Book Review

God’s Stories --More Than Twenty Years on the Mission Field

By Sharyn  Branson

Missionary as defined by Paul and Sharyn Branson: a person engaged in sharing the love of God and the Word of God with others so that they can take a step closer to God. 

Sharyn has written a book that chronicles the story of her life with her husband, Paul,  in foreign missions since 1995.  The book begins with their account of preparing for their life as missionaries and the journey to finding their calling to the Dominican Republic.  The early chapters give the reader insight into the how they prepared for their lives as missionaries and how they were led to the DR.  The stories are heart warming and show their trust in God and the power of prayer in their lives.

I have had the privilege of acting as volunteer in their House Upon the Rock Mission.  My lasting impression is one of how integral prayer is to their lives.  One day we were at a building site and a decision had to be made by Paul and our group leader.  Both men stopped what they were doing and sought direction through prayer.  I had never seen that done in my work place and it was a reminder to me that, when in doubt, ask for God’s direction.  
As you read each chapter of this book you will get a picture of life in a different culture, a life that can be harsh at times but also filled with moments of joy and much blessing.  It is a great summer read as you can read a couple of chapters, put the book down, and then pick up again without loosing the story line as it reads more like a diary.  The book is available in our Library.

Now for the best part!  Sharyn and Paul will be preaching at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church on July 29, 2018 at 10 am.   What a perfect opportunity to meet an author, hear first hand about life in the Dominican Republic, and share God’s blessings with these real life missionaries. 

One of the great things about living in another culture is the food.  So I would like to share a recipe From Nena’s Kitchen a recipe book from the cook for the mission teams that visit the DR.

Moro Guandules

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1can of Guandules (pigeon peas) you can substitute and kind of beans or lentils
• 1 tsp garlic paste and 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp Goya Adobo
• 2 tbsp Soya sauce
• onions, peppers, celery, cilantro, pepper, salt and oregano to taste

Preparation:

Heat the oil in the pot, add all the ingredients except the water and rice.  Fry for several minutes and then add water.  Wait to boil, then add the rice.  Then move it a bit and wait until dry. Lower the heat and cover for 25 minutes

Post by Linda Cliff.