“The most important thing is to see where the Holy Spirit is moving

and get into the flow of the Holy Spirit.”

These words were once spoken to George Markey and seem to describe how George lived his life. In “Distant Fields: The Amazing Call of George Markey from Farmland to Missions”, Jed Gourley, son-in-law of pastor and missionary George Markey, chronicles the journey of one man who was surrendered and yielded to God, one man who was used by God because he not only believed in, but also followed Jesus!

We are blessed to have mutual friends of the Markey family. We have often received updates from our friends as to the current whereabouts of all of the Markey children. It was not only George who became a missionary. George’s wife, Pam, grew up serving the Lord in South Africa with her family. And now the children of George and Pam are literally all over the world ministering and taking the love of Christ to the lost and hurting.

One of my favorite parts in this book is when the Markeys were making their move from the United States to Ukraine and  brought all their children with them. (They ended up having nine children.) George and Pam’s ministry efforts were discouraged by some who thought that the Markey children would be a hindrance to the work. What some saw as a hindrance actually became their greatest blessing in the ministry! Isn’t that how God often works? God so often takes what the world, or even the church, thinks will work against us and He weaves it all together into something glorious!

Anyone who reads this book will receive insight into the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. They also will read of the pain and discouragement that came to the Markey family during a difficult time of betrayal. But, what could have embittered a family was used to drive them closer to the Lord. They chose to surrender it all to the control of God. Praise God that they did, because their lives of obedience, love, and self-sacrifice have made an eternal difference in many people’s lives on more than one continent!

We enjoyed “Distant Fields” together as a family. Though it was not written particularly for the younger reader, anyone can learn from George’s simple faith in God and His Word. Along with the many victories, this book is very transparent when it comes to the real-life struggles that faced George and his family in the ministry. At some point we too, like the Markey family, will probably know someone who says that he or she is a Christian, but then by their actions or words, misrepresent Jesus. When that happens, it can be confusing and shocking. When a person does things their own way, it’s not Jesus’ fault! It’s because they are letting their flesh control them and not letting the Holy Spirit control them. The Holy Spirit is also called “The Spirit of Christ”. If we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, then we will be more like Jesus. But, if we let our sinful flesh control us, then obviously our lives won’t look much like Jesus! If we are following Jesus, when a person does do something wrong toward us, we should remember a couple of things. First, that’s not the way Jesus is – Jesus is perfect. And second, it’s our response to the hurts done toward us that will make the difference. We can respond like Jesus! The life of George Markey is an inspiration and encouragement to not give up, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart! (Galatians 6:9) Only the Lord knows how many lives He touched through the obedience of this one man and his family!

The story of this modern-day missionary will challenge and encourage you, all the while strengthening your faith in the Word of God. You’ll enjoy the many amazing stories shared and insights given in “Distant Fields”.

“Distant Fields: The Amazing Call of George Markey from Farmland to Missions” can be purchased by going to www.distantfields.com or by going to Amazon.

-Rebekah

Photos by: Matt Enterline