What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope.
Coming out, Then coming home. "'Christopher, you must choose! You must choose the family or choose homosexuality.' He looked at me and said, 'It's not something I can choose. I am gay. If you can't accept me, then I have no other choice but to leave.'"
Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control, and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her. Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God's desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality. God calls all who are lost to come home to him, and he wants everyone to pursue holy sexuality. Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." - Luke 15:20
Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control, and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her. Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God's desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality. God calls all who are lost to come home to him, and he wants everyone to pursue holy sexuality. Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." - Luke 15:20
222 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
179 people are currently reading
2798 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
February 12, 2020
A gay man with an overbearing mother and loveless father parties, gets kicked out of dental school, becomes a drug dealer, is sent to prison, and becomes a follower of Christ. Told in a back-and-forth exchange between mother and son, the book devolves from a family story to a proclamation of Christopher Yuan's holy sexuality, where LGBT individuals should either remain celibate or marry someone of the opposite sex.
It’s awkwardly written, with some unrealistic conversations. Christopher’s description of certain club scenes are written as though someone else told him about them. He seems to blame (though mostly indirectly) his self-proclaimed sex addiction and drug use on being gay. Then, of course, there’s the concept of holy sexuality, though it isn’t as disgusting as conversion. However, suggesting gay men either marry women (“But the truth was, I did not need to be attracted women in general to get married; I needed to be attracted to only one woman”) or remain celibate (“Single people must devote themselves to complete faithfulness to the Lord through celibacy”) is ridiculous.
It’s awkwardly written, with some unrealistic conversations. Christopher’s description of certain club scenes are written as though someone else told him about them. He seems to blame (though mostly indirectly) his self-proclaimed sex addiction and drug use on being gay. Then, of course, there’s the concept of holy sexuality, though it isn’t as disgusting as conversion. However, suggesting gay men either marry women (“But the truth was, I did not need to be attracted women in general to get married; I needed to be attracted to only one woman”) or remain celibate (“Single people must devote themselves to complete faithfulness to the Lord through celibacy”) is ridiculous.
April 6, 2015
I started reading this book just before Easter Sunday, and the timing couldn't have been better. Anyone who would dismiss the Yuans' testimony as "homophobic" or "anti-gay propaganda" -- most likely because they refuse to read past the cover -- are missing a beautiful story about a parent's love for her child and God's love for us. But it's more than that. "Out of a Far Country" reminds us that we're all prodigals, and that the God of the Bible is alive and changing lives. To know Him is to experience life change.
Don't write this off as a "gay man goes straight" book. It's not. Christopher Yuan left his home and his family and ended up chasing numerous idols: money, fame, drugs, pleasure. He ended up in prison. When he came to the end of himself, he found Christ. His mother Angela, who became a Christian herself in the days following her son's flight from home, never gave up on him or stopped praying for his salvation.
Yuan concludes by talking about "holy sexuality" -- for the homosexual Christian, heterosexuality should not be the goal, but obedience and faithfulness to God, he says. When he asks himself that question, the reader is prompted to follow suit: "What do I think I can't live without?" Do we believe the Lord is sufficient?
Don't write this off as a "gay man goes straight" book. It's not. Christopher Yuan left his home and his family and ended up chasing numerous idols: money, fame, drugs, pleasure. He ended up in prison. When he came to the end of himself, he found Christ. His mother Angela, who became a Christian herself in the days following her son's flight from home, never gave up on him or stopped praying for his salvation.
Yuan concludes by talking about "holy sexuality" -- for the homosexual Christian, heterosexuality should not be the goal, but obedience and faithfulness to God, he says. When he asks himself that question, the reader is prompted to follow suit: "What do I think I can't live without?" Do we believe the Lord is sufficient?
May 21, 2012
What homophobic rot! This woman's son was BORN gay and he was aware of it. In recent years, medical research has shown a biological basis for homosexuality. The real shame and disgrace is that people cling to old myths like christian mythology and believe that it is a "sin" and try to change those who are gay. I have a news flash people- there was NO historical Jesus. I am an historian and can say that there is not one shred of historical evidence and in fact, the entire Jesus myth was entirely borrowed from much older myths. Pick up a copy of Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy's THE JESUS MYSTERIES The Jesus Mysteries: Was the "Original Jesus" a Pagan God? to see in detail more information about that.
This book makes a presumption that there was a Jesus when there was not and that being born gay was really a choice when it was not. It is offensive, insulting, arrogant, bigoted, and ugly to the core. In other words,the backwards, ignorant Christian Taliban types will love it.
This book makes a presumption that there was a Jesus when there was not and that being born gay was really a choice when it was not. It is offensive, insulting, arrogant, bigoted, and ugly to the core. In other words,the backwards, ignorant Christian Taliban types will love it.
April 16, 2012
This is an absolutely wonderful true story of a mother's steadfast faith for her son to come to Christ. I read the book in one day. I could not put it down till I finished it. I so want to be like this mother (when it comes to prayer). She had a sort of prayer closet where she kept her bible and a list of things to be thankful for. She never let herself get discouraged in prayng for her son Christopher. She persevered even through his time of being emersed in the promiscuous sex and drug scene. This book was just what I needed to motivate me to not give up in praying for some of the difficult things that I face.
December 2, 2018
t the urging of many Asian Pacific Islander (API) LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) Christian friends, I’ve read and reviewed Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan’s jointly authored book “Out of a Far Country” (WaterBrook Books, 2011). Specifically, within the API queer community, this book has become somewhat of a go-to resource that family members and pastoral staff give or suggest hoping that the recipient LGBTQ reader will follow in the footsteps of Christopher Yuan and surrender their lives and sexuality to God.
The book is subtitled “A gay son’s journey to God. A broken mother’s search for hope.” Though there is minimal recognition of poor parenting by mother, Angela when she asks her son, “How could I have been a better mother?” (p 158), the focus of the book falls squarely on the reckless behaviors of son, Christopher.
Christopher participated in the party scene of Louisville at first, and ever increasingly to other larger cities. He did and dealt drugs; he was dismissed from dental school, and ended up serving three years in prison when he was caught selling drugs. Throughout the book, and certainly within the context of materials presented in Yuan’s speaking engagements, there is a strong suggestion that his destructive behavior is rooted in Christopher’s identification as gay.
