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Into the Mud: Inspiration for Everyday Activists: True Stories of South Africa
Unbelievable circumstances. Believable hope.
If we follow media accounts, the continent of Africa may seem to be little more than AIDS patients, malnourished babies, child soldiers, and a failing attempt to imitate the West. Though Christians today are increasingly concerned about injustice and human suffering, their effectiveness in Africa is limited by only knowing this "bad news" and the trite, feel-good solutions sometimes bandied about in response.
Into the Mud takes readers below the headlines, into real stories of real people living neck-deep in some of Africa's most difficult issues -- but with hands, minds, and hearts rooted in God's kingdom. Each of the interwoven stories and related discussion questions addresses a broader issue of missions and development, including evangelism, literacy and education, microfinance, health services, urbanization and refugee assistance, and more. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter help readers to apply lessons from the chapters to their own ministry contexts.
Where the world sees despair, author Christine Jeske sees God writing stories of hope. Study groups, development students, mission teams, and everyday activists alike will be challenged by her stories to enter more deeply into the thick of life's mud.
If we follow media accounts, the continent of Africa may seem to be little more than AIDS patients, malnourished babies, child soldiers, and a failing attempt to imitate the West. Though Christians today are increasingly concerned about injustice and human suffering, their effectiveness in Africa is limited by only knowing this "bad news" and the trite, feel-good solutions sometimes bandied about in response.
Into the Mud takes readers below the headlines, into real stories of real people living neck-deep in some of Africa's most difficult issues -- but with hands, minds, and hearts rooted in God's kingdom. Each of the interwoven stories and related discussion questions addresses a broader issue of missions and development, including evangelism, literacy and education, microfinance, health services, urbanization and refugee assistance, and more. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter help readers to apply lessons from the chapters to their own ministry contexts.
Where the world sees despair, author Christine Jeske sees God writing stories of hope. Study groups, development students, mission teams, and everyday activists alike will be challenged by her stories to enter more deeply into the thick of life's mud.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 2, 2012
Quite a good book of vignettes wherein Christianity confronts the reality of South Africa.
Its emphasis is on Sanctification: the living out of the Christian Faith in the everyday world where we live, especially when such world turns out to be quite fallen, harsh, and "muddy". Just as Jesus came into the world before we were forgiven and "muddied" his Divine Nature with the physical world (and thus ennobling it as well as Redeeming it), we too, as Christians, are supposed to enter into the difficulties of life and do our very best to ennoble them and redeem (small 'r') them through Him who is our Master.
At least that is the full meaning of sanctification, and of a Christian's connection to it. Such a full concept is found in the book, but mostly shown through example. Indeed, while this book can be read profitably by all Christians, and while almost everything in it is confessional-free, the author comes from an unabashed Reformed tradition, which is noticeable in a few passages. Thus, it is possible that the author could not agree entirely with the fulness of the meaning of Sanctification---that it contributes to our Salvation.
Its emphasis is on Sanctification: the living out of the Christian Faith in the everyday world where we live, especially when such world turns out to be quite fallen, harsh, and "muddy". Just as Jesus came into the world before we were forgiven and "muddied" his Divine Nature with the physical world (and thus ennobling it as well as Redeeming it), we too, as Christians, are supposed to enter into the difficulties of life and do our very best to ennoble them and redeem (small 'r') them through Him who is our Master.
At least that is the full meaning of sanctification, and of a Christian's connection to it. Such a full concept is found in the book, but mostly shown through example. Indeed, while this book can be read profitably by all Christians, and while almost everything in it is confessional-free, the author comes from an unabashed Reformed tradition, which is noticeable in a few passages. Thus, it is possible that the author could not agree entirely with the fulness of the meaning of Sanctification---that it contributes to our Salvation.
August 11, 2012
I love Christine Jeske's writing style. She is warm and candid, with a natural fluidity to her words. She is real in relating the challenges of crossing cultures--and finding herself in the process. Rather than entering a culture to fulfill preconceptions, the one expectation that is bound to be exceeded is that of surprise. Her story makes clear that we will never cease to be surprised by people, wherever we are...IF we are open to their overtures and honest revelations. These make for a richer life and deeper, more relevant faith.
November 17, 2016
"Giving up a cultural idol is not easy, no matter the culture. The amazing thing is people can manage to give up those idols with God's loving help."
–Christine Jeske
This book came loaded with personal stories and vignettes about life doing mission's work in South Africa, a place close to my heart.
Needless to say, I found it both relatable and inspiring.
–Christine Jeske
This book came loaded with personal stories and vignettes about life doing mission's work in South Africa, a place close to my heart.
Needless to say, I found it both relatable and inspiring.
September 8, 2013
This book was extremely interesting to read since I--like the author was--am a missionary in South Africa. Anyone interested in mission work, South African culture, or just inspiring stories about real people should read this book.
April 2, 2013
Good book with many short stories about a woman's time spent in South Africa. See how God is working in other countries.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews