Where No Roads Go: Trusting God through Challenges and Change

by Carin Leroy

I screamed and jumped from the chair to run for cover under our bed’s mosquito netting. Not another night of dive-bomb roaches. One of the epic-sized ugly bugs had launched from the wall and glided toward me. Under the safety of the net’s cover, I would read for the evening. This jungle setting was no place for a wimp, and I needed to toughen up fast.I didn’t know that trekking through the jungle meant hours of muscle-shredding exhaustion or that our firstborn son would overdose on malaria medicine. Who knew that running water would become a luxury? Nor did I anticipate that malaria chills, flights on small aircraft, and watchful eyes would be a part of everyday life. There was a lot I didn’t know, and that was a good thing.Along with the challenges, there were wonderful things, too. I learned the joy of listening to a tropical rainstorm on a metal roof, the sweetness of jungle fruits, and the beauty of a life changed by the power of the gospel. Living in extreme isolation would mean the adoption of a little jungle tribe who became our family away from family.My husband and I were young and zealous, excited for an adventure with God but without knowing all that it would require. Choosing to leave the comfort of my Southern roots, I found myself tossed into a primitive culture where suffering was common, and fear of the spirit world reigned. Following God to this remote place seemed like a risk, but it became the “risk that wasn’t” because of the faithfulness of God.The bougainvillea – a tropical, vining shrub – displays its magnificent color better in times of drought and intense sun than when grown in the shade or heavily watered. So, too, can our difficulties create something beautiful in our lives. As our faith is forged in God, our transformation mirrors his reflection. Come, join me in a place where no roads go, where challenges and change reveal God’s amazing grace.About the AuthorCarin LeRoy and her husband have been in ministry with Pioneers since 1981. They worked in a church planting ministry in Papua New Guinea for almost thirteen years, during which Carin developed literacy primers for that language, ministered to the women and children, and added three children to their family. They have since worked in Orlando, FL, serving in several roles within the Pioneers staff. They continue to visit Papua New Guinea to encourage the church, as the Lord has enabled them. At home, Carin also teaches piano. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.Endorsements"This book will be your ultimate bungee jump into a world very few people can imagine, much less get a chance to experience! I’ve known Carin for over twenty years, and she’s the real thing. Story after riveting story reinforces the basic truth that our lives are tethered to God’s loving care as we pursue his purposes. Where No Roads Go will enrich your walk with God. Even better, read it as a family – episode by episode – and launch your next generation loved ones into God-sized adventures of their own!"Steve Richardson - President, Pioneers USA“In Hebrews 11:6 we read, “And without faith it is impossible to please God…” In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we also read, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” The inescapable truth is that faith in God matters. In fact, it’s what matters most to the person who claims to know and follow God. In Where No Roads Go, Carin LeRoy tells a story of where faith in God took her and her family.

Genres: Christian

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2021

About the author

Carin LeRoy and her husband have been in ministry with Pioneers since 1981. They worked in a church planting ministry in Papua New Guinea for almost thirteen years, during which Carin developed literacy primers for that language, ministered to the women and children, and added three children to their family. They have since worked in Orlando, FL, serving in several roles within the Pioneers staff. They continue to visit Papua New Guinea to encourage the church, as the Lord has enabled them. At home, Carin also teaches piano. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid devotional, told in biographical short stories. Each entry has a scripture passage, a story, a prayer, and reflection questions. It is meant to be read slowly, and for me, it gave me lots of good things to think about. Would recommend!

[Dan Hamman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How God starts a mission field.

A fascinating story of a couple called by God to the mission field. This story gives rare insights into the difficulties and blessings of missionary work. Their calling took them to one of the most primitive areas of the world to a people who were living a life controlled by their belief in spirits. God used this couple to plant a successful church in this remote area. Even though the missionaries have been called back home, the church continues to thrive under local leadership. The book is written as a series of daily devotionals. The book is heart warming and encouraging.

[Patricia L .Jex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story of life in a place I may never visit. What a reality check as. you read the living conditions of the missionaries in the jungle, then imagine being pregnant there with limited health care, having to be a nurse with no training to the tribal people. The descriptions were rich and you felt some of the authors pain, struggle, and joy as she worked through the challenges presented her. It would take a lot of courage to undertake living this way for so many years, and yet it also has an odd appeal. Not the snakes and critters in the night. That would be a bit too much! I enjoyed reading of their faith and the positive change they brought to the lives of those they served.

[Phyllis Gruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A testimony of God's.promises and provision

First hand inspiration and experiences of missions work, woven with personal heartaches, triumphs and victories. Truly inspiring spiritual experiences and lessons..

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADVENTURES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

In college I have heard of remarkable stories about the remote country of Papua Mew Guinea. This book was very inspiring & eye opening as it details the life there

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missionaries Carin and Dale served in Papua New Guinea. It wasn’t easy! From heath issues, animal control, tending to natives etc. Bible verses and personal reflection.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good devotional guide. I enjoyed reading about Carin Leroy's time spent as a missionary.

[Marti Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it’s a bit of a stereotype: the bushwhacking missionary who moves to a remote, primitive culture that just left cannibalism behind; lives uncomfortably close to snakes, bugs, and other unsavory wildlife; builds their own house and airstrip; and introduces people who live in fear of the spirits to the Creator God. But what if you did it as a family?

Furthermore, how would you walk with God through the challenges that way of life brings?

Carin LeRoy and her husband, missionaries with Pioneers, moved to Papua New Guinea in the 1980s as an adventurous young married couple. They stayed to pursue church-planting ministry for nearly 13 years and raised three children. Carin tells their story through a series of chronological vignettes illustrating spiritual principles that might apply to us all. Each of the 80 short chapters includes a prayer and scripture references with very thoughtful questions for personal reflection.

Where No Roads Go is not specifically written to women or parents, but it does tell stories from the author’s adventures in housekeeping, raising small children, and other aspects of missionary life most common to mothers. It’s a good read!

[Michaeleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved your devotional biography, Carin LeRoy! Terrific read!