(Note: The following sample testimonies are about the first of our five fabulous role models!)
The books helped me get deeper in my faith, and helped me deal with everyday problems. I feel if I didn't have the books, I wouldn't be half as close to God. Kelly, age 11
The books have taught me how to be a better Christian. Rachel, age 10
They are REALLY great. They make me respect God and my parents more. Katelyn R., age 13
Your books have been excellent and have made me want to follow Jesus more, and be able to quote scripture verses out of my heart, and always remember them. Also, they have made me want to try and be like Elsie and read my Bible and pray more, and always turn to God in my time of need. Tobi A., age 13
I LOVE the Elsie books I think they are the best books I have ever read. They have had a profound effect on my life and I have learned to trust in Him more. I also love the website!! Jamie, age 11
Wow, what can I say!? These books have made me want to be a better Christian. They showed me that faith isn't just believing... it's about being one with the holy father and his son our Lord. He will help us through everything and will be with us always. I truly believe that these books were a blessing from God, to show me the path to follow and to be a truly dedicated Christian and follower. Nicki L., age 14
Ever since I started reading these books I feel like they have inspired me and I have been trying to be like Elsie. I have been going to church forever, but when I sat down and listened I understood it better than I ever did before. I feel like I am finally beginning to relate to the Bible. Beth B., age 10
I love the Elsie books! I try to be like Jesus in every way, and now I can follow Elsie's example. The books have made me come closer to God. Alexa, age 12
I realized that I wasn't living a life like God wanted me to. By seeing how Elsie was a devoted Christian helped me realize that I was doing a lot of things that God disapproves of, and Elsie helped me learn that by the way she lived her life. Since I read the first book I have been doing daily devotions, and trusting in God during my most troublesome times. Jourdan, age 12
Well I've never really thought of God sooo greatly before I read these books and now my greatest dream is to read the whole Bible. Christa G., age 10
Elsie has helped me understand God and the Bible. It has changed my life! Hannah P., age 10
Your Elsie books are by far the best books I have ever read! Reading them makes me want so.... much to change my life so it could be like hers. She has such a tight relationship with God and I would give anything to have that. When I read her books I want so bad to just go out and tell everyone the loving forgiveness of Jesus Christ... I love the books so much they have been such a joy giver to me.... I can't wait to read the rest of her books :) thanks a hole bunch for all you who made her books possible. Kristina C., age 13
The Elsie books have made me love God even more!!! The books also made me become a better Christian!! Hannah, age 14
I love the Elsie books. They have really changed my life as a Christian. Elizabeth S., age 14
I LOVE the Elsie stories! They have taught me to read my Bible more and I have become closer to God. Alexa, age 11
I LOVE the Elsie books! My grandmother sent me the first three books and I couldn't put them down! They made me take my faith more seriously. I feel very close to God now! Elizabeth P., age 12
I really enjoyed them because of their adventure, but most of all they really helped me to grow in the Lord and trust in him. Hanna, age 14
The Elsie books are truly based on her faith and everyday situations she faces which can help us as we go through life's trials. She is a young girl who is seeking God with all she can and is an excellent role model for us to follow. When Elsie has encountered something, I think back to what I would have done in that situation and how I can change that to fit what God would have us do. These books are fantastic! Rebecca, age 12
I think they are so, so, so good. I love them so much! They've brought me closer to Jesus. I love both Millie and Elsie books so much I don't know what I would do without them. Meg S., age 12
Your books have made my relationship with Christ deeper! Olivia, age 10
The books are wonderful! I've always gone to church, but these books have definitely brought me closer to God and Jesus. Sarah H., age 11
WOW! I love Elsie! She has truly helped me to live a better life! Sometimes, I stop and think "how would Elsie handle this?" I know that she is fictional, but she seems so real! I really don't want to finish the series. I want to always read the "Elsie books". Also, my mom and I have had a lot of good talks about these books. She really likes them, too! Thank you, Martha Finley, for writing these books, and thank you, A Life of Faith, for publishing them. Elsie has definitely inspired me to live a life for God! He is my Savior, and Elsie helped me realize that! That is truly a great gift! Thank you! Kirsti, age 12
Elsie is a whole lot like Jesus, so I would like to be more like Him now. Nicholle, age 13
I LOVE the Elsie books!! They affected my life so much. From the example Elsie set I have become a better Christian. The way she always prayed and took her troubles to her Lord is the way I want to be. I have also started reading my Bible. I don't know if I would have been this close to my God if it hadn't been for the Elsie books. Anna, age 12
I think the Elsie books have made me be aware that God loves me more than I could ever know and even though I have many sins he forgives me. Now I love to do my devotions and spend time with God! Promise E. age 11
I think that the Elsie stories are the most wonderful books that I have ever read, apart from the Bible. These books have affected me by helping my faith to grow stronger. Michelle, age 14
Your Elsie Dinsmore series has brought me closer to God than ever before. I now feel like I can turn to Him whenever I'm troubled, night or day, 24/7. I feel like He's always there for me when I need him most. I always feel a strange sense of peace whenever I'm praying to Him. I usually do more than pray, I love talking to Him, pouring out my heart to Him, but the greatest part is, He understands all my feelings. He understands my troubles and helps me pull through. Anna H. B., age 13
I think the stories are great! Every time I read a new Elsie book, I am charmed by this girl with amazing faith and boundless love for Him. I look up to Elsie as a role model because I would love to be like her! These books give me hope and teach me to always put my trust in the Lord. Amanda, age 12
The Elsie Dinsmore series brought me closer to God and Jesus. Elsie is like my best friend! The Elsie Dinsmore series is excellent! Peyton B., age 9
I just wanted to say thank you SO much for making the Elsie books and the Elsie web site! I have REALLY enjoyed them. It has helped me grow closer to God and to love him more. I have read the Elsie and all the Millie books that have so far came out! They also have been such a blessing to me. Thank you so much. Cora L.
I love the Elsie stories because I can really relate to her. They have affected my life by causing me to want a more personal relationship with God. Nicole M., age 13
Elsie has taught me so much about being a Christian! In fact, I decided that I wanted to be a Christian with the help of reading Elsie's books. They are great books, and she seems almost real. Thank you for republishing Elsie. Lauren, age 13
The books have inspired me and have made me think more about living my life completely for God. Brittany, age 14
The books made me a true believer. Courtney, age 14
I think the books are really awesome and even though I have only two of the Elsie series, they already have taught me to live A LIFE OF FAITH!! I really enjoy reading the series at home and love Elsie!! Katharine S., age 9
The Elsie books are my favorite series. I love them. First I read it then I told my Mom about it and she got hooked on it just like me! Kara L. age 12
I love Elsie's stories. They seem so real, even though the stories took place along time ago. It is just like having a best friend from the 1800's. Candace S., age 14
The books helped me become a more balanced Christian. Elisa B., age 11
My life was changed by the books every day. I want to live more like Jesus. I want to live like Elsie lived. I want to have her attitude and her serene purity in Christ. Thank you for the Elsie books. Katlin M., age 10
I think the Elsie books are just great. She is a strong Christian, and makes me try to be a better Christian and think before I act. Kyrsten T., age 9
The books are GREAT. They have helped me in my personal life and helped me read my bible everyday. Joanna, age 13
The books have inspired me to take my walk with God more seriously. Katelyn, age 13
I really enjoyed the Elsie books! A friend lent me the first few and I read each one in a day! Elsie is a great role model and the books are a break from today's junk. I can't wait to read to read book 8! Priscilla, age 12
I really love the Elsie books because they encourage me to be more godly every day. Thank you! Rachel, age 11
Elsie changed my life!! She made me a better Christian!! She made me think that we should read the Bible and study it lots!! If I am lonely or hurt or even scared I turn to the Bible. I learned to be a better Christian and a better person because of her. Alisha, age 12
Ever since I started reading them, I have become a better Christian. Tiffany, age 12
My family and I are missionaries to Costa Rica. I have never read any of the Millie books but I have read some of the Elsie books. Lots of people think that missionary kids are all good, but that is not true. I want to tell you that the books I have read have been such a blessing to my heart, that I would like to share it with the girls who read this. Elsie is a model Christian. I so often want to be like her because she so much wants to be like her Savior. He is her truest friend. How I want that for myself! What I really appreciate is that you give God the glory for what HE has helped you with. GOD IS MOST GLORIFIED IN US WHEN WE ARE MOST SATISFIED IN HIM. Sarah H. age 13
Thank you so much for making the website, I really appreciate it. I don't know if I would have loved God this much if it wasn't for your books and web site. I now take my Bible and Faith Binder almost everywhere with me. My Faith Binder is a binder that I'm keeping verses and loads of things that I've printed off of your website in. In fact there is so much Elsie stuff that it takes up 3/4's of my binder and I'm having trouble keeping it closed. Esther, age 12
I think that Elsie has affected my life because she was not afraid to show her faith in God, and now that I have read some of her books, I am not afraid to show my love for God at school. I was afraid to show my love for God because I was afraid that if I did, I would not fit in, but now I really don't care. Katelyn, age 13
They made me think about how I can live my life for God and that it is possible to have a very strong relationship with him even when you're very young. Elizabeth, age 13
I love the books. They really inspired me to become a better christen and to take my troubles to God. Krista, age 13
They have shown me what faith is and how important it is to love and trust God. Whitney, age 13
I just love the Elsie books! It has truly changed my life and made me more closer to God. Michele, age 13
The Elsie books have made a tremendous impact on my life. They inspired me to live for God and to know Him more. Keri, age 13
The Elsie stories are great and they gave me more courage to stand up in hard times and read the Bible more and lean on God more because no problem is too big or too small for Him. Anonymous
At first when I got my first Elsie Dinsmore book I had my doubts! Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down! Sometimes I stay up a little bit late so I can finish a chapter or two! Then it really sprung on me about how Elsie had so many trials that she worked through not by herself, but with the help of our wonderful savior JESUS!!! I want to be like her, the way she loves JESUS with all her heart! Also by the way she uses the fruit of the spirit to help her through the hardest of times! Also about the verses in Elsie's Life Lessons, I think they will always help me when I just don't seem to want to love somebody: "Love is patient, Love is kind! It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth! It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails! 1 Corinthians 13:4-8! That will almost always be hidden in my heart! I really enjoy these books, and look forward to finishing this series and moving on to the Millie series! Missy H., age: 7
The Elsie stories have affected me in many ways. One way is that the life Elsie leads is just how I mould like to have my life to be. Two, the books have made me want to be more faithful. Three, the books have me wanting to be closer to my Lord and Heavenly Father and Friend. Abbey S., age 13
I think the Elsie stories are great! It's a good way to reach out to girls. Elsie gave me a role model. Now, instead of reading other books I always read Christian books and it helps me focus more on God and have more of a Christian attitude. Ivy H., age 10
I saw an ad in a magazine and bought the first A Life of Faith: Elsie Dinsmore novel. I couldn't believe how much we had in common! She was eight years old, the exact age at which I'd asked Jesus into my heart. I also noticed that her father didn't play much of a role in her life, and with my parents having been divorced for over five years, mine didn't either. I knew just how she felt. We cried together, laughed together, and I finally felt as if someone understood me. Pretty soon I had more Elsie books and I even had my own new Bible and was already memorizing verses. The only real struggle I had was with my father. He saw my freshly renewed faith as something cultic and foolish and he visited me less and less. By this time I was almost thirteen years old and it hurt to know that my own dad didn't even want to know Jesus. But I remembered Elsie's struggles and knew that I still had someone who knew what I was going through. Over the years I've had the opportunity to meet Millie and Violet as well, and to see Elsie's legacy in their lives and in my own. Now I am seventeen, and I am no longer the timid girl that first saw Elsie's ad. I've become bold and confident in my faith all because of an advertisement in a magazine I now know God led me to buy. Lindsey K.
