MURIEL'S CHILDREN
By Mary Cundy
Eagle. 140 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 86347 293 1
Muriel's Children is the story of Muriel Ainger and her 60 years of work with the Nurseries Fellowship in Gorakhpur, India. It is not just Muriel's story though, as the book tells of the work of several others and the amazing ways in which God drew them to Gorakhpur.
In our fast-moving world, with job and geographical mobility the order of the day, it is hard to imagine anyone doing anything for 60 years. Muriel was over 80 when she retired from leading the work at the nurseries. That alone is an inspiration. In many ways she belonged to another place and time, but her energy and maturity are a challenge today.
People are always interested in someone's story. A quick look at the tabloids show that folks will (and do!) read fairly unsavoury and even outrageous tales. Muriel's story is neither of those, but instead is an uplifting read. Although the style of writing in Muriel's Children was not always easy to follow, the story was interesting and encouraging.
I found myself inspired by Muriel's faith and commitment. Mostly though, I found myself wishing I could have known Muriel and had a day or two to spend with her in her retirement house in Blakeney. In that, Mary Cundy achieved her goal. If hearing/reading the stories of dedicated Christians helps us to grow (and I believe it does) then Muriel's Children will no doubt help those who read it.
