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I Heard Good News Today: Stories for Children
From the very first "Good News" (Jesus himself) to modern examples ... this warm, inspiring volume of 93 short stories (named for the African song in story #59) tells of early missionaries and Christians from around the world—loving, caring, serving and sharing in the name of Christ.
148 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 1, 2016
I have very mixed feelings about this book. It is a compilation of stories about the Gospel going into the World, or at least that's what it's supposed to be. There are some great stories about well known missionaries, early church leaders, and other unknown missionaries and how they worked in different ways and different areas to bring the Good News to people who had never heard.
Sadly, there were a lot of moralistic stories in here as well or just stories of good works with no connection to the Gospel at all. In a book called "I Heard Good News Today" I would expect all of the stories to be about sharing the Gospel or how the God protected them in taking the Gospel, but about 25% of the stories had no mention of Jesus, the Gospel or God. I did not understand why they were there and found myself having to change things that were said because they were moralistic.
On the whole the book is OK. I would recommend it with caution.
Sadly, there were a lot of moralistic stories in here as well or just stories of good works with no connection to the Gospel at all. In a book called "I Heard Good News Today" I would expect all of the stories to be about sharing the Gospel or how the God protected them in taking the Gospel, but about 25% of the stories had no mention of Jesus, the Gospel or God. I did not understand why they were there and found myself having to change things that were said because they were moralistic.
On the whole the book is OK. I would recommend it with caution.
May 11, 2021
It's a great way to learn about different cultures. The books is split into different sections of the world and talk about how God is working in different people. I greatly enjoyed reading it to my kids.
January 27, 2011
An excellent resource of short stories that detail the spread of the gospel around the world. Geography, history and important life themes like overcoming adversity, suffering unjustly, working for the LORD, selflessness, and giving abound.
I wanted to give this my highest rating, but unfortunately, the writing is a bit uneven. Some stories lack climax and are more of a recitation of information. Other stories develop characters abruptly/ inadequately. And I wish the author had taken time (beyond the circa dates) to properly locate the stories in historical context (something we took the time to do). These deficiencies made the 3 months we spent reading this book rather long.
And yet, even with these failings, this is a unique idea, with valuable, child appropriate, inspirational content, and remains a valued resource.
I wanted to give this my highest rating, but unfortunately, the writing is a bit uneven. Some stories lack climax and are more of a recitation of information. Other stories develop characters abruptly/ inadequately. And I wish the author had taken time (beyond the circa dates) to properly locate the stories in historical context (something we took the time to do). These deficiencies made the 3 months we spent reading this book rather long.
And yet, even with these failings, this is a unique idea, with valuable, child appropriate, inspirational content, and remains a valued resource.
August 6, 2022
One of my besties recommended this book as a good way to teach children the gospel in a relatable way since it is a compilation of well and not so well known people, communities, and countries who were impacted by Jesus and the gospel (and people sharing the gospel). It is encouraging and refreshing, and sometimes spine-tingling to see how something so simple (being genuinely kind) can be so profound and make such an impact. It was amazing to see in many stories how God was and is at work.
These are so compelling - the one that drew me in (the one my bestie initially shared) was the one where political prisoners were lined up in a concentration camp and every 7th person was shot. A Christian missionary had been sharing Jesus to a hardened criminal and realized in the line up, the man would be 7th and so right before they got to him, the missionary shoved the man behind him and was killed, while the man was spared and left to consider this Jesus that tranforms lives to the point that the missionary was willing to sacrifice his life.
A particularly haunting story was one about a group of Native Americans and Americans over a squabble over buffalo that led to the murder of one of the Native Americans. A Christian missionary was able to mediate between the two groups and while the Native Americans were willing to stand down and even forgive, the Americans (not shockingly) refused and even went as far and going and demanding retribution due to inconveniences (even though the American group had committed multiple crimes). It ended with the missionary disheartened over the fact that the Americans weren't willing to repent of their crimes.
Overall such a good read, great for children, but the simplicity of the gospel message (you are seen, loved, by God as well as people transformed and mobilized when they are filled with this new identity and love, and share it in practical ways to those around)) that permeates through each story is perfect for adults too.
These are so compelling - the one that drew me in (the one my bestie initially shared) was the one where political prisoners were lined up in a concentration camp and every 7th person was shot. A Christian missionary had been sharing Jesus to a hardened criminal and realized in the line up, the man would be 7th and so right before they got to him, the missionary shoved the man behind him and was killed, while the man was spared and left to consider this Jesus that tranforms lives to the point that the missionary was willing to sacrifice his life.
A particularly haunting story was one about a group of Native Americans and Americans over a squabble over buffalo that led to the murder of one of the Native Americans. A Christian missionary was able to mediate between the two groups and while the Native Americans were willing to stand down and even forgive, the Americans (not shockingly) refused and even went as far and going and demanding retribution due to inconveniences (even though the American group had committed multiple crimes). It ended with the missionary disheartened over the fact that the Americans weren't willing to repent of their crimes.
Overall such a good read, great for children, but the simplicity of the gospel message (you are seen, loved, by God as well as people transformed and mobilized when they are filled with this new identity and love, and share it in practical ways to those around)) that permeates through each story is perfect for adults too.
May 7, 2020
My kids and I love to read missionary biographies, so this was a great fit for us.
October 25, 2021
We have never read a book quite like this, so it is hard to rate.
A collection of short Christian missionary stories ranging from soon after Christ's death to 1900's. Arranged by geographical location. I think we would have liked it better in chronological order.
I really love the idea of the book, to give real life examples of people spreading the gospel and the struggles/dangers they faced to do it. As well as seeing how God provided in circumstances that seemed hopeless.
My 5 yo daughter wasn't thrilled with this book compared to others we read, but I think it is just deeper material than she is used to. I want to pull it out and read it to her again when she is a little more mature.
A collection of short Christian missionary stories ranging from soon after Christ's death to 1900's. Arranged by geographical location. I think we would have liked it better in chronological order.
I really love the idea of the book, to give real life examples of people spreading the gospel and the struggles/dangers they faced to do it. As well as seeing how God provided in circumstances that seemed hopeless.
My 5 yo daughter wasn't thrilled with this book compared to others we read, but I think it is just deeper material than she is used to. I want to pull it out and read it to her again when she is a little more mature.
December 12, 2014
My sons and I are enjoying these uplifting christian stories of people around the world. We are learning so much about missionary work and how Christians can be strong in the face of morality's decline. These stories are about historical figures who emulate the spirit of Christ: the type of heroes I want our children to be like. My sons LOVE these stories and they talk about spreading the news of Christ and living like these examples. I myself am learning more about people long ago that I have heard of and don't know the details of.
June 28, 2012
I read this book to my 7,6,5 and 3 year old children. some of the material us very heavy, but I loved presenting them with the realities of what us required to truly live a surrendered life for Christ. it's not very often about ease, wealth, or health. Irs about the spread of the gospel and bringing yhr Lord glory. Many days we all cried or sat speechless together and it inspired the mort mature conversations and insights trim my children. I can't say enough good about this book and recommend it to all of my friends.
April 2, 2014
Lehn wrote the stories to be read aloud to children. That's why the writing is simple and a little boring to read to yourself. It's a nice collection of stories and real-life events with mostly happy endings. It wants editing; I found a number of typos.
September 30, 2011
I am so glad I bought this book! This should be in every family's favorites.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews