Inspirational Missionary Stories for your Homeschool

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on Mar 05 2025 by com 0 cat All Posts, Christian Film, Curriculum, Lifeschooling

Inspirational Missionary Stories for your Homeschool

I remember years ago in Sunday school, waiting with anticipation for the missionary story that would be shared each week. The teacher would bring up a large spiral-bound “pad” that had a picture on one side and the narration on the back side, which they would read while holding the picture up to us.

And, like masters of the classic “cliffhanger,” they would never read the full story at once. They would get to the most exciting part where the tiger was about to leap out of the bushes, or the head-hunter was about to throw his spear, and then elicit a roomful of groans when they announced that we would have to wait until next week for the rest.

It was as bad as “To be continued…” on a Saturday morning cartoon! If a Sunday School teacher can be diabolical, then this must be how. Tell us now! Does the missionary make it or not?!

Missionary Stories in Our Homeschool

Anyway, fast forward to adulthood and our homeschooling years, and I wanted to bring that same excitement and inspiration to our homeschool. As my older kids were growing up, we often read missionary stories on Sunday afternoons, or even in the evenings for devotional time. But I could easily be talked into reading past the cliffhanger chapter endings.

We saw so many benefits to practicing this! It made the Gospel come alive and showed my kids real life examples of people who lived out their faith. Reading missionary stories regularly gave my kids an eternal perspective that few other things could.

So I want to encourage you to also take up this habit. Here are some ideas for incorporating missionary stories into your homeschooling that will spark discussions on faith, serving, and the power of God’s love to change lives for eternity.

How Missionary Stories Inspire and Educate Children

I don’t think it’s an accident that Jesus often used parables to teach. After all, the human brain seems naturally wired for stories! From the time we are little, we grow up hearing stories, and even in the realm of marketing, stories are used to connect with people so they can see themselves in a scenario and understand their need for whatever service or product is being offered.

And you know how much emphasis I put on helping your children learn to love to read as part of lifeschooling. It is such a natural way to learn! Even the Gospel is a beautiful story of God becoming flesh as a baby who eventually made the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity. It is so much more than just some dry facts!

So, in all our teaching about Christianity, it just makes sense to share stories of heroes of the faith who sacrificed their own comfort to bring the Gospel to those who needed to hear it. When we incorporate missionary stories into our homeschools, we naturally and effortlessly help them develop an interest in the different cultures, languages, and customs of foreign nations.

Here are a few interests that may be sparked as a result:

  • Learning a foreign language
  • Studying different cultural practices
  • Learning geography
  • Learning history of the region
  • Learning how to share the Gospel

But more than academics, missionary stories help children to be introspective and examine their own lives and whether or not they would be willing to suffer for Christ, as well. This opens the door for so many deep and challenging conversations!

It’s one thing to teach them to turn the other cheek. It’s another thing to tell them a story about a man who, after being beaten daily by his captors, asks the man beating him what his name is, shakes his hand, and asks if, since they are seeing each other daily, they can be friends (Imprisoned in Iran). Only the love of Christ can compel someone to that sort of action!

Missionary stories are so effective at teaching the Fruits of the Spirit:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

Bible with tiny globe and cross

Selecting Age-Appropriate Missionary Stories

Before we go any further, it’s important that I mention how essential it is to consider the age and developmental stage of your children. Ask me how I know! Or don’t. But I’m going to tell you anyway. 😉 When my children were still young, we read a book of missionary stories called Adventures in Missionary Heroism. It was a reprint of an old book and for the most part, we thoroughly enjoyed it!

However, I made a mistake in thinking that just because my children enjoyed content that was intellectually older, they could also handle some of the emotionally-impactful content.

That was not so. While my son was fine, years later, my daughter told me that one story in particular gave her nightmares. I do remember that one being a little “extra,” and being surprised by that at the time. I really should have previewed to make sure it wouldn’t be too much for her.

So, while stretching our children intellectually can be good, we have to also balance that with their emotional intelligence and ability to handle certain topics. Selecting age-appropriate content (or more accurately, child-appropriate content…because Elleina is STILL very sensitive and doesn’t like to hear too much gore when it’s a true story) will help make sure not only that the stories will connect with your children, but also that they won’t introduce them to content that may give them nightmares.

For younger children, look for stories that are:

  • Simple and direct
  • Contain colorful illustrations
  • Full of engaging narratives
  • Focus on basic biblical themes of love, kindness, sharing, and compassion

The stories should avoid anything that may cause their impressionable minds to be overwhelmed. As children grow older, the complexity of the stories can increase and the content can address tougher subjects that will hopefully spark deeper conversations.

Additionally, consider diversifying the backgrounds and experiences represented in the stories you choose. This broadens your children’s understanding of global cultures and how missionaries in various countries have to deal differently with circumstances, depending on the cultures of the people groups.

Hearing real stories of these sometimes exciting and harrowing experiences teaches them in a much more real way than just telling them about cultures.

Integrating Missionary Stories into your Homeschool Curriculum

If you’re more of a planner and want to do more than “just read” them, you can bring missionary stories into your curriculum in several different ways.

Subject Integration

One effective approach is to incorporate missionary stories into academic subjects you’re already teaching such as history, literature, and social studies. For instance, when discussing historical events, you can highlight missionaries who played significant roles in those contexts.

During World War 2, China was under attack from Japan and ordered all their missionaries to leave. The story of Eric Liddell touches on this. This not only provides a personal angle to historical facts but also emphasizes the human aspect of global events, making the lessons more relatable and impactful.

A great way to bring in academics is the Country and Missions study I created. It can be adapted for any age and includes the following sections:

  • Country population
  • map location
  • popular dishes
  • native/representative clothing
  • famous sayings
  • famous historical missionary
  • modern missionaries
  • prayer requests
  • notebooking page for writing more details (great for older kids).

pages from the country and missions study printable

Unit Studies

Unit studies based on different themes are such a great way to focus on specific values or lessons from missionary stories. For example, a unit on compassion could include specific stories that exemplify acts of kindness and service. Think also of unit studies that focus on certain areas of the globe. After reading aloud together, engage in discussions, reflective journaling, or even creative projects that allow your kids to express and deepen their understanding. This will really solidify the lessons learned and encourage students to apply the Fruits of the Spirit in their daily lives.

Multimedia

Who among us doesn’t remember how much more engaging school was when there was a movie involved, even if it was old and cheesy? It’s a great idea to use multimedia resources to help the learning stick.

Documentaries, podcasts, and online resources about missionaries and their work can provide other perspectives and context to deepen understanding and just make it more fun.

Crafting Engaging Activities around Missionary Stories

We usually didn’t go beyond simply reading the stories, but in researching for this post, I came up with so many fun ideas that can help the learning stick for your children! Kids tend to learn better by “doing,” and it’s great to engage them in activities so all that energy can be used up!

Here are a few ideas:

Storytelling sessions

Organize storytelling sessions where your kids can read aloud or present their favorite missionary stories. They could even dress up like the characters or the native attire of the culture they are presenting. “Telling back” or narration, is one of the best ways to get information into children’s heads and is promoted a lot in the Charlotte Mason philosophy.

Arts and Crafts

Another interactive activity could involve creative arts and crafts that reflect themes from the stories. For instance, after reading about a missionary who worked in a specific region, students can create visual projects or dioramas that represent that culture and its practices.

I remember when my kids were very young and we learned about missionaries in Asia. I then had the kids create a large presentation poster where they drew a map of India and created an Indian flag out of construction paper. They still remember that activity!

You could also cook some of the popular dishes (or desserts!) of the region. Nothing is quite as memorable as cooking and baking something delicious. Here are a couple fun options:

 

Service Projects and Gospel Outreach

You may want to also consider organizing service projects inspired by the missionary stories you study. Service projects show children that even though they are still young, they can have a part in sharing the love of Jesus with others.