As I read the book, I began to understand the constant complaints of my API gay friends who said the book frustrates them and they did not relate at all to Christopher’s story. Yes, they were gay, but . . .
Typically, my API gay friends did not lead sexually promiscuous lives filled with extravagant parties, drugs, or dealing. They felt insulted and embarrassed that their sexuality would to be linked as to a possible outcome of a life as depicted by Yuan’s bad choices and reckless behavior.
The many responses I’ve heard from gay Christians can be condensed to: “That is not me. That is not my life, or how I choose to live. Why are people giving me this book thinking this is my life, or is in anyway helpful? It is hurtful.”
All the problems, all the bad choices, and recklessness seemingly hinge on Christopher Yuan’s gay orientation. The premise appears to be -- if he would just move toward getting his sexuality under control, all the other pieces of his expected best life would fall into place.
The expectations and progression of the book certainly move in that direction. It becomes almost impossible to separate the life of an addicted drug dealer from the life of a gay man. Unfortunately, the lines are badly blurred and Christopher’s story becomes one perceived about gay people in general.
Two other entwined components operating in the mother-son story are timing in America, and the ethnic cultural element.
I have frequently commented in public speaking that the worst period to realize one’s identity, or come out as an LGBTQ Christian in America, was between 1980 and 1992 – the timing which is operating as a substratum of this book. The level of public and religious shaming during that period was at a peak.
Culturally, API groups (generally inclusive of China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands and Samoa) are honor/shame cultures. Unlike those in western cultures (generally) who feel shame when they’ve not lived up to their own expectations for self, people in honor/shame cultures experience shame when they feel they do not live up to community’s rules and expectations. They lose, keep, save, and gain face in behaviors and choices. A typical response to shameful situations tends toward passivity and extreme politeness. Shame in such cultures is also intricately tied to the fear of rejection and loss of family and community.
In “Out of a Far Country,” all these dynamics are running concurrently – bad choices by both mother and son, the pressures of an honor/shame culture, all taking place in a particularly religiously oppressive time for gays in American Christian churches.
Perhaps this may help to understand why handing this book to a gay person, particularly an API gay person, might range from far less than helpful or relatable to intensely offensive.
Of course, Christopher’s sexuality cannot be separated out of the story of this book. It was a significant part of the disappointment and shaming by his parents, in particular, his mother, Angela.
I am a parent of two adult children. As a mother, I know, we each make mistakes in parenting, and some of us recognize them and correct the actions, or make amends. Admitting I was not the ideal mother, and somewhat feeling like I am betraying the “sisterhood of the motherhood,” mother Angela’s narrative often exasperated me.
Angela was in an utterly failed marriage that lacked love and communication, yet wore a public face of success. Her older son had already rebelled and left home. All of her hopes seem to lie upon the shoulders of her youngest son, Christopher, who she found out was gay by finding a gay porn tape he had hidden. Supporting this, Christopher wrote, “My whole life I had been entangled in my mother’s apron strings. She controlled every aspect of my life – or tried to.” (p 9)
Combined with cultural honor/shame, Angela made some very bad choices in parenting. Again, how can one separate out the reactions of shamed gay son from the reactions of a son to his mother’s unmeetable expectations and control? Sadly, the lines are blurred, and we see the gay son as the problem.
I kept wondering why this book seems to hinge so strongly on Christopher’s sexuality? I can get behind a book about redemption and the return of two prodigals, both mother and son, to God, each for their own healing. Who doesn’t love a good redemption story? But that is not the market this book speaks to. The gay element becomes the issue under the spiritual microscope in need of surgery.
Near the end of the book, we read about Christopher’s internal struggle about what to do with his sexual attractions. Once clean from drugs and no longer dealing, he still remained attracted to men. He wrote, “If I could be a Christian and have a steady relationship with a man, that would be just about ideal. I’d go to church with him and maybe even start a family. It would be such a relief if this could all be reconciled.’ (p 186)
Christopher goes on to resolve that he can live without many things, including sex, which he felt he had made an idol in his life. In searching the Scriptures “looking for biblical justification for homosexuality” (p 186), he does not find any and concludes he must live a life of “holy sexuality.”
I was saddened when I read of Christopher’s imagined “ideal” life knowing he could have that, yet is trapped by several systems: literal and non-contextual reading of the Bible, family and cultural shaming, and a career and reputation he has built speaking mostly on a “Christian Response to Homosexuality” and “Homosexuality: Texts and Hermeneutics.”
Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan lived and made bad choices in a restrictive and shaming system. They eventually each found a path to God and healed. That is very good.
The focus of the story as “A gay son’s journey to God. A broken mother’s search for hope,” seems prescriptive to those of us who realize you can be LGBTQ, love God, serve Him, commit to Him, lead relationally committed lives, create families, and be Christian.
I would suggest the book subtitle be “An addicted son’s journey to God. A enmeshed, controlling mother’s search for hope.” But who wants that niche of book? Unfortunately, it seems more lucrative and righteous in the conservative Christian market that we focus on fixing the gays.
_________________
The book is subtitled “A gay son’s journey to God. A broken mother’s search for hope.” Though there is minimal recognition of poor parenting by mother, Angela when she asks her son, “How could I have been a better mother?” (p 158), the focus of the book falls squarely on the reckless behaviors of son, Christopher.
Christopher participated in the party scene of Louisville at first, and ever increasingly to other larger cities. He did and dealt drugs; he was dismissed from dental school, and ended up serving three years in prison when he was caught selling drugs. Throughout the book, and certainly within the context of materials presented in Yuan’s speaking engagements, there is a strong suggestion that his destructive behavior is rooted in Christopher’s identification as gay.
As I read the book, I began to understand the constant complaints of my API gay friends who said the book frustrates them and they did not relate at all to Christopher’s story. Yes, they were gay, but . . .
Typically, my API gay friends did not lead sexually promiscuous lives filled with extravagant parties, drugs, or dealing. They felt insulted and embarrassed that their sexuality would to be linked as to a possible outcome of a life as depicted by Yuan’s bad choices and reckless behavior.
The many responses I’ve heard from gay Christians can be condensed to: “That is not me. That is not my life, or how I choose to live. Why are people giving me this book thinking this is my life, or is in anyway helpful? It is hurtful.”
All the problems, all the bad choices, and recklessness seemingly hinge on Christopher Yuan’s gay orientation. The premise appears to be -- if he would just move toward getting his sexuality under control, all the other pieces of his expected best life would fall into place.
