This is a one-year History of the World course that is divided into two semesters of study. In the first semester the student will read Taking the World for Jesus: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest Commission. In this 400-page paperback book students will learn about the spread of Christianity starting with the Roman Empire until modern times. In the second semester students will read, Adventures of Missionary Heroism. This 361-page paperback book is broken into four sections and tells the amazing stories of missionaries from around the world during the 19^th century. In both semesters students will learn geography as they study. The 244-page paperback Teacher Guide/Student Workbook entitled History of the World: The Transforming Influence of Jesus Christ gives a solid course description, weekly and daily assignment guides, and worksheets for use with the Taking the World for Jesus text as well as the worksheets for use with Adventures of Missionary Heroism. Teacher Guide/Student Workbook is currently on sale for $19.99. Taking the World for Jesus is currently on sale for $31.99 and Adventures of Missionary Heroism is currently on sale for $12.79!

This curriculum is intended for use in grades 10^th-12^th. Due to some of the violent nature of the historical recording in, Adventures of Missionary Heroism, such as cannibalism, headhunting, paganism, etc. that missionaries faced it is strongly recommended in the note to instructor to be wary of presenting the material to younger students.

The set-up of the material makes this curriculum perfect for the homeschool setting. With the Daily Schedule written you as the parent will not have to worry about having to plan out the lessons for your student. Each Day specifically states way pages in the book needs to be read and what worksheet needs to be completed. At the top of each worksheet the book being used is listed is written along with chapter, day of the week, and worksheet number. They system is so easy to follow.

My incoming 10^th grader is working her way through the first semester and so far has been really enjoying what she has been learning. This is what she has to say about History of the World;

 “History of the World helps the student get a better understanding of the role of Christianity in history. The curriculum uses scripture to guide your understanding of Biblical History throughout the centuries. The workbook requires the student to write essays pertaining to missionary related topics and in doing so makes the student reflect on possible mission opportunities. The worksheets definitely require you to reflect on the reading and what you have read. The reading in, Taking the World for Jesus, has opened my eyes to major historical events that I wasn’t aware of from my history studies up until now. Christianity has played a significant role in the formation of our history. I am anxious to read the second semesters book and see how it will grow my perspective on missionary work and its place in history.”

 My daughter is really anxious to read, Adventures of Missionary Heroism, and asked me if she could please just read it. I told her that she would have to wait until the second semester. You may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, what an odd request coming for a high school student.” Well, my daughter is a voracious reader and loves reading a wide range of literary genres. It is definitely motivation to get through the first semester a bit faster.

Adventures of Missionary Heroism has some incredible stories of missionaries. In Chapter 5, students are introduced to “The Savior of Liao-Yang” aka, Dr. A. Macdonald Westwater. He was absolutely a servant of the Lord. “Jesus Christ, it has been said, was the first medical missionary. As He went about Galilee doing good, He not only ‘preached the Gospel of the kingdom,’ but ‘healed all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among people.’” This is what Dr. Westwater set out to do. People from all over, even thieves soon came to know Dr. Westwater as an amazing doctor, and Christian man who saved lives.

There are 30 black and white pictures throughout the book.

The text, Taking the World for Jesus, has thirteen chapters and a concluding chapter. Each chapter has a highlighted text box entitled “Issues In Focus.” One that really stood out for me is entitled, “How Man Conquers and How Christ Conquers.” It states the following, “By the end of his life, Napoleon was humbled and came finally to admit Christ’s supremacy in these words:”

 “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him

and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison.

Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what

Did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His

Empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.”

Wow, are those not powerful words! Taking the World for Jesus is full of amazing truths of how Christianity has shaped history. This textbook contains colorful photographs, maps, sketches, and portraits.

After perusing the two texts used, I really enjoyed what I read. I would highly recommend this curriculum to others seeking an overview of Biblical History of the World.

-Product review by Jennifer Ladewig, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July, 2018