Product Description

“Do all missionaries live in grass huts, wear pocket protectors, have 13 children, and stutter?”

My, my, my. It is good you picked up this book.

Through personal stories, cultural insights, and perspectives on the mission movement in Africa, Ryan Murphy shares what the missionary life looks like in the 21st century.

All That You Can’t Leave Behind offers an entertaining bridge into the unknown lands of missions work and challenges you to make a difference in your world for God’s glory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92043 in eBooks
• Published on: 2007-10-02
• Format: Kindle Book

Review
Enjoy this fun and slightly mischievous story of a very ordinary young American couple who felt God call them to leave paying jobs, amazing friends, and a beautiful home in the United States and to become missionaries caring for kids at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. --Lanny Arensen, International Director for African Inland Mission

In an age where the Great Commission has become more talk than walk, Ryan Murphy has given us a gift. In fresh prose, Murphy has put flesh on the bones of Christ's commission. Come learn. Love. Be inspired. --Harry Kraus, M.D., medical missionary and best-selling author of Breathing Grace: What You Need More Than Your Next Breath

You will find the insights Ryan and Heather Murphy share in this book to be real and refreshing. If you want a very readable book on missions in Africa which deals with both the practical and the theoretical, look no further. You will enjoy this book. --Dr. Ted Barnett, United States Director of Africa Inland Mission

About the Author
In 2005, Ryan Murphy, along with wife Heather and infant son Micah, left his comfortable home and successful career in San Diego to teach the children of missionaries in rural Kenya. After graduating with a B.A. in Literature from Point Loma Nazarene University, he planned to pay off his school debt in ten years and then leave for the mission field. Through an incredible turn of events, the debt was paid off in four years, and Heather and he raised all of the financial support needed to volunteer in Kenya. Appointed to work at a boarding school called Rift Valley Academy by Africa Inland Mission, he and his wife teach, mentor, care for, and live with the children of African missionaries nine months of the year. Although he ministers mainly to the students, living among Africans has provided him unique insights into faith and friendship which only cross-cultural missionaries can experience. He taught English at a public school for five years in the US and is devoted to the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. Besides writing and teaching, Ryan enjoys playing guitar, wrestling with his two sons, and watching Penn State football. His first year as a missionary is recounted in this, his first book, ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND.

Customer Reviews

First year on the missionary field
We have worked with the author and his family for the last 2 1/2 years at RVA. Ryan has done an excellent job at communicating the ups and downs to what we shared as our first year on the mission field. He includes meaningful stories, accurate information, and great thoughts on what it means to be a missionary. This is a great book for missionaries as well as supporters and friends. It helps you see what it is like to live and work in a different culture, the challenges and the joys. It is an easy read. Good job Ryan! Thanks for sharing this story with us so we can share it with others!

Cross Cultural Encouragement
My husband and I have been volunteering an American missionary school last two months. It has been an interesting adjustment to the culture. We have gone through all sorts of emotions, but the most disturbing emotions have been ones of discouragement and questioning God's hand in bringing us here. Living here has been tough. Praise God that Ryan Murphy's book "ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND" was given to us to read. Not only is it a delightful and entertaining book, but God used the book to show us that our feelings were not unusual. We could relate to Heather and Ryan's first year missionary life and laughed as we realized how similar our experiences were. I am encouraged to know that my emotions are to be expected and that they are not signs that I shouldn't be here, but rather part of the process of entering missionary life. I have been able to see through the Murphys' experiences that we too will survive and grow to love this place.



This book helps one take a deep breath and realize that these feelings are okay. To realize that the struggle will not last forever but that it is part of God's plan is liberating. Praise God for this encouragement! I think anyone who is considering a cross cultural experience should read this book. It is an easy read and will help those coming to the field to understand the "fitting into the new culture" process. I think it is a must read.

Honest and free of sentimentality
Murphy's book has given honest and straightforward insight into the missionary experience. It doesn't try to sell or market his choice to go. It has nonetheless helped my wife and I process through our decision to serve in Africa. It is written in journal form, so don't expect a sweeping narrative with elaborate character and setting. A helpful description of a young missionary's personal journey.