Congo Vignettes: Stories of God's Faithfulness to Three Generations in the Heart of Africa

by Shawn Lantz

Have you ever wondered what missionary life is really like? Congo Vignettes offers an intimate and honest glimpse into three generations of one family. Lived out against the backdrop of the Democratic Republic of Congo, author Shawn Lantz (ShawnLantz.com)invites you into the triumphs and tragedies of her grandparents, parents and siblings. For anyone needing a reminder that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all one could ask or imagine, Congo Vignettes is a joyful collection of stories encompassing seventy years of God and 's faithfulness to His children. With over forty personal photographs of the Smith family throughout its pages, this book will inspire you in your own journey with Jesus Christ. Congo Vignettes is Shawn's first book. She is in the process of writing women and 's Bible studies. Shawn and 's passion is to encourage women to develop a personal love for the Scriptures. She teaches a weekly Bible study her home and co-leads a couples and ' Sunday school class with her husband, Rob, in their home church. Shawn, Rob, and their three children reside in Nashville, Tennessee.

134 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Chris Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lantz has some great remembrances from the Congo, and especially toward the end it is very inspiring, but the organization of the book is difficult to follow at times.

[Katie Koppin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family and their ministry is dear to my heart. This book was so wonderful to read about stories throughout the generations serving in the Congo. I didn’t want the book to end.

[Deevena Jemima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book...I wept as I read the sacrifices the missionaries made and yet held fast to their faith. Marcella's life is an inspiration.

[Tim Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slice of life, would have liked chronological

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Lantz speak at a women's luncheon last year and didn't really enjoy her. Perhaps it was the music that preceded her that made me annoyed with the entire program. Reading the book was a happy surprise. She was a third generation missionary in the Belgian Congo and Zaire. She grew up in a mission station founded by her grandfather.
The book gives details, with pictures, of her grandparents meeting to mission field to death. Then she tells about her parents experiences. She describes her life as a child to the present. "We do not have to always like what He has called us to do; we just need to be obedient.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Shawn speak at a women's conference this year and really enjoyed her. She is a sweet woman and seems like someone who would be fun to have as a friend. Through her own personal stories and struggles she shared how woman can experience God's power and healing in relationships through forgiveness. She gave me many things to think about and definitely challenged me. I can't wait to complete the bible studies she has written.

[Laura Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawn is a sweet friend whose children I love dearly. I greatly enjoyed reading about her childhood and learning more about past generations of her family. I adored seeing her heart revealed through this book.

[Charity Rishel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of reminiscing.