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Wherever the River Runs: How a Forgotten People Renewed My Hope in the Gospel by Kelly Minter
beyondevak's review against another edition
4.0
Wherever the River Runs was such a beautifully written book. Kelly's words were honest and real. I loved how she was able to capture the essence of Isaiah 61:1. As I read her words, I couldn't help but feel that sense of epiphany that she must have felt. I couldn't help but appreciate her soul's awakening to the things that really matter in life. Her experiences, her challenges, her touching moments of realization, they were life changing in a profound way. This book was all about grace, glory, and growth. I needed to read it.
A complimentary copy of this title was made available for review by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own.
A complimentary copy of this title was made available for review by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own.
erinashley425's review against another edition
5.0
I felt a lot like Kelly Minter when I returned home from a service learning trip to Peru last summer. Unlike her, it was difficult for me to put into words what I was thinking and feeling. It probably would have benefited me to journal a bit more about my experiences there. (NOT a spoiler!) I loved the last few pages of a book that relates to a lot of our lives in America as being in a glass bowl. I liked the parts she chronicled, but equally as much, I appreciated her reflections and inner dialogues on her experiences and feelings. Truly poignant.
kaylamichelledean1234's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
ioanaisreading's review against another edition
5.0
Wherever the River Runs is the recounting of Kelly Minter's travels to the Amazon Jungle. The idea of going to Amazon was first planted in her mind by John Paculabo, the founder of Ray of Hope and Managing Director at Kingsway Distribution. The book is a memoir telling about the travels of the author to the Amazon. She went to Brazil seven times, each trip adding a new perspective to the work she is to do for the poor abroad and in her community. It's a great lesson and reminder for the reader as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I personally enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was a bit different. I don't recall having read (or not that many) memoirs of people who were missionaries, so this one was a fairly new reading experience for me. I am sure the writer wouldn't call herself "missionary" in the traditional sense of the word, but she kind of was. For several years, she and a group of people spent a week in the Brazilian jungle, on the Amazon river, helping and ministering to the beautiful, Portuguese-speaking people living along the river.
This book, beyond the easily read style, yet very engaging, was eye-opening for me. I kept highlighting a lot. Everything she said rang so true and it hit close to home. Basically, it was her telling the reader how the ministry of Ray of Hope helps those less fortunate. The stories and the people she tells about give a new perspective on how Christianity is more than a nicely boxed theology, how Christ-following means living it daily, not just talking about it. What I would have loved was probably a bit more about the specific work that goes on when the team is not visiting the country, and how the things are kept working smoothly. This was probably left out because the behind the scenes mechanism is usually not that entertaining. For those interested in helping the ministry, Justice and Ministry Amazon is now the one carrying the legacy started by John Paculabo, and their site offers info about the ministry and ways to get involved.
As I said, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Minter's style is great, in my humble opinion. This is her first book I've read, but now I'm ready to try some of her other writings as well. I think what I really liked about her was her willingness to be honest about her shortcomings, quick to acknowledge that she's still a work in progress, that there is still a lot she must learn. She's also funny, which is always a plus in my book. All in all, this book has been a great read.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I personally enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was a bit different. I don't recall having read (or not that many) memoirs of people who were missionaries, so this one was a fairly new reading experience for me. I am sure the writer wouldn't call herself "missionary" in the traditional sense of the word, but she kind of was. For several years, she and a group of people spent a week in the Brazilian jungle, on the Amazon river, helping and ministering to the beautiful, Portuguese-speaking people living along the river.
This book, beyond the easily read style, yet very engaging, was eye-opening for me. I kept highlighting a lot. Everything she said rang so true and it hit close to home. Basically, it was her telling the reader how the ministry of Ray of Hope helps those less fortunate. The stories and the people she tells about give a new perspective on how Christianity is more than a nicely boxed theology, how Christ-following means living it daily, not just talking about it. What I would have loved was probably a bit more about the specific work that goes on when the team is not visiting the country, and how the things are kept working smoothly. This was probably left out because the behind the scenes mechanism is usually not that entertaining. For those interested in helping the ministry, Justice and Ministry Amazon is now the one carrying the legacy started by John Paculabo, and their site offers info about the ministry and ways to get involved.
As I said, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Minter's style is great, in my humble opinion. This is her first book I've read, but now I'm ready to try some of her other writings as well. I think what I really liked about her was her willingness to be honest about her shortcomings, quick to acknowledge that she's still a work in progress, that there is still a lot she must learn. She's also funny, which is always a plus in my book. All in all, this book has been a great read.
readfineprint's review against another edition
5.0
When I googled “books about the Amazon River” (or something like that) before my recent trip, I did not expect a book by Kelly Minter to come up. I’ve enjoyed one of her Bible study books in the past so I was so excited to take this one on my trip!
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Kelly begins with her first trip ministering along the river and then details how she fell in love with the people there, and eventually made her work there a way of life. One of my favorite chapters is about how she and her dad organized a “jungle pastors ‘ conference” for the church leaders in the area.
•
Kelly can tell a good story! And these stories are about God’s miraculous power and mercy along the river and in Kelly’s own life. My favorite parts were her analyzation of America’s wealth in contrast with the poverty of the people on the river. These thoughts were reeling in my mind during my trip too. I shared one quote in the comments.
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I felt many of the same things as Kelly on my trip. I kept a journal while I was there, and the link is in my blog. This quote from the book hit me hard. We never know what plans God has for us!
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“But the Lord really does give us the desires of our heart, and half the time I think we’re shocked to discover what those desires actually are.” See Psalm 37:4 for context.
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Find my pics and reviews on Instagram at @read.fine.print
•
Kelly begins with her first trip ministering along the river and then details how she fell in love with the people there, and eventually made her work there a way of life. One of my favorite chapters is about how she and her dad organized a “jungle pastors ‘ conference” for the church leaders in the area.
