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Impossible Love by Craig Keener
Gripping True Story of War and Romance, Hope and Miracles
When the odds are impossible, love goes to work. In this thrilling true-life story, readers follow the path of friendship that grows into a romance that spans continents and survives devastating hardship. Craig Keener, a respected white scholar, was cautious after a broken relationship. MEdine, a well-educated African woman, met Craig through a campus ministry and the two became friends. Long after they parted for their respective worlds, Craig realized his love for her and began the arduous--and often supernatural--journey to be reunited. MEdine faced terror and disease as a refugee in the war-torn Congo; Craig did not know most days if she was alive or dead. Their tender story of love beating the odds inspires readers to believe that God's own great love for each of us will always overcome.
When the odds are impossible, love goes to work. In this thrilling true-life story, readers follow the path of friendship that grows into a romance that spans continents and survives devastating hardship. Craig Keener, a respected white scholar, was cautious after a broken relationship. MEdine, a well-educated African woman, met Craig through a campus ministry and the two became friends. Long after they parted for their respective worlds, Craig realized his love for her and began the arduous--and often supernatural--journey to be reunited. MEdine faced terror and disease as a refugee in the war-torn Congo; Craig did not know most days if she was alive or dead. Their tender story of love beating the odds inspires readers to believe that God's own great love for each of us will always overcome.
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First published April 5, 2016
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About the author
Craig S. Keener
146 books247 followersCraig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, and Revelation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 1, 2016
People take wars in Africa for granted. Rarely we see first person account of what it is like living through a war in Africa. In the Impossible Love, Medine Keener faithfully presented her own story of tribulation and survival in the civil war in Congo-Brazzaville. Her love story is one that travels across time and space, with the invisible mighty hand of God leading the way.
The tribulation and perseverance of Craig Keener is a different kind. God has used his life as a modern story-retelling of Prophet Hosea. His story prompts one to think in a different level about marriage and divorce, and ultimately what God's unconditional love means for us.
Their story is full of ordinary people's struggles. Even with prophecy, one does not know for sure if it is true as Medine Keener repeatedly told herself - prophecy has to be tested. Even though their prophecy did not fulfill until over a decade later, prophecy is like a lamp, always giving hope, or the signs along an arduous trail which assure that you are on the right path and the glorious panoramic view is nearly at hand.
The Impossible Love is more than two love-sick persons finally find their way together. It leads you to think about the greater social issues that their stories were spawned, namely the African civil war, marriage and divorce, prophecy, and perseverance. Their story is a great testimony of Romans 5:4-5 - "we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
The tribulation and perseverance of Craig Keener is a different kind. God has used his life as a modern story-retelling of Prophet Hosea. His story prompts one to think in a different level about marriage and divorce, and ultimately what God's unconditional love means for us.
Their story is full of ordinary people's struggles. Even with prophecy, one does not know for sure if it is true as Medine Keener repeatedly told herself - prophecy has to be tested. Even though their prophecy did not fulfill until over a decade later, prophecy is like a lamp, always giving hope, or the signs along an arduous trail which assure that you are on the right path and the glorious panoramic view is nearly at hand.
The Impossible Love is more than two love-sick persons finally find their way together. It leads you to think about the greater social issues that their stories were spawned, namely the African civil war, marriage and divorce, prophecy, and perseverance. Their story is a great testimony of Romans 5:4-5 - "we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
June 18, 2019
Wow. It's been a while since I've read a book so riveting. Craig and Medine take turns sharing their stories in parallel fashion, with a brief intersection where their paths cross and then diverge again for over a decade. Craig buries himself in his work and ministry in the U.S. while Medine and her family flee for their lives in war-ravaged Congo. Though separated by thousands of miles, God continues to knit their hearts together and prepare them through great hardship for their future life together. I loved reading accounts of God's miraculous intervention and protection, often in answer to the prayers of His people. What an incredible reminder that God is real and is actively involved in the world today. Even through suffering and pain, Impossible Love is a testament that God's mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great.
April 28, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Médine's story, & the happy ending of her & Craig's story. Craig's story, although an interesting & faith-building example, seemed a bit...frustrating. Overall, it was an excellent testimony.
April 1, 2016
An amazing and inspirational story of faith and miracles that reads almost like a novel.
April 2, 2023
Honest and humble account of a journey towards a Christian, interracial marriage between an American theologian and a Congolese scholar. Their story is very painful, but inspiring. Their commitment to their faith is not something ordinary. Most importantly, it is surprising to learn how both believed in and accepted the gifts prophecy.
Although the style of writing is plain, it was not difficult to finish the book quickly. I got a couple of (may be three… or four) crucial lessons concerning relationships, but I wont point them here; or may be I should… (I don’t wanna forget them):
- Don’t rush into it.
