A quick glance at this book could make one think that it is written by a woman for women and has little to offer male readers. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a book to challenge and enthrall those who are concerned to follow Christ at any cost.
I felt a particular empathy as some of my early struggles as a young missionary wife and mother were relived through Naomi's honest and readable experiences recounted in down to earth terms.
I particularly warmed to her use of chapter three of the book of Ecclesiastes to explain and come to terms with God's dealing with her and her family during the stages of joy, struggle and heartbreaking sorrow which they have experienced in their determination to obey God's command to share the gospel in a culture and language very different from that of their comfortable, congenial Australian home.
Her mature understanding and acceptance of the good and bad in life which is often a stumbling block to Christians and non-Christians alike brings to mind the book of Job.
In the words of theologian, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr, "Our decision must be to follow Christ and trust his justice, wisdom and goodness whether we are in the throes of suffering or enjoying good health and blessing. Such a decision would surely cut the ground out from under Satan in the spiritual warfare of our day and age."
The book's only weakness is a relative silence regarding her husband's Christian walk during the various monsoon seasons. This can be partially explained by the fact that Naomi has bared her thoughts in a crushingly honest and personal way, sharing with her readers the depths of her own soul.
I would like to advocate that all Christians should make it a policy to read a book written by missionaries past and present at least every couple of months.
This particular book will encourage ordinary folks like Naomi and her husband Darren, like you and me, to be extraordinary followers of Him who gave his all so that we could inherit his promises and have the privilege and joy of knowing that we have obeyed his command to follow Him wherever He leads us.
I thoroughly recommend My Seventh Monsoon. Pass it on to your friends. You will be doing them a favour and enrich their lives at the same time.
