Customer Reviews

Your Pal Steve

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This book documents Steve and his family's work in Kenya. They are on a mission to bring food and hope in a region where there is so little. This is a story about perservering in the face of adversity.

Over the years I have followed Steve's ministry via the emails he and Nancy have written. Their emails became a regular part of my devotions. Steve left a promising business career in the U.S. in order to serve God and people in Kenya. This book is an absolute must for anyone who wants to put their career in perspective.

It's easy to read, because each section is just a page or two long. Pick it up, put it down. But be warned: putting it down is hard to do!

This very informative, emotional, and ultimately hopeful book unfolds as a series of e-mails that shares the lives of the Peifer Family as they serve as missionaries in Kijabe, Kenya. Through Steve's writings you'll learn about the missionary program they became involved with, what everyday life is like in Kenya, statistical data is woven into the stories of the country to frame the life of the people of Kenya -- but more than all of that you will be introduced to the wonderful people that Steve and his family have come to know and share their lives with, the beautiful children they have had the opportunity to work with. Steve's gift of humor may begin an e-mail, with the sad realities of the poverty of the country overwhelming you by the end of the same e-mail. It is a very personal, heartfelt account of their lives that tells of their work and commitment to bring a much needed food program and computer program to as many children as they can, to make a difference one school at a time, one child at a time, as the programs continue to grow. This book is one that can answer the questions, "How can I help? How can I make a difference in this crazy world?" Through the purchase of Your Pal, Steve you will be making a difference; after reading the book you will most likely feel that you need to get more involved. Buy books for all your friends, share, spread the word, it will make a difference!

I have worked with Steve at Rift Valley Academy for the past 3.5 years, and this book reflects what it's like to work with him and know him. He's funny. He keeps you on your toes. He's not what you'd expect when you hear "missionary in Africa." His heart is deep. He has an unhealthy obsession with Neil Diamond. He loves Jesus. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He takes caring for the poor and helping others very seriously.

If you want to get to know a great guy, come work with us at RVA. If you're not feeling that, read Your Pal, Steve. And if you want to read the second best book about being a 21st century missionary in Kenya, read .All That You Can't Leave Behind: A Rookie Missionary's Life In Africa. (Shameless self-promotion)

And be ready for book number two from Steve. I hear it's coming out next year.

The Peifer family's work in Africa is tremendously inspiring, and Steve's record of their journey, which is both poignant and funny, really makes you feel like a friend from the start.

Having seen Steve Peifer on CNN Heroes Awards, and You Tube videos, I was additionally inspired by his book. It's just like reading your own personal emails from him. While there is the occasional typo,it's not preachy or pretentious,and his deep devotion to his family,faith and ministry are awesome. He's got a great sense of humor which must really help him out in the midst of struggles of real life in Kenya. I hope & pray his work will continue to grow, especially in light of recent turmoil. If you're not expecting a novel then you won't be disappointed in his style, and hopefully rewarded by inspiration leading to action.

An amazing, honest, heartfelt and humorous collection of email letters written by Steve who lives and works with his family at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya, Africa. From adjusting to life in Africa to adopting 2 African children, you will not only gain a glimpse of the hardships many Kenyans face but also a compassion for the people like Steve who are doing their best to help make a better life for the children in Kenya. A must read for anyone who wants to know what life as a missionary is like or wants to know how their financial contribution CAN make a difference.

I read this book from cover to cover while flying home after hearing Steve speak. Steve is a wonderful story teller - I laughed and I cried when I read this book. I'm going to write on the inside of the cover "Read this and then send it to someone else, because this book is the kind that has to be shared". And then I'm going to send it on to someone else that I'm sure will love the book as much as I did.

I know this family personally and worked with them at Rift Valley Academy. They are very down-to-earth people and it was fun to revisit the names and places where I lived through the pages of this wonderful book. They are inspiring and set an example of following God step by step in obedience. The anecdotes are hysterical, nearly as funny as Steve himself. You will find yourself laughing out loud! The descriptions of the problems in Kenya, the lives of missionaries and their kids and the questions they raise for Steve and his family are honest and thought-provoking. A very meaningful read and a way to put a face with the myriad of problems facing Africa today.

To date I have purchased 5 "Your Pal, Steve" books. I kept giving them away before I could finish it. This is a book for everyone to read. If you have ever lived in a dorm (esp. a boarding school), if you've ever been a missionary, if you've ever adopted twins, if you've ever been to Africa, you will find yourself here. If you haven't done any of these, you will think that you have by the time you finish the book.

Steve is a funny, self-effacing, "every man", even more, he and his family are amazing, kind, super-heroes on earth. They have affected more lives than a billionaire and continue to bring hope to 10,000 school children every day. Thank you, Steve, for teaching me not to become accostomed to hunger and calloused to need.