On the Missionary Trail: A Journey Through Polynesia, Asia, and Africa with the London Missionary Society

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 384 pages
• Published by: Grove Press November 4, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0802138381
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0802138385
• Book Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Weighs: 1 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
In 1821, at the dawning of the Industrial Revolution, the London Missionary Society picked two hardy evangelical Christians to spread the gospel to the unfortunate, unsaved souls of the world. Of course, there were substantial obstacles to overcome. The men, Daniel Tyerman (who found God after a vision saved his life) and George Bennet (a "quiet and intellectual believer"), faced distrust and hostility, not only from the people they were trying to convert but also from their countrymen, colonialists who feared the Christians would get in the way of their capitalist interests. Setting sail from Tahiti to Hawaii, the missionaries faced a huge task . As one missionary said, in 1794, "the world's population was around 730 million only 174 of them were Christian." Hiney's detailed history follows Tyerman and Bennet through their seven-year journey from Polynesia to Africa. It is filled with anecdotes about the flora, fauna and people of great civilizations: India, China, Africa and Madagascar. Hiney (Raymond Chandler) nicely balances his own words with those of the two missionaries, who speak through their letters and journals. Refuting the popular idea that European missionaries spoiled the lands they sought to "save," Hiney writes, "For the effects of any impression to last longer than a single generation, the message has to strike a chord with the audience." As he notes, except for India, all the countries the missionaries visited in those early years now boast large, self-supporting Christian communities.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
In 1821, the 25-year-old London Missionary Society was experiencing difficulties monitoring its missionaries posted across the world. The directors, therefore, sent philanthropist George Bennet and Congregationalist minister Daniel Tyerman to visit the missions "for the purpose of cheering the hearts and strengthening the hands of the Missionaries to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the Missions; and to suggest and, if possible, carry into effect such plans as shall appear to be requisite for the furtherance of the gospel." Journalist Hiney (Raymond Chandler) recounts in vivid detail Bennet and Tyerman's mission to the missionaries, which included a genteel tea and a prayer meeting with converted Polynesians, a narrow escape from being killed and eaten by hostile Maoris, and the threat of cholera in India. In 1829, after traveling 80,000 miles by sea and 10,000 miles on land, Bennet returned to England. Tyerman died in Madagascar. Hiney's fascinating chronicle offers both insight into early 19th-century missionary activity and a thoughtful overview of a world on the brink of enormous change. Highly recommended for all public libraries.DRobert C. Jones, formerly with Central Missouri State Univ., Warrensburg
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: On the Missionary Trail: A Journey Through Polynesia, Asia, and Africa With the London Missionary Society (Hardcover) Picked up this book fairly randomly and found myself glued to it! A story in magnitude to Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" - where Lewis & Clark explored the newly discovered US, these two explorers mapped the new evangelical movement of Christianity. Their journey spanned the entire globe, making the travel log incredible and interesting, even for those not keen on religious history. The book includes fascinating descriptions of foreign lands; intriguing accounts of cannibalism, infanticide, drug addiction; and a portrayal of amazing spiritual courage in the attempt to complete this journey. I was also surprised by the honest portrayal of the inescapably political setting. I detected no agenda on the part of the author (either for against missionaries). In the end, some of the missionaries embodied the values of charity and giving, while others committed horrible acts. Both are portrayed in very human terms, so you can almost imagine being there. A great read and an incredible, if not important part of our history.