Encounter

<p><strong><em>I felt like I was there ...</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>... gut wrenching and very beautiful</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>I've never thought about it that way before ...</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>Honest vivid and deeply moving - a must-read for anyone stepping into cross-cultural mission. </em></strong></p><p><strong>- Mike Raiter Director Centre for Biblical Preaching</strong></p><p></p><p>Nervous naïve and overseas for the first time Ian and Heather Reilly volunteer to teach in Samoa but instead spend days battling a devastating cyclone.</p><p></p><p>Emerging to a shattered world without power water and running out of food they prepare lessons by candlelight and struggle to teach indigenous teenagers by chalk and talk. They find the oppressive climate conspires with mystifying cultural behaviour to outwit and outlast their every effort and they lack the superhuman energy necessary to achieve anything enduring.  </p><p>Journeying with them readers lurch from comedy to tragedy as ordinary relatable people (flawed vulnerable and sometimes frightened) face violence and suffering. Immersing us into their lived experience we feel the sweat on our face tears in our eyes and hear Jesus speak ancient wisdom into our present moment.</p><p></p><p><em>ENCOUNTER </em>is more than a great story exploring the confluence of culture and world view. It challenges deeply held beliefs about indigenous cultures our understanding of justice identity poverty overseas aid and economic development.</p><p></p><p>Culture shock in a page turner.</p>