CMS Victoria Bookshop

The CMS Vic Office has a number of books on Mission in stock. To enquire as to the books we have available, check out the list. Or call the office on (03) 9894 4722.

Looking for the perfect book as a present...

Check out our great range of books! Can't decide which one you want to buy!
CMS Vic now have book vouchers for your friends and family. Contact the office on 9894 4722 or come in and get one.

Shining Like Stars:

the power of the gospel in the world's universities

Described as 'a modern-day book of Acts', Lindsay Brown's Shining Like Stars is the riveting story of missionaries from all over the world. From Nepal to Peru, Kosovo to Addis Ababa, the thing they have in common is that they're all members of university student groups.

These are stories of students' perseverance, enthusiasm, sacrifice, faith and courage. They are also stories of the power of the gospel and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Here are five reasons to read this book:
1. Student ministry has been identified as one of CMS' strategic areas of ministry. Shining Like Stars will help you to fill out that vision, with the stories of real people and concrete ideas about how to pray for and support student ministry.
2. You'll encounter stories from unlikely places. Until I read this book, I had no idea that there was a university ministry in Rwanda, let alone the crucial role it played in the reconciliation movement in that country after the 1994 genocide.
3. You'll be challenged. Student ministries around the world face incredible persecution and yet maintain a firm joy and hope in God. Hearing their stories opens our eyes to the plight of our brothers and sisters. They also teach us a great deal about what it means to follow the Lord Jesus.
4. You'll have fun! Students have come up with ingenious ways to share the gospel with their friends. I chuckled at the story of Egyptian students who were banned from using university premises for evangelistic meeting so instead hired a boat to take 300 friends down the Nile, entertaining them with food and drink and sharing the gospel!
5. You'll be inspired. I came away full of praise for our great God and excited about CMS's part in the global movement that is university student ministry.

Lindsay Brown is speaking at Summer Encounter 2012. Don't miss the opportunity to hear him! In the meantime, get your hands on a copy of Shining Like Stars and get ready to marvel at God's work through students in his world.

Review by Tamie Davis

A life Uncommon

A rich portrait of the life of Kenneth Perry – minister, missionary, husband, father, friend and inspiration to many. His message to heed God’s call and live a life ‘uncommon’, is timeless and conveyed with honesty and good humour. Ken’s life had its share of trial and uncertainty, but as he reminds us - the voice of God is loud and clear, for those willing to listen.
Journey into a world long past, where faith and conviction counted for much, and where the opportunity to witness by a chosen few reaped long term benefits for many who came later. The growth and development of Christianity in remote parts of South East Asia is directly attributable to the efforts of the early missionaries, and to those who carried on the good works, amongst them Kenneth Perry.

Muhammad - The man who transformed Arabia

Muhammad - The man who transformed Arabia. The man whose life in some measure determines the everyday behaviour of more than a billion of his followers across the world. And yet a man it is difficult to know. As the author of this book points out, biographies of Muhammad have tended to present him either as a man who could do nothing right or else as a man who could do nothing wrong. Somewhere in between is the real Muhammad.

Gumbuli of Ngukurr

In this centenary year of the surrender of the Northern Territory from South Australia to the Commonwealth, we reflect on those 100 years and the 50,000 years of stories of Aboriginal people. Gumbuli of Ngukurr is one of those inspiring stories. An incredible man and outstanding leader for Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt and Gulf country region, his is a story to be shared by all Australians.
The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Member for Arnhem, Northern Territory.

Winner of the 2011 'Christian Book of the Year'

In Economics for Life - Prof Ian Harper

In Economics for Life, which won the 2011 Australian Christian Book of the Year award, Professor Ian Harper, the former head of the Australian Fair Pay commission, shares insights gained from his professional career as an economist during an exciting period of world history. 'Some people worry about economics and economists. They shake their heads in exasperation.

Fittingly, some economists shake their heads at the rest of society. Why can't other people see the good sense in economics and what economists have to say? I have written this book with these two groups of readers in mind.'

He demonstrates why economics is a good servant but a bad master. While he suggests that, 'It is surely good that millions of human beings have been delivered from grinding poverty by economic systems variously based on market principles', he also observes, that 'The creation and acquisition of wealth has become, for many people, the sole purpose of their existence and the sole criterion of value in their lives.' Professor Harper shares not only what he has learned as one of Australia's best known economists, but also something of the values which undergird his worldview.
RRP $29.99.

God Next Door

God Next Door: Spirituality and mission in the neighbourhood by Simon Carey Holt was Winner of the Australian Christian Book of the Year Award - 2008

What if God lived next door? Would you recognise him? Would you talk to him at the fence or avoid catching his eye? Would you love him as you love yourself? Simon Carey Holt has listened to the experiences of numerous men and women of faith living in a variety of urban and suburban neighbourhoods, and uncovered the spiritual possibilities of our neighbourhoods. His inspiring stories open up exciting new possibilities for 21st century mission. Simon Carey Holt (BTheol., ThM, PhD) is Lecturer in Spirituality at Whitley College (University of Melbourne & Melbourne College of Divinity). He lives with his family in the city of Melbourne, a place for which he has the deepest affection. Previously a pastor and church planter, Simon works actively with faith communities seeking a more authentic connection with their local neighbourhoods. The author of Missional Leadership Alan J. Roxburgh says of God Next Door, ‘This book is a plea for the rediscovery of the local, the next-doorness of Christian life in a culture that spins us apart in a thousand different directions so that we come home we want to close the gate, move the backyard and escape whatever might be happening on the street.’ RRP $24.99

God of the Empty-Handed - Jayakumar Christian

God of the Empty-Handed: Poverty, Power and the Kingdom of God by Jayakumar Christian

International Director of Word Made Flesh, Chris Heuertz writes “God of the Empty-Handed is the standard for a seamless integration of faith and thoughtful social engagement. The significance of this work has already been validated in its lasting impact and continued value in provoking a theologically grounded, missional imagination.” Jayakumar Christian argues that in order to provide sustainable solutions to powerlessness, poverty and oppression, it is critical to challenge and redefine power from the perspective of the kingdom of God. Only when we realise that we are all 'empty-handed' before God can broken relationships be restored. CEO, World Vision Australia Revd Tim Costello says, ‘Jayakumar has worked among the poor for more than 30 years and demonstrates a profound personal relationship with 'the God of the Empty-Handed'. This is a modern classic and this revised edition is a major contribution to development thinking and practice in the twenty-first century.’
RRP $29.99

Out of the Depths

Bible Studies on Depression and Hope by Helen Rienits

This book is designed for use by those experiencing mental and emotional illness, as well as those who would like to improve their skills in caring for people in this situation. It is designed primarily for use by groups, but is also of benefit to individuals wanting to learn more about anxiety and depression.

In the group setting, this series of ten studies may be used as a tool for Christian churches or fellowship to help support and encourage those in their group who are struggling with depression or anxiety. This book can also provide a format for a 'depression group' to follow as they help each other to cope with their illness. This is particularly important, as group interaction is an important aid in the recovery process. These studies also provide some biblical teaching on the special spiritual problems that arise for those who are struggling with mental and emotional illness, as well as some basic medical knowledge to help those who suffer understand more about their problems and what can be done to help.

RRP $19.99

'Better be a good Sermon'

Preachers often face the prospect of preaching at a variety of occasions that can be deemed 'special' in some way, perhaps because of the occaission itself or the makeup of the particular audience.

'Better be a good sermon' Preaching for Special Occasions and Contexts, is full of well-credentialed clergy and lay people who provide examples of sermons preached in a wide range of situations that will be of immense assistance to all who find themselves given the responsibility of preaching on a special occasion.

Yulki, our Aboriginal Sister

Yulki, our Aboriginal Sister is the title of a delightful new book about a wonderful Australian Indigenous woman called Yulki. The book, written by former CMS missionary to Northern Australia, Phyllis Mercer, tells the story of Yulki’s walk with the Lord, whom she calls her “Boss”. Yulki was a teenager when her family joined the Nunggubuyu tribe which settled in their tribal country on the Rose River (now the town of Numbulwar) in an isolated part of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. Her journey was featured recently on ABC TV’s Compass program. Yulki’s story of one of courage, faithfulness and obedience and well worth reading. She cureently serves as the Anglican minister on Groote Island.

Copies can be ordered from CMS Victoria for $18 RRP plus $5 postage and handling by calling 0398944722 or

Book Review - Between Allah and Jesus

"What Christians can learn from Muslims"

What would happen if Christians and a Muslim at a university talked and disagreed, but really tried to understand each other? What would they learn?

That is the intriguing question Peter Kreeft seeks to answer in these imaginative conversations at Boston College.

Read the review then buy the book...

get a grip on Mission

the challenge of a changing world

Globalisation, pluralism, urbanisation and increased mobility are just some of the challenges of twenty-first century cross-cultural mission, and Martin Goldsmith helpfully equips us to respond wisely to them. With humour, confidence and enthusiasm he enables us to see potential barriers to mission as opportunities waiting to be grasped.

The unchanging nature of Jesus’ Great Commission contrasts strongly not only with our changing world but with our dynamic God. While his commands are set in stone, his methods are not.
This book will give you fresh ideas about mission. It will help you pray, plan and advise those who want to get involved.

About the Author:
Martin Goldsmith is a Jewish Christian who trained as a Russian interpreter. He and his wife spent 10 years as missionaries in South East Asia with OMF, before joining All Nations Christian College where they lectured for over 20 years.

Available for $15 from CMS Vic Bookstore. Call Rosemary on 9894 4722 to order.

To order