The Axe and the Tree (Paperback) by Stephen Griffiths

In obedience to God, Peter Griffiths leaves Wales to serve among Shona people in north eastern Rhodesia, a racially divided country. With a dedicated team of national & expatriate staff they build up a multi-faceted work; education and healthcare while establishing a network of churches. Unexpectedly, spiritual fire sweeps through the school in a student-led revival. But a war of independence gathers pace. The missionaries work alongside courageous national colleagues in a tiny enclave of peace, enfolded in violence. Helicopter gunships, thumping artillery & mined roads mark a dramatic, frightening period. Then horrible atrocity engulfs the team at the hands of young extremists.... This is a story of love & loss, of suffering & new life, of hatred & forgiveness, of following God's golden thread through the dark labyrinth of life.

Title

The Axe and the Tree
Author(s)

Stephen Griffiths
ISBN

9780857217899
Format

Paperback
Publisher

Lion Hudson
Topic

Suffering & Loss, Evangelism & Mission
Audience

Adults

Stephen Griffiths

See other titles by this author

Overall rating

5.0 based on 1 review

The Axe and the Tree

This is a magnificent biography revolving around the lives of Peter and Brenda Griffiths, missionaries to Zimbabwe in the 1960s and 70s. It tells the story of how, with a dedicated team, they developed a hospital and school, alongside a church planting network of churches. Against a backdrop of war, violence and intimidation they saw a tremendous number of conversions. Yet the story turns upon a massacre of the western missionaries during Rhodesia's war of independence. The bravery and sacrifice of those involved is inspiring. The grace and forgiveness shown after the attack remarkable. the stories of subsequent conversions and church growth quite wonderful. This was the best Christian biography I have read in a long time. The historical research is impeccable, both from eyewitnesses and British cabinet papers. The writing is simply beautiful. But the story of God at work through individuals determined to serve Him was utterly inspiring. I cannot recommend it enough. It did me enormous spiritual good.

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