Missionary stories contain marvelous tales of perilous journeys and circumstances, remembrances of miraculous salvations (both physical and spiritual), multitudinous opportunities to reflect on the comfortable life we all live in America. However, while we might marvel at the spectacular happenings of far away mission workers, this is their every day life. What seems to us extraordinary is to them just another day.

There have been many missionary stories over the years that have excited and encouraged me. Darlene Diebler Rose's life stands out as one of the most influential. Stories of courage and trust in God through her life and the lives of others such as Eric Liddell, Amy Carmichael, and Hudson Taylor will remain some of the greatest true stories for generations to come.

Mission Possible does not claim to be one of the greatest missionary stories of all time. It isn't. Nevertheless, the lighthearted remembrance of international service in the Presbyterian East Mission, located in various places around Brazil, gives us pause to consider how blessed our comfortable lives are. The sheer amount of dust described a time or two should grow an appreciation for our readily available vacuums and dusters.

I believe the characters (or at least the names) are fictional while in general the experiences are based on true fact. This doe snot in any way take away from the story. In fact, I still felt that I was reading the journals of a real, young missionary couple. Reading of the interactions between this couple and Brazilian neighbors, friends, coworkers, fellow Believers, Roman Catholics, etc. gave me a wider understanding of the Brazilian culture and gave me an appreciation for a country that I've never taken much time to think about.

The mishaps and adventures described in Mission Possible were fascinating and I greatly enjoyed romping through the jungle with George and his young family. However, as far as missionary stories go, this one lacks the gospel.

On a technical level, the words gospel, Jesus, God, and salvation pop up frequently. They must for this to be a missionary story anywhere close to what is true and right. Yet, I never even hear the gospel. I didn't read anything that gave me the idea that I might be a sinner in need of salvation. This may not have been the author's intended goal (to share the gospel). The vast number of unbelievers in the world may not even be the intended audience. However, to waste an obvious opportunity to share the gospel of Christ saddens me.

I did indeed thoroughly enjoy this book for its stories, therefore I can recommend it. Though it fails to commit strongly enough to the actual message of the missionary couple narrating the story, this book would deserve a place on your shelf. Whether for a quick pick-me-up read on a quiet afternoon or for conversation starters around the living room, reading this story might brighten your day! It certainly won't be a waste of your time.