25.4.14

Brinkman Family Adventures ~ Season 2

The following audio download was provided by The Brinkman Adventures for the purpose of this TOS Schoolhouse Crew review.  



God's providence is evident throughout the circumstances shared in the Brinkman Adventures Season 2: Episodes 13-24This series is about a modern homeschooling missionary family. The Brinkman family includes Jack and Susan Brinkman and their eight children Ian, Kate, Charlie, Hope, Isaac, Michelle, Kitri, and Gracie. As they share the gospel throughout the world, additional characters are introduced. Though some of the true circumstances have been fictionalized, each episode is based on true stories.

review of the Brinkman Adventures

They share additional information about each of the true stories on their website. These verses inspired the family to share their missionary stories: 
"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.  For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.  Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." Luke 8:16 - 18 
When we placed an order at our homeschool conference last year, we received a copy of the first Brinkman family adventures Audio drama Dangerous Waters. The second season resumes 3 years after the first series ends and shares some of the Brinkman family adventures that happened during that time. Episodes in season 2 include: 

The Brinkman family sings together which is woven into the stories including one about a trucker's strike. In addition to the episodes listed, a song written and performed by their daughter is included. The episodes flow together in such a way that we wanted to keep listening all the way through. Some have two parts, others tell of complete adventures in the 25 minutes. All are engaging and enjoyed by all ages in our family. At times friends have listened with us, too. I love missionary stories of God's love and how they share His truth. 

Our family lives "way back in the woods" so any drive we take means a long trip.  In part because of that, we enjoy listening to good audio books when we are on the road. Last April, we received the first of the Brinkman family adventures as a freebie with our My Father's World order. We all five rated it among our favorites and ordered the rest of the first season (all that was available at that time). This is what my husband and I prefer for family entertainment-- and the dramatized stories are true!! We have listened to them repeatedly. These stories are set in Mexico, China, a French castle, the Mayan islands, and one fiction country to protect the true characters. Our road trips now feel like foreign adventures. 

We were all delighted with the opportunity to review season 2. My daughter burned the downloaded recordings onto CDs for us.


Our guest speaker at our monthly 4H meeting shared about honeybees, and the next Brinkman adventure episode that we listened to on the way home that day included a story about the son Ian and his dad helping out with a neighbor's bees. 

When we got home that evening, bees were all around our wisteria gathering pollen.

Everyday experiences are shared in these stories making the Brinkmans feel like family friends. But serious issues are shared, too. Warnings are included with several of the episodes that the content is serious (including child slavery) and they recommend that parents listen with young children. It isn't all serious, though. Humor is also sprinkled in the episodes. Missions is clearly a way of life for the Brinkmans. 

Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God, the lamb sacrificed for our sins. A true story is shared of a young boy "Hadi" who after believing this truth is punished by his family. Hadi's Choice is an example to our kids of modern religious persecution. 

Science is included, too, as unfamiliar topics are shared. The mention of explosive sniffing harnessed bees and poisonwood trees led us to research more about what we heard on these CDs. The alligator aka "TAMMY" the Terrible awful man-eating monster yikes!, a jaguar, crocodile, baby opossum in a banana bowl, and a candy bar eating monkey are in these adventures, too. 



How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? Romans 10:14
Mexican banditos, pirates, a sting operation... "When we follow God, sometimes we give up comfort and even safety." Following Jesus is what these stories are all about. The Brinkmans aren't perfect. They share their struggles and their sins in a way that clearly points to God. These modern adventure stories show clearly how God is woven into their lives in both everyday and in extraordinary situations. 

Normal and not so normal day to day situations are shared mixed with what seems more like the perceived idea of missionary work. After dealing with termites in her room, my daughter pointed out a reference to termites when we listened to the CDs again. 

Season one and season two of The Brinkman Adventures each include 12 episodes/~5 hours and are available for a suggested donation of $25. or $17. for the mp3 version. We have listened to and enjoyed them all over and over, and not just on the road. These CDs have replaced the television several evenings as we listened together again as a family. We are eagerly anticipating season three which is currently being recorded. 

Their perspective is obviously Christian; read the doctrinal statement shared on their website. "The mission is to introduce people to Christ." You can also read some of the real stories shared by the "Brinkman" family on their blog. Connect with the Brinkman Adventures on Facebook

Click to read Crew Reviews

Jennifer



4 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed your review! It was very descriptive. We really enjoyed these CD's as well. Can't wait to purchase and listen to Season 1.

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  2. my son wants us to get one of the other seasons as well. (annette @ a net in time)

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  3. THanks for the review. Looking forward to purchasing this!

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  4. We really enjoyed these, too!

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