I have been reading one book after another of the missionary series from YWAM. They are listed as ages 10-100, so I fit right in. Plus, the easy reading makes it great for reluctant readers (which my son is). The each focus on one missionary and his life before and during his service on the mission field. Plus, they often mention what is going on in the world at the same time. I am going to try to use this for studying world history. Currently I am reading about Taylor Hudson, a missionary to China. The book mentions and briefly describes the Opium War and the Taipain rebellion. I am going to have my son read this book and further research historical events that are mentioned. I am not worried if he doesn't learn about everything that has ever happened in all places in the world, because that is impossible. But, I think it is important to know what has happened in other parts of the world.
Wow cool! I didn't know the series existed. I was a YWAM missionary when I was 12. I spent a year living in TJ, Mexico working with other young people building houses. The best part was that my mom remained in PA. Truth is, she was crazy to send me to Mexico at 12 (for a year) without her, but it was also the best thing she ever did for me. Well, except for the whole bringing me into the world in the first place I think you have a great idea there. What a fabulous way to personalize history.
We love that series! Used it last year as part of our world geography. We've read Gladys Alward, Nate Saint, Cameron Townsend, Amy Carmichael, David Livingstone, and George Muller. DD10 was totally enthralled with the story of C. Townsend and is still soaking up everything about him.
Claraskids, those are all the ones we read, too! (OK, I don't think we did Cameron Townsend, and we've done a lady whose name I can't remember but she went to what my kids call the "armpit" of Africa!) We did Nate Saint before we saw the movie, "End of the Spear". Amy Carmichael was in a section of India where we currently support an Indian pastor. We talked about how, perhaps, Pastor Stephens is doing what he does today because of what Amy Carmichael did 100 years ago, and how our choices for the Lord DOES make a long-term difference in people's lives
Jackie, Yes, I am using the "Christian Heroes now and then" series. I think it has another bonus, it will show my son people choosing to live for Christ over everything else and that if God calls He will be faithful to help you get there. Another great thing (for anyone interested), they are inexpensive. I got some from a display table for 3 for $15. I think the list price is only $8.99. Plus, I think they sell them for less at http://www.christianbook.com/ .
Chronological listings A few years ago, I asked YWAM to create and post online chronological lists for their Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History series. They did it, and I think they've been updating them. It looks like the product page for each book and book set has the appropriate link, but if you don't buy through the YWAM site, you may not know that, so here are the links for them: Christian Heroes: Then & Now chronological listing Heroes of History
Oh, my!!! Thanks, Alegnacb! I didn't know this existed! Now all I need for them to do is add WHERE each person was located! I'll be sure to print this out and put it in my Book List notebook!
Try asking. You're welcome. They made the chronological lists at my request, so you should try asking them for what you want. When I made my request, I told them that chronological lists would be very helpful for many homeschoolers who teach history chronologically and that they'd probably be more likely to buy the YWAM books if such lists were available.
alegnacb, Wow, that is very helpful. I would eventually love to have them all. I want to be a missionary later on, and that is why I just devour these books. One thing, when I went to hear someone speak from YWAM and they had their table set up they had really good prices. But, they even told me that it was a suggested price. The way it sounded was that they were willing to give away a book to someone who couldn't afford it. I think they are an organization with their hearts in the right place.