You and your kids can raise funds for missions organizations or missionaries connected to your own church, or you can even focus on local Christian charities (pregnancy centers, food banks, homeless centers, etc.) that share the love of Christ with those they minister to.

We had a yard sale the weekend after my kids created the poster about India, and Elleina dressed up in a make-shift sari and had their poster displayed, along with a bucket for collecting donations. It was such a great activity for promoting public speaking skills and allowing our kids to connect with the learning in a personal way, and it brought attention to a ministry we cared about.

Elleina in a sari with her missionary project about India

Also, look for opportunities to simply share the Gospel with those around you. A great place to start is by leaving tracts in random places, such as on grocery store shelves or magazine racks.

Once your children feel comfortable, they can begin to share their faith directly with others. While missionary stories can be the spark of inspiration, a great resource that we used for learning how to evangelize was School Of Biblical Evangelism: 101 Lessons: How To Share Your Faith Simply, Effectively, Biblically… The Way Jesus Did, written by Ray Comfort and Robert Cameron.

If your church does outreach ministry, this would be another great opportunity to help your children learn in a very hands-on, lifeschooling way! Our church does outreach to a local community college, and I hope our schedules can work out so that my youngest and I can start doing this together.

Popular Missionary Stories Recommended for Homeschooling

There are so many impactful missionary stories that really show children just how much our Christian brothers and sisters have been willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel and winning people to Christ.

Here are a few heroes of the faith that you may want to study more, along with the greatest lessons and character traits they teach us. Consider struggles and weaknesses your children currently have and lessons you want to instill to help you select which missionaries to focus on.

Famous Missionaries to Study

  • St. Patrick (5th century A.D., exact dates unknown): The story of St. Patrick is an inspiring story that teaches us to trust God to use even the worst circumstances and turn them for good! Patrick faced numerous threats but remained steadfast in his mission. He wrote, “Daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of heaven.”

  • David Brainerd (1718-1747): Pioneered missionary work among Native Americans in New Jersey, translating the gospel into their language1. Children will learn about perseverance in the face of adversity. Brainerd’s work among Native Americans teaches us the importance of dedication to God’s calling, even when facing physical hardships and cultural barriers.

  • William Carey (1761-1834): Known as the “Father of Modern Missions,” he spent 41 years in India, translated the Bible into Bengali, and transformed culture through business and education1. Through Carey’s life, we learn about the impact of lifelong learning and cultural adaptation. Carey’s 41 years in India demonstrate the importance of relating to those we minister to by immersing oneself in the local culture and language to effectively communicate the gospel.

  • Adoniram (1788-1850) and Ann Judson (1789-1826): First American overseas missionaries, worked in India and Burma (Myanmar). Ann is known as the “mother of modern missions” for her efforts in supporting her husband’s work and raising awareness1. From this “power couple,” we learn about teamwork and sacrifice in ministry. The Judsons’ partnership shows how couples can support each other in mission work, and their perseverance through hardships teaches us about sacrificial service.

  • David Livingstone (1813-1873): Scottish missionary, explorer, and abolitionist who worked extensively in Africa, advocating for the dignity of Africans and opposing the slave trade. Through Livingston, we learn about how our faith informs our worldview and social actions. Livingstone’s work as an explorer, missionary, and abolitionist teaches us to address both spiritual and social needs in our mission work, keeping the Gospel and spiritual needs as our central, driving focus.

  • John G. Paton (1824-1907): Worked among cannibals on the New Hebrides Islands in the South Pacific, facing numerous trials but persevering in his mission work1. Paton’s life demonstrates courage in the face of danger. Paton’s work among cannibals demonstrates the importance of trusting God’s protection and guidance in challenging environments.

  • Hudson Taylor (1832-1905): Founder of the China Inland Mission, spent 51 years in China bringing the gospel to unreached areas. Taylor’s unwavering commitment to understanding the people he served and his innovative approaches to missions teach us cultural sensitivity and long-term commitment. Taylor’s 51 years in China teach us the value of adapting to local customs in order to be more winsome, and maintaining a long-term vision for mission work.

  • George Müller (1805-1898): Known for his orphanages in England that cared for over 10,000 children and for promoting “faith missions” where missionaries are supported by individuals and churches rather than denominations. When we look at Müller’s ministry, we learn about “radical,” faith-based living and compassion for the vulnerable. Müller’s orphanage work shows us how to trust God for provision, even in the most dire circumstances, and care for those in need.

  • Eric Liddell (1902-1945): Scottish Olympic gold medalist who famously refused to run on Sunday in the 1924 Olympics, later becoming a missionary to China. His life exemplified unwavering faith, sacrificial service, and integrity, as he gave up athletic fame to serve God in China, continuing his ministry even while interned in a Japanese camp during World War II. Liddell’s story teaches us what it means to have an eternal perspective in the face of worldly pressures.

  • Mary Slessor (1848-1915): Worked as a missionary in Nigeria, known for her powerful personality and fearless approach to missionary work. From Slessor, we learn about breaking cultural barriers with boldness. Slessor’s fearless approach to missionary work in Nigeria teaches us to challenge harmful cultural practices with love and conviction.

  • Gladys Aylward (1902-1970): a British missionary who journeyed to China. Her tale of resilience and determination, particularly her efforts in caring for orphans and her role in helping people during a time of war, serves as an excellent example of courage in the face of adversity. Aylward’s adventures, including her famous trek across the mountains to save children from danger, can captivate young minds and illustrate the impact of one individual’s love and dedication.

Resources for Finding Missionary Stories

Below I’ve included many different resources for learning about missionaries from a variety of time periods and cultures. Some of these resources are free and some are paid, so there are many options to choose from!

Favorite missionary story books and audio books:

  • Christian Heroes: Then and Now – This is a very popular series among homeschoolers and you can find these books at many homeschool conferences for a special discount. I wrote a review of one of their titles, Count Zinzendorf, and we have many others on our homeschool book shelves!
  • International Adventures – This is another of my favorite series, which you can also find on Audible. Be sure to check out one of my favorite stories, Imprisoned in Iran. Korban especially loved this one, and after you read it, it’s really cool to watch the testimony of the missionary on YouTube! It’s extra special to hear the story straight from his mouth, and to see the physical scars that he bears after his ordeal of sacrificing so much for the sake of the Gospel.

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Favorite missionary documentaries and movies:

  • Torchlighters – These are wonderful animated missionary stories that are great for younger kids, especially. There are 23 in total, but I’m sad to hear that Bill Curtis, creator of the Torchlighter series, recently announced they will not be producing any more.
  • Chariots of Fire – Who can forget the iconic music to Chariots of Fire? I remember watching this movie as a kid and being very moved by it. But of course, most of us have also seen cute parodies using this famous melody! What I love most about this movie is that it teaches kids that even if they don’t go into full-time missionary work, they can be a light for Jesus using whatever gifts He has given them!

quote from Eric Liddel with a man running at sunset for the background

  • Tortured for Christ – An excellent documentary based on the testimony of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, founder of Voice of the Martyrs, highlighting his horrific experiences as a persecuted Christian during Word War 2. I introduced the director, John Grooters, at a session at the Christian Worldview Film Festival one year, and I really admire his effort to elevate Christian movies, such as this one, to the cinematic quality of the content produced by Hollywood. As Christians, we should be producing excellent content!
  • Sabina – Also directed by John Grooters, this story of Sabina Wurmbrandt, Richard Wurmbrandt’s wife, is a powerful film about what it means to forgive and love our enemies, even those who would do unthinkable acts to us!
  • Samuel Morris: African Missionary to North America – This is an interesting story of a boy from Africa who became a Christian, then traveled to America where he shared his story, leading to a revival at Taylor University.
  • End of the Spear – Most of us have heard the story of Jim Elliot (husband of the late Elizabeth Elliot), who, along with four other American missionaries, was martyred in Ecuador in 1956. This movie tells that story and the subsequent ministry of the martyrs’ family members to the native people who killed them.
  • The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom and her family certainly didn’t choose to be missionaries, but they became missionaries through their time in concentration camps during World War 2.
  • Gladys Aylward: The Small Woman with a Great God – Missionary to China, Gladys Aylward overcame many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to follow God’s call.
  • The Printing – Here’s a fun “blast from the past” for me. This little movie was a production of Unusual Films at Bob Jones University, where my parents taught for 40 years. Not only that, but my dad plays the part of “Sergei,” so you can watch for him! The Printing is about missionaries who smuggled Bibles into Russia before the all of communism.
  • Beyond the Night – A documentary about John and Betty Dreisbach, modern (1960s) medical missionaries to Africa, who shared the Gospel faithfully despite government persecution, meeting both physical and spiritual needs.
  • Ends of the Earth – There have been several famous missionaries who flew with Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF), including Betty Greene and Nate Saint, one of the martyrs who died sharing the Gospel alongside Jim Elliot. This movie explores faith, passion, and hope emerging from tragedy through the stories of MAF pilots who share the message of Jesus in remote areas.
  • William Tyndale: A Man and His Mission – Tyndale, who translated the Scriptures into English, lived a life on the run and sacrificed much in order to fulfill God’s call on his life.
  • Hudson Taylor: Into the Heart of the Dragon – Founder of the strictly non-denominational China Inland Mission, Taylor served in China for 51 years, pioneering a new and much more effective way to reach the lost of Christ by “becoming all things to all people,” as the Apostle Paul taught.
  • Adoniram and Ann Judson: Spent for God – The Judson’s work as the first missionaries sent from the U.S. has lasting impact, even today. They spent decades in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and suffered much loss and persecution, but remained faithful to their call.
  • Robber of the Cruel Streets: The Story of George Muller – The life of George Muller was a story of how God transformed a “hopelessly” lost sinner and changed him into one of the most faith-filled, inspirational Christians of the 19th century. Muller rescued thousands of orphans, giving them a home and the hope of an eternal home through the Gospel. This film tells the story.

Favorite media resources:

  • YouTube – As you have already seen, there are a lot of free missionary stories and documentaries on YouTube! This link will take you to missionary stories on Vision Video, but also check out the ones I’ve listed above and you will probably be linked to others.
  • RightNow Media – This is a great resource for Bible-related content, including missionary stories. Many churches have a free subscription that they offer to their congregants, but you can also purchase a membership yourself.
  • Roku app – Check out the Roku app on your TV for some great content, including an app we have downloaded called Gospel Films Library (you can also watch in a browser through that link). So many good little gems there!
  • Minno – If you have a Minno subscription, you can find the Torchlighter movies there, and there may be other missionary stories available for your younger kids.

Favorite websites for missionary stories:

  • Voice of the Martyrs – We love reading the Voice of the Martyrs magazine whenever it comes out! It is inspiring to read about Christians and missionaries from around the world and the persecution they face daily.
  • Gospel for Asia – When my kids were young, we supported this ministry and enjoyed reading the stories in their magazine. (In fact, this is the ministry we collected funds for during the India project I mentioned above). Be sure you also check out their resources page that has videos, music, and books you can download for free!
  • Mission Network News – I have never heard of this site, but it seems like a great resource with a lot of stories about missionaries and their work.
  • Pioneer Library – Free Missionary Biographies (150+) – A comprehensive compilation of full missionary biographies that you can read free online!

Conclusion: The Impact of Missionary Stories in your Homeschool

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation...” (Mark 16:15).

The Great Commission is for all of us! But we often don’t feel qualified or equipped. Reading missionary stories teaches us and our children that God can use anyone who is sold out to Jesus, and that He will qualify and equip us, just as He has done so for many other “everyday Christians” before us. It also encourages us to pray faithfully and give financially to God’s Kingdom work around the world.

Don’t neglect this opportunity to teach your children so many important lessons, both academic and spiritual, in a way that will get to their hearts and impact them forever, inspiring them to truly live out the Great Commission in their daily lives.

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