Engaged to be married, John and Ruth Carpenter were aged 26 and 21 years respectively when they left their sheltered backgrounds in 1931 and set sail for China to fulfil their missionary calling. They could never have imagined what lay in store for them over the next seven years, a time of great turmoil in China's history, but they faced each challenge with remarkable courage and sense of purpose, confident that God would guide, protect and provide for them. That assurance would be put to the test as they had to adapt to a different culture and difficult climate, often living in primitive conditions and having to face danger, illness, disease and discouragement. However, they remained steadfast throughout, sustained by their strong unwavering faith and sense of mission.

This is a unique collection of over 500 letters written by John and Ruth to their families in England 7,000 miles away and long before the days of modern forms of communication. The letters give an enthralling first-hand, day-to-day account of their life as it unfolded and are beautifully written, informative and interesting both historically and culturally. They are frank, amusing, poignant and at times heart-rending and paint vivid pictures of the world around them.

The reader travels with them along a truly emotional journey, sharing their pleasures, anguish, fun and laughter, uncertainties, dangers and joys, and cannot fail to become totally immersed in the world they inhabit.

The journal is compiled and edited by Jean Wemyss-Gorman, daughter of John and Ruth, on the 90th anniversary of their sailing to China.