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Immeasurably More
The sounds of heavy gunfire ripped the air apart. Each new volley of shots made me jump…“Get the children to safety!” someone yelled.’
When Liz Parker was growing up in a Liverpool vicarage, she never in her wildest dreams imagined that she would one day grow up to marry a missionary pilot and eventually serve with him in Uganda. This is the incredible story of their family’s travels, from their four-year preparation in South Africa, to the sun-drenched land of Tanzania, the unexpected conflict of South Sudan and the fast-moving busyness of Kenya. Follow their journey, through each new country, through every up and down of family life, and meet inspiring people along the way. Through all the peaks and valleys, you’ll discover their dependence on a way-making, promise-keeping God, who has done immeasurably more than they could have ever asked or imagined.
When Liz Parker was growing up in a Liverpool vicarage, she never in her wildest dreams imagined that she would one day grow up to marry a missionary pilot and eventually serve with him in Uganda. This is the incredible story of their family’s travels, from their four-year preparation in South Africa, to the sun-drenched land of Tanzania, the unexpected conflict of South Sudan and the fast-moving busyness of Kenya. Follow their journey, through each new country, through every up and down of family life, and meet inspiring people along the way. Through all the peaks and valleys, you’ll discover their dependence on a way-making, promise-keeping God, who has done immeasurably more than they could have ever asked or imagined.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2021
6 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Liz Parker
1 book2 followersLiz Parker grew up in the industrial city of Liverpool. She studied French, then teaching, at university. Alongside husband Andrew, she felt called to serve God overseas, joining Mission Aviation Fellowship in 2009. God has since led Liz and Andrew through six countries with their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 10, 2022
Liz is my neighbor, co-laborer here in Uganda, and friend. I thoroughly loved her honesty story of being a missionary, the ups and downs of walking in trust in the Lord!
March 5, 2022
Liz Parker chronicles the challenges and joys of family missionary life. After meeting in England (he from South Africa and she a native Brit), the Parker’s feel called to missionary work in Africa. The journey of getting to the field is full of risks emotional and financial. Once they arrive, Mrs. Parker explores the uncertainties of their life as Christian missionaries, such as contract assignments of limited duration (2-5 years in one location before moving to another), disease, civil unrest, cultural challenges (language, food supply, household help, economic navigation), education, and family separation. Along the way, she also shares how God has led, met and provided for their family.
Though the book maintains a light tone, deep issues are contemplated, though sometimes only in the abstract. For example, there are vague references to internal strife and organizational challenges within the missionary community. While Mrs. Parker doesn’t air dirty laundry, there is enough for an adult to notice some parts of the story are left out to dry without examination. Care is also taken to preserve the privacy of other families. Only individuals mentioned more than once are given last names. Many people are not named, but rather referenced as “a friend from church” or “a friend from Youth With A Mission (YWAM).” The photos included in the middle of the book are delightful and follow the same naming conventions as the text. One imagines Liz Parker had to send out inquiries throughout Africa to determine who was desirous or resistant to be named in her family adventures. These details are tactfully handled, but sometimes the narrative can feel evasive or lacking depth.
In contemplating this obfuscation, I was reminded of Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa. Sharing African settings and shadowy references to friends and acquaintances created an association between the books. Although Ms. Parker’s account is more of travelogue and Ms. Dinesen’s a love letter from Africa with literary flourish.
Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), 1937
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
As for her own personal difficulties, Mrs. Parker is more – though not completely – forthcoming. Her struggles as wife, mother and missionary supporter well told. This book covers the couple’s courtship, preparation, missionary assignment, addition of children and first decade or so of African adventures. One looks forward to another book on the middle or later half of the Parker’s African service.
That is not to say the book is slow or boring. The lively pacing, through brief chapters and chronological sections, was engaging to two teenage students, who devoured this narrative in late night reading. Interesting details of a completely different way of life (mission work plus Africa and the UK) are interspersed with exciting stories of the family’s numerous contextual challenges.
