The Calling Of Emily Evans (2006) - Plot & Excerpts
Emily feels called to be a Bible teacher. She goes to Bible college, and although she is quite frail and not as intelligent as some of her classmates, she eventually graduates and is sent to look after a small, dilapidated church in a village where there has been no pastor for many years. So far so good, and it was, in general terms, a fascinating account of a period of American history which I knew little about. I was quite surprised to learn that girls were sent out to look after churches, even though they were expected, sooner or later, to get married in order that their husbands could be the ‘real’ pastors. Unfortunately, there really wasn’t much story. It was obvious from that start that she was going to succeed in her duties eventually, and probably marry one of the young men who appeared in her life. The majority of the book charts her day-to-day life, with a large number of people whom she gets to know, but whose personalities were too thinly described to be of much interest. I could barely remember from day to day who each person was.It wasn’t a bad book, and it was free for my Kindle - but it wasn’t very well written, and there was nobody I really cared about. The ‘religious’ parts were a little over-done, and the ending too sudden (albeit not unexpected). So, not really recommended, unless you like this writer and are interested in this kind of situation.
I enjoyed this book. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Janette Oake book. After Emily Evans is finished with her Bible school training, she feels called to start a church. As a young woman, her options are limited – how can a female be chosen to start a church. The church committee sends Emily to a remote town to start her church – alone. I thought the premise of this story was extremely interesting – it’s a historical story, yet, there’s a woman leading a church. I loved seeing Emily trying to fit into the small town life, attempting to share the gospel with the town’s inhabitants. This story also shows how the people in Emily’s town struggle with their faith. There’s a battered wife who struggles to raise her children and another woman who is raising her children alone. I loved reading about Emily leading her small church, writing her sermons each Saturday, sharing her faith in God. I also loved her title – Emily was known as a deaconess. I’d never heard that term until I read this story. - See more at: http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2014/02/...
What do You think about The Calling Of Emily Evans (2006)?
I love Jannette Oke and way she he writes. They are fairly quick, easy reads that keep your attention all the way through. This one did not disappoint is a great read for a rainy day. A girl who is called into ministry on her own to a small Canadian town with few that welcome her. Her trials and challenges throughout her time in this town are relatable, as well as a good reminder to be thankful for what you have. I found this especially moving since i live on the mission field, as a single woman in a country that isn't the most welcoming to the message we bring.
—Shawna
Emily Evans graduates Bible college with the hopes of serving God in a needy area without a church. She bravely endures the challenges of the Prairie, meets several young men, builds a visiting ministry to the homes in her community, and starts a church. The experiences Emily has and her unwavering devotion to the God who called her to this ministry encourage me to focus on God's call on my life to spread the Gospel to everyone I meet. You'll find out at the end of the book if Emily finds out who God has chosen for her to partner in ministry on the Prairie.
—Sharon
A fictional story of christian missions in Canada in the early 1900's. I felt that it was a realistic depiction of what a woman as a single missionary might face in the outlying towns in that time period. This is in regards to the people, their attitudes and the aspect of ministering to a group of people who are not excited about a church being in their town.I didn't care for the developing romantic side of the book and felt like it was unrealistic and took away from her overall purpose which was to portray pioneer women missionaries at the turn of the century.
—Lisa Blair
