Church Behind the Wire: A Story of Faith in the Killing Fields

by Barnabas Mam, Kitti Murray

From the oppression and terror of the killing fields in Cambodia, this is the story of how one man's conversion led to a rebirth of faith that brought hope to a nation. Commissioned by Communists to spy on a Christian evangelistic crusade, Barnabas Mam instead discovered Jesus and came to faith in Him. After spending four years in prison camps at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Barnabas emerged as one of only 200 surviving Christians in all of Cambodia. God raised him up to became the foremost evangelist and church planter in a land broken by genocide. An inspiring story on a personal, church, and national level, this is more than a narrative--it's a blueprint for success for church growth of the most powerful kind.

Genres: History, Memoir

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2012

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really struggled to understand this book. There is no discernible order to the timeline, and frequently he digresses to discuss faith, morality, and history. That would be fine, but those discussions frequently draw him off to a different section of his story and scramble the timeline even further. There were times I had no idea what country he was in or even which decade. Sections of it were incredibly moving, or rather heartbreaking, but I found myself getting frustrated because the storyline was dropped so often.
Then from what I could piece together of his theology, he is quite ecumenical. He references a very close working relationship with Catholics as well as Evangelical organizations. These did not seem to be the same type of relationship he tries to build with the Buddhist monks to win them to Christ. He may also lean toward a social gospel message. It was really hard to tell, because like everything else these sections rambled and were rather hard to follow.
One final complaint, despite the stated emphasis on preaching and spreading the Gospel and the numerous references to Soul-winning encounters, there is no clear presentation of the Gospel. I understand that it is a book written for a Christian audience, but why miss such an opportunity to clearly present God’s plan of salvation?
I did enjoy his ramblings about worship music. As a church musician, I really appreciate his dedication and hard work in providing good music to encourage the church.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profoundly moving and challenging story of Barnabas Mams journey to faith in Jesus just as Cambodia was thrown into the genocide of the Pol Pot regime and the Killing Fields. Reading this book will challenge those of faith to review what is really important in life. Those with no faith or faith in other religions or on a journey to find faith, will hopefully be given insight into one mans journey and the impact on so many others as he dares to trust in Gods purpose for him, his family and his beloved Cambodia.

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of how God used Barnabas Mam to raise up the Cambodian church after the killing fields is remarkable. It's even more remarkable for how God got him there, through the prison camps and threats of death. The writing itself on this book is not what makes it great, it is the amazing story. Highly recommended.

[Kevin Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking with Barnabas, as I did over breakfast with him in Phnom Penh last week, is like listening to a Sunday school lesson fraught with scriptural images and stories. Reading his "Story of FAITH in the Killing Fields" feels very much the same.

[Jim Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When I heard about Boran, I wondered why God allowed me to live. Now, that's a question for the ethics classes. Why did I survive when so many I loved did not? I don't have a tidy answer. but I am sure of one reason: so I could tell you my story." So sets the stage for this extraordinary story of faith in the Killing Fields of Cambodia. This small country in Southeast Asia holds a special place in my heart and now so does the story of Barnabas Mam, a communist revolutionary who discovered Christ when he was sent to spy on a Christian gathering a few years before the nightmare reign of Pol Pot plunged Cambodia into a genocide that killed up to one-fourth of the country's population. "Genocide often begins with the pretext of 'the greater good' and ends with any horrific means to achieve it," Barnabas writes early in the story as he traces his life from his meeting with Christ to his imprisonment during the genocide to eight years in a refugee camp in Thailand and, finally, back to Cambodia. I'm surprised by some of the reviews on Goodreads. Some people took issue with the writing (I thought it was pretty good; not much got lost in translation) and the story itself. One person criticized Barnabas for focusing so much on himself, which I found a little weird given this is a virtual autobiography. As is often the case when I read stories of the Killing Fields, I was both overwhelmed by what Barnabas had to endure and amazed by his achievements against all odds. It's rare when I find myself highlighting nuggets of wisdom in any book, but my copy of "Church Behind the Wire" has yellow splashes everywhere. This is a story of hope, which the author defines as a "portable gift from God," and a story of suffering infused with Godly wisdom. For example, Barnabas reminds us that "God's love doesn't negate suffering, and suffering doesn't negate God's love," a message we'd all do well to remember. Perhaps my favorite thing about the book is that it takes faith by the neck, shakes it around and offers some tough truths--about any faith really but about Christianity in particular. "I can't be sure, but i wonder if one reason Buddhism in Cambodia faltered under fire is because it wasn't personal enough. It was a system, a tradition, an accepted way of life. But it wasn't a love affair between God and humanity. Can this also be true of Christianity when it devolves into a dry institution? When there remains nothing personal about it?" "Church Behind the Wire" is an intensely personal story and it will both challenge and renew your spirit. I highly recommend it.

[Erin Seeders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up for $1.00 at a library sale, having never heard of it or the author. I have been so blessed and encouraged by this brother in Christ’s testimony of how he came to know the Lord and trust Him through the unbelievable hardships he endured during Pol Pot’s genocidal regime. There were a few areas where I approach with caution where he references having revelation type dreams where God spoke to Him- I will say that according to what the author testifies, what was revealed to him did happen. So I regard those carefully, but overall I was greatly encouraged by the testimony of the work the Lord has done and is doing in the lives of people across from the world from me. The author constantly points people to the Lord and His faithfulness.

[MaryEllen Bream · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style of the book was...boring. I struggled to finish it. But I did not want to trivialize all that the author has gone through. In spite of the boring writing style I found many thought-provoking nuggets in the book. For example, it was neat to see just how much he was able to glean from only one Psalm that he knew while he was imprisoned as a new Christian. Truly God was all that he needed.

[Saundra Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to open your eyes to real past and current Christian persecution. Difficult to remember all the political names and positions but I could still understand the main story line and push on past those parts. An amazing story of God’s provision.

[Alicia Ruggieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Review to come.

[Bethany Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barnabas's story challenged my own commitment to Christ. In the midst of incredible evil and depravity, God's love and truth still shone forth brightly, protecting Barnabas and his family and enabling them to forgive their persecutors. Definitely worth reading!

[Mazzou B · Rating 4 out of 5]

One cannot survive the genocide of one's own people and not know something is terribly wrong with all of humanity. Barnabas Mam ''Church Behind the Wire pg. 28

One cannot read this book and be unchanged. Although I have read dozens of books about wars, massacres and genocides, every one I read affects me as if it were the first time I realized how sinful man's heart is. This book is another testimony to God's faithfulness through times where sin is especially rampant. Chapter after chapter, I was overwhelmed by the struggles the author and fellow Cambodians experienced under the terror of the Communist Khmer Rouge regime. Most of all, I was amazed by the faith God granted his people during this horrible time. Although it sounds contradictory, considering what a hard topic this book covered, I loved reading this book.
To critique the way the book was presented: I assure you it is not overly graphic. I find that survivors of genocides and such are more discreet in their explanations and descriptions than other authors who have never experienced the heartache. Still, the stories are enough to bring tears.
Secondly, I found the format a little confusing since Barnabas Mam goes back and forth in his biography instead of just telling it from ''A-Z''. However, if you pay close attention you will not get lost as I did at one portion.
Thirdly, there is a lot of political history in this book which may get tedious for those who, like me, don't know much at all about Asia during those tumultuous years. I encourage you to be patient and read through those portions; you will not be disappointed!

I close with some quotes from the book:
No political liberator, no cultural Messiah, no social savior can rescue us from the jungle we all live in.

It is human nature to think we must have deliverance from something, when usually our souls truly need deliverance in that something (author is thinking of situations such as the genocide he lived through). page 30

...context for the believer has another dimension. Christians stand with one foot in this world and one foot in another. And that other world is our real home. Sometimes the contrast between these two worlds is especially jarring. This world is full of hate and revenge and insecurity. That other world is full of love and redemption and stability. This world hurts us. That world saves us. This world makes no sense. That world gives us perspective. But one is no less real than the other.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a moving story! This book is not a light read but is definitely worth your time. The author of this book retells his story in an engaging manner. You will not be bored while reading about his journey from a member of the Communist party to a follower of Christ.

The details of his life will change how you see your own life. You will read about how the Christian’s he was ministering to moved from one location to another. This was so the authorities would not get suspicious. Reading this part and others will really help you be more thankful for your own religious freedoms.

There are parts of this book that were hard to read and yet you see the Lord’s hand in this man’s life. You understand that although times were difficult, the Lord had a purpose and He has a purpose for your life too. I gave this book 4/5 stars because some of the writing just did not flow well. I had to stop numerous times and reread a sentence to make sure I understood it right. This book would be good for anyone wanting to learn more about the life of a Christian in a foreign country.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Roger Feenstra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is a little rough, but the story is compelling. Christianity was nearly wiped out in Cambodia during the mid to late 70's, but God reserved a few godly men who would help rebuild the church one day in the future. Do not be mislead though. The church still suffers tremendously in Cambodia in 2012. The enemy has stirred up dissension among believers. Most everyone distrusts someone. Culture is allowed to get in the way of the Gospel. Missionaries are ineffective in some parts due to the lack of willingness to turn the church over to the locals quickly. Many have forgotten that it is Christ who builds his church. Jealousy reigns. Much prayer is needed here.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book and I really wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. It was just so poorly written. Books need structure, some semblance of order. This book had none. There was no rhyme or reason to its construction. The author jumped around from story to story and nothing felt connected. My heart went out to him and all he and his family suffered. What happened in Cambodia in the 70s and 80s was a great tragedy, but there are much better memoirs out there (try "When Broken Glass Floats").

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's neat to see how little of the Bible he had/knew in the midst of remaining so strong. This was a captivating story ... at times well written with solid word choices and teaching points, while at others times skipping around chronologically making it difficult to follow. Overall, very inspiring!

[Katharine]

It took me a long while to get around to actually starting this book, but once I did a fortnight ago, I have found it brilliant. Inspiring, honest and challenging. A great tale of faith during the Killing Fields in Cambodia and afterwards - do give it a read!

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Definitely one that I will pass on to someone else and buy us a new copy! So glad we got the pleasure to meet Barnabas Mam, feel like I've met him before and been drawn towards Cambodia for a long time now. With the Lord's blessing I will go someday.

[Margaret Makewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and an interesting account of one person's journey.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very moving to read the story of my dear friend, Pastor Barnabas.

[Joanne Fetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faith-challenging true story and well worth the read!

[Megan Goswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind of follow up to Living Fields, Killing Fields. All about Cambodia's Christians keeping on keeping on despite such brutality. Very moving, a reminder of God's kindness and power in all circumstances.