08.15Our Reading List

Part of our internship program this year means we are living in community with our fellow Africa Revolution interns. Along with daily devotions, prayer and worship we will be reading a number of books together. Each month we’ll read one book and discuss it informally as we go along, and then sit down for a final discussion the last Saturday of the month. I am personally really looking forward to reading all of them, whether again or for the first time. If you’re looking for some good reading that’s relevant beyond just spending a year in Africa, I highly recommend any of these books. Throughout the year you’ll see on our sidebar the current book we’re reading along with others that Rebecca and I are reading on the side (I usually have about 3-4 books going—and never seem to actually finish them, but I’m hoping that that will change this year!).

1. Bruchko , Bruce Olson

The True Story of a 19-Year-Old American, His Capture by the Motilone Indians and His Adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age Tribe.
To set the bar high and keep ourselves in check as we serve; remembering how much others have sacrificed and endured while relentlessly following God’s call.

2. Cross-Cultural Servanthood , Duane Elmer

Serving the World in Christlike Humility.
Practical advice for serving other cultures with sensitivity and humility–with careful biblical exposition, helping ensure that we serve out of no other culture than that of the cross.

3. Life Together , Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Bonhoeffer explores what life should like, lived out together in community and under the Word. So critical to our life together under the same roof.

4. No Compromise , Melody Green & David Hazard

The Life Story of Keith Green.
A very personal and challenging biography of a man who knew his brokenness, lived his faith, and pushed others to be serious about God’s call on their lives.

5. The Pursuit of God , A.W. Tozer

The Human Thirst For The Divine.
Tozer’s spiritual exploration into the essence of God’s nature resulted in this classic. Deep, clear, good for the soul. For the middle of our year; when the honeymoon is over, and we need some spiritual refreshing.

6. They Found the Secret , V. Raymond Edman

Each chapter of this book tells the story of a different father or mother of the faith. Edman writes, "…their testimony to the reality of the joy and power of the Spirit-filled life is unanimous . . . It is [the Lord] who satisfies the longing soul. He is the secret of the exchanged life!"

7. Compassion, Justice, & the Christian Life , Robert D. Lupton

Rethinking Ministry to the Poor.
This book discusses how people, programs, and neighborhoods can move toward healthy relationships that are both interdependent, and reciprocal.

8. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire , Jim Cymbala

The story of the Brooklyn Tabernacle is one that highlights serious faith, the central importance of prayer, and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

9. The Irresistible Revolution , Shane Claiborne

Living as an Ordinary Radicals.
Shane does a great job showing us some of the contradictions to our faith that have become so hidden in our culture, we forget to reject or even question them. With a constant and illuminating focus on the teachings and posture of Jesus.

10. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger , Ronald Cider

Moving from Affluence to Generosity.
This book is the clarion call to 21st century followers. A challenge to take home with us after our year in Africa. This book includes some startling statistics, framing up the tough realities of poverty in our world. Cider includes practical steps we can and must take in order to be responsible for what we know.

View this list and more info on the Africa Revolution website.

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Filed under: General by Nathan on August 15th, 2008

3 Responses to “Our Reading List”

  1. amanda says:

    these books sound great! we read “irresistible revolution” as well as “life together”. both great ones for your year ahead! i haven’t heard of the others…i think i will add them to my long list of books to read. :) i also usually have about 4 books going at a time.

    hope to meet soon!!!

    August 15th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

  2. lois says:

    thanks for sharing - i’ll definitely add some to my reading list! love the pictures on your photostream! especially the burger - made my mouth water.

    August 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

  3. Tim says:

    Looks like a great list! I’ve read Theirs Is the Kingdom” by Bob Lupton and heard him speak. I think he has some good ideas/insights. Hope you guys are having a blast. We miss you!

    August 21st, 2008 at 1:58 pm

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