Conjurske: Venturing with God in Congo (Review)

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

When it comes to teenagers reading, some would say that any reading is good reading. However, there is a vast difference in the content and quality of different books. I am always on the lookout for quality books that my children and teens will enjoy reading but will also help them to grow personally or spiritually.  That is why I was very excited to have the opportunity to have my thirteen year old review Venturing with God in Congo by Conjurske Publications.

Venturing with God in Congo is the memoirs of Darrell Champlin and the ten years that he spent in the 1950s and 60s as a missionary to the Congo. The beginning of the book gives you background information, a pronunciation guide for the words that are in Lingala, a timeline of major events, a map of the Congo and autobiographical sketches from Darrell Champlin and his wife Louise.  There is also a family tree which is helpful for understanding the connections of various people involved in the stories.

The rest of the book is a collection of the many wonderful and life changing adventures of Darrell and Louise Champlin while they were ministering in the Congo as well as some background about Lousie’s parents and their ministry to the Congo.

The book is a nicely made hardback book that is just under 300 pages. The cover is well done (even though the snake on the cover makes me cringe) and engaging to teens, especially boys. Even though the book is longer, most of the chapters or stories are only four or five pages long. I think this would help make this book engaging teens that aren’t as engaged in reading because they could read it in shorter sections.

When I asked my son to share his thoughts he said:

“In the book he talked about his adventures teaching the Bible all over the area he lived in the Congo. I also liked the stories about his adventures with the animals that lived in the jungle around him. One of my favorite stories was when he went elephant hunting and shot the elephant without the permit and his rifle was taken until he was able to convince them that it was to save the crops the big elephant was destroying.”

My son rated this book a 9.5 out of 10 and recommended it for ages 11-14. He felt like it was a fairly easy read that he finished in under a week (it is worth noting that he enjoys reading). If you are looking for a quality book that will engage your teen while encouraging them in their Christian walk, I recommend looking into Venturing with God in Congo   Be sure to check out the website for more information  and don’t forget to click on the graphic below to check out the reviews from other Review Crew members.