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Publication Date: October 27, 2026
God Doing the Extraordinary Through Ordinary Men and Women
What does it look like to follow God to the nations? In a world where the call to missions can feel distant or reserved for a select few, To the Nations presents true stories of ordinary believers demonstrating extraordinary faith in some of the most challenging places on earth.
These stories—told by contemporary missionaries from their fields of service—tell of adventure, challenge, sacrifice, and victory in taking the gospel to the nations. Each story is paired with a meaningful Scripture passage, making this book an ideal daily devotional for families and church groups.
Inside, you will find:
- Miraculous protection in moments of danger, from wild animals to armed threats in hostile regions
- Unexpected provision in times of need, showing God’s care in everyday and extreme circumstances
- God’s presence in loneliness, suffering, and cross-cultural challenges These stories will inspire children, youth, and adults to dream of a life of purpose and significance, hearing from those who have answered the call.
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While every believer is called to mission, there are those extraordinary few who have left the comfort of home to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. I love that this book provides a front-row seat to their stories: raw, real, and full of God’s fingerprints. Page by page, I found my own faith stretched and my own calling sharpened. I believe you will read these stories and be reminded that the same God who moved in their lives is still moving in yours.
— Brian Mosley, President, RightNow Media -
A missionary who has served for thirty-two years in Southeast Asia was recently asked, “Why do you think so few American Christians are willing to go overseas as missionaries?” He replied without hesitation, “Fundamentally, I don’t think they trust God.” In the pages that follow, you will meet missionaries from around the world whose lives tell a different story. They bear witness to a deep and steady trust in the God who called them. They have trusted him through emotional strain, in raising their children far from home, in seasons of financial uncertainty, and in moments when they needed his protection most. Read their stories carefully. Let their testimony strengthen your own faith—and discover afresh that God is indeed worthy of our trust.
— Richard G. Lewis, MissLewis Cross Cultural Training, Inc. -
This remarkable devotional provides a powerful glimpse into how God is actively at work in the lives of missionaries around the world. In an age when many shape their aspirations through the stories of others, this book beautifully conveys the profound fulfillment and joy that await those who respond to God’s call. Through these timely, real-life accounts, readers encounter the extraordinary ways God is using ordinary people who have courageously said yes to spreading the gospel.
— Julie Gordon, President, Children’s Medical Ministries Vice President, Beeline Wheelchairs International -
When David shared his idea for this book, I was so excited. As I work with God’s servants all around the world, daily I hear of the struggles and heartaches they face ministering cross-culturally. Usually, when one knows they are not the only one going through these hardships and hears how God made a way and brought others through similar circumstances, their heart can find comfort knowing God is always with them. Well, that is what this devotional book will do. It will confirm God is with those who serve him no matter where they are in the world. We can serve him with confidence knowing that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
— Jon Konnerup, D.D., (honorary)Mission Director, Baptist Bible Fellowship International -
This book should be part of every family’s devotional plan. The stories allow us to peer into the real lives of God's chosen laborers in various fields of the world. More than anything, it allows us to see the magnificence, sufficiency, and sovereignty of the God who calls ordinary people to do "greater things.”
— Bill Gibbs, Global Mission Pastor, Abundant Life Church -
When I was a child, missionaries were among my heroes. They were frequent guests not only in our church but also in our home. Around our dinner table I listened to stories of God’s work in places I could scarcely imagine. Those missionaries helped shape my understanding of faith, obedience, and God’s heart for the nations.The stories in this collection remind us that God continues to call ordinary people to extraordinary service. Through challenges, sacrifices, and moments of unexpected grace, these missionaries bear witness to God’s faithfulness across cultures and generations. My prayer is that these accounts will encourage readers to trust God more fully and follow God more boldly. I especially hope they will inspire young people to consider how God might use their gifts, passions, and lives in the Kingdom mission to reach the nations with the love of Christ.
— Lora Hobbs, MA, MEd, Senior Instructor, Department of Religious Studies, Missouri State University
Introduction
Part 1: Stories of God’s Protection
1. When I Heard the Lion Roar
2. Faith Beyond Fear
3. Bullets Whizzing Around Us!
4. Warthogs and Elephants
5. The Desert Mermaid, Part 1
6. The Desert Mermaid, Part 2
7. No Good Snakes
8. Knives, Close Calls, and an Imam
9. A Miracle Resurrection, or Not?
10. Saved Alive for a Reason
11. The Threat Folder
Part 2: Stories of God’s Provision
12. And Then It Happened!
13. A Blessed, Muddy Mess, Part 1
14. A Blessed, Muddy Mess, Part 2
15. A Blessed, Muddy Mess, Part 3
16. A Stroll in the Hills
17. It Was Thursday, the Twentieth of May
18. God Will Provide
19. To Help, or Not to Help, That Is the Question
20. A Way Where There Is No Way
21. Asking God for Opportunities
22. Stones of Remembrance
23. Anandangoro, Part 1
24. Anandangoro, Part 2
Part 3: Stories of God’s Presence
25. Obedient Heart of Stone
26. The Past Six Days
27. I Lost My Name
28. God’s Time Is Better
29. Rope Holders Needed
30. Not Promised Protection, But Always Promised Presence
31. When You Lose Control
32. New City, New Language, Sick Husband, and Rain
33. They Call Me “Moto”
34. The Last Boat
35. The Secret of Perseverance
36. Changing My Clothes
37. Car Is Where?
Part 4: Stories of God’s Providence
38. Itigi
39. Twins Are Born!
40. If You Had Not Come
41. God’s Unexpected Harvest
42. Prayer Walking Leads to Sowing
43. From “Condemned” to “New Creation”
44. Go and Do Likewise!
45. Tim’s Treasure
46. Always Say Yes to Tea
47. It All Started with a Plate of Rice and Beans
48. A Night in Jail with My Teammate
49. Mustapha’s Dreams
50. The Door to Abundant Life
51. Old Man on the Bus
Part 5: Stories of God’s Power
52. From Nightmares to Peaceful Sleep
53. From Gogo Guard to Servant of God
54. Fear Is a Liar
55. Not My Words
56. Did He Really Say That?
57. Deliverance From Evil Spirits
58. Forgiveness: The Freedom of Releasing, Part 1
59. Forgiveness: The Freedom of Releasing, Part 2
60. Fearless Faith in Hostile Territory
61. Mountain Adventures, Brothers, and Bold Faith
62. An Unexpected Crowd
63. Florence, Part 1
64. Florence, Part 2
65. Greater Is He That Is in Us!
66. A Cultic High Priest Finds a New Home
67. When Death Brought Life
Part 6: What About You?
68. No Miraculous Call to the Mission Field
69. He Is Worthy!
70. The Final Story
Editor
- David J. Smith
- Pages: 216
- Publisher:
William Carey Publishing
William Carey Publishing
- Binding: Paperback
- Publish Year: 2026
- Vendor: William Carey Publishing
