Jungle Courage
By W. Blake Gibbs
About the Story
Jungle Courage is the story of Harold and Ella Landrus and their children, Paul, Ruth, and Esther. From Harold’s “love at first sight” encounter with Ella; to their days as pastors in the dusty mining town of Aguilar, Colorado (where a drunken miner tried to shoot Harold); to their nearly 35 years as missionaries in the wild, remote jungles of Liberia, West Africa; their story is a powerful demonstration the family’s unwavering faith and courage. It is also a story of God’s faithfulness, provision, and protection.
In the 1930’s, when they left the comforts of life in America for the the dangerous jungles of Africa, Harold and Ella could never have imagined the challenges they would face—-the joys, the heartbreaks, the unbelievable adventures they would experience.
From deadly snakes, to marauding leopards, rampaging elephants, and terrifying airplane crashes, the Landrus family faced every challenge with faith, courage, and purpose.
Jungle Courage is the account of a remarkable family striving to make a difference in the lives of native tribespeople deep in the African interior. They led lives of worth and meaning, while living out adventures that go beyond anything any movie could ever offer.
The difference is their story is true.
What are readers are saying about Jungle Courage
Editorial Review
“Jungle Courage is not just a story about the Landrus family. It is a timeless reminder that courage fueled by faith can overcome even the harshest circumstances.
At its core, this is a story of courage born not out of circumstances but out of conviction. Themes of perseverance, divine purpose, resilience, and unwavering faith run throughout, making the book more than just a retelling. It becomes a testimony of what it means to live boldly in alignment with one’s calling.”
Amazon Review
“This was simply the most interesting, inspiring book I have read in the last 20 years. The fact that it a true story makes it even better. I couldn’t put the book down.” - RF
Amazon Review
“Best book I’ve read in a very long time. Captivating, and so real, I couldn’t put it down. You will laugh, and you will cry. You’ll feel sad, mad, frustrated, joyful, glad, and terrified. You will be blown away. This book is well worth the read” - LR
Book Previews
The Hunter Being Hunted
The African or Cape Buffalo is considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals. Weighing up to seventeen hundred pounds and standing nearly six feet high at the shoulders, these powerful beasts are known for their mean dispositions and their unpredictable behavior.
Late one morning as they hunted, Harold and Paul encountered a rare lone buffalo. They had come upon it grazing in a small open spot in the jungle forest. Fortunately, it had not heard them, and they ducked quickly into the undergrowth to plot their plan of attack. Beyond what they needed for the family and to care for the students at the Bible school, this giant animal would provide food for the entire village for several weeks… read more
Love At First Sight
Sitting on an uncomfortable wooden bench at the back of a large circus-style tent waiting for the program to begin, Harold was thinking about why he was there. If he was honest with himself, it was because he wanted to escape having to study all afternoon. He was not a particularly good student, and his studies were a challenge.
When he was in his late teens, he felt very deeply in his heart God was calling him to be a missionary. Now in his early twenties, he was enrolled at Southern California Bible College intent on becoming equipped to serve as a missionary in some far-off corner of the world… read more
About the Author
W. Blake Gibbs, a native of Pasadena, California, grew up in neighboring Arcadia. After graduating from Arcadia High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Claremont Men’s College (now Claremont McKenna College).
He married Esther Landrus, Harold and Ella’s youngest daughter, on July 3, 1965. One month later he shipped out for Vietnam as a Lieutenant in the US Army. Upon his return from Vietnam, Blake began a nearly forty-year career in business and industry.
Together, Blake and Esther have travelled extensively in Africa, Asia, and Europe, including more than 25 trips to Africa.
When Blake turned sixty, He and Esther felt the Lord was leading them to become full-time missionaries with Agape Children’s Ministry, rescuing street children and other at- risk children in Kenya. Agape’s focus is to share the Gospel with the children and, after counseling and proper preparation, to reintegrate the children with their family or extended family. The Lord has blessed the ministry mightily. Since 2010, Agape has reintegrated more then 7500 children. Blake and Esther retired from Agape in 2019.
They have two grown children, five grand-children, and four great-grand-children (with another on the way).
They reside in Modesto, California.
To learn more about Agape Children’s Ministry, go to:
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