Hey gang,
I was telling Acheick about A book I read long ago titled "Eternity in their Hearts." She suggested I write a summary and post it on the board. Since it has been nearly 20 years since I read it, I didn't feel I could do the book justice. As an alternative, I searched for and found some reader reviews for "Eternity in Their Hearts."
I had remembered the incredible story of missionary Bruce Olson that is detailed in this book, but this book offers so much more. After reading the reviews below, I want to find a recording of it so I can read it again.
I have also included some reader reviews for "Bruchko" a book written by Bruce Olson, about his life-long work with the Motilone tribe of South America.
Eternity in Their Hearts
by Authors: Don, Richardson
Released: May, 1984
ISBN: 0830709258
Paperback
Eternity in Their Hearts > Customer Review #1:
A Staggering Idea
Who were the Magi who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus, and how did they know that a Messiah was coming? Who was Melchizedek, the contemporary of Abraham
who was a priest of the one high God? Who was the Greek prophets who Paul recognized as having spoken Gods words to the Greek people? How did a King in South America before the coming of the Europeans recognize that there was only one true God? For the answers to these and many other questions about people
who knew about God before they were ever visited by Christian missionaries or had contact with the people of Israel, read "Eternity in Their Hearts". It
is a truly great book. The thesis of the book is simple-- God is the One God of all the earth. He has made himself known to all people in some fashion.
He has prepared the way for the message of Christ. When Paul approached an altar to The Unknown God in Athens, he declared that God to be the one true God. Who had built the altar, and what did the builder know? There is now a novel that works with a premise similar to that of "Eternity in Their Hearts".
Its about a pagan spiritist who recognizes that there is design in the Universe so he sets out to find the purpose of all things and finds God in the process.
The novel is titled "Castle of Wisdom," and it is by an author named Rhett Ellis. Its a great read too.
Eternity in Their Hearts > Customer Review #2:
Seminal ideas
This book is a must-read for every Christian who has a burden for missions. The approach is the one most likely to succeed in opening hearts to the Gospel,
to the extent that a human being has any influence over such a task. The basic premise is that God, in His mercy, has permitted every culture in the world to retain a portion of the truth. If the missionary goes into the region searching the culture for its grains of truth, and then affirms that these ideas ARE true, and then presents the Gospel as the REST of the truth, he will be received. The book is heavily documented with specific examples. It will hearten
anyone who agonizes over the question of Gods justice in regard to people who have never heard the Gospel, and demolish the idea that God is unjust for condemning people to eternal hellfire because of their ignorance.
Eternity in Their Hearts > Customer Review #3:
Thoughtful and well argued
Former Papua New Guinea missionary Don Richardson believes that as God has prepared the gospel for all peoples, so he has prepared all peoples for the gospel.
This book examines the examples Richardson has found around the globe of people whose cultural background had prepared them to openly receive the gospel,
and suggests that all people have a sense of Gods existence. The title of the book comes from Ecclesiastes 3:11 which suggests the same thing, that God has placed eternity in peoples hearts, so that they will seek Him. While I accept some of Richardsons conclusions with a grain of salt, I think he has
done a fine job of researching the matter and providing a catalyst for discussion of this intriguing proposition.
Bruchko
by Author: Bruce Olson
Released: April, 1989
ISBN: 0884191338
Paperback
Bruchko > Customer Review #1:
Bruchko is da bomb!
As I read the book, I kept on checking the back flap to see if this guy is for real. Bruchko is real, as is the awesome power and love of Jesus Christ.
Bruce Olsens life reminds me how God uses his weakest people to do his mightiest works. People like me! Other missionary biographies I would suggest are
"Peacechild" by D.Richardson, "Through the Gates of Splendor" by E.Eliot, "Living Faith" by H.Rosavere, and "Gods Joyful Runner" by R.Ramsey (the true
story of Eric Liddell, the Olympic hero portrayed in Chariots of Fire who later served as a missionary in China).
Bruchko > Customer Review #2:
An Incredible Lesson in Learning to Trust and Serve God
I couldnt put this book down; finished it in one night. The most amazing part is that its TRUE! The man who this story is about is still alive and still
an example to the rest of us of what a true, servant of God can accomplish when he takes his own wishes out of the picture and follows the voice of our
wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. My faith is stronger having read this book, perhaps yours will be too. God bless you as you seek the God of the Universe who
Bruce Olson serves; three in one, God the Father, Jesus Christ the son and the Holy Spirit the Comforter.
Bruchko > Customer Review #3:
FIVE STARS-Quite possibly the best book I have ever read!!!
If you are looking for a book which will captivate you from cover to cover, look no further. Bruchko is the true-life story of Bruce Olson and his life
among the Motilone tribe of South America. You will experience God at work in the life of a young man who sets out armed with nothing more than his faith
and a clear sense of calling. You will walk with Bruce from mountaintop elation to the the valley of the shadow of death. You will watch a young man leave behind everything familiar to search for and find his lifes call.