to wear in a pioneering situation. He was not only called
upon to obtain teachers, establish a college, advise a President, preach to Boers Commandos camped in Laagers, but also to work behind the scenes to bring about peace and restitution.
By writing a biographical novel of Andrew Murray, Olea Nel manages to make his life and Historical events very interesting and enjoyable to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in South African history and the life and works of Andrew Murray.
April 3, 2019
‘Destined to Wait’ is the third book in a trilogy. Having read the first two books ‘Destined to Serve’ and ‘Destined to Win’ I could not wait to get my hands on Olea Nel’s third book in this series. I tell you what, I was not disapointed, I literally consumed this book. The thing that really facinates me about this story, is the symbiotic relationship between the presbyrtary and DRC Synod and the same relationship between Scot and Boer. ‘South Africa’s Forgotten Revival’ gives one some very valuable background to the context of the three book trilogy and is a excellent read in it’s own right.
I would highly recommend ‘Destined to Wait’ to anyone who has an interest in South African history but at the same time wants a captivating read. This book is extremely well researched and Olea Nel has an easy to follow writing style.
I would highly recommend ‘Destined to Wait’ to anyone who has an interest in South African history but at the same time wants a captivating read. This book is extremely well researched and Olea Nel has an easy to follow writing style.
March 30, 2019
Destined to Wait
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The novel is a stirring
account of the challenges facing Dominee Murray as he is called to Christian leadership amidst the political upheavals within the Orange Free State (1856-1860). Throughout this turbulent period, one becomes intrigued at the interplay of the movement of the Spirit and Andrew’s growth in grace and wisdom through prayer, scripture reference and reflection. This is the period in Andrew’s ministry where God’s disciple becomes tested “like gold in the furnace”, before he can fulfil his heart’s yearnings and move to a new congregation. “Destined to Wait” is an enduring reminder that the Spirit is like wind and fire, that moves where It will.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The novel is a stirring
account of the challenges facing Dominee Murray as he is called to Christian leadership amidst the political upheavals within the Orange Free State (1856-1860). Throughout this turbulent period, one becomes intrigued at the interplay of the movement of the Spirit and Andrew’s growth in grace and wisdom through prayer, scripture reference and reflection. This is the period in Andrew’s ministry where God’s disciple becomes tested “like gold in the furnace”, before he can fulfil his heart’s yearnings and move to a new congregation. “Destined to Wait” is an enduring reminder that the Spirit is like wind and fire, that moves where It will.
March 31, 2019
Dr OLea Nel has done it again. With skillful literary prowess, she has once again written what could be regarded as a dramatised non-fiction to transport us back in time to catch more than a glimpse of Rev Andrew Murray’s life during those turbulent times in South Africa. Against the backdrop of myriad of challenges in the socio-political and church settings, the novel incorporates imaginative yet accurate and realistic constructs to take us into the inner thoughts and experiences of Rev. Andrew Murray in his determination to seek out God's will in his pastoral ministries, as well as his private relationship with his wife Emma. It’s a pleasure to read, re-live and learn from those God ordained experiences in South Africa.
April 9, 2019
‘Andrew Murray - Destined to Wait’ provides the reader with a fascinating account of the life and struggles of a young pastor determined to set up and introduce bilingual education in the Orange Free State to children from poor farm backgrounds, despite growing opposition from certain members of his church community. This was just one of many challenges he faced on a range of fronts. While he could have given up, he persevered with purpose and commitment to his faith. This is an account of one man’s story that needed to be told and Olea Nel has done just that with clarity and in a compelling first person. The reader is able to identify with the main character and the book draws you in from its onset.
April 6, 2019
What a delightful story! I could not wait for the book to be published. While Destined to Win required concentration to follow the young Murray's exhausting travels and the politics of the time, Olea Nel faithfully provides us the privilege to know a more mature and wiser young dominee. To depict a person so well, certainly required more than reading letters, preaches and diaries. It required the author to get behind the mind of Andrew Murray, the younger one, and the older one. Apart from learning his story, this book sets an example of living a life of Spirit filled faith, righteousness and humbleness. It surely contributed to my own growth in the daily Christian walk.
April 3, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book of Andrew Murray's life. I have no connection to South Africa but have learned a lot about the history of South Africa, the church there and the very unique close relationship between them. It has been written in such a way that my interest stayed throughout, because Olea has a good way of interspersing sometimes 'dry' politics with personal glimpses and stories of the lives of the characters. They came to life for me. I would highly recommend this book to others not just for the history, but also just for a good read.
April 10, 2019
The life of Andrew Murray and the history of South Africa at the time
This is an enjoyable read into the life of one of the great church leaders and his interactions with some political leaders of the day. His humility,patience and love for his family and his God given mission comes through clearly.
This is an enjoyable read into the life of one of the great church leaders and his interactions with some political leaders of the day. His humility,patience and love for his family and his God given mission comes through clearly.
Read
April 10, 2019A fascinating addition to the two earlier books of Olea Nel.
A well written story of an extraordinary man trying to deal with extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary time in history.
Not being conversant with the history of South Africa and the Dutch Reformed Church, I found this record of Andrew Murray to be new, exciting, inspiring and it opened a whole new world of which I had previously been unaware.
A wonderful story about a godly young man trying to navigate the turbulent political waters of a new land.
A truly good read.
Peter Jauncey (Australia)
A well written story of an extraordinary man trying to deal with extraordinary circumstances at an extraordinary time in history.
Not being conversant with the history of South Africa and the Dutch Reformed Church, I found this record of Andrew Murray to be new, exciting, inspiring and it opened a whole new world of which I had previously been unaware.
A wonderful story about a godly young man trying to navigate the turbulent political waters of a new land.
A truly good read.
Peter Jauncey (Australia)
Read
April 12, 2019Another beautiful book to read. As stated in the Note, the author defined what Christian Spirituality meant and how it can be seen in the life of Andrew Murray and the people around him. She then proceeded to focus on Andrew Murray’s last three and half years ministry during crisis of the church and socio political setting of the Orange Free State. The detail and well thought arrangement continue to captivate the interests of the readers even though we may not familiar with South Africa history or demographic setting. The book is inspiring, educational and challenging for individual reflection.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews