The Blood Covenant

by E.W. Kenyon

Explains the significance and importance of a blood covenant and how it relates to the Shedding of Jesus' blood for us.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this amazing second book in the Mission Hope series, the author shows how God’s hand can be seen in every situation, even those that seem very bleak. She deals with the characters’ faith struggles and questions in a way that readers will relate to personally. This stellar novel is an absolute must-read!
Dr. Paige Ryan left her comfortable life in the United States to do missionary work in Africa. Unfortunately, she is becoming more and more disillusioned and disheartened as the days pass. Ready to return home, Paige is asked to help set up a medical unit at a refugee site before she leaves. She and the pilot, Nick Gilbert, as well as their team, get caught in the middle of a war between two factions that may cost them their lives.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great interpretation of the Blood Covenant

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent romantic suspense by Lisa Harris! This is the 2nd book in the Mission Hope series, but can definitely be read as a stand- alone novel. Fans of the first book will be delighted to learn more about Nick, and Paul Hayes from the US embassy has a bigger role in this one as well. This novel follows the story of Dr. Paige Ryan, who is in Africa with a relief organization. When one of her counterparts ends up dead, she finds herself ready to give up and go home, but is talked into one last 3 day assignment at the refugee camp. When the rebel soldiers descend on the camp, her time becomes anything but the task she signed up for. Having handsome pilot Nick Gilbert nearby is the only thing that helps keep her grounded.

This was another action packed suspense novel showcasing the struggles halfway around the world with refugees and corrupt governments. While we seem far removed from these struggles, the ones shown in this book are very real. It made me angry that in order actually get the government's attention, the rebels had to kidnap the "white man" Americans before they'd act, even though they'd killed thousands of their own countrymen. I appreciated how Ms. Harris portrayed these issues - with realism and grace.

The romance in this one was a bit stronger than in the first book of the series, so I didn't like it quite as well as book 1, but still a compelling story with well developed characters and a strong faith thread. I'd highly recommend to readers of inspirational romantic suspense!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear understanding of a Blood Covenant relationship and it's importance to man.

[Rubin Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Blood Covenant

This book is a must for every Christian
So that they may understand what God did in the old and new testaments to secure Man's redemption and salvation from death, the grave, and eternal hell
A great teaching

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 Mission Hope - 4.5*

What an intense read!

I connected with Paige, and felt for her as panic overwhelmed her as her work didn't seem to be effective and she just wanted to go home to family, safety, and comfort. However, I liked that she just couldn't leave her patients either. I felt her emotions were real as she struggled with what she saw, and how she had to cope without the equipment she needed.

I really liked Nick from so it was nice to see him get his own storyline.

I like how his and Paige's relationship grew. It was slow and gentle; hope amidst a dark situation but that didn't dominate the story. I thought it was done well.

I wanted to dislike the author at one point for how she took her storyline. I had a horrible feeling something like that was going to happen, and it did.

However, I couldn't. It was realistic. It is what happens, and to give an authentic story, that scene had to happen...I just really didn't want it to happen to that particular character!

Actually, I had a feeling that she was toning things down for the story, and that a lot of things that didn't happen should have, which was confirmed in her note at the end. I am very grateful she did tone it down - it would have made it an immensely difficult read if she hadn't.

The only thing I took exception to was the use of a word that originally was used to describe an illegitimate child, but now also has other meanings and can be used in a derogatory way (as was in this story) and depending on where you are from, can be offensive. There are probably others reading this who won't have a problem with that word, but for me personally, I didn't like reading it.

This story continues on from Blood Ransom and to appreciate this story and the desperation of the Ghost soldiers, I recommend reading Blood Ransom first.

Favourite Quotes:

"...when we’re called by God we need to go, then leave the outcome to Him.”



“I think I’ll always struggle over the suffering I see here, but I’ve decided the bottom line is that my circumstances, and the circumstances of those around me, don’t dictate God’s goodness. Nothing I do can ever change who He is. And He’ll always give me the strength I need to make it through each day.” ~ Dr. Paige Ryan



" The truth is we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited and needing that message of hope. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world. But maybe, like Paige—and myself—you often feel too small and inadequate to do what God is calling you to do. Paul says that it is through our weaknesses that we are made strong because of Christ’s power. At the greatest moment of weakness from the world’s point of view, Christ’s death on the cross brought victory and allowed God to enter into a relationship with us through that sacrifice." ~ Lisa Harris, author.

[Andrew Burchfield]

jaw dropper!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I hope to read more from E.W. Kenyon. This book was very concise & clear in explaining THE Blood Covenant relationship of God and it's importance to us His children.

