'These essays are rich with insight. Hoekema's intention to present an honest picture is patently clear, but his sympathy and compassion for the people studied results in balanced and sensitive evaluation. He succeeds in bringing us into close contact with significant leaders of previous generations from whom we can learn valuable lessons.' (- Wilbert R. Shenk, Foreword)Hoekema's work gives attention to these significant themes:? the role of renewal movements and lay activity in creating the right conditions for a church to become a sending church? the intimate link between missionary action and ecumenical relations? the meager role of Anabaptist or Mennonite theological ideas in the way these missionaries carried on their work, and the consequences for the identity of the churches that came into existence? the importance of local detail in illuminating the general? the significant role of Bible translation in missionary history? the problem of methods and institutions that become archaic and fail to respond to new circumstances