•
Kelly can tell a good story! And these stories are about God’s miraculous power and mercy along the river and in Kelly’s own life. My favorite parts were her analyzation of America’s wealth in contrast with the poverty of the people on the river. These thoughts were reeling in my mind during my trip too. I shared one quote in the comments.
•
I felt many of the same things as Kelly on my trip. I kept a journal while I was there, and the link is in my blog. This quote from the book hit me hard. We never know what plans God has for us!
•
“But the Lord really does give us the desires of our heart, and half the time I think we’re shocked to discover what those desires actually are.” See Psalm 37:4 for context.
•
Find my pics and reviews on Instagram at @read.fine.print
ashely_clark's review against another edition
4.0
Kelly Minter's account of her adventures ministering in the jungles of the Amazon is one that I recommend to anyone who has a heart for the poor and 'forgotten' people of the world. Most of the chapters read like short stories of different things that happened over her several trips to the Amazon. Some chapters like 'The First Annual Jungle Pastors' Conference' and 'Prayer Campaigns' will convict you and cause you to examine your own faith in the life-changing power of the gospel of Christ.
kaylamdean1's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
One of the best ways I have been challenged in my faith is through books that use narrative as their main weapon. (Like the Bible ;) And this is one of those skillful, beautiful creations. Kelly Minter does an awesome job of pointing straight to the hero of every truly meaningful story--Yahweh. And she walks right beside you in the process of realizing how far our wimpy western faith has to go in comparison to the saints of the Amazon. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but rather draws attention to the One who is responsible for all good things. And she does this in a beautiful, funny, poignant way. I would absolutely recommend.
maddiedumas's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books that I want everyone I know to read right now so we can talk about it! I was so inspired by Kelly's stories from the Amazon and humbled by the joy the people there have. It made me self evaluate my faith, and it makes me want to fall more in love with God. I found myself laughing and crying - sometimes on the same page. Kelly has a way of beautifully painting a picture while at the same time being so real you can imagine inviting her over for ice cream. Go read this book!
pswhite7's review against another edition
4.0
Just as Kelly Minters book No Other Gods , I felt challenged and changed in a way I haven’t forgotten. I felt like the first half was a bit slow but it could have been me because I kept getting interrupted. When I picked it up yesterday I couldn’t put it down. The Holy Spirit filled each page with his presence. Thank you Kelly.
ioanaisreading's review
5.0
Wherever the River Runs is the recounting of Kelly Minter's travels to the Amazon Jungle. The idea of going to Amazon was first planted in her mind by John Paculabo, the founder of Ray of Hope and Managing Director at Kingsway Distribution. The book is a memoir telling about the travels of the author to the Amazon. She went to Brazil seven times, each trip adding a new perspective to the work she is to do for the poor abroad and in her community. It's a great lesson and reminder for the reader as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I personally enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was a bit different. I don't recall having read (or not that many) memoirs of people who were missionaries, so this one was a fairly new reading experience for me. I am sure the writer wouldn't call herself "missionary" in the traditional sense of the word, but she kind of was. For several years, she and a group of people spent a week in the Brazilian jungle, on the Amazon river, helping and ministering to the beautiful, Portuguese-speaking people living along the river.
This book, beyond the easily read style, yet very engaging, was eye-opening for me. I kept highlighting a lot. Everything she said rang so true and it hit close to home. Basically, it was her telling the reader how the ministry of Ray of Hope helps those less fortunate. The stories and the people she tells about give a new perspective on how Christianity is more than a nicely boxed theology, how Christ-following means living it daily, not just talking about it. What I would have loved was probably a bit more about the specific work that goes on when the team is not visiting the country, and how the things are kept working smoothly. This was probably left out because the behind the scenes mechanism is usually not that entertaining. For those interested in helping the ministry, Justice and Ministry Amazon is now the one carrying the legacy started by John Paculabo, and their site offers info about the ministry and ways to get involved.
As I said, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Minter's style is great, in my humble opinion. This is her first book I've read, but now I'm ready to try some of her other writings as well. I think what I really liked about her was her willingness to be honest about her shortcomings, quick to acknowledge that she's still a work in progress, that there is still a lot she must learn. She's also funny, which is always a plus in my book. All in all, this book has been a great read.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I personally enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was a bit different. I don't recall having read (or not that many) memoirs of people who were missionaries, so this one was a fairly new reading experience for me. I am sure the writer wouldn't call herself "missionary" in the traditional sense of the word, but she kind of was. For several years, she and a group of people spent a week in the Brazilian jungle, on the Amazon river, helping and ministering to the beautiful, Portuguese-speaking people living along the river.
This book, beyond the easily read style, yet very engaging, was eye-opening for me. I kept highlighting a lot. Everything she said rang so true and it hit close to home. Basically, it was her telling the reader how the ministry of Ray of Hope helps those less fortunate. The stories and the people she tells about give a new perspective on how Christianity is more than a nicely boxed theology, how Christ-following means living it daily, not just talking about it. What I would have loved was probably a bit more about the specific work that goes on when the team is not visiting the country, and how the things are kept working smoothly. This was probably left out because the behind the scenes mechanism is usually not that entertaining. For those interested in helping the ministry, Justice and Ministry Amazon is now the one carrying the legacy started by John Paculabo, and their site offers info about the ministry and ways to get involved.
As I said, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Minter's style is great, in my humble opinion. This is her first book I've read, but now I'm ready to try some of her other writings as well. I think what I really liked about her was her willingness to be honest about her shortcomings, quick to acknowledge that she's still a work in progress, that there is still a lot she must learn. She's also funny, which is always a plus in my book. All in all, this book has been a great read.
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