Beyond Surrender: One Family's Quest to Bring Light to a Dark and Desperate World

by Barbara J. Singerman

What could be more different from Western culture and convenience than the harsh life of West Africa? After surrendering to missions in Benin, Barbara Singerman and her family found that the only similarity between themselves and the Beninese was that they all walk upright on two feet and smile.

In the Singerman's new African home, communication was one step above the Dark Ages, most people had never seen ice, and hunters still used crossbows to bring home their evening meal. Why serve in a place where major diseases stalked their lives, where accomplishing basic, daily tasks caused unthinkable fatigue? The answer came in the desperate plea of villagers. "Please, come back and tell us more about Jesus."

The salvation of these staunch, voodoo-worshiping Africans propelled these American missionaries beyond surrender to bring their adopted people from darkness to light of God's Word.

191 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Georgia Herod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I've just become acquainted with the author, I was most eager to read her story of service in Benin, with her husband and children.

I was immediately drawn in by her anecdotes of life in Benin and of the faithfulness of God to provide and protect His children, especially in the midst of the darkness of voodoo.

Commentary on various aspects of faith were also encouraging.

Seeing the passion of the Singermans for the people and their obedience to God's call will both inspire and challenge others who seek to be a part of God's great adventure.

A most intriguing story!

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remarkable book is a must read for anyone wishing to minister in west Africa. The true life story takes place in the Benin Republic. Language, culture and lack of clean water are all problems that must be overcome. The rewards are sharing the gospel with young people hungry for hearing the truths from God's Word. The Benin Republic is the place where voodoo began. The evil power of the evil one was a major hindrance. This was a great book. I found it hard to put down once I stared reading it. You could see God at work in the life in the lives of the missionaries and the people to which they ministered.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author several months before making my first trip to Benin and began reading her book as an introduction into the culture of Benin. Mrs. Singerman's perspective is a uniquely Christian perspective, and therefore will not appeal to every reader, but I very much engaged in her stories and found my first day in the country richer for them ... from the first 4-wheelin' ride to my lodgings to having my finger gashed by one of the vicious ants, it all seemed normal after having already seen the country through the author's eyes.

While the flow of the book felt choppy to me at times and some adjectival use seemed forced, Mrs. Singerman's writing style is not amateurish. She has a natural knack for drawing the reader into her experiences, making you feel like you are right there with her. Even if a little editorial polish could be useful, the reader can be left with no doubt of the author's deep love for the people of Benin and her passion for God - these two traits have been critical to the longevity of her service in the home of voodoo. Her faith refreshed my faith, and her faithfulness invigorated my own determination to steadfastness to God's plan for my life.