Elsie has really helped me to get through tough times. Amy P., age 13
I love the Elsie books! I have read them over 2 times and on my 3rd! I will be starting the Millie Keith series soon as well. Jilly, age 10
Elsie showed me how to be more Christlike in many ways. Heidi P., age 10
I may have just started reading them, but I have learned more from the first Elsie book than I have learned on my own. I have always known that a lot of what I've done was wrong, but I never knew it meant so much! I never knew being like God meant so! But now that I know I want to be just like God and Elsie. Sherell J. (age 12)
Elsie's stories have taught me to be a better Christian in times of trouble. Her books even inspired me to put away all my unChristian stuff and walk away from gossiping. I have asked Jesus into my heart and believed that He was real but never really acted like one. I have only read one book but Elsie's stories have really touched my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alyssa H., age 9
The books touched my life and when I read it God started working in my life. Lucy E., age 9
I love Elsie. She is my role model. Jeanie, age 10
I love the series and what is really interesting is that I was just looking for help in my Christian walk and your books and Elsie have taught me many things that hopefully I will remember the rest of my life. Josie, age 13
I got the 1st Elsie Book for my birthday in October, and now for Christmas, I got books 2-5, and I can hardly wait each day until all my schoolwork is done so I can sit down and read the books! After I am done with each book, I give them to my 62 year old Grandma, and she reads them, too. I really like the books. Kirsten, age 11
I think these books are awesome! They help you to learn to be more content after hearing about Elsie's problems. I love how she talks with God all the time. It inspires me to start that myself. Casidey, age 13
The Elsie books are great I love them. I cried when I read Elsie's Endless Wait - it was so good I am getting all the rest up to number 6 and I'll get the rest when they come out. It's about the best book I have ever read in my life. Ruth, age 11
Elsie has been such a good role model I want to give the first few books to my aunt for Christmas. Also I am very disappointed that our school does not have the series. It is so good I've recommended it to almost every one (even adults especially my teacher.) Jeanie, age 10
I have read the Elsie books numbers 1-6 and loved all of them. I read them over and over. Last year at this time I knew nothing of the Elsie books. I got the first book "Elsie's Endless Wait" for Christmas last year. I want to join the Elsie club because I love the books, and I want to live a life like Elsie did-completely loving, obedient, and faithful to God. Jessica, age 12
I think that the Elsie stories are wonderful!! How they have effected my life is they have made me try to be more respectful to my father, & obey him more. Reading those books, I felt kinda guilty (*grin*). Rene, age 15
I think the books are wonderful and they are teaching me to be a better person because I want to be just like Elsie - sweet, kind, caring, and really, really into the Lord!! Lindsay, age 12
I think [the books] are absolutely awesome! They have changed my life totally! Elsie's wonderful spirit is what I'm striving to have! Jessica, age 12
The Elsie books have changed my life! I feel much closer to God! I want to try to be just like Elsie! It has really changed my attitude. Alyssa, age 12
Since I read Elsie's book, I've been really polite and really proper! I've been doing better in school, and I don't have many troubles I solve with a hateful attitude - I do it with calm and cool reasoning instead! Amber, age 13
I have never read anything so encouraging. It has opened my eyes to the fact that my walk with God is not as fulfilling as I would like it to be. I really love the Elsie books and I am glad you have given the world the chance to get to know Elsie. Sarah, age 13
I think they are wonderful, and I think Elsie is a wonderful example for every girl of every age that can read! She shows what faith can do. I can't wait to read all her books! They have shown me what faith is and how important it is to love and trust God. Whitney, age 13
My mom and I are reading this great series together. We both love them and are waiting for book 5. We are going to get all the books. We are also interested in getting Elsie's Daily Diary, Elsie's Life Lessons, and Elsie's Christmas Party. We find them to be such a blessing and a great way for mothers and daughters to spend time together. [It] opens the door for great conversation. I have to say that if I could choose between these books and my favorite worldly series, I'd choose Elsie 100%!! Lucy, age 10
I love the books! It is the most awesome series in the entire world (besides the Bible, of course)! Hannah (age 15)
Since I read Elsie's book, I've been really polite and really proper! I've been doing better in school, and I don't have many troubles that I solve with a hateful attitude-I do it with calm and cool reasoning instead! Amber (age 13)
