Book Review: One Million Arrows

One Million Arrows, a new book by Julie Ferwerda, invites parents and mentors to think of children as arrows. The biblical concept of arrows comes straight from Psalm 127:4-5a: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them …”

Created by God to penetrate their own culture and the world for Christ, children can leave a mark for eternity. This book includes ideas for raising children to change the world from parents who already have this God-sized vision for their sons and daughters. According to the author, “Being an arrow is a lot like signing up for Fear Factor. You know there’s going to be a lot of suspense, some fun and interesting challenges, some really hard mental and physical obstacles, and of course, plenty of fear as you’re stretched way out of your comfort zone.” Reaching beyond the family unit, One Million Arrows encourages the body of Christ to consider the latent potential of children at risk around the world. The author relates the vision that God gave M.A. “Papa” Thomas for serving the millions of overlooked children of India. “Gather one million broken branches – the native-born, orphaned, and abandoned children – sharpen them with education, faith, and a heart for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and launch them like arrows back into the regions of India that have never heard about Jesus. In fact, why limit it to India?”

Hmmm. This book starting me thinking …

• What are some ways I can hone arrows, even if I don’t homeschool my kids?
• How can God use my willingness to sponsor a child in poverty or partner with a Christian ministry that serves street children and orphans lead to a new generation of arrows who are strategically positioned to impact cultures and subcultures that I can’t?
• What other books and websites address this subject?

Check out this book. What do you think? Join the conversation.