Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review, February 2012. (Just discovered!)
The Good News Must Go Out: Stories of God at Work in the Central African Republic is an inspirational, heart-gripping story that I can’t help but share with others. I was moved to tears many times as I came to know Margaret Nicholl Laird, an amazing hidden hero and missionary who took the gospel to the heart of Africa.
In 1922, Margaret was one of the first missionaries to take the gospel to central Africa. She did this with Baptist Mid-Missions, which was founded by William Haas. She is still known as one of the longest serving missionaries with Baptist Mid-Missions. Rebecca Davis has written The Good News Must Go Out based on Margaret’s personal reminiscences in They Called Me Mama.
From start to finish The Good News Must Go Out is a real page turner. It all starts with a young woman’s dream to become a missionary, but it never comes to pass due to certain life choices. Hope is not lost, though, as her dream is eventually rekindled and fulfilled through one of her daughters, (Margaret Nicholl Laird) an answer to a heartfelt prayer.
Follow Margaret’s journey to the Central African Republic, where there is never a dull moment. Though her surroundings are unfamiliar and her living conditions quite humble, she is determined to share the gospel with whomever God puts in her path–whether it be a goat boy, a wood and water boy, or even cannibals! See the amazing work God does, not only through Margaret, but also through the African people whose lives are changed forever because of the Gospel.
This 160-page book is written for children between the ages of 8 and 12. A “Thinking Further” section is included in the back, and at the end of each chapter, children are encouraged to turn there. For each chapter, there is a verse to read and several questions to ponder.
After I finished reading the book, I passed it on to my 10-year-old son who couldn’t wait to find out about some of the things I’d mentioned–cannibals, leopard men, a boy with bugs in his feet, and more. I knew my son would be curious about those things, but I especially wanted him to discover the incredible story of a person completely devoted to Christ and spreading His Word, no matter what the cost.
I also plan on passing it on to my 12-year-old son and reading it aloud to my 6-year-old daughter. After that, this is a book that won’t be sitting on the shelf! I will be sharing it with others because The Good News Must Go Out! For $8.99, I highly recommend sharing this book with your family and friends. You can order your copy at www.christianfocus.com.
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