The expectations and progression of the book certainly move in that direction. It becomes almost impossible to separate the life of an addicted drug dealer from the life of a gay man. Unfortunately, the lines are badly blurred and Christopher’s story becomes one perceived about gay people in general.
Two other entwined components operating in the mother-son story are timing in America, and the ethnic cultural element.
I have frequently commented in public speaking that the worst period to realize one’s identity, or come out as an LGBTQ Christian in America, was between 1980 and 1992 – the timing which is operating as a substratum of this book. The level of public and religious shaming during that period was at a peak.
Culturally, API groups (generally inclusive of China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands and Samoa) are honor/shame cultures. Unlike those in western cultures (generally) who feel shame when they’ve not lived up to their own expectations for self, people in honor/shame cultures experience shame when they feel they do not live up to community’s rules and expectations. They lose, keep, save, and gain face in behaviors and choices. A typical response to shameful situations tends toward passivity and extreme politeness. Shame in such cultures is also intricately tied to the fear of rejection and loss of family and community.
In “Out of a Far Country,” all these dynamics are running concurrently – bad choices by both mother and son, the pressures of an honor/shame culture, all taking place in a particularly religiously oppressive time for gays in American Christian churches.
Perhaps this may help to understand why handing this book to a gay person, particularly an API gay person, might range from far less than helpful or relatable to intensely offensive.
Of course, Christopher’s sexuality cannot be separated out of the story of this book. It was a significant part of the disappointment and shaming by his parents, in particular, his mother, Angela.
I am a parent of two adult children. As a mother, I know, we each make mistakes in parenting, and some of us recognize them and correct the actions, or make amends. Admitting I was not the ideal mother, and somewhat feeling like I am betraying the “sisterhood of the motherhood,” mother Angela’s narrative often exasperated me.
Angela was in an utterly failed marriage that lacked love and communication, yet wore a public face of success. Her older son had already rebelled and left home. All of her hopes seem to lie upon the shoulders of her youngest son, Christopher, who she found out was gay by finding a gay porn tape he had hidden. Supporting this, Christopher wrote, “My whole life I had been entangled in my mother’s apron strings. She controlled every aspect of my life – or tried to.” (p 9)
Combined with cultural honor/shame, Angela made some very bad choices in parenting. Again, how can one separate out the reactions of shamed gay son from the reactions of a son to his mother’s unmeetable expectations and control? Sadly, the lines are blurred, and we see the gay son as the problem.
I kept wondering why this book seems to hinge so strongly on Christopher’s sexuality? I can get behind a book about redemption and the return of two prodigals, both mother and son, to God, each for their own healing. Who doesn’t love a good redemption story? But that is not the market this book speaks to. The gay element becomes the issue under the spiritual microscope in need of surgery.
Near the end of the book, we read about Christopher’s internal struggle about what to do with his sexual attractions. Once clean from drugs and no longer dealing, he still remained attracted to men. He wrote, “If I could be a Christian and have a steady relationship with a man, that would be just about ideal. I’d go to church with him and maybe even start a family. It would be such a relief if this could all be reconciled.’ (p 186)
Christopher goes on to resolve that he can live without many things, including sex, which he felt he had made an idol in his life. In searching the Scriptures “looking for biblical justification for homosexuality” (p 186), he does not find any and concludes he must live a life of “holy sexuality.”
I was saddened when I read of Christopher’s imagined “ideal” life knowing he could have that, yet is trapped by several systems: literal and non-contextual reading of the Bible, family and cultural shaming, and a career and reputation he has built speaking mostly on a “Christian Response to Homosexuality” and “Homosexuality: Texts and Hermeneutics.”
Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan lived and made bad choices in a restrictive and shaming system. They eventually each found a path to God and healed. That is very good.
The focus of the story as “A gay son’s journey to God. A broken mother’s search for hope,” seems prescriptive to those of us who realize you can be LGBTQ, love God, serve Him, commit to Him, lead relationally committed lives, create families, and be Christian.
I would suggest the book subtitle be “An addicted son’s journey to God. A enmeshed, controlling mother’s search for hope.” But who wants that niche of book? Unfortunately, it seems more lucrative and righteous in the conservative Christian market that we focus on fixing the gays.
_________________
May 2, 2013
This book was good, not the absolute best, well written book of all time but that doesn't really matter because the subject matter was so interesting. Being a Christian in the world today, there is a lot of societal pressure to conform to the popular notions that are gaining momentum all around us. Knowing what the Bible says is one thing, living it is another. While we all have our "cross to bear" so to speak, having same sex desires is not something I personally have ever had to deal with, so I wanted to read this to hear the perspective of someone who had.
I feel the book could have been organized a little differently and honestly I felt it was too short. The focus is mostly on Christophers drug addiction and dealing and does not quite focus much on his gay lifestyle. However, I think that it is probably mostly unnecessary. The book is meant to focus on the fact that Chris lived a life of sin (like we all do) he was forgiven and redeemed (like we all can be through the cross of Christ.)
The absolute best part of this book for me was the very end, where Christopher boldly addresses his thoughts on homosexual behavior and Christianity. He never once denies that he was "born gay" or with same sex attraction, however he does discuss the fact that it has not been scientifically determined to be a DNA trait. Regardless of all that he claims brilliantly that the "goal" is not to "become" heterosexual, as is often misunderstood in discussions on the subject. When Christians are perceived to be "attacking" "WHO" someone thinks they are, the actual message gets lost. Christophers message states that sexuality does not DEFINE you. Any more than which food you like or the books you like to read or the way you drive. Behavior is separate. The goal should be (for everyone) holy sexuality. Sexuality that is adhered to as instructed in the bible. This is a much bigger issue than simply same sex attraction or homosexual behavior. We are ALL predispositioned to sin and to turn our backs from God. We are all, in essence, "born that way." But we do have choices in our behavior and obedience. I think his perspective really opened my eyes in ways that hadn't before and I am very glad I read this book for that reason. I believe Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela are being used very powerfully by God for the glory of his Kingdom!
I feel the book could have been organized a little differently and honestly I felt it was too short. The focus is mostly on Christophers drug addiction and dealing and does not quite focus much on his gay lifestyle. However, I think that it is probably mostly unnecessary. The book is meant to focus on the fact that Chris lived a life of sin (like we all do) he was forgiven and redeemed (like we all can be through the cross of Christ.)
