The US Review of Books commends “The Saga of a Bent Nail” by Bob Leland because the book “is enhanced through biblical verses, black-and white photos, frank admissions of shortcomings, and a lively sense of humor”

Bob Leland, the oldest of five children, grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He earned a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Northern Illinois University, an M.A. in Biblical Education from Columbia Bible College, and a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).

Bob has two books in Indonesia: Memancarkan Citra-Nya (Reflecting His Image) and Leksikon Analitis Bahasa Yunani yang Direvisi (Harold K. Moulton’s Revised Analytical Greek Lexicon).

He and his wife, Amber, a registered nurse, spent 31 years in Irian Jaya (Papua), Indonesia, from 1971 to 2002, serving 8 years in the Citak Tribe on the south coast, two and a half years as house-parents at TEAM’s Hostel for missionary children attending the international school in Sentani, 12 years as Office Manager (Bob) and Bookkeeper (Amber) at TEAM’s field office in Manokwari, and 19 years teaching at the Erikson.

Here’s an excerpt written by Barbara Bamberger Scott of the US Review of Books that highlights:

“Leland’s book, opening in a moment of deep crisis in the early days of the Senggo mission, is enhanced through biblical verses, black-andwhite photos, frank admissions of shortcomings, and a lively sense of humor. The intriguing narrative shows how the couple survived sickness and accidents and overcame unexpected challenges almost daily but were encouraged, too, observing that despite language and cultural differences, their village companions were open to receiving the word of God. In their careers, they taught and administered in schools and colleges, acted as house parents, trained missionary appointees, and even translated a book. Leland remains active in church work in the U.S. and helpfully offers this memoir as guidance for all Christians, especially those contemplating the mission path.”