My daughter enjoys the American girls series and I think she'll enjoy the Elsie books as well. I remember how when I read them [the original books] years ago, I was fascinated by the way they depicted the era in which they were
These stories have affected me by thinking how important God is in my life. People have told me God loves me but with these books I can see how important God, family, and friends are to me. I enjoyed these books very much and have read each one at least 10 times each. Erica (age 12)
The Elsie books have made a tremendous impact on my life. They have inspired me to have a better relationship with Jesus, and now I know that I need to grow more in my Christian life with Him. They have also taught me the importance and rewards of virtues such as patience, unconditional acceptance and love, and forgiveness. The Elsie books are so much fun to read, and I am so happy to have found a series of books that not only talk about Christ, but centers on Him and influences people in a positive way. They are my favorite books next to the Bible! I love the Elsie books! Thanks to the writer for creating such a wonderful Christian guideline for not only me, but many other people as well! Keri (age 13)
They've affected my life by bringing me closer to God. Stephanie (age 12)
I suddenly noticed how sinful I was. Elsie is my hero! Hurry up with the next books please! Jordon (age 11)
I greatly admired Elsie's faith in her Saviour, her unconditional love for her father, and her ever-ready willingness to forgive others for their wrongs against her. I would highly recommend these books to anyone of all ages. I am looking forward to reading the rest of them!!! Kendra (age 16)
I love the Elsie stories. When I read them I feel ashamed at how much godlier a young lady she is than I. It is a fun way to learn more about God and see how a Christian young lady should act. I learn so much from reading them. It makes me think twice about my actions. I can't wait for more books to come out! Kristin (age 11)
The Elsie Books have inspired me to dig deeper into my own Bible because I wanted to understand the scriptures as Elsie did.
I thought they were very good!!! They inspired me to live a life like God wants us to. Thank you so much for putting these books out! Nicole (age 15)
Elsie books are GREAT!!! I might not have read many but they have helped me turn my life around. That isn't a joke either. I now love learning about Jesus and doing good and helping others. I know that it's really hard to come to Jesus for some people and I never used to care. Now, I just want to comfort them and give them a friendly little nudge. DT (age 12)
I love the Elsie books. I've never liked to read until I read the Elsie books. Samantha (age 12)
I really like the stories. They challenge me to be more like Jesus in my Christian life. Katie (age 16)
The Elsie books really changed my life! They definitely made me reconsider my life and just how much I obey my parents, as well as my Heavenly Father. These books are really great, and I'm going to try to buy them all, so that when I have a little girl of my own, I'll be able to share them her, too! Kathryn (age 13)
I originally bought the books for my daughter and ended up reading them myself. They are absolutely wonderful, so full of Godly wisdom and lessons in Christian character. Once I start reading one, I just can't put it down. I can't wait until my daughter (age 8) is old enough to read them. Susan (age 36)
I just finished the first Elsie book, and it made me feel so much closer to God than I have ever felt. I can't wait to get the next one! Jessica (age 13)
I thank you because you have helped show me something more wonderful than words can express! Thank you Elsie because your books helped me come to the Lord. Gracie (age 12)
The Elsie stories are great and I appreciate stories about a girl who loves the lord so much. They have inspired me and have made me think more about living my life completely for God. She is a great example for girls everywhere! Brittany (age 14)
I LOVE Elsie books. They're great! Even though I've only read the first book, I feel as if Elsie is real. As I read the book, I almost went into tears at some of her hardships. I have already been a Christian for five years, but Elsie has helped me do a much better job of it. Even my mother can see a difference! I'm going to buy the second book and see if my mother will get the rest. I have been so inspired to do God's bidding and to read the Bible. Yes, I still sin, and I know that I cannot stop that, but I love the Lord with all my heart and have learned a lot just from that one book. I don't know how I would have gotten the help I needed to become a better Christian without Elsie. Thank you! Lindsey (age 13)
I absolutely LOVE!! the books! The books have affected my life in a way to show that God can answer prayers and He can have good things come out of bad and also you are never too young to be in the Word!! Thank you for doing the Elsie books in a way I can easily read and understand! Jorie (age 13)
Elsie changed me life!! She made me a better Christian!! She made me think that we should read the Bible and study it lots!! If I am lonely or hurt or even scared I turn to the Bible. I learned to be a better Christian and a better person because of her. Alisha (age 12)
