I’ve always loved reading about missionaries—past and present—and Mary Slessor is one of my favorites to read about. Hearing the struggles of the different men and women of God is fascinating. I love putting myself in their shoes—trying to figure out how I’d respond to the situations they faced is an interesting exercise.

Mary’s upbringing was unique, but very common for girls her age. As a young girl, she, her mother, and her sister worked in one of Scotland’s many factories to try to keep their family alive. She always enjoyed hearing about the other missionaries in Congo and Calabar, and wished to be a missionary alongside one of her younger brothers.

Life was hard enough without a missionary in the family as well, though, so she busied herself with teaching a thriving Sunday School. Then her brother died, and there was no longer any way for her to go as an assistant. Would the mission board allow her—a single woman—to go to the mission field alone?

Mary Slessor was a fascinating woman who had lots of energy, willpower, and determination. She helped the Africans she worked with tremendously, and brought about a lot of good changes to the region where she lived.

I really enjoyed the way Terri B. Kelly portrayed Mary Slessor’s life—it reminded me a lot of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now series’ style. One part that I really found interesting was the fact that Mary was engaged at one time—something that had escaped my notice before. I highly recommend Mary Slessor: Missionary Mother as a supplement to a church history or African history course.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.