In the Arena

Most missionary biographies or autobiographies tell fantastic stories; this is true of this book by Isobel Kuhn. However, Isobel takes it a step further by revealing the depths of her spiritual struggles in determining what God would have her do in certain situations. From them she supplies lessons for her readers. She also shows her resolve in pursuing what she believes is God's way even if her mission leaders disagree. This a story of God's work through Isobel Kuhn. The warfare is not only spiritual it is sometimes physical as when Japan invaded China in 1937. Satan doesn't give up territory easily and spiritual battles abound in this stirring book. It ends with Isobel Kuhn's final victory, her death from cancer.

Although this book was written almost 50 years ago, the wisdom is timeless. Isobel Kuhn writes about her most difficult and challenging experiences, and the lessons learned as a missionary in rural China. She saw every challenge, and difficult situation as an opportunity to grow, to understand how God was working in the most difficult circumstances. She is very honest about her struggles, but at the same time joyful and victorious.

Ed, why you tell people to do that? If you read the stories about Joseph or Jacob in the Old Testament or even Abraham. God always work on you to transform your peron. Because that's what God wants. God wants you to be His son. (Rom 8:29) So I fully agree what the previous viewer said. It happens to all christian. She is a missionary, but she is also a christian.

The book has struck me to not only a beautiful narrative of how the author started her mission journey, her struggles, sucess and her return, but it has also challenged me to think about God's mighty work in a person. We are merely vessels used by Him in partnership for His glorious plan. A book to read if one wants another perspective of missions.

I suspect the reviewer above is not only non christian, but perhaps anti-christian. The book was autobiographical and about the trials of faith that Isobel Kuhn went through to become a missionary in China, despite the objections of her parents. It is very inspiring. In the arena does *NOT* refer to someone dying in an arena. Rather it refers to a passage in the bible where our lives are likened to a stage, where all of our actions are on display for an audience of angels and men. Take my word for it, it is very inspirational! Especially if you are considering doing any kind of missions work.