Into the Light: Half-Century as Missionaries in Brazil [Second Edition] tells the true story of Dr. Tom Latham, tracing his journey from a troubled, abandoned youth in Oregon to a passionate follower of Christ and pioneering missionary in Brazil. This new edition is reorganized for smoother reading, adds additional content, and includes 147 vibrant color illustrations, mostly photographs from Dr. Latham's private collection.
After a life-changing Christian salvation experience while serving in the U.S. Navy, Tom's path led him to Penny, his devoted partner in life and ministry. Together, they faced personal and spiritual challenges, raised a family, and built a legacy of service that touched thousands. Their commitment endured through financial difficulties, cultural barriers, and danger, including over 100 robberies and countless hardships like an almost unbearable hot climate, skin worms, home critter infestations, language challenges, and cultural differences.
For more than fifty years, the Lathams planted four churches across Brazil, each a testament to perseverance and faith. Their creative outreach-ranging from wrestling ministries and donut deliveries to drama teams and food-based evangelism-opened doors in often-overlooked communities. Along the way, they built deep relationships, mentored leaders, and inspired generations of Brazilians and Americans alike.
Told with honesty, humor, and humility, Dr. Latham's narrative is filled with unforgettable stories: battling tarantulas and tropical diseases, witnessing dramatic life transformations, and enduring profound personal loss. The heart-warming eulogy to his departed wife, Penny, is a testament to the deep love the family shared. The book also features moving reflections from his children, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a missionary family and the enduring impact of faith lived out daily.
Into the Light is more than a memoir-it's a celebration of grace, perseverance, and hope. Whether you're seeking inspiration, a deeper understanding of missionary life, or simply a powerful human story, this book will encourage you to step out of your own darkness and into the light. Join Dr. Tom Latham on a journey that shows how one life, surrendered to God, can make a world of difference.
About the Author :
Dr. Harry Thomas "Tom" Latham is a Navy veteran and senior Baptist missionary with over 50 years of experience serving in Brazil. A graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv) and Luther Rice Seminary (DMin), Dr. Latham has dedicated his life to church planting, evangelism, and mentoring indigenous church leaders. Tom and his late wife, Penny, labored to establish four thriving churches. Their family grew to include three children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Tom founded and coached a successful wrestling program that won state and national team titles in Brazil. Dr. Latham's deep faith, practical wisdom, and commitment to the Great Commission have made him a respected leader in the Baptist missionary community and a much-loved pastor to the people he ministers to in Brazil. Dave Carlson is accomplished in multiple fields-a true "jack of all trades" and "master of many." Since 1992, his DynoTech ventures-Consulting, Publishing, and Software-have sold more than 30 titles in all 50 states and 95 countries. He holds five advanced degrees and has written tens of thousands of pages of fiction and nonfiction. Dave is enjoying retirement after more than 50 years of work, starting with his first full-time job in 1970 and more than 35 years as a U.S. Army Engineer Officer. He retired from both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Federal Civil Service. He stays busy with consulting projects in computer technology, computer-aided illustration, book editing, and publishing.
Review :
Into the Light, 2nd Edition, is a heartfelt, inspiring, and instructive memoir that offers a rare, unvarnished look at the joys and trials of a life devoted to service. Dr. Latham's journey from a troubled youth to a seasoned missionary is both uplifting and instructive, filled with practical wisdom and genuine emotion. The book's honesty, humor, and faith-centered perspective make it a standout in the genre of missionary autobiographies. Highly recommended for readers seeking encouragement, insight into cross-cultural ministry, or a testament to the transformative power of faith.
