God loves the nations, and His heart is clear when Jesus tells us we are to “go into all the world” and tell others about Jesus. But how? Here are some resources in the First Pres library that may help you embrace God’s mission in the world.

“Is the Commission Still Great?”by Steve Richardson

Is the Commission Still Great? dismantles the myths that obscure God’s beautiful plan to make disciples of all nations. Misperceptions discourage God’s people from joyfully participating with Him in reaching the world. Yet, deepening our understanding of the call to missions restores perspective and motivates us to participate in God’s grand design.

“The Insanity of God” by Nik Ripken

The Insanity of God tells a story—a remarkable and unique story to be sure, yet at heart a very human story—of the Ripkens’ own spiritual and emotional odyssey. The gripping, narrative account of a personal pilgrimage into some of the toughest places on earth, combined with sobering and insightful stories of the remarkable people of faith Nik and Ruth encountered on their journeys, will serve as a powerful course of revelation, growth, and challenge for anyone who wants to know whether God truly is enough.

“Peace Child” by Don Richardson

When missionaries Don and Carol Richardson searched for the key that would open the gospel to the Sawi, God moved in a stunning way. He revealed His true Peace Child–the ideal fulfillment of the Sawi’s own redemptive analogy. “Peace Child” chronicles the agony–and the triumph–of the Richardsons’ unforgettable sojourn among this people loved by God.

“Eternity in Their Hearts” by Don Richardson

Richardson gives fascinating, real-life examples of ways people groups have exhibited terms and concepts in their histories that have prepared them for the gospel. He explores the term he coined, “Redemptive Analogy” – that God has placed in every people concepts or traditions that can help them receive the Gospel.

“Searching for the Indigenous Church” by Gene Daniels

The central goal in missions is the establishment of strong, growing indigenous churches. Gene Daniels addresses that crucial subject in the pages of this remarkable book, taking us with him on a pilgrimage to Central Asia. The purpose of this pilgrimage is too important for us to allow our fellow pilgrims to stop at deceptive destinations. What if real, indigenous churches can be planted in new and difficult places?

“The Ralph Winter Story” by Harold Fickett

This short biography explores the life and impact of Rev. Dr. Ralph Winter, the founder of the US Center for World Mission (now Frontier Ventures), Frontier Fellowship, and other organizations. Dr. Winter is the missiologist that brought the term “Unreached People Group” to the mainstream of Christian mission when he addressed the 1974 Congress on World Evangelization called together by Billy Graham in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“How to be a World-Class Christian” by Paul Borthwick

All followers of Jesus are called to be a part of what God is doing in the world. But we can’t all be “go-ers” as cross-cultural missionaries. Building on the foundations of information, prayer, experience and investigation, How To Be A World-Class Christian shows the reader how to expand in understanding Scripture, increase in global praying and intensify cross cultural outreach―beginning right at home. Using practical tools and observations from everyday life, this book invites every reader to stretch his or her knowledge of the purposes of God in the world and then to take the steps necessary to start responding to the opportunities we face.

“Christian Mission: A Concise Global History” by Ed Smither

In this one-volume textbook, Edward Smither weaves together a comprehensive history of Christian mission, from the apostles to the modern church. In each era, he focuses on the people sent by God to the ends of the earth, while also describing the cultural context they encountered. Smither highlights the continuity and development across thousands of years of global mission.

“Kisses from Katie” and “Daring to Hope” by Katie David Majors

“Kisses from Katie” is a powerful memoir of one young woman’s passion for Jesus. It invites readers on a journey of radical love down the red dirt roads of Uganda. You’ll laugh and cry with Katie as she follows Jesus into the impossible and finds joy and beauty beneath the dust. Katie and her children delight in saying yes to the people God places in front of them and challenge readers to do the same, changing the world one person at a time.

“Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi

Providing an intimate view into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil that will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in two of the world’s greatest religions and the quest for truth. This book offers an incredible introduction to Islam as the reader journeys with Qureshi – a journey that leads to the ultimate truth of Jesus.

“Muslims, Christians and Jesus” by Carl Medearis

Carl Medearis provides new insights into the top questions people have about Muslims and Islam. With practical information and fascinating stories, he shares culturally sensitive ways for Christians to get to know Muslims on a personal level. Medearis shows how common ground is the best foundation for hearts turning to Jesus rather than focusing initially on the differences between Islam and Christianity.