Recommended Reading: On His Shoulders
In On His Shoulders: A Missionary Journey in War-torn Nicaragua, Marianne Irwin captures how an impossible mission can be made possible when supported by the shoulders of God, our Heavenly Parent. In early 1975, three Unificationist missionaries, one American, one Japanese, and one German pioneered to Nicaragua. Upon arrival, the missionaries go on an unexpected ride: the heat of the tropics, unknown language, foreign food– and the collision of four cultures, those of the missionaries as well as Nicaragua’s.
Throughout their multitude of challenges, from learning to work together in harmony to hurricanes and earthquakes, the missionaries became closer to God in ways they could not have foreseen. Then, when things start to improve, the scourge of the Sandinista’s communist takeover leads their mission work to go underground.
“This is a story of faith, love and courage. What these brave missionaries did to spread the message of True Parents is something the world should know,” said Rev. Kevin Thompson, District 11 Pastor.
“This is a testimony to uplift a new generation that is now venturing into the mission field—to affirm that when you step out for Heaven, our Heavenly Parent is right there,” said Marianne.
Julia Hess
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What an extraordinary book ! What a great day to read it on “True Heavenly Parents’ Day” ! My heart is filled with deep gratitude. Dear Marianne, thank you for sharing so deeply.
Wishing you and your family many more experiences with God’s Love and Guidance.
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Donna Ferrantello
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Upon reading Marianne Irwin’s book, I found it to be entirely fascinating. Her writing is rich with detail about the culture, people and landscape of Nicaragua. Her colorful descriptions of the flowers, the houses,
the mountains, the personalities of the people she met are written with great warmth and appreciation for
life in a country very different from her own origin. She reveals her heart of faith, her quest for sharing God and True Parents, and the beauty of her mother’s heart toward all people. I am awed by the example Marianne shows us of living by faith even as such a young missionary. Then, when joined by her husband, Michael, in their new marriage relationship, they accept the challenges and sacrifice for God’s providence.
Her book can be read over and over…and needs to be shared for Americans to also hear about the deceptions of socialism/communism that ensnare a society into losing their freedoms and control of their lives. The sorrows and poverty in their midst are an unforgettable experience for them and for the reader
to hear. Out of this, Marianne has become a fine writer and storyteller, with future stories to tell of their subsequent missions in Russia and Jamaica.
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Monika Kellett
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What fascinated me most reading this precious book from cover to cover is that Marianne and her husband Michael as well have made the very Best in the circumstances they were in. Their love for God, True Parents and their fellowmen moves my heart and shows that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Truly a must read type of book.
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Bob Gauper
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Congratulations Marianne for publishing your book. *****
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