Ascent, Crest, Perspective

the making of a bamboo camel

Ross James

This is not a text book on Christian mission. It is a truly authentic and vulnerable reflection of someone’s dependence on Providence to maintain a steadfast life when faced with adversity as a missionary. It’s not often that we get a memoir that discusses the professional, family and personal struggles of a missionary. 

Reviewers have acclaimed it as: a hard-hitting and humble mission memoir; it drips with a perspective that comes from having climbed the mountain but reflected with honesty and humility; highlights the significance of resilienceand steadfastness in a challenging world where life and projects don’t always turn out the way we want. 

With wit, humour and a good deal of self-deprecation, Dr Ross James reflects on an Ascent, a 20-year period of preparation as a journalist, academic and researcher, and missionary. Preparation levelled out on a Crest of purpose, decades leading initiatives to develop community-centred media projects throughout Asia in hard-to-access contexts. 

In Perspective, Ross delves into 40 years of personal journals and correspondence to reflect on how Providence was at work in his life to overcome his limitations. His startling conclusion is that he is, after all, a bamboo camel, designed with specifications to fulfil a providential purpose.

*Please find Ross James' Blog here.