What do you think?
Rate this book
Voice in the Night: The True Story of a Man and the Miracles That Are Changing Africa
Astonishing True Story of the Miracles That Are Changing Africa
Born into a long line of witch doctors, Surprise ("Surpresa") Sithole was destined for a life of fear, oppression, and poverty in the jungles of Africa. But at the age of fifteen, he was awakened in the middle of the night by an unfamiliar voice. Urgent, but not harsh, it told him to get up and leave his family immediately. As Surprise stepped out into the night, away from everything dear to him, he had no idea who God was--or what he had in store for him.
From miraculous signs and wonders to supernatural deliverance from certain death to divine revivals that overtook countries, Surprise has followed wherever God has led, becoming an agent of hope and change in a continent devastated by war, poverty, and spiritual oppression. "Voice in the Night" is the amazing true story of what began that night in a jungle hut more than twenty-five years ago: a journey--an adventure--of faith and miracles.
Born into a long line of witch doctors, Surprise ("Surpresa") Sithole was destined for a life of fear, oppression, and poverty in the jungles of Africa. But at the age of fifteen, he was awakened in the middle of the night by an unfamiliar voice. Urgent, but not harsh, it told him to get up and leave his family immediately. As Surprise stepped out into the night, away from everything dear to him, he had no idea who God was--or what he had in store for him.
From miraculous signs and wonders to supernatural deliverance from certain death to divine revivals that overtook countries, Surprise has followed wherever God has led, becoming an agent of hope and change in a continent devastated by war, poverty, and spiritual oppression. "Voice in the Night" is the amazing true story of what began that night in a jungle hut more than twenty-five years ago: a journey--an adventure--of faith and miracles.
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
146 people are currently reading
378 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 76 reviews
January 31, 2020
Wow, loved this book! Had to keep forcing myself to put it down to get on with necessary life things.
This book is so full of life and of joy. I found myself grinning the biggest grins as I read the amazing stories of how God used Pastor Surprise. Only God would take a child of witch doctors living in the middle of nowhere in Mozambique and use him in such a jaw droppingly amazing way.
If you are in need of encouragement or a reminder of just what God can (and does) do, then read this book!
This book is so full of life and of joy. I found myself grinning the biggest grins as I read the amazing stories of how God used Pastor Surprise. Only God would take a child of witch doctors living in the middle of nowhere in Mozambique and use him in such a jaw droppingly amazing way.
If you are in need of encouragement or a reminder of just what God can (and does) do, then read this book!
June 3, 2025
I wish everyone would read this book
April 19, 2020
At first, I was poised to give this book 4 stars, and then... I wasn't.
I realize that Africans have a different cultural mindset than Westerners, and that many denominations worship differently. That being said, I just couldn't get past many of the purportedly supernatural occurrences that have happened in Surprise's life. They got wilder and wilder as the book went on. I believe that God can and does continue to do miraculous things in our world today, but (without going into too much detail) I find it hard to believe in having constant visions and being bodily transported from one place to another.
Of course all of this seems like I am judging Surprise, and for all intents and purposes, I suppose I am. Is that right? Did everything in this book really happen? I can't answer those questions. All I know is that my suspicions were aroused. Turns out I should've done my homework. A quick search reveals that his ministry partners Rolland and Heidi Baker are associated with the heavily charismatic ministry of Bethel Church and are no strangers to CBN. (A Gospel Coalition article sheds light on some of the controversies surrounding the church: https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/art...). To sum it all up, there are many other missionary biographies and Christian testimonies I would recommend to people before this one.
Whatever our theological differences, I appreciated Surprise's story for the fact that it's made me appreciate what I have. I take so much for granted in my life as an American— water, food, shelter, clothes, leisure, insurance, a car... the list goes on. Compared to most Africans, I am ridiculously wealthy! Their day-to-day existence requires a level of faith I can't even begin to understand.
In one chapter, Surprise responds to a person who asks him why he always seems to be having a good day. His answer: "How could it be anything else when I belong to Jesus!" May that be my mindset more and more.
I realize that Africans have a different cultural mindset than Westerners, and that many denominations worship differently. That being said, I just couldn't get past many of the purportedly supernatural occurrences that have happened in Surprise's life. They got wilder and wilder as the book went on. I believe that God can and does continue to do miraculous things in our world today, but (without going into too much detail) I find it hard to believe in having constant visions and being bodily transported from one place to another.
Of course all of this seems like I am judging Surprise, and for all intents and purposes, I suppose I am. Is that right? Did everything in this book really happen? I can't answer those questions. All I know is that my suspicions were aroused. Turns out I should've done my homework. A quick search reveals that his ministry partners Rolland and Heidi Baker are associated with the heavily charismatic ministry of Bethel Church and are no strangers to CBN. (A Gospel Coalition article sheds light on some of the controversies surrounding the church: https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/art...). To sum it all up, there are many other missionary biographies and Christian testimonies I would recommend to people before this one.
Whatever our theological differences, I appreciated Surprise's story for the fact that it's made me appreciate what I have. I take so much for granted in my life as an American— water, food, shelter, clothes, leisure, insurance, a car... the list goes on. Compared to most Africans, I am ridiculously wealthy! Their day-to-day existence requires a level of faith I can't even begin to understand.
In one chapter, Surprise responds to a person who asks him why he always seems to be having a good day. His answer: "How could it be anything else when I belong to Jesus!" May that be my mindset more and more.
April 16, 2022
Absolutely inspirational testimonies of simple faith in Jesus!! Surprise’s simple faith has allowed endless miracles and acts of God’s love to flow to him and through him. Wow!! I desire a more simple faith like Surprise’s. Bless him, Lord!
June 18, 2024
Amazing what God does for those who trust in Him with their whole lives. 💖
July 24, 2025
Good read! Highly recommend!
June 27, 2023
Challenging, moving and a little uncomfortable to read. Surprise writes from simple faith in God, his promises and his present action. His African approach challenges my finely crafted Western thinking and judgement with a simple invitation... do you trust Jesus to be who he says he is?
May 2, 2016
I read this to my children and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an amazing testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. It is also very well written. Great book!
September 7, 2022
One of my favorite reads of all time. Great stories of faith and belief that make me want to leave my house and walk toward Gods voice
May 3, 2020
Born into a family of witch doctors in Mozambique, Surprise was raised with the expectation that he would continue the tradition. One night, as a fifteen year old, he was woken to the sound of a voice telling him to get out of the house or he would die. He chose to listen and spent the next two weeks with a friend wandering lost in the jungle near their home. When they found the way out, it was to be met by a man who stated he’d been waiting for them. This man was a Christian and he shared the Gospel with Surprise and Gafar. Surprise went on to preach all over southern Africa and eventually began working with Iris Ministries.
Incredible read! The testimony of his calling, conversion, and ministry is faith-building. God has had His hand on Surprise's life protecting him numerous times from certain death. This is the recording of those testimonies. I had the opportunity about 12 years ago to be in Mozambique with Iris Ministries. Although I don't believe I had the chance to meet him personally, I had heard the name so when I found the book on Amazon, I immediately made the connection. I had assumed that Surprise had come to the Lord through Iris Ministries and that isn't the case. Instead, Heidi Baker had spoken at the church he was attending and through a series of events after that, became part of her ministry.
Incredible read! The testimony of his calling, conversion, and ministry is faith-building. God has had His hand on Surprise's life protecting him numerous times from certain death. This is the recording of those testimonies. I had the opportunity about 12 years ago to be in Mozambique with Iris Ministries. Although I don't believe I had the chance to meet him personally, I had heard the name so when I found the book on Amazon, I immediately made the connection. I had assumed that Surprise had come to the Lord through Iris Ministries and that isn't the case. Instead, Heidi Baker had spoken at the church he was attending and through a series of events after that, became part of her ministry.
February 15, 2025
The contrast between the struggles of the Western Church and of those in other parts of the world is staggering and humbling. While our shoulders are weighed down by seemingly trivial concerns, there are those who are following God without knowing where their next meal is coming from - or where they will sleep. Pastor Surprise relays his adventures in Christ in a clear and hopeful way always highlighting the Lord's provision in every area. The miraculous way in which he lives life is normal. A lifetime of trusting God moment-by-moment has polished this "un-educated son of witchdoctors" into a gem in God's Kingdom that has never stopped building the Church. This book encouraged my faith by proving - once again - that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those like children: dependent, trusting, believing, and loving. A must-read to those who are looking to remind themselves that God is in the details, and He sees the big picture - YOU CAN TRUST HIM.
June 2, 2019
A friend handed this book to me and said it's really good and you might like it. It's her book and she was letting me read it. I decided why not. I love interesting books and this says it's a true story so why not.
I couldn't put this book down at all. I was watching two movies and kept opening this book and reading it. I just wanted to keep reading. It is rare for a book about someone's life even written by them to pull me in like that. I was amazed and was transfixed as I read the book. It was so powerful what happened and how things went for him through how his life as he lived and walked and learned. I could not image going through all that. But went through a long and rough road that for the grace of God he kept going. This book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something that will enhance their faith.
I couldn't put this book down at all. I was watching two movies and kept opening this book and reading it. I just wanted to keep reading. It is rare for a book about someone's life even written by them to pull me in like that. I was amazed and was transfixed as I read the book. It was so powerful what happened and how things went for him through how his life as he lived and walked and learned. I could not image going through all that. But went through a long and rough road that for the grace of God he kept going. This book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read something that will enhance their faith.
February 25, 2020
An extraordinary testimony of modern apostolic faith
Recommended to all who desire to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour, with signs following. Based on just the simplest gospel of the love of God and Christ’s redeeming work, Surprise truly abandoned his own life to courageously follow Jesus, obey without question the leading of the Holy Spirit and start a literal bushfire of Christ’s light in Africa. An object lesson to first-world christians in how to really love God and our neighbours.
Recommended to all who desire to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour, with signs following. Based on just the simplest gospel of the love of God and Christ’s redeeming work, Surprise truly abandoned his own life to courageously follow Jesus, obey without question the leading of the Holy Spirit and start a literal bushfire of Christ’s light in Africa. An object lesson to first-world christians in how to really love God and our neighbours.
July 13, 2018
Inspiring and amazing!
This is a great book about God's calling, God's love, and the power of miracles. God called a boy and used him to reach many people with the gospel of Jesus Christ! Along the way God performs many miracles in and through the author! This book reminds me of the power of Jesus that is available to all who have faith in God and are obedient to His calling on their lives. Highly recommend this book!
This is a great book about God's calling, God's love, and the power of miracles. God called a boy and used him to reach many people with the gospel of Jesus Christ! Along the way God performs many miracles in and through the author! This book reminds me of the power of Jesus that is available to all who have faith in God and are obedient to His calling on their lives. Highly recommend this book!
August 3, 2023
Amazing testimony of faith
This book has been an absolute amazing story after amazing story. Every day that I read it I have to stop and tell my husband all the things that have happened to surprise and I'm sorry I finished it. I would love to hear more stories I'm sure there are so many he will have to write many more books. God rescues us when there's no one else to rescue us. He is the only one. Praise Jesus! Amazing!
This book has been an absolute amazing story after amazing story. Every day that I read it I have to stop and tell my husband all the things that have happened to surprise and I'm sorry I finished it. I would love to hear more stories I'm sure there are so many he will have to write many more books. God rescues us when there's no one else to rescue us. He is the only one. Praise Jesus! Amazing!
March 5, 2024
Probably my favorite all time book, ever. It’s too good. It’s a page turner I couldn’t put it down. It sticks with you because each chapter is so full of adventures that are impossible. I’ve read it so many times and given it to so many people. (Who all also love it.) It has some hard things in it but life is hard so be prepared. Mostly it’s truly an inspiring book that makes me want to live more like Jesus.
October 13, 2019
Have Faith and Beieve!
If you do not know our Lord Jesus Christ you will by the time you've read about a third of this book!
It is an absolute story of faith and trust in Jesus told by the author of this book, about his life through Christ as a missionary in South Africa.
You will not be able to put this book down!
If you do not know our Lord Jesus Christ you will by the time you've read about a third of this book!
It is an absolute story of faith and trust in Jesus told by the author of this book, about his life through Christ as a missionary in South Africa.
You will not be able to put this book down!
January 3, 2020
Your faith will be renewed and your laughter will return.
This book can only renew your faith or build on the faith you already have. It enables you to see that God works in ways you cannot begin to imagine.
I must read to help us that the materials of life don't matter just the our love and faith in God.
This book can only renew your faith or build on the faith you already have. It enables you to see that God works in ways you cannot begin to imagine.
I must read to help us that the materials of life don't matter just the our love and faith in God.
September 22, 2022
Powerful dynamic storytelling about what God is doing across the continent of Africa. Pastor Surprise’s conversion story is a miraculous starting point to a life of adventure, near-death experiences, a complete trust and faith in the providence and provision of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. A must-read for Christians who believe God can still move in powerful ways.
March 25, 2024
I have seen this man in person
Surprise has extra ordinary stories to tell and, though incredible, I have no doubt that they are all true. He is a man plucked by God from unlikely humble origins and who has undeniably changed the world purely through his unspeakably simple faith in Jesus,his saviour. Read this and be astounded by what God is doing in Africa and beyond in our day
Surprise has extra ordinary stories to tell and, though incredible, I have no doubt that they are all true. He is a man plucked by God from unlikely humble origins and who has undeniably changed the world purely through his unspeakably simple faith in Jesus,his saviour. Read this and be astounded by what God is doing in Africa and beyond in our day
March 12, 2025
Try any one of his suggestions
Just as he was shocked by the American culture when he first visited the U.S., so too you will be shocked when you decide affirmatively for life with Christ as savior when he works miracles in and through you. God is thee God of this universe and there is no other God. You'll see.
Just as he was shocked by the American culture when he first visited the U.S., so too you will be shocked when you decide affirmatively for life with Christ as savior when he works miracles in and through you. God is thee God of this universe and there is no other God. You'll see.
June 18, 2017
Awesome encouragement
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Thank you for sharing your story and being obedient to everything God called you to do. Thanks for sharing all the visions and miracles. What a blessing!
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Thank you for sharing your story and being obedient to everything God called you to do. Thanks for sharing all the visions and miracles. What a blessing!
December 27, 2017
Surprise: delivers a surprise of faith that will rock your world.
Surprise Sithole offers up the testimony of his simple faith in Jesus Christ. This book will transform you and leave you desiring more than you thought was possible!
Surprise Sithole offers up the testimony of his simple faith in Jesus Christ. This book will transform you and leave you desiring more than you thought was possible!
March 17, 2018
Astonishing demonstrations of God's supernaural power and passion told in graphic detail. Will inspire you to do more for God!
You will love this book.. I learned new things about the power of God and moving of the Holy Spirit.
You will love this book.. I learned new things about the power of God and moving of the Holy Spirit.
June 29, 2018
Inspiring story of Gods guidance protection and love
Gods protection and way he uses Surprise, reveals His supernatural power to protect, His goodness, and his great desire for all men to know Jesus. A book you'll not want to out down.
Gods protection and way he uses Surprise, reveals His supernatural power to protect, His goodness, and his great desire for all men to know Jesus. A book you'll not want to out down.
May 3, 2019
Wonderful!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I gave it 5 stars I loved it that much! It is so thrilling to hear about people who God is using to spread the gospel around the world!! I agree with Pastor Surprise our time is short Jesus is coming again and Soon!!!! Be ready!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I gave it 5 stars I loved it that much! It is so thrilling to hear about people who God is using to spread the gospel around the world!! I agree with Pastor Surprise our time is short Jesus is coming again and Soon!!!! Be ready!
October 28, 2020
Loved it from begining to end! A wonderful read for Christians; one that will inspire and encourage your walk with the Lord. Full of miracles and supernatural signs that will be constantly reminding you of the goodness of God!
June 12, 2021
A must read!
God is so good and this is evidenced throughout this book. It is an encouragement to step out in faith and live the mandate given to us by Jesus- to be fishers of men.
God is so good and this is evidenced throughout this book. It is an encouragement to step out in faith and live the mandate given to us by Jesus- to be fishers of men.
November 13, 2021
Wow
I have always loved to read true stories from people of God but this one felt like it was written from another dimension. I have seen reviews from people who don't believe these stories to be true because there is a negative perception of Africans but Christianity will always be divided between those who believe God can do the impossible and those who don't. I believe.
I have always loved to read true stories from people of God but this one felt like it was written from another dimension. I have seen reviews from people who don't believe these stories to be true because there is a negative perception of Africans but Christianity will always be divided between those who believe God can do the impossible and those who don't. I believe.
June 20, 2023
This book left me utterly amazed at how powerful the Lord is to seek and to save the lost. This book was a great encouragement to me and I was amazed at how powerful the Lord is and the ways he worked through Pastor surprises life. A great read I will revisit in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews