Nothing More Heroic

The second book I read this year is called Nothing More Heroic by R. Lanier Britsch. This book told the entire story of the first LDS missionaries to India. The stories were interesting because they were simultaneously depressing and inspiring. These missionaries suffered a lot of hardship and prejudice and achieved very little success.

What I enjoyed most about this book was reading how the missionaries truly gave their all, even though they were so often discouraged. Instead of giving up and going home, they tried new things. In fact, one of the missionaries was told he could go home early because he was not well, but he insisted on not being the first and continued doing his best. Even though they met with little success, these missionaries all felt at the end of their mission that the Lord was pleased with their work and they had completely fulfilled their duty.

I also particularly enjoyed reading the account of Levi Savage Jr. I know his story with the Willie Handcart Company from 17 Miracles. That incident occured immediately following his mission, which story is told in this book. After reading all that he endured on this mission, it made me appreciate his sacrifice with the handcart company even more.