Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees: The Adventures of an American Surgeon in Nepal
Sign in to keep track of books you’ve read and want to read.
Thomas Hale writes about being a missionary surgeon in the same delightful way James Herriot writes about being a country veterinarian. Dr. Hale's incredible experience in tiny, mountainous Nepal are surpassed only by his talent for telling about them. Imagine, for example, the culture shock of moving to a Hindu country under such rigid religious control that it is not only illegal to proselytize, but illegal to change religions as well. Imagine further the shock of moving to that country as a missionary doctor. Thomas Hale and his wife, Cynthia, also a physician, too on that awesome challenge in 1970.
God wasted no time teaching tom the peculiarities of his new culture. But His unusual method left Tom wondering what God was up to. Here is how Tom tells about it:
Read more
"These were not the phlegmatic, easy-going Nepalis described in books and orientation courses. Those who spoke gesticulated fiercely. Some looked around menacingly; others spat. One thing was certain, however: in the cause of their anger they were united. The word was out: the new doctor had killed a cow. My own sense of participation in the proceedings was intense. I was the new doctor."—Excerpt
As Tom goes on to describe the events the preceded the angry scene in the Nepali village, the image of the spiritually superior missionary quickly evaporates. In a humorous, yet deeply insightful way, the author makes it clear that he is merely a servant, using his skills to the glory of God.
Tom concludes this chapter with a thoughtful confession:
"In the long run, that cow did much more for me that I did for it. The mild-mannered, uncritical beast made me see in myself those negative attributes I had always ascribed to other American surgeons. Facing two hundred angry men proved to be effective therapy for removing most traces of condescension with which I previously regarded them. It also improved my relations with missionary colleagues and with Nepali brothers and sisters in the church. I guess God had no gentler way of removing some of my imperfections. I only wish I could say, for His trouble, that He finished the job. But it was a start." — Excerpt.
Dr. Hale's book refused to be preachy or condescending. It presents missions as a "want" rather than an "ought." It is sensitive, warm, honest, incredibly funny, and filled with important truths illustrated from unusual and sometimes unimaginable situations.
Liked Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees: The Adventures of an American Surgeon in Nepal? Here’s where I’d start.
These suit anyone who liked Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees: The Adventures of an American Surgeon in Nepal. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.
-
Re Entry Shares missions, christian, nonfiction -
The Savage My Kinsman Shares missions, christian, biography -
Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility Shares missions, christian, nonfiction -
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions Shares missions, christian, biography
“People who read Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees: The Adventures of an American Surgeon in Nepal tend to reach for these next.”
“If you want more of the same (biography about christian), start with these.”
“If it was the missions that hooked you, try one of these.”
-
Reckless Abandon: A Modern-Day Gospel Pioneer's Exploits Among the Most Difficult to Reach Peoples
-
The Great Omission: Fulfilling Christ's Commission Completely
-
Dispatches from the Front: On Gospel Transformation, Suffering, and Witness
-
When Missions Shapes the Mission: You and Your Church Can Reach the World
