BOOK SALE: Clothed with Strength

A significant proportion of missionaries are single women. Singleness can present many challenges on the mission field, but it can also present unique ministry opportunities. This is particularly the case in the Arab world, where there are strong expectations around gender roles and where social status is often tied up in marital status and having children.

In Clothed with Strength, Christine Ford McLaren examines the lives of fourteen inspirational women who have served in the Arab world, both historically and in the present.

On giants’ shoulders

The bulk of the book focuses on telling the stories of six single women who were missionaries in the Middle East in the 20th Century, beginning with their first encounters with the Arab world and how they gained a heart for the region, and going on to describe their incredible ministries and their reflections on serving as single women. The book is full of exciting stories from their various ministries: teaching the children of Arab royalty, sheltering from bullets in a civil war, serving in refugee camps, leper colonies, hospitals, and more.

“I’ve been fortunate in having a full and interesting life and I’ve met some exciting people… I once had lunch with the emperor of Ethiopia, I’ve curtsied to the Queen at Buckingham Palace and visited one of the emirs in Kuwait… Yet every morning, I have the priceless privilege of going into the presence of the King of Kings.” – Hazel StJohn

The ministry continues

The final section of the book looks at how God is at work in the Arab world through single women today, by examining the lives and ministries of eight missionaries serving in a variety of contexts. You’ll read about how God called them to the Arab world and how they are serving now. You’ll also hear their honest reflections on the challenges and joys of serving as single woman: seeking God in the midst of loneliness and harassment, but also finding freedom and flexibility, and discovering unique opportunities to minister to others. The book ends with them sharing advice for other single women who are exploring a sense of calling to cross-cultural mission today.

Order a copy

We would recommend Clothed With Strength to anyone wanting to be inspired and challenged by stories of how God is at work in the Arab world, and to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the realities of single life on the mission field. We would particularly recommend it to anyone who supports a single missionary or who is considering becoming one.

Paperback copies of Clothed With Strength can be purchased from AWM-Pioneers for £8, not including postage. To order a copy, email our Prayer Coordinator Maria on mariaw@awm-pioneers.org

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