The absolute best part of this book for me was the very end, where Christopher boldly addresses his thoughts on homosexual behavior and Christianity. He never once denies that he was "born gay" or with same sex attraction, however he does discuss the fact that it has not been scientifically determined to be a DNA trait. Regardless of all that he claims brilliantly that the "goal" is not to "become" heterosexual, as is often misunderstood in discussions on the subject. When Christians are perceived to be "attacking" "WHO" someone thinks they are, the actual message gets lost. Christophers message states that sexuality does not DEFINE you. Any more than which food you like or the books you like to read or the way you drive. Behavior is separate. The goal should be (for everyone) holy sexuality. Sexuality that is adhered to as instructed in the bible. This is a much bigger issue than simply same sex attraction or homosexual behavior. We are ALL predispositioned to sin and to turn our backs from God. We are all, in essence, "born that way." But we do have choices in our behavior and obedience. I think his perspective really opened my eyes in ways that hadn't before and I am very glad I read this book for that reason. I believe Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela are being used very powerfully by God for the glory of his Kingdom!
January 19, 2020
I guess it’s fine, but there’s some dicey stuff in here.
First, the overbearing mother’s perspective was not needed in the book. Christopher’s voice was much more insightful and impactful. I never quite trusted the mom’s perspective as a narrator. She seems completely disconnected from her son. At one point in the book, the mother mentions that a Christian pastor told her that once Christopher “turned his life completely over to God” he would immediately be released from his jail sentence. ...Um, what?
In the entire book, there was only one mention of Jesus’ death on the cross providing salvation for sinners. And only 2 mentions of the word “Jesus” at all. This is not okay. There’s only one mention of original sin, and no ties between original sin and corrupted sexuality. There’s no explanation of the fact that, just because you feel something or were born a particular way, it doesn't mean that feeling is good or right — no mention of the gospel covering over our inherent human flaws as a result of original sin. Because of this, his explanation of homosexuality as a sin falls flat.
Toward the end, Christopher tries to define a “holy sexuality” and takes this from the “Be holy as I am holy” passage (1 Peter 1:16). But he keeps this only as law, with no gospel, as if the essence of a Christian means to be striving toward holiness. There’s nothing about Jesus living and dying a holy life, so his holiness is credited to us.
You could say I’m being too hard on this book, and expecting too much from a memoir. But if good theology isn’t used in the foundation of a memoir like this, especially a memoir written by a pastor, then is it really a good memoir?
While I agree with some of their inherent values, I think this book does a poor job expressing the reason for those values.
First, the overbearing mother’s perspective was not needed in the book. Christopher’s voice was much more insightful and impactful. I never quite trusted the mom’s perspective as a narrator. She seems completely disconnected from her son. At one point in the book, the mother mentions that a Christian pastor told her that once Christopher “turned his life completely over to God” he would immediately be released from his jail sentence. ...Um, what?
In the entire book, there was only one mention of Jesus’ death on the cross providing salvation for sinners. And only 2 mentions of the word “Jesus” at all. This is not okay. There’s only one mention of original sin, and no ties between original sin and corrupted sexuality. There’s no explanation of the fact that, just because you feel something or were born a particular way, it doesn't mean that feeling is good or right — no mention of the gospel covering over our inherent human flaws as a result of original sin. Because of this, his explanation of homosexuality as a sin falls flat.
Toward the end, Christopher tries to define a “holy sexuality” and takes this from the “Be holy as I am holy” passage (1 Peter 1:16). But he keeps this only as law, with no gospel, as if the essence of a Christian means to be striving toward holiness. There’s nothing about Jesus living and dying a holy life, so his holiness is credited to us.
You could say I’m being too hard on this book, and expecting too much from a memoir. But if good theology isn’t used in the foundation of a memoir like this, especially a memoir written by a pastor, then is it really a good memoir?
While I agree with some of their inherent values, I think this book does a poor job expressing the reason for those values.
January 28, 2015
This book will not give you any new insight, if you believe one way, you will still at the end of the book. Here's page 188: The idea that I might marry a woman had seemed like an impossibility-though God could do the impossible. But the truth was, I did not need to be attracted to women, I needed only to be attracted to one woman. Heterosexuality is a broad term that focuses on sexual feelings and behaviors toward the opposite gender. It included lust, adultery and sex before marriage-all sins according to the bible. God calls married people to something more specific- holy sexuality. Holy sexuality means focusing all our sexual feelings and behaviors toward one person, our spouse. This is the main character, after he finds god, in prison. So if again, if you believe you should change who you are in order to walk with god, you will get confirmation. If you think otherwise, the book may just make you shake your head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
2024 Review
I challenged myself in 2024 to re-read the books that impacted me most in my 20s.
It is a memoir. There isn't much theology present in this book, and I think it was probably more hearing Christopher Yuan speak in person that impacted me. But I was pleasantly surprised. This is an easy, grace-filled read.
Not sure I'd give it five stars today, but I still appreciated the read.
2014 Review
I read the book cover to cover in two hours. How should Christians approach the issue of homosexuality? In our twisted, broken world we throw around a lot of lingo. We elevate certain sins. We lose perspective and control.
Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela record a story of brokenness and healing. It is not only the story of one man's struggle with homosexuality, but his struggle with sin. It is his Mother's battle to surrender.
This is a book Christians should read. It doesn't compromise from the truth, but it challenges. It encourages a grace filled mindset and a mercy saturated heart without straying from the reality of homosexuality and addiction.
Highly recommended.
I challenged myself in 2024 to re-read the books that impacted me most in my 20s.
It is a memoir. There isn't much theology present in this book, and I think it was probably more hearing Christopher Yuan speak in person that impacted me. But I was pleasantly surprised. This is an easy, grace-filled read.
Not sure I'd give it five stars today, but I still appreciated the read.
2014 Review
I read the book cover to cover in two hours. How should Christians approach the issue of homosexuality? In our twisted, broken world we throw around a lot of lingo. We elevate certain sins. We lose perspective and control.
Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela record a story of brokenness and healing. It is not only the story of one man's struggle with homosexuality, but his struggle with sin. It is his Mother's battle to surrender.