[Prosper Obomeguono Azanuwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holy Scripture is composed of two (2) important Covenants:

The first Covenant was between Abraham and Abba Father and this was sealed by CIRCUMCISION (See Genesis 17).

The second Covenant which could be rightly known as the New Covenant is sealed with the Blood of Jesus Christ - ''This is My Blood of the New Covenant.''

The Old Covenant was the basis on which the New Covenant was founded. Jesus brings us a New Covenant, having fulfilled the Old Covenant (See Hebrew 10:9).

Worthy of mention is the fact that the New Covenant is the strongest, most sacred Covenant known to the human heart.

In the Old Covenant, the blood of bulls and lambs did not cleanse the conscience, did not take away sin consciousness from man but only atoned, i.e covered the sin. What this means is that there is a sacrifice that takes away or better still, puts away sins and it will appear as though they had never been. That is what the New Covenant, sealed with the Blood of Jesus Christ does - New Birth Experience!

Unfortunately, in today's world, there is so much sin-consciousness, and so little consciousness of the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is largely due to the fact that the finished work of Jesus Christ is less taught.

Jesus' work is finished and before Abba Father our REDEMPTION is fully paid for (See 2 Cor. 5:21; Col. 1:22). Jesus carried His Blood to the Holy of Holies satisfying the claims of Justice that were against Natural Man - Jesus introduces the unsaved man to God as Mediator.

Jesus is Mediator for the sinner, but He is Intercessor for the Christian.

The author, E. W. Kenyon also looked at the Lord's Table which every Christian needs to understand.

LESSON LEARNED
There are blessings attached to the New Blood Covenant:
To every member of the New Covenant, Abba Father imparts His righteousness. This righteousness makes you fearless in Satan's presence.
Another blessing is that Abba Father's ability, strength are at your disposal as a member of the New Covenant.
The last but not the least is that we have peace with Abba Father as members of the New Blood Covenant.
The Book Is Indeed A Must Read For Every Sincere Christian!

[Matt Lorenzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesus redeems

There's some great teaching on the blood covenant and it's impact, and how it relates not only in the Old Testament, but also carried over into the New and unto our lives today.

Some great application also from the book of Hebrews.

This could be a great reference tool in teaching. However you may find some of his statements not fully theologically sound in his application's, though most is compiled from his notes and preaching, so there could be some loss in translation so to speak.

[Nichole Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for the Blood!

This book was a right on time blessing. God knows what we need and when. The authority that we as the Ecclesia is just awesome. It's all because of the Blood of Jesus. Thank God for confirming His Word through this little but powerful book! Words cannot express the joy and hope felt and power given to stand in the face of the devil and say "No! In the Name of Jesus!"

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

It took me a little to get into the rhythm of this book, but once there, I couldn't put it down. Heart wrenching moments paired with laughter and gripping hope. A great read.

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend to read this book to every chtistian.

[Jimoh Sodiq]

This book will totally explain all about the blood covenant in relation to Abraham, Moses and Jesus. I hope everyone reads and enjoys it.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and powerful words of truth that need to be put into action to take advantage of what we have through Jesus Christ.

[Justin Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5 - Sublime content; just too darn short of a book! Love Kenyon!

[Bernard Smalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read…

This is an excellent book for you to read and build your faith…
This is a now Word! Get it now…

[KCD_65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about once a year. So very important in my life and how the covenant between God and man is forever!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think people have a very romanticized version of what being an overseas missionary, volunteer, or humanitarian worker is really like. Lisa Harris is a missionary living in Mozambique herself, so she has firsthand experience and knowledge of what it’s like over there. In Blood Covenant she gives you a glimpse of what it’s really like through the eyes of Dr. Paige Ryan (who works with Volunteers of Hope International in the Republic of Dhambizao).

With her wonderful insight, Lisa Harris brings this story to life with rich and gritty details. From the very beginning Paige is overcome with the feelings of helplessness, fear, and uncertainty as she tries to save the people in the refugee camp. Having so many people to help, she feels as if the weight of each one rests on her shoulders. It’s not till pilot Nick Gilbert reminds her that God will help with the burden does she realizes she just needs to focus on one person at a time.

The other characters who get caught up in the guerilla warfare the “Ghost Soldiers” make against the refugee camp—Brandon, Jodi, Ashley, Taz—were very intriguing characters who really added to the plot. I loved Taz’s sunny attitude, even when the situation was so grave. For those who’ve read this book, needless to say I shed a tear towards the end of this book as the situation climaxed. The action, at times, felt a bit stinted, and there were several instances where the action took place off-scene. But maybe that kinda disappointed me because I’m an action-loving girl and thrive on being “there”.

Many times throughout the novel it’s mention women being raped by the Ghost Soldiers. Once, while Paige is tending a young girl, the girl recounts the night her village was attacked, but besides saying that the men hurt her, no details are given as to what happened to her. A refugee worker at the camp uses the word “b*st*rd” once when referring to a Ghost Soldier.

The adventures that Paige, Nick, Brandon, and Ashley go through in Blood Covenant are really astounding. But for those of you who read the note from the author at the back (Yes, I always do! ;-) will discover that she actually sanitize her story to make it more believable. I can’t imagine! If you aren’t really aware of what’s happen to people overseas, Blood Covenant will open your eyes. For sure! I congratulate the author for writing about such a sobering subject. You can tell that Lisa Harris writes straight from the heart using personal experiences. Well done!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: BLOOD COVENANT
Author: Lisa Harris
Publisher: Zondervan
February 2011
ISBN: 978-0-310-31906-1
Genre: Inspirational/suspense

Fighting has erupted between government forces and Ghost Soldiers in the Republic of Dhambizao. With thousands murdered, Dr. Paige Ryan, Nick Gilbert, and others want to help rescue survivors and take them to a refugee transit site. As the team pilot, Nick needs to fly workers and supplies in and out of the area.

But the refugee camp is experiencing overcrowding, raids and uprisings and a group of American mountain climbers is attacked by the Ghost Soldiers. The medical team rescues those survivors, but then learns that one of the trekkers is carrying an infectious disease.

With the Ghost Soldiers blocking the only road out until their demands for amnesty are met, it won’t be long before the disease is out of control…and there is no where to run.

BLOOD COVENANT is the second book in Ms. Harris’ Mission Hope series, but it easily stands alone. Painfully realistic, this isn’t an easy book to read. In fact, in the author’s note at the end of the book, she says that she glossed over the events in Africa to make them “sound more realistic.” Which means that the descriptions in the book are even worse in real life.

This book is a tear jerker, leaving you hurting for the residents of this third world country, with all they have destroyed, loved ones shoot down in front of their families, women raped, and children dying from lack of care, and want to do something for them. This is a book for those who want the nitty gritty realism in their books, the ones that aren’t afraid to hurt and cry for others, the ones who might want to do something… Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $14.99. 300 pages.

[Paul Goble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Paige Ryan joins other American aid workers at a refugee camp in the fictional African Republic of Dhambizao. Rebel forces cut the camp off from aid and kidnap American tourists. Ryan and the other characters must reexamine their motivations and come up with a way to protect both themselves and the refugees they care for.

As with Blood Ransom, the first book in the series, the plot is engaging and broken into short, readable chapters. Descriptions of the horrors of war and famine are watered down, which may make this book accessible to those with weak stomachs. But many of the same weaknesses are present. The cover and the included map are only vaguely related to the descriptions in the text, which is a sad and avoidable distraction.

Some of the descriptions are glaringly weak. Especially bad was the first page of Chapter 15: "The Milky Way had appeared and now hung like a huge band of lights surrounded by thousands of tiny jewels. ... Jodi sat perched on the edge of the bolder [sic] beside him." Really? Add some really odd descriptions of altitude sickness (affecting climbers at just 3,000 feet!), I get the impression that this author has never once been outside at night at high altitude. There's also the little matter of the little 5-seater Cessna airplane that inexplicably becomes a dual-engine 7-10 seater while in flight.

On the other hand, I found Blood Covenant a bit more insightful, especially as it examines the thinking of violent 3rd world militants. The book shows how individuals really can make a difference in seemingly hopeless situations, and it may be an encouragement to those who are considering a stint in aid work.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Blood Covenant" is a fast-paced Christian thriller with some romance. It's the second novel in the series, but the lead characters have changed. However, reading this novel first will spoil some major events in "Blood Ransom," so I'd recommend reading that excellent novel first.

I think this novel will appeal to both men and women. The story was set in a fictional third-world Africa country with a corrupt government. It focused mostly on the perils of life in a refuge camp which were made worse by fighting going on nearby. The vivid setting and job details brought the story alive in my imagination and made me feel like this really could have happened.

The tension remained high throughout the story and mainly came from the physical danger to the characters. There were more good-guy point of view characters than just the main romantic couple, and the romance was more what you'd expect from someone in this situation (as in, "I admire how they're dealing with the situation and want to get to know him/her better when this is done"). The characters were smart but acted realistically, like I'd expect of normal people caught up in a very scary and overwhelming situation.

Several of the main characters were Christians with a strong faith in God which helped them endure the setbacks and sorrows they encountered. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting, well-written thriller.


I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has taken me only a year or two to get to this sequel to Blood Ransom. I did enjoy this sequel. I liked both of the main characters and I felt that they were all very realistic and well written. You could relate to them and often, it can be hard to relate to characters in suspense books because I don’t feel “as cool” as they are. Then I remember that these books are fiction, then it also increases my appreciation for our law enforcement.

I think this book is labeled as Christian suspense, but this is very unlike the usual Christian suspense in that both of these books have primarily focused around a crises and not a murderer out on the loose. These kinds of books can definitely be a nice change of pace.

This book did not let up on the action one bit. You were always wondering how things could get worse, and then they do. It definitely kept me interested!

I give this book 3/5 stars for another enjoyable book by Lisa Harris!

[Shirley Corder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I wish I'd written. Author Lisa Harris is herself a missionary who lives in Mozambique. She knows the people, the culture, and what is happening behind the scenes.

In Blood Covenant, she uses her main characters of Dr. Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert to tell the story of life in and around a refugee camp in the heart of Africa. As I read of the horrors and the terror brought about by the so-called Ghost Soldiers, I could only wonder how people can live in situations like that and remain sane.

Lisa's power of description, and her way of weaving her faith into the story without becoming preachy, made this book one I couldn't put down. Despite the fact that I live on the continent myself, I came away a lot more informed about the challenges faced by missionaries and the "people in-between" that make up so much of that area of Africa.

Thank you Lisa for this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The God I serve is a God of miracles."

Deep within the Republic of Dhambizao, Africa, war rages; rebel forces are terrorizing local villagers, humanitarian aid workers, and innocent tourists, while government officials refuse to admit the severity of the situation to the outside world. Caught in an impossible situation are Volunteers for Hope International's Dr. Paige Ryan and a bush pilot for Compassion Air, Nick Gilbert. Trying to curb a malaria epidemic without proper supplies and access to communication, the two press forward to find a miracle, while the enemy targets their refugee camp and threatens a series of executions.

"It's tempting to believe that one person cannot make a difference", and yet Scripture seals God's promises with the blood of just One.

Enjoy this international thriller, as author Lisa Harris displays her portfolio of skills.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Paige Ryan is going back to the states in a few days and she's looking forward to it. She struggles with all the suffering she can't fix in the DR and wants to get away from it. God has other plans for her. Rebel soldiers are causing havoc in the country but the government is suppressing information. People need Dr. Ryan's help. With the aid of pilot Nick Gilbert, Paige tries to make the best of an impossible situation at a refugee camps, but things keep getting worse. Being American used to be a protection, but the rules are changing.

I'd definitely recommend this book. It's a thought provoking page turner.

[Bethany Waddell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was yet again hopeful that I had found a decent Christian romantic suspense writer, which is really hard to do in that genre. Unfortunately, the spook totally fell flat for me. I feel like 85% of the book was setting you up for some sort of exciting ending, and it was truly completely anti-climatic. The development of romance between the characters was truly lackluster, and honestly I cared less about these characters at the e d of the book than I did at the beginning. It felt like the author was really investing in making you care about the characters and then it was just…over. Doubt I will read any more by this author.

[Debbie Vetter]

Heartbreaking, Inspiring

Ghost soldiers murdering, raping, kidnapping, stealing. Villages, hospitals, supply trucks - nothing is beyond their reach. Nick is a humble ex military pilot flying doctors, nurses, tourists and supplies. Paige is a doctor who doesn't think she's good enough. People trying to escape the ghost soldiers run to the hospital compound with little more than what's on their backs. Bringing with them cholera and measles. Not enough supplies, not enough workers, not enough medication Paige feels inadequate. Very good series. I hope there is more to come of Mission Hope. Thank you.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Covenant (Mission Hope) by Lisa Harris was a good read although it lacked many of the things that I look for in a thriller--graphic violence and plenty of gratuitous sex, just to name two. It didn't take me long to realize that this was a Christian novel with a Christian message, but by then I was already hooked and had to finish the book regardless. Looking back now I realize that the title and subtitle should have been enough to clue me in, but I missed that clue altogether. Putting all that Christian gobbledygook aside, it was still an exciting page turner.

[Paul Adeyanju · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that actually enlightened my perspective on the purpose of the blood of Jesus and its potency. It unraveled the mystery behind the need for a blood covenant and what it symbolizes. It enhanced my understanding of the life-exchange between believers and God during salvation, as God takes care of the sinners life in exchange for the perfect life that Jesus, the Savior lived! Must read for every believer!