History of Missions - Exodus Books

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Christ charged His Church with two things: to disciple believers, and to spread the Gospel to every corner of the globe. The two go hand-in-hand, though we sometimes tend to compartmentalize them. Ultimately, even evangelism is a type of discipleship—it's just the most foundational stage in a process that never ends once it's begun.

The story of those who've taken Christ's message to every tribe and nation is often more exciting than any invented adventure novel. Christians have been driven by their burden to share God's Word to explore continents, challenge ungodly governments, smuggle Bibles, enter Communist countries in disguise, and die so that others could hear of God's redemption.

Missions began when Jesus first sent His disciples in pairs to preach throughout Israel. The Great Commission codified the importance of missionary work, and the Church has rightly practiced it ever since. It's important for Christian parents to tell these stories to their children, both to help them understand the importance of missionaries' work, and to offer examples of godliness and perseverance to the young saints.

Even though the human elements of these stories are usually fascinating, the emphasis ought to be on God's glory and the way He brings good out of even the most dire and hopeless circumstances. This is the greatest source of hope for the Christian: that, even when our own power fails, His is constant and will accomplish what He has determined regardless of our ability.

We offer surveys of the history of missions, as well as specific stories and biographies of well-known, lesser-known and unknown servants of Jesus Christ who have worked faithfully in His name. Whether you've been called to the mission field or devote yourself to prayer and support (all of God's people are missionaries), these are stories that can't be ignored by any who profess the name of Jesus.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

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Parent Categories

History of Missions

History of Missions

Subcategories

Christian Heroes: Then and Now

- Heroes for Young Readers

International Adventures

Missionaries, Evangelists & Pastors

86 Items found Print

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4th grade (Ages 9-10),

In-Stock Books & Materials

	Adoniram Judson Bound for Burma Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Adoniram Judson God's Man in Burma by Sharon Hambrick from Bob Jones University Press for 1st-4th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $4.80 (1 in stock)
	Albert Schweitzer by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Billy Graham The Great Evangelist Heroes of the Faith by Sam Wellman from Barbour Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $2.00 (1 in stock)
	Bobby’s Friends by Phia van den Berg from Inheritance Publications for 4th-7th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $8.46 $5.20 (1 in stock)
	Book of Missionary Heroes by Basil Mathews from Living Book Press for 3rd-6th grade in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $10.19
	Brother Andrew God's Secret Agent Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	C. T. Studd No Retreat Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	California Missions Activity Book by Arlan Dean and Kay Ward 1^st edition from Rosen School Supply for 4th grade in California (Location: HISA-19CGR) $4.80 (1 in stock)
	Cameron Townsend Good News in Every Language Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Charles Mulli by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Chimney Sweep's Ransom John Wesley by Dave & Neta Jackson from Bethany House for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	Chimney Sweep's Ransom John Wesley by Dave & Neta Jackson from Castle Rock Creative for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $9.99
	Clarence Jones Mr. Radio Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Corrie Ten Boom Keeper of the Angels' Den Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Corrie Ten Boom: Shining in the Darkness Heroes for Young Readers by Renee Meloche from YWAM Publishing Biography for 2nd-4th grade in Heroes for Young Readers (Location: BIO-HERO) $3.60 (1 in stock)
	Count Zinzendorf Firstfruit Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Cup of Cold Water The Compassion of Nurse Edith Clavel Chosen Daughters by Christine Farenhorst from P&R Publishing for 4th-6th grades in Biographies (Location: BIO) $16.99
	D. L. Moody Bringing Souls to Christ Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	D. L. Moody: God's Salesman by Sandy Dengler from Moody Press for 3rd-6th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $2.80 (1 in stock)
	David Bussau Facing the World Head On Christian Heroes: Then and Now by Janet & Geoff Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Do the Next Thing Elisabeth Elliot Trailblazers by Selah Helms from Christian Focus Publications for 4th-6th grade in TorchBearers & TrailBlazers (Location: BIO-TRAIL) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	Eric Liddell Something Greater Than Gold Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Father to Nobody's Children The Life of Thomas J. Barnardo by David E. Fessenden from CLC Publications for 4th-7th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $2.40 (2 in stock)
	Florence Young Mission Accomplished Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	For God and Country by John Riddle from Barbour Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Biography Anthologies (Location: BIO-ANTH) $2.00 (1 in stock)
	Francis Asbury Circuit Rider by Geoff Benge, Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biographies for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19 $4.80 (1 in stock)
	Frederick Douglass Abolitionist and Reformer Heroes of the Faith by Rachael Phillips from Barbour Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $2.00 (1 in stock)
	George Muller The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Gladys Aylward The Adventure of a Lifetime Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19 $4.80 (3 in stock)
	God Spoke Tibetan The Epic Story of the Men Who Gave the Bible to Tibet, the Forbidden Land by Allan Maberly from Evangelical Bible Translators for 4th-7th grade in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $7.00 (1 in stock)
	God's Troubadour The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi by Sophie Jewett from Yesterday's Classics for 2nd-5th grade in Clearance: Biographies (Location: ZCLE-BIO) $6.97
	Hallelujah Lass A Story Based on the Life of Salvation Army Pioneer Eliza Shirley Daughters of the Faith by Wendy G. Lawton New Edition from Moody Press for 3rd-6th grade in Daughters of the Faith (Location: SER-DAU) $7.64
	Heart Strangely Warmed by Louise A. Vernon from Herald Press for 4th-8th grade in Historical Fiction (Location: FIC-HIF) $9.99
	Hero Tales Volume I A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes by Dave & Neta Jackson from Bethany House Biography for 3rd-6th grade in Biography Anthologies (Location: BIO-ANTH) $14.44 $7.20 (2 in stock)
	Hero Tales Volume I A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes by Dave & Neta Jackson from Bethany House Biography Anthologies for 3rd-6th grade in Biography Anthologies (Location: BIO-ANTH) $10.00 (1 in stock)
	Hiding Place - A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom, adapted by Mario DeMatteo, illustrated by Ismael Castro from Chosen Books for 3rd-6th grade in Comic Books & Graphic Novels (Location: FIC-COMIC) $21.24
	Hudson Taylor Deep in the Heart of China Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Ida Scudder Healing Bodies, Touching Hearts Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Jacob DeShazer Forgive Your Enemies Christian Heroes: Then and Now by Geoff Benge, Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	John Flynn Into the Never Never by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	John Knox Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr from Reformation Heritage Books for 3rd-6th grade in Church History for Kids (Location: XCH-KID) $15.30 $8.00 (1 in stock)
	John Newton Change of Heart by Janet & Geoff Benge from YWAM Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	John Wesley The World His Parish Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	John Wesley The Great Methodist Heroes of the Faith by Sam Wellman from Barbour Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $2.00 (1 in stock)
