One thing that has always encouraged me in my faith is reading about the lives of other Christians. It has sustained me in times when I have found reading the bible difficult, and inspired me to really live out my faith.

Read on for a list of biographies that are not only great reads, but are truly life changing accounts.

What it’s about: Stories of faith from missionary organisation YWAM, especially trusting God with money.

What I learnt: When you trust God with your finances, he will always come through. Even just the first chapter is a massive inspiration.

 

What’s it about: Dutch watchmaker Corrie, hides Jews during the Second World war, and then is imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp.

What I learnt:  It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are, or how old you are God can use you. And even in the hardest places God is still there.

 

What it’s about: Small town pastor David Wilkerson, gives up watching TV to spend more time praying; God then calls Him to work with New York Gangsters.

What I learnt: If you open yourself to spending more time with God he will radically change the trajectory of your life.

What it’s about: Small domestic servant saves money to catch a train across communist Russia and take the Gospel to China.

What I learnt: If you are willing to trust him, God will take you on an adventure, and use you to change the lives of many.

What it’s about: Bill is abandoned on the corner of a street as a child. He then grows up with a heart for reaching children in desperate situations, and starts the worlds largest Sunday School.

What I learnt: This is the man who inspired me to go into children’s ministry.

What it’s about: Jackie was rejected by multiple missionary agencies, before buying a one way ticket to China, and ministering to drug addicts and prostitutes in the Walled City.

What I learnt: Don’t worry about what other people tell you, if God has called you to do something, you can do it.

 

What it’s about: Good Christian Bo Mitchell finds himself stitched up and unfairly imprisoned. Whilst there he finds true grace and freedom.

What I learnt: With God every day can be your best day yet!

What it’s about: New York Gangster and son of an occultist and his life is transformed.

What I learnt: This book really taught a lot about spiritual warfare and the battle for our souls.

What it’s about: Hudson Taylor is probably one of the most well known missionaries: He founded the China Inland Mission. Although this book is very old it is very readable.

What I learnt: I loved Hudson Taylor’s practicality! The way he was prepared to give up all luxuries in order to save and go to China as a missionary.

 

I hope you enjoyed this list. Have you read any biographies? What would you recommend?