Toil and Treasure in Alaska - The Memoirs of Thomas J Thompson; published 2008 by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 125 pages; price £6.99.
This is the fascinating story of how Tommy Thompson of Belfast with his wife Sadie left their homeland to find work in South Africa in the difficult post war years, there to hear the clear call of the Lord to Alaska, a neglected mission field on the opposite side of the world. At that time, Alaska had hardly been touched by the gospel. It was a largely unknown territory, called the land of "fish, furs, and freezing cold".
The journey across the world via Northern Ireland and the United States is itself a remarkable tale of God's gracious provision for those He was leading to begin a new work for Him. How they finally reached the town of Chitina driving a car bought for $200, how they settled there, built and equipped their own home, how they coped with the shyness and reluctance of the local people, indeed how they overcame many obstacles, both physical and spiritual, all show the providence of God along with the courage and tenacity of His servants.
The sixteen chapters of these memoirs cover more than fifty years. Interesting glimpses are given of the toils and trials the Thompsons encountered as they spread the gospel where it had not been preached before. Opposition and indifference, accidents and emergencies, even a huge earthquake, all make up the story. Along with the toils there are the treasures, descriptions of how souls were saved and eventually several assemblies were planted in different parts of Alaska and continue for the glory of God. Personal contacts, formal preaching, children's camps, hospital visitation, all had their part in the sowing and reaping processes.
The enthusiastic style of this book makes it easy to read; a mixture of anecdotes and narrative, full of personal interest and spiritual value. Some of the author's own photographs, one of his poems, and a tract written by an Alaskan convert are included the book. In the Preface, he tells us that he has recorded just a few of his many experiences of missionary work, and he has written them to encourage others to "launch out into the deep" in service for God. This is what he did himself, and how God richly blessed him and greatly used him is clear from these memoirs which are a pleasure to read.
RWC
The Greatness of the Kingdom* by Alva J McClain; published by BMH Books, 2007; available from John Ritchie Ltd; 556 pages; price £16.99.
The title chosen for this book is an actual phrase found in Daniel 7.27. Alva McClain is concerned that much in relation to this vital subject has been overlooked, ignored, or explained away in the interest of partial or inadequate definitions.
This is illustrated by a reference to the great reformer, Martin Luther, who bluntly commented on the book of Revelation, "Even if it were a blessed thing to believe what is contained in it, no man knows what that is". It is then pointed out that Luther's blind spot was due to the fact that "he could not thoroughly appreciate the doctrine of God's Kingdom on earth".
Eight interpretative ideas about the Kingdom are listed. Alva McClain firmly holds to "The Millennial Kingdom Idea" which sees a government of God to be established on earth at the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will reign over the nations in a literal Kingdom for a thousand years. The reader is informed that this view, "prevailed in the Church generally for two centuries and a half, and in the Western Church for four centuries until the time of Augustine".
The author identifies and distinguishes two aspects or phases of the one rule of our sovereign God. Throughout the book the term "Universal Kingdom" refers to the extent of the rule and "Mediatorial Kingdom" refers to the method of rule. The "Universal Kingdom" is briefly considered while the bulk of the book deals with the "Mediatoral Kingdom".
A variety of pertinent points are then considered including: The rise and development of the mediatorial rule of God in Old Testament history; Its character as announced by our Lord during the period of Gospel records; The particular form in which it appears in the present church age; Its visible and established form in the millennial age.
Objections to the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus are ably answered. A helpful "Index of Subjects" is included as well as an "Index of Scripture" listing the numerous Bible references used throughout this instructive book.
Here you will find an in-depth study which needs to be assimilated slowly, but the reader will be richly rewarded with a deeper appreciation of the ways of God that will bow your spirit in wonder.
AC
* previous edition reviewed April 2000