I love the Elsie Books! They seem as if they are not books but a TV screen telling a story of a dear friend. I read about how Elsie acts and try live like she did which is how the Bible says to live. I read quite a bit and the Elsie Books are my favorite series. Ashley (age 13)
Elsie Rocks!!! The books are awesome! Jenni (age 13)
I LOVE the Elsie books I think they are the best books I have ever read. They have had a profound effect on my life and I have learned to trust in Him more and they have also taught me it was like to live in the South and have wealth in the nineteenth century. My favorite Elsie book was Elsie's Endless Wait because it showed how true her faith was and how much she loved Him and I really admired that. I also liked how patient she was her aunts and uncles. I also love this website!! Jamie S. (age 11)
I think the Elsie stories are great!! They helped me understand more about God and how he works. I am stronger in my faith because of these books. Not only are they a good role model to me they are also an excellent read!!! I'm waiting for book 5 now so I can continue to enjoy these books!!! Joanna (age 15)
I really love the Elsie books because they encourage me to be more godly every day. Thank you! Rachel (age 11)
I have never read anything so encouraging. It has opened my eyes to the fact that my walk with God is not as fulfilling as I would like it to be. I really love the Elsie books and I am glad you have given the world the chance to get to know Elsie. Sarah (age 13)
I thought that the Elsie books were excellent. They are those kind of books that you can't put down. You just want to keep reading them. Each book in the series is better than the one before it. They are so in depth that when Elsie is filled with joy, so are you, and when Elsie is sad or upset, you feel like crying, too. They are also an inspiration because Elsie has so much faith, that pure faith of a little child, that we should all have. Caroline (age 13)
I just loved these books! They helped me with my own personal faith because even through every thing that happened to her, Elsie held strong in her faith and didn't move. She felt that God's word was the most important thing. It also showed me not to take my parents for granted. Please hurry and get the next books out - I can't wait to read them! Lauren (age 11)
I love Elsie stories because it teaches you that obeying your parents and most importantly God will help you alot in life. It has affected my life by teaching me important things to do that I never really paid attention to before. Corrie (8-10 years old)
The Elsie books are FABULOUS! Even though I am 16 years old and in the books I've read so far Elsie is only 8-10 years of age I have enjoyed it TREMENDOUSLY! Not only have I enjoyed it, I have also learned from it. Elsie's sweet spirit and her calmness in the "stormy" times of her life is an example of the way God can change us for the better when we let Him. Her reaction to her relatives' or friends' rudeness and stubbornness was so mature it was a picture of the way we should respond to others' hurtful actions as we so often don't. By reading through and being able to know Elsie's thoughts I am learning better to react to others' hurtful actions the same way Elsie did, by going to my precious "Friend" and Savior! I have recommended the Elsie books to several people and I would recommend it to you too! Stephanie (16 years old)
Thank you for publishing such wonderful books! When I first received a copy of Elsie's Endless Wait, I was unsure on the nature of the book, passing it off as a "young- kids'-2nd-grade-novel." It wasn't until I saw some of my high-school friends reading the books that I began to show interest in them. I picked up the novel for the first time last night--(blew the dust off)-- and began to read. I remember the time on my clock showed 10:00pm as I settled down in bed. Later, glancing up from my reading, my clock showed 1:15am. It was a book I could not put down. While reading the book, I was awestruck by Elsie's passion. Her passion for Christ reminded me of the similar passion I had when I was younger-- a passion that has seemed to fizzle as the pressures, demands, and desensitizing of the world surround me. Her faith has encouraged me to continue my walk with Christ. As I sat down to read my daily portion of the Bible this morning, something Elsie did stuck with me: READING the Bible is useless without taking the verses to heart and pondering them. Although I've been a Christian for 10 years, work in Awana, teach 3rd grade Sunday School, and am training to be a Christian Camp Counselor, I've always just READ the Bible-- to "read" it, nor as a personal letter of encouragement, hope, and promise. Never before has the Bible been so real to me. For this I want to say "thank you" to those at MCP for publishing a Christian series that isn't Christian because it has "Christian values" or a "Christian plot", but rather a series that ENCOURAGES a walk with Jesus Christ. Thank you for everything. In Christ, Bethany P. (age 15)
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