This is a book Christians should read. It doesn't compromise from the truth, but it challenges. It encourages a grace filled mindset and a mercy saturated heart without straying from the reality of homosexuality and addiction.
Highly recommended.
February 26, 2020
Homophobic "Christian" nonsense about a man that stops being gay because God says it's wrong.
April 25, 2020
The prose of this book caters mostly to the concerned family or friends of a gay person rather than the actual gay person themselves. Out of a Far Country's storyline essentially hand feeds the narrative that the family and friends of a gay individual want to hear- the gay prodigal son who chooses to prioritize a life of extreme hedonism and once he hits rock bottom finds his salvation through Jesus Christ, repents from homosexuality, takes a vow for celibacy (but remains open minded to the idea of finding the one woman for marriage) and ultimately launches a lucrative lecturing career at a Christian institution.
This is why there are so many 5 star reviews.
The issue with Yuan's "Out of a Far Country" is two-fold. Number 1: Yuan's problems first and foremost arose from his sheer lack of self control and poor decision making. I.e. Dropping out from dental school, detrimental fixation on partying, using hard drugs, becoming a nation wide drug dealer, engaging in a series of unhealthy relationships and ultimately landing in prison. One would think from reading this book that these actions are synonymous with the gay lifestyle. They are not.
For instance, 99.9% of gay men have zero experience snorting up meth in a bathroom at church. Yet Yuan describes this scene in explicit detail in order to strike unease. This amplifies any perception the reader has of the incongruent dualism of christianity and homosexuality- of what is right and what is really, really, terribly wrong.
Yuan's prodigal behavior stems from his own poor life choices whether he is gay or not. But the narrative is painted in such a way where homosexuality is conflated with utterly reckless and sinful behaviors that lead to rock bottom outcomes.
Number 2: Out of Far Country feeds confirmation bias within the Christian community in a way that inhibits true empathy and understanding of what it is to be gay. This, I would say, is the most profoundly destructive outcome of Christopher Yuan's book. The solution to the angst, pain, fear or shame you may feel for a person close to you being gay will not be resolved by reading this book or giving it to that person to read. It only further hurts and damages that person. The remedy is to talk to that person with a willingness to read their heart.
This is why there are so many 5 star reviews.
The issue with Yuan's "Out of a Far Country" is two-fold. Number 1: Yuan's problems first and foremost arose from his sheer lack of self control and poor decision making. I.e. Dropping out from dental school, detrimental fixation on partying, using hard drugs, becoming a nation wide drug dealer, engaging in a series of unhealthy relationships and ultimately landing in prison. One would think from reading this book that these actions are synonymous with the gay lifestyle. They are not.
For instance, 99.9% of gay men have zero experience snorting up meth in a bathroom at church. Yet Yuan describes this scene in explicit detail in order to strike unease. This amplifies any perception the reader has of the incongruent dualism of christianity and homosexuality- of what is right and what is really, really, terribly wrong.
Yuan's prodigal behavior stems from his own poor life choices whether he is gay or not. But the narrative is painted in such a way where homosexuality is conflated with utterly reckless and sinful behaviors that lead to rock bottom outcomes.
Number 2: Out of Far Country feeds confirmation bias within the Christian community in a way that inhibits true empathy and understanding of what it is to be gay. This, I would say, is the most profoundly destructive outcome of Christopher Yuan's book. The solution to the angst, pain, fear or shame you may feel for a person close to you being gay will not be resolved by reading this book or giving it to that person to read. It only further hurts and damages that person. The remedy is to talk to that person with a willingness to read their heart.
September 26, 2015
I read this book a couple years back and still have some thoughts that I think ought to be shared. This was a pretty bold book on Yuan's part because of the detailed personal testimony that he shared. I appreciated his honesty and I appreciate his transparency, overall. However, 2 years later, what sticks in my mind about this book is that I don't think I'd recommend it to someone struggling with SSA simply because Yuan shares many detailed stories about his former life that are so vivid that at times it felt like I was reading a homosexual romance novel. Not that he was condoning those experiences, he was writing about them in a negative light! But the detail is overwhelming.
I'm glad for the influence that Yuan has had in recent years and for the many people who have been helped by his ministry and writing. No doubt by the many positive reviews, that many have been helped tremendously by this particular book. The book overall is a helpful tool and I'm sure will continue to be. But if you are going to read it you do need to be prepared for these detailed testimonies. As someone who is a recovered drug-addict working in full-time ministry to addicts I understand the pressure to gain credibility by sharing details of my past but I also understand that if I go into too much detail some will stumble over the powerful images and emotions that will be stoked. There is a way to share a testimony and be "credible" without it being overkill. That's my biggest critical point in this book, it seems to me to cross the line. I found myself saying in my head "Okay, I get it, you were a homosexual, let's move on."
I would expect that many who struggle with SSA will be helped by this biographical account and those who don't struggle with it but want to understand the issue will also benefit. But I also expect that some who struggle with SSA will stumble over these sections of personal testimony which have, in my opinion, a greater likelihood of plunging readers into homosexual fantasy then they do of leading them away from it. Proceed with caution.
I'm glad for the influence that Yuan has had in recent years and for the many people who have been helped by his ministry and writing. No doubt by the many positive reviews, that many have been helped tremendously by this particular book. The book overall is a helpful tool and I'm sure will continue to be. But if you are going to read it you do need to be prepared for these detailed testimonies. As someone who is a recovered drug-addict working in full-time ministry to addicts I understand the pressure to gain credibility by sharing details of my past but I also understand that if I go into too much detail some will stumble over the powerful images and emotions that will be stoked. There is a way to share a testimony and be "credible" without it being overkill. That's my biggest critical point in this book, it seems to me to cross the line. I found myself saying in my head "Okay, I get it, you were a homosexual, let's move on."
I would expect that many who struggle with SSA will be helped by this biographical account and those who don't struggle with it but want to understand the issue will also benefit. But I also expect that some who struggle with SSA will stumble over these sections of personal testimony which have, in my opinion, a greater likelihood of plunging readers into homosexual fantasy then they do of leading them away from it. Proceed with caution.
October 17, 2018
I heard Christopher give a talk at Wheaton College one time during my husband, Stephen’s undergrad. I remember standing by the bleachers, a big swollen belly, pushing my first-born down out of my ribs where she was causing me so much pain I couldn’t sit. I remember being riveted by the testimony of this man-who had been so deep in the world of drugs and promiscuous sex, sentenced to prison for dealing. I was amazed at the way he came to Christ. I have meant to pick up his book for years since realizing who he was.
This is a gripping memoir about the transforming work of Christ and the power of prayer.
Beautifully told with clarity and simplicity but so much heart I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page.
This is a gripping memoir about the transforming work of Christ and the power of prayer.
Beautifully told with clarity and simplicity but so much heart I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page.
December 22, 2023
[review removed as it no longer reflects my beliefs and I think religions are a poison to society]
August 18, 2024
I was introduced to Christopher Yuan through his other book “Holy Sexuality” which if you haven’t read I would highly encourage. Christophers story of coming out as gay to his parents, being sentenced to prison for dealing drugs and contracting HIV is not only a a riveting story but a path of redemption for not only himself but also his mother and father. The book is written by both Christopher and his mother Angela. They go back and forth from chapter to chapter. Angela’s story of redemption is just as riveting and God glorifying. She outlines the change that first had to happen in her life as she surrendered her son over to the Lord and prayed daily that God would bring Christopher “out of a far country” into salvation. Several times throughout this book I was brought to tears as Gods sovereignty was made clear. He is sufficient.
July 9, 2011
Ever read a book that just oozes hope and grace? Well, Out of the Far Country is that book. It’s a book for those who’ve given up hope that their child will find God. It’s a book that shatters stereotypes. I would have to say it’s the most powerful book I have read this year.
Out of the Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope by Christopher and Angela Yuan is a book you will be compelled to read in one sitting. I know I was – I was up until 2AM reading it – and I had a test the next day.
Chris and his mother Angela tag team throughout, going back and forth telling their story and inviting you to see how God used Chris’ coming out to his parents to not just save his parent’s marriage, but to lead his mother’s father, his mom, his dad, and Chris himself to the loving arms of Christ.
I have heard Chris’ testimony in one of my college courses, but I wasn’t ready for the brutal honesty that Chris and his mother share throughout this book. They pull no punches.
From dental school student to drug dealer, from prisoner to being diagnosed as HIV positive, to the long journey home both physically and spiritually. From no hope to true hope from death to life from the shattered family to a true movement of grace and a restored family, it is all here.
Chris also introduces his concept of “Holy Sexuality,” using our sexuality to honor God either in a male-female marriage relationship or in celibacy.
This book is about a gay son’s journey to God and a family’s search for hope. Yet if you only allow this book to speak to that, you’ve missed the point. This is a great book – a great testimony – of the faithfulness of God in the life of a wayward family member. No matter how far they go – God can still work a miracle. He did so in Yuan’s life and he can in your life as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone (Use your own discretion with younger readers), especially one who is struggling to keep the hope alive that their prodigal would come home.
From Third Option Men
Out of the Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope by Christopher and Angela Yuan is a book you will be compelled to read in one sitting. I know I was – I was up until 2AM reading it – and I had a test the next day.
Chris and his mother Angela tag team throughout, going back and forth telling their story and inviting you to see how God used Chris’ coming out to his parents to not just save his parent’s marriage, but to lead his mother’s father, his mom, his dad, and Chris himself to the loving arms of Christ.
I have heard Chris’ testimony in one of my college courses, but I wasn’t ready for the brutal honesty that Chris and his mother share throughout this book. They pull no punches.
From dental school student to drug dealer, from prisoner to being diagnosed as HIV positive, to the long journey home both physically and spiritually. From no hope to true hope from death to life from the shattered family to a true movement of grace and a restored family, it is all here.
Chris also introduces his concept of “Holy Sexuality,” using our sexuality to honor God either in a male-female marriage relationship or in celibacy.
This book is about a gay son’s journey to God and a family’s search for hope. Yet if you only allow this book to speak to that, you’ve missed the point. This is a great book – a great testimony – of the faithfulness of God in the life of a wayward family member. No matter how far they go – God can still work a miracle. He did so in Yuan’s life and he can in your life as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone (Use your own discretion with younger readers), especially one who is struggling to keep the hope alive that their prodigal would come home.
From Third Option Men
March 18, 2024
Just wow. A true prodigal story, and the poignancy of it brought me to tears multiple times. God surely is mighty in working out His salvation in rebel hearts. And to my own surprise, I was most deeply touched by Christopher’s mother’s conversion and persistence in praying and fasting for her son. I have much to learn from this faithful woman! Excited to discuss this with our local ladies book club next month. I definitely recommend, with the caveat that it is not for younger readers. The club, illicit drug, and gay promiscuity scene runs heavily through it and those descriptions were jarring for sure - Although I do believe they were necessary to show the depth of depravity that Yuan was saved out of. All glory be to Christ!
October 1, 2023
A beautiful, gritty story of redemption - of hope when all hope is gone and of a mother's faithful love.
I have to admit I skipped over the more sordid details. Some of them could have been left out and the story would have been just as compelling.
I have to admit I skipped over the more sordid details. Some of them could have been left out and the story would have been just as compelling.
March 27, 2024
The next book club read; I am not ashamed to say that I just listened to the whole thing straight through as I cooked/cleaned/mothered— so it was that engaging! This story almost seemed too good to be true, but that’s our God. Felt like a few parts were lacking, but overall I love the emphasis on God and HIS work not the mother “fixing” her son.
November 8, 2019
The depth to which this man reached in his sin is heart wrenching! Yet the redemption and power of God and His grace are miraculous!!!!! I love true stories and this account is fascinating. I would not recommend for teens as he goes in detail about some of the things he got involved in. Yet he was saved from ALL of it. I love his mother’s prayers and her persistence for many years through his choices of homosexuality, drugs, prison, and HIV.
When all hope is gone, God is still there working when we do not see! ❤️❤️❤️
When all hope is gone, God is still there working when we do not see! ❤️❤️❤️
March 7, 2020
Religion is dead, spirituality has rinsed it self from the physical boundaries of religion.
This book is about a moron and his even worse mother, who is driven nothing but by a plain blindness of faith. I found this book to be sad, and extremely disgusting. nevertheless, i did finish it 😒🤢
This book is about a moron and his even worse mother, who is driven nothing but by a plain blindness of faith. I found this book to be sad, and extremely disgusting. nevertheless, i did finish it 😒🤢
May 23, 2011
To call a book a “must read” may sound cliché, but I skipped lunch and dinner to finish this book in one day. As an avid reader, I often read a book and then not think much more about it, but this book is so amazing it will be one I never forget.
As it starts, Christopher Yuan admits he is a homosexual to his parents. His mother, Angela, in a desperate attempt to “fix” him, tells him he needs to change or leave forever. Christopher decides to leave, and Angela realizes she made a mistake and goes on a relentless pursuit of him, as does God for the both of them.
This book is not your typical church testimony. There are drugs, homosexuality, HIV, and a prison sentence. But this was Christopher's life.
Early in the book Angela becomes a Christian. She prays fervently for her son who rejects both her and her God. Until he reaches rock bottom and lands in prison for drug dealing. At which point he starts reading the Bible and even playing piano for a men's prison choir.
This book is full of coincidences. Or more likely God opportunities. When Christopher is going to be released from prison and wants to go to Bible college and his parents meet the president of Moody Bible Institute is just one of these amazing events.
While this book would be a great resource to those in the middle of these issues (drugs, homosexuality, or the parent of someone dealing with these issues), that's not the core focus of this book, in my opinion. To me, it's how God can change someone's life even when you think that would be the last person to allow God to change them.
Christopher mentions the verse Acts 17:28 “For in him we live and move and have our being.” He says that Christ is above all, he isn't defined by anything except that he is a child of God, and the goal of the Christian life is holiness.
As for marriage in his future? Christopher says that he used to think he needed to be attracted to women to desire marriage, but he has realized he only needs to be attracted to one woman. The chapter entitled “Holy Sexuality” is alone worth the price of this book.
I enjoyed how Angela would write one chapter, and Christopher would write the next. It flowed well and it was wonderful to see the events from each of their perspectives.
This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. I hope that both Christopher and Angela Yuan will write more in the future. I hope to see this book become an instant Christian classic. It is a book that is sorely needed today, and it even includes a study guide should it wish to be read and discussed in a small group setting.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of the book “Out of a Far Country” by the publisher. I read the entire book, and the opinions about it are mine. In no way did receiving the book for free influence my opinion.
As it starts, Christopher Yuan admits he is a homosexual to his parents. His mother, Angela, in a desperate attempt to “fix” him, tells him he needs to change or leave forever. Christopher decides to leave, and Angela realizes she made a mistake and goes on a relentless pursuit of him, as does God for the both of them.
This book is not your typical church testimony. There are drugs, homosexuality, HIV, and a prison sentence. But this was Christopher's life.
Early in the book Angela becomes a Christian. She prays fervently for her son who rejects both her and her God. Until he reaches rock bottom and lands in prison for drug dealing. At which point he starts reading the Bible and even playing piano for a men's prison choir.
This book is full of coincidences. Or more likely God opportunities. When Christopher is going to be released from prison and wants to go to Bible college and his parents meet the president of Moody Bible Institute is just one of these amazing events.
While this book would be a great resource to those in the middle of these issues (drugs, homosexuality, or the parent of someone dealing with these issues), that's not the core focus of this book, in my opinion. To me, it's how God can change someone's life even when you think that would be the last person to allow God to change them.
Christopher mentions the verse Acts 17:28 “For in him we live and move and have our being.” He says that Christ is above all, he isn't defined by anything except that he is a child of God, and the goal of the Christian life is holiness.
As for marriage in his future? Christopher says that he used to think he needed to be attracted to women to desire marriage, but he has realized he only needs to be attracted to one woman. The chapter entitled “Holy Sexuality” is alone worth the price of this book.
I enjoyed how Angela would write one chapter, and Christopher would write the next. It flowed well and it was wonderful to see the events from each of their perspectives.
This is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. I hope that both Christopher and Angela Yuan will write more in the future. I hope to see this book become an instant Christian classic. It is a book that is sorely needed today, and it even includes a study guide should it wish to be read and discussed in a small group setting.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of the book “Out of a Far Country” by the publisher. I read the entire book, and the opinions about it are mine. In no way did receiving the book for free influence my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2012
I entered to win this book through a Goodreads giveaway because I was very curious about whether it would seriously deal with the issue of being a gay Christian, or if rather the co-author decided that being gay and being Christian were not possible at the same time. His explanation of his choice was clear, and he made the best choice for himself. It doesn't matter whether I agree with his choice or not -- he and his mother had the courage to put everything out there in hopes that it could help others and lead them to Christ. Good for them!
So ends my positive reaction to the book. I have always had a problem with Christian ministry that hammers on homosexuality when Jesus was never quoted saying anything about it...don't you think he would have since he repeatedly mentioned divorce was a terrible thing (clearly no one has heard that part)? And don't even get me started on the language translation of the word "homosexual" in the Bible. Granted, Chris' choice wasn't coerced, but it is not and should not be held up as the "ideal" choice. It's just one option.
It's true from His teachings that promiscuity and drugs will lead you down the path to destruction, which Chris' life proved. I was overjoyed that the power of God was able to heal him. But that lifestyle and homosexuality are obviously not tied together, because there are so many more heterosexuals who go down that path. Just take the book at face value and you'll at least get to learn how one man came to Lord from the depths of hell.
So ends my positive reaction to the book. I have always had a problem with Christian ministry that hammers on homosexuality when Jesus was never quoted saying anything about it...don't you think he would have since he repeatedly mentioned divorce was a terrible thing (clearly no one has heard that part)? And don't even get me started on the language translation of the word "homosexual" in the Bible. Granted, Chris' choice wasn't coerced, but it is not and should not be held up as the "ideal" choice. It's just one option.
It's true from His teachings that promiscuity and drugs will lead you down the path to destruction, which Chris' life proved. I was overjoyed that the power of God was able to heal him. But that lifestyle and homosexuality are obviously not tied together, because there are so many more heterosexuals who go down that path. Just take the book at face value and you'll at least get to learn how one man came to Lord from the depths of hell.
October 25, 2018
I really liked the way they organized this book. Angela starts by telling us what Christopher’s coming out did to her. Then Christopher tells us what their rejection does to him. They continue alternating chapters for the rest of the book. As Chris’s story spirals out of control and gets harder and harder to read, we get the parallel story of his mother’s growing faith to remind us Who is really in control. In the end, they come together in a beautiful story of Victory through God’s love and mercy.
I had a hard time putting this book down. Okay, I didn’t put it down unless I absolutely had to do something else. I read it over one day in about two sittings. It was so worth reading. I would recommend it to anyone trying to understand a loved one’s struggles, or wondering what God thinks of them or their lifestyle. There is so much compassion, love, grace, and understanding throughout the whole book, but especially at the end, that it will encourage everyone to earnestly search for a relationship with God.
However, it is for a mature audience. Christopher doesn’t sugarcoat the sin that controlled his life before salvation. Parts of it are very dark. They are balanced with God’s light, but they are there.
I had a hard time putting this book down. Okay, I didn’t put it down unless I absolutely had to do something else. I read it over one day in about two sittings. It was so worth reading. I would recommend it to anyone trying to understand a loved one’s struggles, or wondering what God thinks of them or their lifestyle. There is so much compassion, love, grace, and understanding throughout the whole book, but especially at the end, that it will encourage everyone to earnestly search for a relationship with God.
However, it is for a mature audience. Christopher doesn’t sugarcoat the sin that controlled his life before salvation. Parts of it are very dark. They are balanced with God’s light, but they are there.
December 21, 2013
As a straight Christian who is very involved in conversations around homosexuality/LGBT this book was an interesting read. Not very well-written, but the story is fascinating, rooted in a very strong mother and son relationship. The main thing that really bothered me was that Christopher at no point expresses regret for his drug dealing and the way he blithely dealt death to so many people. This seems to me like a huge oversight in a book about God redeeming his life. After completely screwing up his life with drugs and partying, where is the repentance? The conversion narrative is kind if thin, as is the reasoning at the end for why the Yuans believe the Bible condemns gay relationships.
March 3, 2024
Powerful.
heads-up: as part of its storytelling, this book includes graphic descriptions of drug use and frank references to club lifestyles and sexual immorality (including adultery). It grew quite intense at several points and teetered right on the edge of “too much” for me, so just be aware of that!
heads-up: as part of its storytelling, this book includes graphic descriptions of drug use and frank references to club lifestyles and sexual immorality (including adultery). It grew quite intense at several points and teetered right on the edge of “too much” for me, so just be aware of that!
March 13, 2023
What a powerful testimony of God’s grace, goodness and redemption. I originally decided to listen to the book on audiobook since I would be meeting Mr. Yuan at a mutual friend’s house and wanted to be aware of his story beforehand, but this book ended up being one I will surely remember (aka, happy tears may have been shed).
Loved the dual autobiographical style (interchanging between Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela Yuan), and I thought the story was very well told. I was so encouraged by Angela’s sacrificial and unconditional love for her son, and I pray God gives me the wisdom and heart to be a mother like that.
In general, this book was a great reminder of the Father’s love and mercy that’s available to everyone — that anyone, no matter their former life or choices can repent and be saved from their sin. It convicted me to be more empathetic and gracious to the people around me, particularly those in prison or living sinful lifestyles (to them, but not to their sin) who have yet to discover the love and redemption of God. Just as those who are currently followers of Jesus were formerly in the depths of sin (myself included), so do those who are currently in the grasp of sin have the opportunity to instead take hold of the freely offered grace of Jesus Christ.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… but God so loved the world that He gave His Son (Romans 3:23 and John 3:16).
Highly recommend this book, but I feel the need to include a disclaimer that there is much mature content since it discusses Mr. Yuan’s dramatic pre-Christ experiences (so, younger audiences, please proceed with caution).
Loved the dual autobiographical style (interchanging between Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela Yuan), and I thought the story was very well told. I was so encouraged by Angela’s sacrificial and unconditional love for her son, and I pray God gives me the wisdom and heart to be a mother like that.
In general, this book was a great reminder of the Father’s love and mercy that’s available to everyone — that anyone, no matter their former life or choices can repent and be saved from their sin. It convicted me to be more empathetic and gracious to the people around me, particularly those in prison or living sinful lifestyles (to them, but not to their sin) who have yet to discover the love and redemption of God. Just as those who are currently followers of Jesus were formerly in the depths of sin (myself included), so do those who are currently in the grasp of sin have the opportunity to instead take hold of the freely offered grace of Jesus Christ.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… but God so loved the world that He gave His Son (Romans 3:23 and John 3:16).
Highly recommend this book, but I feel the need to include a disclaimer that there is much mature content since it discusses Mr. Yuan’s dramatic pre-Christ experiences (so, younger audiences, please proceed with caution).
December 29, 2022
I recently read this book at the urging of my husband. He recently attended a church mens retreat where Chris Yuan spoke and gave his testimony. He was as far gone as any prodigal son can be. Yet God found him like a lost sheep and pulled him back into the fold. This book is written by both Chris an his mother. The prayers and constant intercession for years by his Mother were not in vain. Through an ironic twist of fate, Chris found God in prison through several strange incidents and some profound relationships.
Chris goes into great detail describing his high rolling drug dealer and homosexual lifestyle. I was very interested in how he reconciled his sexuality with his Christianity in the end, which was not how I expected it to be. This was a very moving story for any parent of a prodigal or anyone homosexual who desires a deeper walk with the Lord and is struggling to find God in the midst of lust and temptation.
Chris goes into great detail describing his high rolling drug dealer and homosexual lifestyle. I was very interested in how he reconciled his sexuality with his Christianity in the end, which was not how I expected it to be. This was a very moving story for any parent of a prodigal or anyone homosexual who desires a deeper walk with the Lord and is struggling to find God in the midst of lust and temptation.
April 3, 2025
Since middle school, this was the first time I listened to an audio book (all the way through that is). Hearing Yuan’s story is by far the most beautiful testimony I had ever heard. It only made me more in awe of our God, and how he draws more to Himself in unimaginable ways, all to bestow the glories of Christ redeeming souls! Furthermore, this story makes me grateful for how the Lord saved my life. Though I share a different story compared to Yuan, I was just as dead in sin. Yet He was gracious in giving me a faster, “less painful” way of making me aware of my sin and need of a savior. I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this one!!
March 2, 2023
Enjoyed this story of mother and son as they wrote about both of their journeys in life and how they came to saving faith in the Lord. Especially enjoyed the encouragement from a mother of a wayward child and her faith and perseverance in prayer for her son’s salvation and redemption from a sinful lifestyle. I would encourage anyone who is praying for their wayward child to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews