Seventy years ago, many rural families in the ministry were still getting through the day on faith and answered prayer. Going into town often meant walking. It meant washing clothes by hand and hanging them on the line to dry in fair weather, or in front of the fireplace when it was foul. It meant out-houses, no blow dryers or curling irons, and no convenience stores. A telephone was often a luxury, same as a car or even a horse and buggy. Get comfy and prepare to set sail! It was a land filled with people they loved although they'd only met them in visions and dreams, yet they were determined to share their lives with them and help in whatever ways God led them and provided for them to do. Growing pains ... The Freeman family wasn't perfect but God was, and it was Him they were counting on to help them do their best to share the love they held in their hearts for a continent that seemed to have called across an ocean to them. It was Africa they prayed for and Africa they longed to love and help in person, and after loads of hills, valleys and bumps in the road, they arrived! Settling in didn't happen all at once or even in one place. The Freemans grew into several homes and the whole of Africa became their home, and her people their people. Decades later when they returned to the U.S., they brought the love of the African people with them, and the love between them spanned lifetimes. For 40 years the Freemans lived a fascinating adventure on a wild and beautiful continent many of us have only seen in pictures or videos. Thankfully, Nona kept diaries. From memory and notes she has compiled her experiences into several books that have been read world-wide by thousands of people. I never had the privilege of meeting her, but I'm close friends and family with many who knew her well. One of my greatest treasures is her autograph on the inside cover of my bible. I read this book start to finish last night, and it's my third of her books to read. For me, much of her lingo is familiar having grown up in the same faith that the Freeman's ministered in, however I was able to also see how her perception changed from the 1940s compared to her ministry in later years during the first decade this century. Definitions and terms used freely in the 1940s would not be acceptable in today's society, nor do I believe either of the Freemans would have employed them. So, please bear that in mind when you start this journey with them. Not only was I fascinated with the numerous miracles accounted for in the passages, I was equally enchanted by Sister Freeman's recognition of her own faults and failures. She was willing to write about them and also willing to share how she went about overcoming them. Getting acquainted with their day-to-day survival methods here in the states completely kept my attention, and yet the story became even more intense and fascinating as I turned the pages, making the long voyage with them through rough oceans to Africa where we landed and an even bigger adventure began.
I'm aware that the beliefs of the Freeman's are not shared by everyone, but regardless of one's personal take on theology the book is a worthwhile read for anyone. There's much to learn and be enjoyed in each chapter. This book isn't about a religion. It's about growth, faith, experiences and relationships -- of the physical and supernatural kind. The finish line! I hope you've enjoyed today's review of Bug and Nona on the Go!
Hope to see you back again on later in the week for Thursday's edition of femme's Desk. 'Til then, God bless you, thank you for the read and please don't forget to thank a veteran at your next opportunity! femmeflashpoint
12 Comments
kimmie
7/8/2014 09:39:16 am
Thank you so much Femme for introducing such a fascinating family. This type of adventure is exactly what I would like to add to my library. Off to make a purchase! Thanks again!
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femmeflashpoint
7/9/2014 01:46:18 am
Kimi,
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Mike
7/8/2014 09:59:36 am
Very interesting femme. An African adventure usually makes for a good read. And I see you got a plug in for both Vicki and Martie - well done.
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femmeflashpoint
7/9/2014 01:52:31 am
Hi Mike,
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Vicki
7/8/2014 10:44:51 am
femme - many thanks for linking to me. The book sounds wonderful, so I lost no time in downloading it! It will be interesting to see how it compares with my "religious" experiences growing up in a Zulu village. I have plenty of memories! And it goes without saying - this is another quality post from you!
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femmeflashpoint
7/9/2014 01:55:29 am
Dear Vicki,
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Dear femme,
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femmeflashpoint
7/9/2014 01:58:24 am
Hi Mar,
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7/9/2014 12:18:19 am
Femme, you do such a wonderful job of book reviews. How do you find the time to read as much as you do, maintain this blog on a regular schedule and work a job? You're amazing!
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femmeflashpoint
7/9/2014 02:04:34 am
Hi Shauna,
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Gail Sobotkin
7/10/2014 05:25:05 pm
I can't imagine doing what the Freeman's did but I can imagine Bug and Nona had many stories to tell that are important to be passed on to subsequent generations.
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femme
7/11/2014 03:38:09 am
Hi Gail,
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