	John Williams Messenger of Peace Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Jonathan Goforth An Open Door in China by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Junipero Serra Explorer and Missionary Fact Finders by Tyler Schumacher from Capstone Press for 2nd-4th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $6.40 (1 in stock)
	Kidnapped by River Rats William & Catherine Booth by Dave & Neta Jackson from Bethany House for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $4.00 (2 in stock)
	Kidnapped by River Rats William & Catherine Booth by Dave & Neta Jackson from Castle Rock Creative for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $9.99
	Klaus-Dieter John Hope in the Land of the Incas Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Lights in a Dark Place True Stories of God at Work in Colombia Hidden Heroes #5 by Rebecca Davis from Christian Focus Publications for 3rd-8th grade in Morality Tales (Location: FIC-WH05) $4.80 (2 in stock)
	Lights in the Northwest Stories from Two Centuries of Pacific Northwest Christians by Richard M. Hannula from Sound Summit Books Biographies for 4th-8th grade in Pacific States (Location: HISV-PNW) $19.95
	Lights in the Northwest - Teacher's Supplement CD-ROM Stories from Two Centuries of Pacific Northwest Christians by Richard M. Hannula from Sound Summit Books Biographies for 4th-8th grade in Pacific States (Location: HISV-PNW) $15.95
	Lillian Trasher The Greatest Wonder in Egypt Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Listen for the Whippoorwill Harriet Tubman Trailblazer Books by Dave & Neta Jackson from Castle Rock Creative for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $9.99
	Living Water in the Desert True Stories of God at work in Iran Hidden Heroes #6 by Rebecca Davis from Christian Focus Publications for 3rd-8th grade in Morality Tales (Location: FIC-WH05) $4.80 (1 in stock)
	Loren Cunningham Into All the World Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Mary Slessor Forward into Calabar Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Mask of the Wolf Boy Jonathan & Rosalind Goforth Trailblazer Books by Dave & Neta Jackson from Castle Rock Creative for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $9.99
	Mildred Cable Through the Jade Gate by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Moro Sheeba by Beatrice Tannehill King from Moody Press for 3rd-6th grade in Vintage History & Biographies (Location: VIN-HIS) $8.00 (1 in stock)
	Nate Saint On a Wing and a Prayer Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Norman Grubb Mission Builder by Janet & Geoff Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Question of Yams A missionary story based on true events by Gloria Repp 2^nd edition from Bob Jones University Press Realistic Fiction for 2nd-4th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $7.64 $3.60 (1 in stock)
	Rachel Saint A Star in the Jungle Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Richard Wurmbrand Love Your Enemies by Janet and Geoff Benge from YWAM Publishing for 4th-8th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Roundup of the Street Rovers by Dave Jackson, Neta Jackson from Castle Rock Creative for 3rd-7th grade in Trailblazer Books (Location: SER-TRAIL) $9.99
	Rowland Bingham Into Africa's Interior Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19 $4.80 (1 in stock)
	Samuel Zwemer by Geoff Benge from YWAM Publishing for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Story of David Livingstone by Vautier Golding from Yesterday's Classics for 3rd-6th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $10.16
	Story of George Washington Carver by Eva Moore 2024 edition from Notgrass Company for 4th-6th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $5.09
	Sundar Singh Footprints Over the Mountains Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	Tales of Persia Missionary Stories from Islamic Iran by William Miller from P&R Publishing Biography for 4th-8th grade in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $13.99 $7.00 (3 in stock)
	Ten Boys Who Didn't Give In by Irene Howat from Christian Focus Publications Biography Collection for 3rd-7th grade in Light Keepers (Location: BIO-LIGHT) $4.40 (1 in stock)
	Ten Boys Who Made a Difference by Irene Howat from Christian Focus Publications Biography Collection for 3rd-7th grade in Light Keepers (Location: BIO-LIGHT) $4.40 (1 in stock)
	Ten Girls Who Changed the World by Irene Howat from Christian Focus Publications Biography Collection for 4th-7th grade in Light Keepers (Location: BIO-LIGHT) $4.40 (1 in stock)
	Ten Girls Who Didn't Give In by Irene Howat from Christian Focus Publications Biography Collection for 3rd-7th grade in Light Keepers (Location: BIO-LIGHT) $4.40 (1 in stock)
	Teresa of Calcutta Serving the poorest of the poor Sowers Series by D. Jeanene Watson, illustrated by Robert E. Lawson from Mott Media Biography for 4th-6th grade in Sowers Biographies (Location: BIO-SOW) $4.00 (2 in stock)
	Teresa of Calcutta Serving the poorest of the poor Sowers Series by D. Jeanene Watson, illustrated by Robert E. Lawson from Mott Media Biography for 4th-6th grade in Sowers Biographies (Location: BIO-SOW) $4.80 (1 in stock)
	They Shall Be Mine by John Tallach from Banner of Truth Trust for 3rd-6th grade in Church History Overviews (Location: XCH-OVE) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	William Booth Soup, Soap, and Salvation Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	William Bradford, Pilgrim Boy by Bradford Smith from Beautiful Feet Books Biography for 3rd-5th grade in Biographies (Location: BIO) $9.31 $4.80 (1 in stock)
	William Carey Obliged to Go Christian Heroes: Then & Now by Geoff & Janet Benge from YWAM Publishing Biography for 4th-7th grade in Christian Heroes: Then and Now (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19 $4.80 (1 in stock)
	William Penn Liberty and Justice for All Heroes of History by Geoff & Janet Benge from Emerald Books Biography for 4th-7th grade in Heroes of History (Location: BIO-BENGE) $10.19
	World of William Penn by Genevieve Foster from Beautiful Feet Books in Colonial America (1690-1765) (Location: HISA-17COL) $14.95

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