All That You Can't Leave Behind: A Rookie Missionary's Life in Africa

By Ryan J. Murphy

Do all missionaries live in grass huts, wear taped glasses, have 13 children, and stutter? My, my, my. You really need to pick up this book. Through personal stories, cultural insights, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0979539412
• ISBN13: 9780979539411
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Fathers Pr Llc
• Length: 181 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Cross Cultural Encouragement

My husband and I have been volunteering an American missionary school last two months. It has been an interesting adjustment to the culture. We have gone through all sorts of emotions, but the most disturbing emotions have been ones of discouragement and questioning God's hand in bringing us here. Living here has been tough. Praise God that Ryan Murphy's book "ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND" was given to us to read. Not only is it a delightful and entertaining book, but God used the book to show us that our feelings were not unusual. We could relate to Heather and Ryan's first year missionary life and laughed as we realized how similar our experiences were. I am encouraged to know that my emotions are to be expected and that they are not signs that I shouldn't be here, but rather part of the process of entering missionary life. I have been able to see through the Murphys' experiences that we too will survive and grow to love this place. This book helps one take a deep breath and realize that these feelings are okay. To realize that the struggle will not last forever but that it is part of God's plan is liberating. Praise God for this encouragement! I think anyone who is considering a cross cultural experience should read this book. It is an easy read and will help those coming to the field to understand the "fitting into the new culture" process. I think it is a must read.

God's perfect timing

God's timing is always perfect. I started reading this book and within a day or two I was faced with tons of bad news all at once. My niece has a brain tumor. My other niece has mono and her situation is pretty serious. My wife has to have sinus surgery in America, while I am here in Indonesia alone doing my small part in fulfilling God's calling on our lives. All of this right after moving to a new town and stepping out of our comfort zone all over again. As I read this book I realized that I'm not the only one going through this. Ryan and Heather also dealt with the same issues as I am. They were also dealing with issues from the same perspective that I am, and seeing how God brought them through it really is helping me. I was so into this book that I actually cried when I read about Colin's death. Thank you Ryan for writing this book!!! Maybe you wrote it just for me.

Satisfied Customer

Took a while to arrive here in the UK. Both my wife and I enjoyed reading the book.

Informative, Entertaining, Personal....A HUGE HIT!!!

For all readers of all ages, this book of anecdotes that sheds intimate light into the lives of 20-somethings and their family during their first year of missionary-life should be read by all humans who believe in the love of God and the call that he has for us. People of all ages can take something away from the trials and tribulations of this cool, dedicated, and not-to-mention AMAZING author, Ryan J. Murphy. Even if you have no interest in missions or becoming a missionary, the life lessons and thought-provoking statements are valuable and worthwhile and will enhance your life. Enjoy this book...you won't be able to put it down!

First year on the missionary field

We have worked with the author and his family for the last 2 1/2 years at RVA. Ryan has done an excellent job at communicating the ups and downs to what we shared as our first year on the mission field. He includes meaningful stories, accurate information, and great thoughts on what it means to be a missionary. This is a great book for missionaries as well as supporters and friends. It helps you see what it is like to live and work in a different culture, the challenges and the joys. It is an easy read. Good job Ryan! Thanks for sharing this story with us so we can share it with others!