Encounter

A journey into chaos, culture and compassion

By: Ian Reilly

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Paperback | 23 July 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
384 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
20.96 x 13.97 x 2.16

Paperback

RRP $40.69

$38.75

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"I felt like I was there ..."

"... gut wrenching and very beautiful"

"I've never thought about it that way before ..."

"Honest, vivid, and deeply moving - a must-read for anyone stepping into cross-cultural mission."

- Mike Raiter, Director, Centre for Biblical Preaching

Nervous, na¯ve and overseas for the first time, Ian and Heather Reilly volunteer to teach in Samoa, but instead spend days battling a devastating cyclone.

Emerging to a shattered world without power, water, and running out of food, they prepare lessons by candlelight, and struggle to teach indigenous teenagers by "chalk and talk". They find the oppressive climate conspires with mystifying cultural behaviour to outwit and outlast their every effort, and they lack the superhuman energy necessary to achieve anything enduring.

Journeying with them, readers lurch from comedy to tragedy, as ordinary, relatable people (flawed, vulnerable and sometimes frightened) face violence and suffering. Immersing us into their lived experience, we feel the sweat on our face, tears in our eyes, and hear Jesus speak ancient wisdom into our present moment.

ENCOUNTER is more than a great story exploring the confluence of culture and world view. It challenges deeply held beliefs about indigenous cultures, our understanding of justice, identity, poverty, overseas aid and economic development.

Culture shock in a page turner.

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