The Challenge of the Country: A Study of Country Life Opportunity

In this thoughtful exploration of early‑twentieth‑century rural America, the author invites listeners to reconsider the allure of city life by highlighting the pressing need for capable leaders on the farm and in the village. Drawing on the latest census data and vivid illustrations of schools, churches, and farms, the book paints a picture of a nation still rooted in agriculture, where the health of the whole country depends on the vitality of its countryside. It challenges college‑age men and women to see the countryside not as a fallback but as a field of opportunity for meaningful service and personal fulfillment.

The narrative also examines the social and moral forces that draw young people toward the fast‑paced city, while explaining how those same forces can erode character and well‑being. By weaving together statistics, anecdotal observations, and practical suggestions for community involvement, the work offers a clear roadmap for anyone eager to invest talent in rural Christian leadership or simply to understand the broader Rural Life Movement. Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for the enduring value of country life and a concrete sense of how they might contribute.