In a way, this book is a direct support to missionary service generally and the Parker’s specifically. I don’t mean simply financially, though I assume that to be the case. Not everyone who serves on the mission field has the capability or interest to write an account of their experience as Mrs. Parker has done. In addition, while popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, contemporary accounts of missionary life have become increasingly rare. Immeasurably More provides a fresh look at the challenges faced by families engaged in Christian mission in our times, with emphasis on the perspective of wives/ mothers/ women and homelife. Immeasurably More is a wonderful resource for young Christians exploring God’s call on their lives. Every young Christ follower should consider where the LORD will call them to serve, whether in his work directly and/or indirectly (by supporting His work), whether at home and/or abroad. Immeasurably More also provides a somewhat promotional glimpse of the mission field for those who support this Christian witness from far locales.
For additional missionary accounts from the field, see….
Things as they are: Missionary work in Southern India, Amy Carmichael, 1905
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Through the Gates of Splendor, Elizabeth Elliot, 1957
Ecuador, South America
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Give me this Mountain, Helen Roseveare, 1966
Belgium Congo – now Democratic Republic of Congo
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Though the book maintains a light tone, deep issues are contemplated, though sometimes only in the abstract. For example, there are vague references to internal strife and organizational challenges within the missionary community. While Mrs. Parker doesn’t air dirty laundry, there is enough for an adult to notice some parts of the story are left out to dry without examination. Care is also taken to preserve the privacy of other families. Only individuals mentioned more than once are given last names. Many people are not named, but rather referenced as “a friend from church” or “a friend from Youth With A Mission (YWAM).” The photos included in the middle of the book are delightful and follow the same naming conventions as the text. One imagines Liz Parker had to send out inquiries throughout Africa to determine who was desirous or resistant to be named in her family adventures. These details are tactfully handled, but sometimes the narrative can feel evasive or lacking depth.
In contemplating this obfuscation, I was reminded of Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa. Sharing African settings and shadowy references to friends and acquaintances created an association between the books. Although Ms. Parker’s account is more of travelogue and Ms. Dinesen’s a love letter from Africa with literary flourish.
Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), 1937
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
As for her own personal difficulties, Mrs. Parker is more – though not completely – forthcoming. Her struggles as wife, mother and missionary supporter well told. This book covers the couple’s courtship, preparation, missionary assignment, addition of children and first decade or so of African adventures. One looks forward to another book on the middle or later half of the Parker’s African service.
That is not to say the book is slow or boring. The lively pacing, through brief chapters and chronological sections, was engaging to two teenage students, who devoured this narrative in late night reading. Interesting details of a completely different way of life (mission work plus Africa and the UK) are interspersed with exciting stories of the family’s numerous contextual challenges.
In a way, this book is a direct support to missionary service generally and the Parker’s specifically. I don’t mean simply financially, though I assume that to be the case. Not everyone who serves on the mission field has the capability or interest to write an account of their experience as Mrs. Parker has done. In addition, while popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, contemporary accounts of missionary life have become increasingly rare. Immeasurably More provides a fresh look at the challenges faced by families engaged in Christian mission in our times, with emphasis on the perspective of wives/ mothers/ women and homelife. Immeasurably More is a wonderful resource for young Christians exploring God’s call on their lives. Every young Christ follower should consider where the LORD will call them to serve, whether in his work directly and/or indirectly (by supporting His work), whether at home and/or abroad. Immeasurably More also provides a somewhat promotional glimpse of the mission field for those who support this Christian witness from far locales.
For additional missionary accounts from the field, see….
Things as they are: Missionary work in Southern India, Amy Carmichael, 1905
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Through the Gates of Splendor, Elizabeth Elliot, 1957
Ecuador, South America
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Give me this Mountain, Helen Roseveare, 1966
Belgium Congo – now Democratic Republic of Congo
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 9, 2023
A very touching account of the amazing ways God works in so many situations. The Parkers have moved around so much all over the continent of Africa, as Liz's husband works with MAF. From Tanzania, to Kenya, South Susan to Uganda, God showed His faithfulness & provision time and again as the family experienced illness, unsettledness, and even war in South Sudan. They had to learn how to cope culturally adjust as a family of 5, and live differently in a third world country that is very different from the wet climate of England where Liz is from.
I am use to reading of the experiences of the evangelists and missionaries on "the front lines" so it was unique for me to read of the experiences of the family-Liz is a a stay at home mum, while her husband flies the planes for MAF. It gives a different perspective and is also a reminder that the whole family really is "on the front lines" just in a different way.
I am use to reading of the experiences of the evangelists and missionaries on "the front lines" so it was unique for me to read of the experiences of the family-Liz is a a stay at home mum, while her husband flies the planes for MAF. It gives a different perspective and is also a reminder that the whole family really is "on the front lines" just in a different way.
