Soaring Higher: One Man's True Story of Following God in an Adventurous and Rewarding Lifetime of Field Evangelism

by Philip C. Eyster

Field evangelism is taking the gospel to where people are already located, instead of trying to get people to come to you. In 1989, Phil Eyster was called by the Lord to international field evangelism, and since then, he's preached in open-air markets, hospitals, factories, jungle villages, nomadic huts in the desert, AIDS colonies, schools, leper colonies, discos, at funerals, at ferryboat landings, and in many other unique and surprising places. This has resulted in some alarming and even near-death experiences, hilarious misfortunes due to cultural and language barriers, but most importantly, many inspiring testimonies to the goodness and saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ.


About the Author
Dr. Phil Eyster, B.A., M.Div., D.Min., realized early in his Christian life that God had called him to international ministry. Eagle Projects International, where he serves as president, conducts evangelism, church planting, leadership training, and humanitarian work in countries around the world – from the mountains of Nepal to the favelas of Brazil, from India to Italy, from Mozambique to Myanmar, and in places where the gospel has never been or rarely been preached. Phil has studied at Gordon College, Western Seminary, and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his amazing wife, Marcia, live in rural Maine. They have seven children, including two adopted daughters from China.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

184 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a 4 because I am passionate about the Gospel and people. Depending on God, the author has experienced more than he ever imagined. The ministry that evolved is Eagle Projects. They believe in short term help/missions to create long term solutions. This is accomplished by partnering and training local people. The idea is that a native of a place is better able to reach their own people than an outsider.
There are open air crusades in the remotest of places and amongst the poorest of the poor. The concept of field evangelism is fantastic. Rather than have a meeting and expect people to come to you, the team sets up wherever the people are and begin music and a simple message. They may be near a bus stop, if in a more developed area, in a field, near a market, anywhere that people are.
Eagle Projects evangelized, comes alongside local ministers, helps orphanages, runs simple medical clinics and looks for ways to share the Gospel, distributes eyeglasses, feeds, teaches, runs schools for theological training taking it all over the world. This even has a system using signs, gestures, and illustrations to include illiterate ministers.
The philosophies are simple yet profound. One mentioned is that you go where the people are, Don't expect them to come to you. This is referred to as field evangelism. Also, don't decide what project you want to do. Rather, find what the need of the people is first. And, find out what God is doing in an area and join with Him.
The stories are sometimes comical, amazing, and astounding. Eyster says we may not be able to help everyone, but we can help one, then someone else, etc.
It is refreshing to read from a Christian ministry that is not touting itself or creating lavish monuments to commemorate their "accomplishments", nor are they flying around in private jets, concerned about building huge ministries, and all the trappings that make mockery of the simple Gospel. This is a book about helping the people who can't help themselves.
A few pictures are included which impact the stories more.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook
Thought would be boring, very interesting right from the beginning. Interesting stories around the world
Even after reading many books, glad I can still come across books that are intriguing right from the beginning.
Recommend read if you believe in God.
Definitely eye opening for how the others suffer for believing in God. Didn't know people still went through this. Incredible how much media and schools keeps hidden.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows the sovereignty of God at work as He draws mankind to Himself. This book also shows the pain and persecution Christians experience around the world. It certainly shows our privilege as Americans, even today. No sugar coating some nasty stuff, but amazing to see Gods redemption and His peoples joy. The author shows great God-instilled bravery in the face of danger. And as he says, what we choose to do matters to the one.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of lives touched my a ministry that stated with one man saying” “ I can’t help them all, but I can help this one. His story speaks of :Traversing the globe, speaking the gospel message in places where groups of people had already gathered, setting up a box and preaching to crowds who sometimes had only one person respond, reaching to meet needs of individuals trusting God to provide the resources. Hard to put down.

[Judith DeStefano · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Soaring Higher" is told in first person by Philip Eyster. Philip believes in taking the gospel to people rather than expecting people to gather non-organically for the sole purpose of hearing preaching. Rather than keeping only to a straight timeline of a missionary serving in one place for years, Philip shares anecdotes, giving glimpses into the various places and ways his ministry has served. He also shares about starting his walk into ministry before Eagle Projects launched.

[Matthew Ewoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides great advice and practical tactics for obeying God‘s call to take HIs Great News to the world in a loving and effective manner. Testimonies in this book will both inspire Christians to reach out to those in spiritual darkness and fortitude to preserveer when challenges and difficulties arise. This is also a book that must be passed onto family members and friends.

[April Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evangelism as Jesus did it

This is a fascinating book of the author’s evangelistic adventures throughout the world, bringing people from the most out-of-the-way cultures to Christ. That part, about 3/4 of the book, is hard to put down. The end, where he goes into the technicalities of his study materials, is very skimmable. Recommended and hey, skim the last few pages.

[Barbara Hagerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well-written and very inspiring! May it prompt all of us in more prosperous countries to pray and support our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. I loved the author's humility and message throughout this book.

[Bud Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring stories of missionary work in the 21st century. I was not aware of Eagle Projects, but much impressed by the scope and integrity of this ministry. Terrific personal stories, and well written. I read this for several days during my morning devotions.

[Jerry J. Matson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humbling and uplifting

This story demonstrates that there is no limit to God's amazing power through dedicated and passionate service to Him.
Read it and you'll find out!

[David Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book contains several inspiring testimonies.

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible glimpses into a missionary's life.

[Abigail Westbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great look at mission work done by the author around the world and over several decades, including many humorous experiences and vital lessons learned. I was encouraged to hear how many lives they have been able to impact through the simplicity of preaching Christ and meeting practical needs. It was also interesting to learn of their project to teach basic theology to new believers in poor, uneducated areas. The book could do with a little tighter editing in places, but still is an interesting and inspiring read.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and Inspirational stories about a man who loves and lives for God. I really enjoyed his accounts, some serious, some funny, but all showing faith in God.

[Mrs Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I'm afraid I found it difficult to Get through this book. I had to jump chapters versus was bored with it

[Abdullah Almuslem · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I can’t help every one, but I can help this one.” This was the main phrase used by the author.

The book is a collection of stories and experiences of this missionary going around the world preaching the gospel. I am not going to argue with the idea of a man who believes in his religion and is trying to spread it around the world. So, I have no right to judge or comment.

The book was OK.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eyster tells an amazing story of evangelizing throughout the nations. Funny, poignant, powerful, a ministry that could only be propelled by God. You will laugh, you will shed tears, you will marvel at the enthusiasm Eyster had for preaching the Gospel.