Overview

Theo Simpkin is a young science student at the University of Melbourne when he senses God's call to share the good news with the people of China. Meanwhile Olive Kettle, an Australian country girl is working as a stenographer and bookkeeper in a Melbourne CBD accountant's office while helping to support her widowed mother. Theo departs, traveling more than 8000 kilometres to commence his ministry in China, yet the divine matchmaker was at work in both their lives. Discover how Theo and Olive struggle to find God's will for their futures, despite the distance and the difficulties they face. Both were descended from pioneers, and Theo and Olive need every bit as much courage, perseverance and faith as they travel on foot, or by pony or mule, through the precipitous Yunnan mountains. During their decades of service, they encountered a unit of the Red Army on the famed Long March, were impacted by the Japanese invasion and lived through the Communist revolution. Featuring frequent quotes from letters written by Theo and Olive, this book provides an intimate glimpse into what life was like in the rugged mountains of China. This biography follows Theo and Olive wherever God led them--in Australia, China and India--showing his care and provision as two ordinary Australians travel along the path A Foot Wide on the Edge of Nowhere. In spite of persecution and hardship--as witnessed by a brief update from Christians now living in Yunnan--God's Word continues to bear fruit with joy.

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"A Foot Wide on the Edge of Nowhere is a compelling reminder of the importance of missionary biography. One is stirred and moved by the love and commitment of those, like Olive and Theo Simpkin, who give everything to serve the Lord in what are sometimes the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Travelling by donkey along the kind of track described in the title is only a fraction of the risks endured including the danger of communist insurrection, Japanese invasion, infectious disease and spiritual oppression. Yet the story is permeated by an atmosphere of complete faith and trust in God who directs and protects those who place their lives in his hands. Whether the reader already knows much or little about the Simpkin family, about CIM or about Australia and China in the first half of the twentieth century he or she will find it to be an inspiring account of faith and love in action. Brian Edgar, Professor of Theological Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary"""

A Foot Wide on the Edge of Nowhere is a compelling reminder of the importance of missionary biography. One is stirred and moved by the love and commitment of those, like Olive and Theo Simpkin, who give everything to serve the Lord in what are sometimes the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Travelling by donkey along the kind of track described in the title is only a fraction of the risks endured including the danger of communist insurrection, Japanese invasion, infectious disease and spiritual oppression. Yet the story is permeated by an atmosphere of complete faith and trust in God who directs and protects those who place their lives in his hands. Whether the reader already knows much or little about the Simpkin family, about CIM or about Australia and China in the first half of the twentieth century he or she will find it to be an inspiring account of faith and love in action. Brian Edgar, Professor of Theological Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

Author Information

Helen Joynt is the younger daughter of Olive and Theo Simpkin and was born in China while they served God there. With degrees in science, education, biblical languages and theology, she has taught in the primary, secondary and tertiary arenas, and as a volunteer. She recently retraced some of her parents' footsteps in China, and like them she enjoys music and gardening around her home in the bush on the outskirts of Melbourne. Sandra Joynt is the daughter of Helen & Robert Joynt, granddaughter of Theo & Olive Simpkin. She studied Graphic Design at Swinburne University, Melbourne, and worked with A&J Moody Design for several years. These days she works for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students, proclaiming Jesus Christ at Monash University among international students (including many Chinese).

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