Released in the UK December 2018
Released in the US February 2019
Large trade paperback | 304 Pages
9781527102668 • £9.99 $14.99
BISAC – BIO018000
Better Than We Dreamed
The Story of Elaine Townsend
Simona Gorton
Biography of the Wife of the Founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators
Inspirational Story of a Life Committed to God
Read the story of a life lived safely within the lines, that God turned upside down. From social star of 1930’s Chicago to a Wycliffe missionary in South America and the USSR, Elaine Townsend’s life was far from boring. Meet the woman who became Cameron Townsend’s wife, and discover how a life can be filled with adventure, by simply saying ‘yes’ to God.
Both encouraging and challenging, this thorough biography leads the reader to rightly recognise Elaine Townsend as one of the great Christian women of the 20th century – a demonstration of what God can do with a willing heart.
Simona Gorton
Simona Gorton lives with her husband and three children in an old farmhouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which they love to fill with good food and better friends. Growing things out of the dirt, hearing her children’s made–up stories, and reading John Buchan are some of her greatest loves. She has authored youth and adult biographies of Elaine Townsend and worked as the International Operations Manager of 9Marks.
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Christian Focus
I highly recommend the story of Elaine Townsend’s life. When one thinks of Wycliffe’s story, one immediately associates it with Cameron Townsend. But as one reads ‘Better Than We Dreamed’, it is evident that without Elaine serving and sacrificing side by side with her husband, Wycliffe would not be what it is today. Tens and tens of thousands will one day—on that Great Day, rise up and call her blessed.
Elliott Tepper
Founder and Director of Betel (WEC) and Pastor of Iglesia Betel, Madrid, Spain
This is the wonderful story of a woman who, together with her husband, was determined to fulfil the will of God for her life. In one poignant episode, at a time in life when they should have been considering a well–deserved retirement, her husband Cameron senses the Lord leading them to the USSR at the height of the Cold War. Elaine’s response was “if that’s what God wants you to do, that’s what I want to do too”. A life of obedience to God that is a challenge to us all.
Neil Wardrope
CLC International
Elaine Townsend certainly was a remarkable woman. Her exceptional gifts were evident early in life and those gifts were unreservedly committed to the glory of God for the whole of her life. This is important mission history, but it is far more than that. Every reader will be challenged to fresh steps of faith and commitment.
Peter Maiden
International Director Emeritus, Operation Mobilisation
In Better Than We Dreamed, author Simona Gorton takes you on a global journey from Chicago in the Depression to Hitler’s Germany and the warring Middle East, then to the virgin jungles of South America and finally Russia during the Cold War. A gripping true story weaves together lively narrative with Elaine’s own thoughts and writings.
Rick Denham
President of Ministério Fiel (Brazil), International Director of 9Marks, and International Liaison for Desiring God