Into the Light

Half-Century as Missionaries in Brazil

By: Tom Latham, Dave Carlson (Editor)

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Paperback | 28 February 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
234 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.63

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Into the Light: Half-Century as Missionaries in Brazil by Dr. Tom Latham is an inspiring autobiography that chronicles the life and ministry of Dr. Latham and his late wife, Penny, as missionaries in Brazil for more than 50 years. â It details their journey from humble beginnings, transformative encounters with Christ, and their dedication to spreading the Gospel through church planting, innovative ministries, and personal relationships. Includes more than 100 photographs and illustrations.

Read about several life struggles faced by Dr. Tom Latham and his family, including:

Difficult Childhood: growing up in a troubled family, marked by poverty, instability, the absence of a father figure, and a mother's struggles with addiction.
Early Life Challenges: dealing with legal troubles, family abandonment, and a lack of direction before finding salvation and purpose through faith in Jesus Christ.
Cultural and Language Barriers: facing the challenge of learning Portuguese and adapting to a new culture, customs, and way of life in Brazil.
Health Issues: encountering tropical health problems, including parasites, head lice, and other illnesses, compounded by severe allergies. â
Financial Struggles: raising funds to support missionary work was a long and challenging process, taking years of deputation and travel.
Robberies and Crime: surviving numerous robberies, some violent and life-threatening, causing physical harm, financial loss, and emotional distress.
Loss and Grief: enduring the loss of loved ones, including the tragic deaths of a sister and spouse.
Missionary Challenges: facing opposition from other missionaries, cultural differences, and the difficulties of starting and maintaining churches in Brazil.
Personal Failures and Redemption: grappling with struggles with pride, lessons about humility and perseverance through faith. â

The book shares heartfelt stories of challenges, triumphs, and the impact of their work on countless individuals. Many struggles highlight the resilience, faith, and determination of the Latham family as they navigated their journey of service and devotion to their mission in Brazil. It is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of love and service in making a lasting difference in the world.

Industry Reviews

As the publisher of this book, I've enjoyed working with Dr. Tom Latham to bring his inspiring story to print. His perseverance and dedication through more than 50 years of missionary work in Brazil speak volumes about his commitment to serving Christ. If you're drawn to stories of Christian commitment, unique adventures, and cultural adaptation, this book is for you. A reader in a focus group remarked, "Phrases like this make the story so much more vivid and valuable. Thanks."

It has been a delight to know and follow Dr. Tom Latham's life and ministry for 55 years. He is a faithful and fruitful servant of God. If I were still teaching my course, 'Lives of Great Missionaries,' I would make this autobiography a required reading. - Dr. Sam Telloyan, former Missions teacher at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota

It has been a joy to get to know Tom and Penny Latham over the past 17 years. I see their heart for the Lord and his people reflected in their small acts of kindness and in their help with developing and mentoring young lives. - Mike Martin, South American Field Director, Baptist World Mission

My fellowship with the Lathams began fifty years ago, when I led the South American Prayer Band at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. Both churches I pastored supported the Lathams, and the last was their sending church. God has blessed their lifetime of faithful service, to which I gladly give witness. - Dave White, former pastor, Bryant Avenue Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Your updates are the most encouraging thing you do for those who pray for you around the world. I think your ministry has been worldwide for all these years, and I am glad and blessed to be part of it. Your impact is huge. It resembles your heart and has allowed me to 'learn to serve so that I can serve to learn.' - Douglas Hazewinkel, former Pillsbury College wrestler, National Champion, 1976

Tom lived a crazy, adventurous life in his early years. The option was there for him to have been voted the most unlikely to succeed in life! BUT Tom knew that when he got saved, he wanted to be a preacher. Many of us back then lacked clear direction in our lives, but Tom did! I continue to marvel at how he allows God to use him in so many ways, places, and times! This book is packed with examples of what passion looks like in the life of an energetic believer. - Richard L Bilyeu General Building Contractor (retired), Redmond, Oregon

Tom and I both desired to see our shipmates come to Faith in Jesus Christ. Tom was more of a Peter, and I was a Paul. I would take the time to get to know someone, then share the Gospel. Tom would see a new shipmate, sit with him in the mess deck, and ask him straight out: "Are you going to Heaven or Hell?" Tom became a missionary; I became a pastor. He greatly encouraged me over the years and blessed our church during his visits. We remain long-distance best friends, even after more than 60 years. - Pastor Richard Edwards, Retired Navy weatherman

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