January 16, 2026

The SEND U Blog

Reflections and Resources for Lifelong Learning for Missionaries

Category: Books

Reflections on War in Ukraine: Three Essential Books
Books, Book Reviews

Reflections on War in Ukraine: Three Essential Books

Over the years, much of our cross-cultural ministry has been in leadership development (including theological education) in Ukraine. We have had the privilege of learning from and serving with truly gifted Ukrainian colleagues. Now, during war, as citizens of the defending nation and as citizens of heaven, many of our colleagues are sharing their experiences and reflections in print. I want to recommend three books that have been recently published. The three books are: Beatitudes and Terror: A Ukrainian Theological Response to Russian Aggression edited by Oleksandr Geychenko, Roman Soloviy, and Yevgeny Ustinovich Light in the Valley of the Shadow of Death: Stories of Ukrainian Christians During the War edited by Roman Soloviy Serving God Under Siege: How War Transformed a Ukrainian Community by Valentyn Syniy Beatitudes and Terror The foreword of Beatitudes and Terror says, “The book you’re holding right now is an endeavor by eight Ukrainian evangelical theologians… Read the whole post
Alfie Mosse9 mins read
A Minute to Think: Leading with Less in a Season of More
Book Reviews, Leadership, Mission Leadership

A Minute to Think: Leading with Less in a Season of More

In August 2025, I attended the Global Leadership Summit and heard Juliet Funt speak about what she calls “leadership gluttony.” Although I had never heard of Funt before, her session became my favourite of the entire event. I have since listened to Juliet Funt’s book, A Minute to Think. Her GLS talk focused on one chapter of that book, Chapter 5, titled “The Simplification Questions: Reclaiming the Best by Removing the Rest.“ Funt’s message struck a chord—especially as I think of what is next for SEND International. We’ve recently experienced a leadership transition in several key roles, and new leaders bring fresh energy and ideas. While these new directions inspire hope, Funt urges us to pause and ask: What can we remove from the old to make space for the new? Her book calls us to reclaim space in our lives, ministries, and leadership. It’s not a plea… Read the whole post
Ken Guenther5 mins read
Helping those suffering from trauma: 5 views
Book Reviews, Psychology

Helping those suffering from trauma: 5 views

This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series Christian Psychology War and trauma The consequences of the war in Ukraine are having a ripple effect through Eurasia and the world on many levels. When the current phase of the war started in 2022, many of us went to help refugees in Poland. One thing we did to prepare was take various crash courses on psychological first aid. We also read as much material as we could find on trauma and its effects. These were all useful. But after arriving in Poland, the limits of what we learned soon became clear. As time passes, we continue to learn about the effects of trauma, accumulated trauma, big “T” trauma and little “t” trauma. Furthermore, we have learned how trauma can impact physical health, how it can be passed on to others, including children. The more I read, the more I… Read the whole post
Alfie Mosse6 mins read
The Power of Presence in a World of Distraction
Spiritual Formation, Book Reviews, Spiritual Disciplines

The Power of Presence in a World of Distraction

“Faithfully Present: Embracing the Limits of Where and When God Has You” by Adam Ramsey is a compelling call to Christians. The book urges them to embody a life of presence in a world that is constantly distracted and disconnected. The book challenges believers to live out their faith with intentionality, focusing on being truly present with God, with others, and in their personal calling. It combines theological insight with practical wisdom. Ramsey’s work is a clarion call to rediscover the power and beauty of presence in an age of absence. As a 43-year old missionary woman who has dedicated her life to serving others, I find “Faithfully Present” to be particularly resonant. The demands of ministry come with a set of worries and responsibilities. They often leave me feeling stretched thin and disconnected from the very people and purposes I am called to serve. Ramsey’s book serves as a… Read the whole post
Jenny Baker4 mins read
Recalling what you have read
Books, Learning Attitude

Recalling what you have read

Like many of you, I read a lot of books each year. Last year, I finished 63 and I should be pretty close to that number by the end of 2023. But reading a lot of books is not the same as being “well-read”. According to Collins Dictionary, “a well-read person has read a lot of books and has learned a lot from them.” How much have I learned – and how much of the learning can I recall? I frequently find myself trying to recall a book I have read on the topic we are currently discussing. Maybe someone is asking me for a book I would recommend. Or I am trying to find additional information about a topic that I am teaching. Or maybe I am just trying to support a position that I am arguing for, and I remember an idea from a book that I read… Read the whole post
Ken Guenther10 mins read
Back To Top