October 10, 2022
I loved getting a glimpse into the life of a missionary, especially a missionary who is a mama. Her book read somewhat like a blog, getting the snippets of the ins and outs of daily life. I loved her ability to see God’s hand in the fears, the disappointments, the uncertainty, the surrender, and the learning to trust Him in and through it all.
January 11, 2025
A wonderful testimony of living out God's will through the "simple" means of obeying and trusting God at His word. Beautifully written in such a way that I was able to rejoice and weep alongside the trials faced in a foreign land.
February 19, 2022
Great story of a faithful God who cares
February 10, 2022
Loved this. Beautifully written, easy read , true story set in current day of missionary work in East Africa. Family story, Dad is a relief Pilot. Really recommend.
October 29, 2021
I’ve enjoyed reading this testimony of God’s faithfulness from Liz Parker, reflecting on her time serving alongside her husband with the Mission Aviation Fellowship.
“Through each incredible country, through every up and down, through the inspiring people we have met along the way…there has been one constant: the presence of our promise-keeping God”
As well as being a very engaging and encouraging read, it’s refreshingly honest. Liz recounts her struggles alongside her joys - including her doubts, impostor syndrome, mental health crisis, stress, and her need for counselling.
And all this highlights the amazing work of God, who through all this did "immeasurably more."
“Through each incredible country, through every up and down, through the inspiring people we have met along the way…there has been one constant: the presence of our promise-keeping God”
As well as being a very engaging and encouraging read, it’s refreshingly honest. Liz recounts her struggles alongside her joys - including her doubts, impostor syndrome, mental health crisis, stress, and her need for counselling.
And all this highlights the amazing work of God, who through all this did "immeasurably more."
July 29, 2022
An interesting and honest account of a missionary family in Africa. I would have liked to see more about the work of MAF itself and what God is doing through it. But I recognise that this is told from Liz's perspective so we see a lot more of the details of family life in this situation. This is a useful read for those supporting missionaries to help understand some of the challenges and joys they encounter.
March 17, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Story of a Missionary wife, in Africa, home educating her children (for part of it). God's love and protection are clearly seen throughout the book. I loved Liz's honestly about the struggles (both internal and external) and the love she has for her God, her husband, children and the people in Africa 🥰
December 26, 2021
A well written and very challenging book about the author's life in Africa with her husband and 3 small children as they serve as Christian missionaries. Her dependence on God shines through as the family face many challenging situations and decisions.
March 27, 2022
An easy, moreish read and a nice look into the service of an MAF family. A very “normal” Liz authors the book, talking openly and honestly about her worries during the different events that occur in Eastern Africa. 3.5 stars
April 25, 2022
Super book, it's hard to put down! Amazing to hear of their story working with MAF and so encouraging to hear how God has worked in their lives. It's reminded me to keep speaking to God about everything and that I can trust Him with it all!
January 13, 2024
A marvellous family story full of trust, as they moved forward into Gods plan for their lives. Times of great fear and sadness are won over by Gods faithfulness and their obedience.
A wonderful testimony. To God be the glory great things he has done
A wonderful testimony. To God be the glory great things he has done
July 12, 2025
it should not have taken me this long to finish this book. the story is a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness and provision in the life of a missionary family. i just didn’t enjoy the author’s writing style.
July 18, 2023
This book was amazing and super encouraging. I couldn't put the book down and was in tears throughout the book. Would read again and again.
April 23, 2024
What a lovely book about a missionary family in Africa. I loved the authors honesty but the also truth that she kept coming back to: that God can be trusted always.
September 14, 2025
An excellent written account of one family’s choice to be obedient to the Lord, who is always so gracious and faithful, even in the midst of a war-torn country. A wonderful read.
August 9, 2024
This book was engaging, well written and interesting, but sadly it seemed like the author only turned to God as a last resort. Maybe she didn't in reality, but that's the way it came across.
March 27, 2022
An autobiographical and reflective account of serving abroad in African countries, including Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, the author recounts the tragedy and disruption faced by her husband and three children over the years, whilst remaining firm in faith and hope. Her strength, perseverance and bravery is admirable, all qualities which have shone through in her storytelling.
January 2, 2025
i read this for school and thought it was good but i personally dont love biography’s
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews