Venturing with God in Congo

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Reading is a priority in our home, so we are always excited to receive books to review. And while I enjoying getting lost in a good picture book with my little ones, true accounts are what is near and dear to my heart, especially stories about missionaries. These servants who have sacrificed all in service to their Lord are examples to us all. Their testimonies are inspiring and their dedication is to be emulated.

I couldn't wait to head to the heart of the jungle in Venturing with God in Congo from Conjurske Publications.

Conjurske Publications is a distribution company whose mission is "to reprint the greatest Christian literature from the past several centuries and present it to Christians across the globe today." Because preserving the essence of historical literature is vital, they exclusively sell full texts and make spelling and grammatical changes only when necessary. The believe also in not only the quality of the writing, but the beauty of the physical book, as well, as they produce striking covers that catch the eye and beg to be read. Their titles cover everything from biography to encouragement to poetry to short stories and more.

Venturing with God in Congo relates the stories of the Champlin family while they ministered in Congo in the mid 1900s. This collection of short stories document how the family was used to influence a sinful people as they lived as "jungle rats" in the heart of Africa. Their house, made of mud and sticks with dirt floors, was much different than the amenities that we take for granted in the States. The Champlins (Darrell, Louise, and their three children) lived as the natives lived, ate what the people ate. They were able to influence the Congolese people in a great way because they became one with them in many areas.

One aspect in which they refused to adapt to the national lifestyle was the practice of animism. The Champlin's sole purpose in going to this foreign field was to take the life-changing gospel of Christ to a lost people. Superstitions were abundant with the worship of evil spirits while talismans and fetishes were commonplace. Over time, the Champlins watched the fear of the bekadji (evil spirits) diminish as the love of God filled the hearts of the people. How amazing to witness the salvation of even the witch doctors! Of course, they experienced many hardships during that time, as well. Darrell relates stories of tracking down a rogue elephant, coming face-to-face with a 17-foot python, being flipped in a boat by enormous hippos, getting chased by an African boar, being mauled by a leopard, not to mention enduring the hardships of the weather and terrain. There are also stories of people being threatened with a spear, having a close call with death because of appendicitis, being stoned by angry villagers, observing the horrific practices of "becoming a man," witnessing the miraculous change of the people's own "Apostle Paul," and being a part of helping people see the Light in a dark world. It is evident that the Champlins loved these people, and they in return respected the missionaries and their God.

Darrell's writing is easy-going and conversational. Because he initially wrote the stories as individual accounts, not as a whole book, there is some redundancy of facts. The introduction and beginning chapters are a bit slow, but the book does increase in interest. There are also jokes woven throughout that went over the heads of my kids--he refers to the jungle as shopping at the "hardware store" since everything these used for building they found in nature, talks about "upholstered pews" when the bark was left on the log benches, and jokes of having an agreement with the bicycles because "they would carry us where we could, and we would carry them where they couldn't carry us" as the terrain changed along their paths. There is a pronunciation guide for Lingala in the beginning of the book as he incorporated the native language when he could. 

I used this book as a read aloud with my kids ranging from 5-14 years old. While the vast majority of it was appropriate, there were portions that I skipped or felt that might not be fitting for young kids. It was mentioned many times that the people lived practically naked, but there was also a statement about "nubile young women . . . proudly proclaiming their impending adulthood," a detailed description of a birth, and and explanation of it being rare for a girl to be a virgin still at 13 years old, among other things. 

The Champlins' memoir is awe-inspiring and convicting. The hard cover book has a soft, vibrant cover and 290 pages. There are nearly 50 stories broken into short chapters, making it easy to pick up even if you have only a few minutes to read. Each chapter ends with a Bible verse and its application. There is also a photo gallery of black and white pictures in the center of the book.

It is obvious that the Champlins loved their Lord and were greatly used by Him. Even though Darrell has since graduated to Heaven, he is still being used by God through this testimonial of Venturing with God in Congo.

"The two solutions were, of course, to have faith in God and have common sense--in that order."

~ Darrell Champlin

You can connect with Cojurske Publications on their website and Facebook.

You can read more reviews of Venturing with God in Congo on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Underground Rising

We review all sorts of resources and manipulatives for school. I believe in having many options to keep my little ones learning. But our foundation, the basis of our education is literature. Whether it's fun picture books or engaging fiction or historical biographies, you can be sure there is a fair amount being read in our home every day. While I do believe in the importance of the written word, there are times when it is not feasible to sit down and read a novel. It's times like these that we love to turn on an audio book.

The Brinkman Adventures has combined two of our favorite things--audio books and missionary stories--to make a truly entertaining and educational production. My kids fell in love with these stories a few years ago and have listened to dozens of the episodes. They were thrilled to receive the  digital version of Season 6: Underground Rising to add to our collection.

The Brinkman Adventures is an audio drama series and radio show. It's not like a typical audio book that we utilize often as it is not converted from a book, but the episodes weave true missionary stories into the family's adventures to make it a hybrid of sorts. The series was born from a vision to "inspire future missionaries." By combining realistic sound effects, original music, and exciting dialogue, the stories are "movies for the ears." Though the Brinkmans are a fictional family, they are based on and voiced by Ian and Amy Bultman and their 10 children. The drama follows the family across the globe as they hear stories of hiding from the Gestapo in the hole in the floor, eating paper with secret messages, escaping from jail, meeting a prince, experiencing a near-death situation, witnessing a divine healing,  being attacked by a tiger, and the retreating of hundreds of soldiers. They witness to many, see hearts changed, experience heartache, and experience joy.  

You'll find these episodes in season 6:

• Episode 55: Dutch Underground Part 1
• Episode 56: Dutch Underground Part 2
• Episode 57: Twice Born Fly
• Episode 58: I Wonder Why?
• Episode 59: Free Burma Rangers Part 1
• Episode 60: Free Burma Rangers Part 2

You can take the learning to a deeper level passed simply listening to the series. There is an entire section on their site that is filled with the stories behind the stories. You can learn more about metamorphosis, how rove beetles cause rashes, what happens during an allergic reaction, ranger training, and even learn much family history and translate foreign words. There is also a ton more information about the real events and how the writers used things in their own lives for inspiration. There are many pictures and videos that enhance the learning, as well. I, personally, have spent much time soaking up these missionary stories.  

We've listened to this audio while doing chores and for downtime in the house. Each episode is 25 minutes, so they're perfect for squeezing in some audio time. My kids laughed at the silly antics of a monkey and when Charlie swallowed the fly. These amazing accounts are entertaining, for sure, but what makes them even more inspiring is that they are based on modern-day missionary heroes.

The Brinkman Adventures has been a big hit with the whole family. I appreciate that the kids are entertained with wholesome stories, but even more than that, I love that they're learning that there are still true heroes around the globe and that God is still using regular people to change the hearts of a sinful world.

You can connect with the Brinkman Adventures on Facebook and listen to samples of each episode on their website. 

You can read more reviews of these adventures on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Brinkman Adventures

We review all sorts of resources and manipulatives for school. I believe in having many options to keep my little ones learning. But our foundation, the basis of our education is literature. Whether it's fun picture books or engaging fiction or historical biographies, you can be sure there is a fair amount being read in our home every day. While I do believe in the importance of the written word, there are times when it's not feasible to sit down and read a novel. It's times like these that we love to turn on an audio book.

The Brinkman Adventures has combined two of our favorite things--audio books and missionary stories--to make a truly entertaining and educational production. My kids fell in love with these stories while listening to season 3 and were thrilled to receive Brinkman Adventures Season 4.

The Brinkman Adventures is an audio drama series and radio show. It's not like a typical audio book that we utilize often as it is not converted from a book, but the episodes weave true missionary stories into the family's adventures to make it a hybrid of sorts. Though the Brinkmans are a fictional family, they are based on and voiced by Ian and Amy Bultman and their 10 children. The drama follows the family across the globe as they confront a witch doctor, "smuggle translated Bibles past guards," ride a flying machine, eat caterpillars, get locked out of the house by a robot, witness to many, and experience heartache and joy. You'll find all this in Season 4:

• Episode 37: A Paradise Lost
• Episode 38: Remember Nhu
• Episode 39: Aisha's Fear
• Episode 40: Heart Song
• Episode 41: The Crashed Kitchen
• Episode 42: Crisis in the Congo
• Episode 43: The Mysterious Palm Feller
• Episode 44: War of the Raccoons
• Episode 45: The Five Guys
• Episode 46: Toughest Man
• Episode 47: Cambodian Quest
• Episode 48: What Brings Us Together

You can take the learning to a deeper level past simply listening to the series. There is an entire section on their site that is filled with the stories behind the stories. You can learn more about the tactics villagers used to kill animals (and the downfalls of them), the power of hippos, how many homes around the world for children who are at risk of being sold as slaves, how forgiveness can win over those who are trying to sabotage you, how one man was able to stay faithful in the midst of extreme persecution, and what really happened the day of the wedding. There is also a ton more information about the real events and how the writers used things in their own lives for inspiration. There are many pictures and videos that enhance the learning, as well. I, personally, have spent much time soaking up these missionary stories.  

They recently came out with curriculum to inspire the next generation of missionaries. It includes a teacher's manual, a CD of season 1, a classroom version of the CD with highlights of the stories, and a resource CD with all the printables for the lessons. 

We've listened to this audio drama driving in the van and for downtime in the house. Immediately, everyone gets quiet so they don't miss anything. The kids were amazed when the Russian officer died after the elderly woman's prophecy and especially enjoyed the story about the king who lost his finger. These amazing accounts are entertaining, for sure, but what makes them even more inspiring is that they are based on modern-day missionary heroes.

The Brinkman Adventures has been a big hit with the whole family. I appreciate that the kids are entertained with wholesome stories, but even more than that, I love that they're learning that there are still true heroes in the world, that God is still using regular people to change the hearts of a sinful world.


You can connect with Brinkman Adventures on their website and Facebook. 

You can read more reviews of these dramas on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Brinkman Adventures Review

We use all sorts of resources and manipulatives for school. I believe in having many options to keep my little ones learning. But our foundation, the basis of our education is literature. Whether it's fun picture books or engaging fiction or historical biographies, you can be sure there is a fair amount being read in our home every day. While I do believe in the importance of the written word, there are times when it's not feasible to sit down and read a novel. It's times like these that we love to turn on an audio book.

The Brinkman Adventures has combined two of our favorite things--audio books and missionary stories--to make a truly entertaining and educational production. My kids fell in love with these stories while listening to The Brinkman Adventures: Season 3.

God’s Mule

Mountain Mover

The Silent Ambassador

Translating Trouble

Man-Up

Acorns & Oaks

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 1

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 2

Untouched

Busy Bees and a Bullhorn

Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1

Missionary Tourist Pt. 2

- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-review-2/#sthash.1khVNtEi.dpuf

God’s Mule

Mountain Mover

The Silent Ambassador

Translating Trouble

Man-Up

Acorns & Oaks

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 1

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 2

Untouched

Busy Bees and a Bullhorn

Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1

Missionary Tourist Pt. 2

- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-review-2/#sthash.1khVNtEi.dpuf

Episodes:

1. God's Mule
2. Mountain Mover
3. The Silent Ambassador
4. Translating Trouble
5. Man-Up
6. Acorns & Oaks 
7. A Saint's Story, Pt. 1
8. A Saint's Story, Pt. 2
9. Untouched
10. Busy Bees and a Bullhorn
11. Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1
12. Missionary Tourist, Pt 2

God’s Mule

Mountain Mover

The Silent Ambassador

Translating Trouble

Man-Up

Acorns & Oaks

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 1

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 2

Untouched

Busy Bees and a Bullhorn

Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1

Missionary Tourist Pt. 2

- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-review-2/#sthash.1khVNtEi.dpuf

God’s Mule

Mountain Mover

The Silent Ambassador

Translating Trouble

Man-Up

Acorns & Oaks

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 1

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 2

Untouched

Busy Bees and a Bullhorn

Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1

Missionary Tourist Pt. 2

- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-review-2/#sthash.1khVNtEi.dpuf

God’s Mule

Mountain Mover

The Silent Ambassador

Translating Trouble

Man-Up

Acorns & Oaks

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 1

A Saint’s Story, Pt. 2

Untouched

Busy Bees and a Bullhorn

Missionary Tourist, Pt. 1

Missionary Tourist Pt. 2

- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-review-2/#sthash.1khVNtEi.dpuf

The Brinkman Adventures is an audio drama series. It's not like a typical audio book that we utilize often as it is not converted from a book, but the episodes weave true missionary stories into the family's adventures to make it a hybrid of sorts. The drama follows the Brinkmans across the globe as they experience challenges like hypothermia, dangerous animals, and intimidating terrorists.

These amazing accounts are entertaining, for sure, but what makes them even more inspiring is that they are based on modern-day missionary heroes. The episodes that our family enjoyed the most were #7-8, A Saint's Story. When my husband was a young boy living in Florida, he personally knew Steve Saint. In fact, he grew up calling him Uncle Steve. Hearing the story of a man that their father knew and realizing that the people and events were true made it even more meaningful to my kids. They were in awe as they listened.  

To say that we've enjoyed this series is a bit of an understatement. I don't even know how many times the kids have listened to the entire 5 hours worth of entertainment. Many times I asked where a disc was and they tell me that it was in their room because they had been listening to it, again. We listened to it in the van, while folding laundry, and making dinner. The kids had it playing while building Legos and cleaning their rooms. I'm almost surprised they haven't worn out the CD yet, ha! When I asked what they thought of the Brinkman Adventures, they told me, "It's awesome! We love it!"


You can take the learning to a deeper level past simply listening to the series. There is an entire section on their site that is filled with the stories behind the stories. You can learn more about translating the Bible into Yalunka (and a battle between a giant spider and a mammoth cockroach), what God did with some "ice cream money," flying in a powered parachute to get medical attention for a snake bite, and being imprisoned in a Taliban jail. There is also a ton more information about the real events and how the writers used things in their own lives for inspiration. There are many pictures and videos that enhance the learning, as well. 

This audio drama has been a big hit with the whole family. I appreciate that the kids are entertained with wholesome stories, but even more than that, I love that they're learning that there are still true heroes in the world, that God is still using regular people to change the hearts of a sinful world.



If you'd like to follow the adventures of the Brinkman family, you can connect with them on Facebook.

You can read more reviews of Season 3 of the Brinkman Adventures on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer Review

Our family loves read-alouds. I know, if you've read our blog much, you already knew that. The kids love cuddling up with me on the couch and listening to a story come alive. Some days, we'll sit for hours at a time, immersing ourselves in the pages of a book. We love all sorts of books, but my oldest's favorites? The ones he himself will devour? Biographies. He loves reading about the lives of people, knowing that that events actually took place. I knew he especially would love to review   David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer, both the book and the Unit Study Curriculum Guide.

This book by Janet and Geoff Benge is part of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series from YWAM Publishing. The series relates the stories of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things for the glory of God. They are great role models for kids and adults alike, as you read about their faith being tested and how they remained true to God. This book is suggested for ages 10+, but my 9, 7, and 5-year-old enjoyed it just as much as I did. 

The kids learned about David Livingstone at Vacation Bible School at our church this summer. Every night, their teacher would tell a portion of his story. When we had the chance to review a book from YWAM's vast collection, I started listing some names the kids would recognize. I read David Livingstone's name, and the kids immediately all agreed. They wanted to learn more about this amazing pioneer missionary.

Livingstone's life began in a small town in Blantyre, Scotland. Life was difficult. He lived in a one-room apartment with his parents and 4 siblings and had to help pay for it and their food. By the time he was 12 years old, he worked at the cotton mill 14 hours a day, 6 days a week. After his shift was over, he attended classes for 2 hours and often stayed awake studying for another 2 hours into the night. Livingstone didn't mind the rigorous schedule though, because he loved to learn. He was often teased by the other children for his love of reading and desire to gain knowledge. At 9 years old, he could recite all 176 verses of Psalm 119. The only problem, per se, was that he was strongly drawn to science--anything from botany to astronomy. His father insisted that science and religion were not compatible. It wasn't until Livingstone's pastor loaned him a book, written by a Christian scientific designer who showed that the study of science would draw one closer to God, that he was convinced the two were connected. His father, too, was swayed when he learned that the best kind of training for a foreign missionary was medical education.

Livingstone had to save every bit of extra money for many years before he could attend one term of medical school. He worked hard in school, lived in dilapidated places, and struggled to earn the needed finances, yet he never gave up. His determination in getting to a foreign field was the same determination that kept him there when life was difficult again.     

Once in Africa, it didn't take Livingstone long to realize that he was different from the other missionaries. They were content to remain at the mission station and help to improve the lives of the people in the area. Livingstone, however, longed to explore. He wanted to travel inland to where no white man had ever been, to learn the land, to share the Gospel with men who had never heard, to discover "the smoke of a thousand villages."

His road was not as easy one. He often slogged through swamps and deep black mud; lived among slave-traders and cannibals; contracted malaria many times, pneumonia, cholera, and ulcers, watched his children become ill, saw the death of one of his babies, had his medical supplies stolen, and experienced many hardships. His zeal though allowed him to discover Victoria Falls and lakes Nyassa and Bangweolo, draw various maps of inland Africa, and learn much about the continent. He worked to end slave trade, open the land for merchant traders, and bring Christianity to the natives. Despite his many good characteristics, I was sadden to learn that while he was a phenomenal missionary, he all but neglected his family. He didn't see his wife or children but once or twice after he sent them to Scotland. His children were raised without a father and his wife lived without a husband. She did leave her children with their grandparents and spent her remaining couple of months at his side before she died. All in all, I was rather disappointed in his actions toward them. Regardless, his influence caused many people to turn to mission work and the cause of Christ.  
 

Along with the book, we received the Unit Study Curriculum Guide. The guide helps to further your study including geography, social studies, history, and world missions, to name a few. It is designed to benefit all learning styles, group and individual study, and a wide range of ages.  

The guide includes the following:

• Student Explorations - essay writing, creative writing, hands-on projects, audio/visual projects, arts/crafts
• Social Studies - reproducible maps, geography, terms/vocabulary, journey tracking, critical thinking
• Bible Study - scripture memorization, devotional application, spiritual concepts
• Community Links - meaningful field trips, guest speakers, service projects
• Related Themes to Explore - missions, current events, life skills, math, government, science
• Bibliography or Related Resources - books, movies, documentaries, magazine articles, websites
• Culminating Event - project displays, cultural food, music, and activities, oral presentations

Since the recommended age is 10 and my kids are younger, a lot of the study guide was a bit advanced for them. We discussed the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter. The first question was always a vocab word (veranda, hinterland, regal, obsolete, etc.). I'd ask the kids what the word meant. If no one knew, I'd use it in a sentence. They'd tell me the meaning after that. I personally loved that part. It's very important to me to read my children rich literature that incorporates vocabulary that is above their level. I also enjoyed discussing the questions with them. It helped us to review the story and got them understanding it more fully. We also practiced cartography, made a timeline, and studied the constellations. I fully intend to read this book again with them many years from now so we can partake in the other great activities in the guide. We can create flags in the Bantu language or host a South Africa fair.  We can video a mock interview with David Livingstone, write essay questions, and prepare regional food like sosaties, cassava, and plantains. The study guide is filled with activities, projects, and ideas to greatly further your study.  

 

Both the paper and digital copies of the book can be purchased for $7.50 and the unit study curriculum guide can be purchased for $7.49. We enjoyed these materials immensely. In fact, we own multiple books from their hero series. It's not just Christian hero books they offer, they have heroes of history and heroes for young readers, too. Not only does a purchase give you quality books at a great cost, it helps support missions around the world.

You can connect with YWAM Publishing on the following social media sites:

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

If you'd like to read more reviews of other great books and study guides offered by YWAM, please head to the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

 

One Great Purpose

Our family loves read-alouds. I know, if you've read our blog much, you already knew that. The kids love cuddling up with me on the couch and listening to a story come alive. Some days, we'll sit for hours at a time, immersing ourselves in the pages of a book. We love all sorts of books, but my oldest's favorites? The ones he himself will devour? Biographies. He loves reading about the lives of people, knowing that that events actually took place. I knew he especially would love to review Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose.

This book by Janet and Geoff Benge is part of YWAM Publishing's Christian Heroes: Then and Now series. The series relates the stories of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things for the glory of God. They are great role models for kids and adults alike as you read about their faith being tested and how they remained true to God. This book is suggested for ages 10+, but my 7, 5, and 3-year-old enjoyed it just as much as I did.     

I'm sure many of you have heard of Jim Elliot and know some of his basic life story. You may even have seen the movie that came out years ago. That was me. I knew a little. I watched the movie. I was touched by their dedication and devotion to God and sharing His salvation message with His people. But there was a deeper reason I really wanted to read this book: my husband knew Steve Saint (Nate's, the pilot, son.) His father worked for him both in Minnesota and later in Florida. They were friends. It wasn't until Leighton was older that he learned the story. Reading a biography that includes a man who was the father of someone my husband grew up knowing (confusing?) made this book all that more real to me.     

Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose is about just that--his one great purpose. He had an overwhelming desire to bring the gospel to the jungles of Ecuador. The book takes you along his journey traveling to South America, learning Spanish and Quichua languages, building mission stations, watching his work being destroyed by the rains, holding Bible conferences, training converts, and eventually contacting the Auca Indians.We learned what they ate, how they lived, what trials they faced. We saw their unwavering faith even when they faced hardships. We cheered for them when the blessings came and wept during the sorrows.

I admit, I get into my books. I'm always sad at the end of a fiction series because I want to know "how it ends." Just tell me more! I want to know the rest of their lives! I know it's silly. There really isn't any more to know. And I cry. There have been times when I've answered Leighton's phone call while sobbing. He's been concerned and wondered what the problem was. "I'm reading," I'd say, tears pouring down my face. Yes, I lose myself in a good book. But I don't think I've ever cried during a non-fiction book. I mean, I already knew the outcome anyway. But like I said, this book was so real to me, as it should be. There were times when it was difficult to read it aloud to the kids. I had to choke back tears because of what these dear people of God were experiencing, long before that dreadful ending. Here in the comfort of our homes, we can lose touch with the rest of the world. Since we graduated from a Bible college, we have many missionary friends on foreign soil right now, experiencing hardships that are very similar. This book has helped me know how better to pray for them.    

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:24

Elliot and his friends knew the risks involved with coming into contact with the Aucas. They knew that no one ever met one and lived to tell about it. They knew that they were still living in the Stone Age and wanted no part of living in the present. They knew that they were in a vicious cycle of killing each other off. None of those stopped them from following through with God's plan. In fact, that last reason was probably the number one thing that drove them to want to help these people. They wanted the Aucas to understand that there was a better way to live. Teaching them about God's love would change their hearts. There was one quote from the book that truly demonstrates the love these people had for a group they had never met:

"If it came to a choice between losing their own lives and taking the life of an Auca, the missionaries were ready to lay down their lives."

They were more concerned with the bigger picture--someone reaching the Aucas with the gospel--than their own selves. The men may have lost their lives that day, but they paved the way for others to tell of Jesus.

Along with the digital book, we received the digital curriculum study guide. The guide helps to further your study including geography, social studies, history, and world missions, to name a few. It designed to benefit all learning styles, group and individual study, and a wide range of ages.  

From their site, the guide includes:

• Student Explorations - essay writing, creative writing, hands-on projects, audio/visual projects, arts/crafts
• Social Studies - reproducible maps, geography, terms/vocabulary, journey tracking, critical thinking
• Bible Study - scripture memorization, devotional application, spiritual concepts
• Community Links - meaningful field trips, guest speakers, service projects
• Related Themes to Explore - missions, current events, life skills, math, government, science
• Bibliography or Related Resources - books, movies, documentaries, magazine articles, websites
• Culminating Event - project displays, cultural food, music, and activities, oral presentations

Since the recommended age is 10 and my kids are much younger, a lot of the study guide was a bit advanced for them. We discussed the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter. The first question was always a vocab word (hospitable, elusive, meticulously, dubious, etc..) I'd ask the kids what the word meant. If no one knew (read: if the older two didn't know), I'd use it in a sentence. They'd tell me the meaning after that. I personally loved that part. It's very important to me to read my children rich literature that incorporates vocabulary that is above their level. We made playdough "clay pots," made a collage of things that reminded them of the story, and looked at my Spanhish/English Bible, amongst other things. I fully intend to read this book again with them many years from now so we can partake in the other great activities in the guide. We can make a papier-mâché map of Ecuador or create a brochure advertising an Amazon Excursion or mark cities on an atlas. We can video a mock interview with Jim Elliot, write essay questions, and host and Ecuadorian party. The study guide is filled with activities, projects, and ideas to greatly further your study. 

Both the paper and digital copies of the book can be purchased for $6.99 and the curriculum study guide (paper only) can be purchased for $7.49. We enjoyed these materials immensely. I've already looked at some of the many other books they offer and started drooling over the ones I want. It's not just Christian hero books they offer, they have heroes of history and heroes for young readers, too. In fact, some of my crew mates reviewed a book about George Washington. Not only does a purchase give you quality books at a great cost, it helps support missions around the world.


You can read reviews of George Washington:True Patroit and more of this book on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

Growing Up Wild

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15

Though we've all been given the commission to "preach the gospel to every creature," not all of us have been called to serve on a foreign mission field. We want our children to be mission-minded though. Our church has a missions conference every year. We're involved in faith promise mission giving. We graduated from a Bible college and have many missionary friends. But none of that truly shows our kids what it's like to be a missionary or live in another country.

The Wilds family remedied that with their Growing Up Wild series. This collection of 5 DVDs welcomes you into the lives of the 4 Wilds brothers and their parents in the remote jungles of Indonesia. Each 15-minutes episode highlights a different aspect of missionary life in Wano. The videos are shot and produced completely by the family. These are not the typical home-movies though. The quality is great and the content even better.    

When I pulled out volume 1, the kids (6, 4, 3) were so excited. Any time we can watch TV for school is a plus for them. Instantly, they were drawn into the video itself. The first episode, Home Sweet Hut, walks you through their home in the jungle. You see how different their hut is from our houses here in the States - round, all wood, open ceiling, hammocks. You'll also see how they are the same - bunk beds, bathroom, Legos, schoolroom.

The second episode, Supply Trip, shows how they get their necessary things in the middle of the jungle. You'll see how they use Sun & Water in episode three to power every-day things.  

There is also a great activity guide that accompanies each volume to help you further the learning. They can even be used as a unit study since you cover so many subjects - Bible reading and discussion, geography, math, science, vocab, worldview, art. My kids really love hands-on activities. They were thrilled when I told them that we were going to make a Wano hut. We watched episode 1 again - for probably the 5th time - and wrote down everything we wanted to add to our hut (or the yurt as Alyssa keeps calling it since it's round and we stayed in one this past September.) Then, they ran around finding the absolute perfect supplies. It was neat watching the hut take form. When their daddy cut the oatmeal container so it would swing open to play inside, their faces lit up. Of course, we had to have an opening for the cat to come and go and a Lego loft, just like the Wilds. They've been having fun letting their mini figs play inside their "AWANA" hut, aka Wano hut.

We were also given volume 4 which includes these episodes: Amazing World Around Us, Adventures in Culture, and Tribal Calling. Jake, my 6-year-old, really likes the first episode since they show some pretty creepy creatures that are commonly found in and around their house. The snakes and spiders produces big smiles from him and grimaces from me.  I have no desire to open my eyes in the morning and stare into glowing spider eyes. No thank you.

On this disc, you'll also see how differently the people of Wano live. We paused the videos many, many times to talk about the differences - the clothing, the simple life, the food, the behavior, the priorities. It was so strange for my kids to see a world so different from their own. We discussed how the people make everything they need, how they can't run to the store to purchase whatever they want, how they don't own frivolous things. One thing that really impressed me about the Wild family and their partner family that is working with them in Wano, is that there was no written language when they first moved there. They had to learn the language just from living with the people. It took them 3 years to master the language. Then, they worked on writing that language down. From there, they began translating the Scriptures into the language. How amazing to be used to bring God's Word to these people! Also on this video is a native who gives his salvation testimony. The Wilds are truly living the lives of missionaries.

Each video costs $18.99 and is good for the whole family. They captivated my family from the 2-year-old on up. I think these are a great teaching tool for children and a good starting point for further discussions. It's one thing to tell our kids that we support missionaries by sending money, but it makes it so much more real when they can see what that money is used for - furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you'd like to see how other families used Growing Up Wild, you can find more reviews on the School Review Crew blog.

* Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Compelling Them

Last night, our family loaded up on a bus with others members of our church and went out to invite the community to Friend Day on July 24. We'll have special music, preaching, and lunch afterwards. It's going be a big day, and we want everyone there.

The kids were ecstatic to take a trip on the big bus. Jake, of course, ran right to the very last seat in the back. The four of us followed and embarked on a very bumpy ride with smiles all around.

With Jake walking with us and the other two riding in the double stroller, we began going door-to-door, passing out tracts and inviting people to our church. The kids certainly enjoyed the outing. Jake even said, "Let's do this in the whole world!" I made the comment of possibly raising a missionary. He made me recant that statement about ten minutes later though when he got impatient standing at unanswered doors. "Hey, we're waiting on you!"  We might need a few lessons in the tactfulness department. 

But what he lacks in discretion,  he makes up for ingenuity. After a few more houses without no one to talk to (even a few where we could see people in the house), Jake said, "We should grapple up to the roof and slide down the chimney if they don't come."  He was just trying to obey Luke 14:23 "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." He was wanting to compel them, all right!

We did meet some very friendly people and even signed a family up to come on the 24th! What a great feeling it is to be used of God. It's also wonderful seeing your children wanting to be used of God as well. As we were walking back down the street and passed a couple who had already been invited, Jake said, "Why don't we give them one!" He wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity. I'm thankful for his 5-year-old servant's heart and for his willingness to "compel them."