- Be very open and clear in your communication. Don’t presume. Talk it through.
- Be decisive. Don’t equivocate. But once all is okay and clear, act swiftly.
- Don’t over-spiritualize it, please! This is one main problem of religious people.
All this is very easy for me to write here, but I couldn’t even imagine how painful their journeys must have been. God is good to them.
I look forward to reading all (if possible) of Craig Keener’s books. He is one of the most prolific theologians of our time.
Although the style of writing is plain, it was not difficult to finish the book quickly. I got a couple of (may be three… or four) crucial lessons concerning relationships, but I wont point them here; or may be I should… (I don’t wanna forget them):
- Don’t rush into it.
- Be very open and clear in your communication. Don’t presume. Talk it through.
- Be decisive. Don’t equivocate. But once all is okay and clear, act swiftly.
- Don’t over-spiritualize it, please! This is one main problem of religious people.
All this is very easy for me to write here, but I couldn’t even imagine how painful their journeys must have been. God is good to them.
I look forward to reading all (if possible) of Craig Keener’s books. He is one of the most prolific theologians of our time.
August 4, 2020
This was a book I was loaned by a family member and was initially hesitant about as it started out a little slow after the prologue, however about 20 pages in it picked up and Medine's story in particular of her experience during a civil war in Congo (I'm not sure the name of it as it was not given and dates weren't noted often) was riveting in her courage and the incredibly stressful experiences she and her family encountered while fleeing their home from soldiers, battling mosquitoes, army ants and malaria. Throughout it all, Medine and her family's faith and Craig's faith and backstory as he prayed, waited for word and helped with financial needs at that time are impressive. Worth the read.
Side note, but I hadn't realized I already had several of Craig's study books including the IVP for the New Testament and the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible that he helped edit. Will be looking into his other books now.
Side note, but I hadn't realized I already had several of Craig's study books including the IVP for the New Testament and the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible that he helped edit. Will be looking into his other books now.
July 6, 2017
Full disclosure: I've met both authors of this book when I was in seminary; I've been a long-time reader of Craig's voluminous output (and think he is not only the most brilliant person I've ever met, but astonishingly humble); and I recall Médine telling me, from her own lips, some of the stories later published in this volume.
That said, words cannot express a high enough recommendation for this book. Impossible Love tells the beautiful, compelling story of how God united Craig – an American New Testament scholar – and Médine – a Congolese scholar who met Craig while a graduate student, became separated from him for years, and was rendered a refugee by her country's civil war in 1997-1999. As their gripping account, told in sections alternating between them, makes very clear, no one but God could have brought them together through their inner and outer trials. Opening with scenes of Médine and family fleeing gunfire as fugitives, on the one hand, and of Craig, a former atheist turned zealous Bible college student, being beaten for witnessing in the streets, this is one book I didn't put down easily – and I don't think you will either!
Throughout their story, God is clearly at work. He sees to their needs in ways that just can't be waved off as mere coincidence. But that wouldn't surprise Craig or Médine. The sorts of manifestations we see in the New Testament – miracles, prophecy, even speaking in tongues – aren't foreign to either much of African Christianity or to the Christian circles in which Craig moves. (Actually, one of the earliest misunderstandings that comes between Craig and Médine is over speaking in tongues!) For some readers, the prevalence of modern prophecy may be one of the strangest aspects of their story (as they both hear prophecies about their future that they cannot possibly believe could be fulfilled... until they are). But should it be? “Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29). The God of the Old Testament and of the New Testament is the God of the Church, who fills us with the same Spirit. Perhaps we have not because we ask not (James 4:2).
A significant portion of the book is occupied with the horrors of the civil war that ravaged Congo-Brazzaville, Médine's home country, from June 1997 through December 1999. Neither side's soldiers prove to be above committing awful war crimes, and the Moussounga family frequently has reason to wonder if they'll live to see the next day, as they flee from town to town, face disease and serpents and worm-infested drinking water, and suffer in the face of human cruelty. Now that our world is gripped in the worst refugee crisis in decades, we need all the more to hear from someone who has been a refugee, to remind us that the numbers aren't statistics; they're people made in God's image, whose problems aren't easily solved by the soundbites we manufacture from our comfortable armchairs in the United States.
But the central theme of their story is that, even though their love was humanly impossible – kept apart by so many misunderstandings, and by first one being married and then the other (both of which end in dreadful heartbreak), and then the civil war and further problems after that – it was possible for God to bring about! As the two conclude: "God knows the future into which He calls us. No matter what the hardships along the way, He is truly worthy of all our trust. He really is the God of impossible love" (237). And the story showcases the fervent faith, fearless evangelism, and social commitment that God's faithfulness elicits from Craig, Médine, and others as the pages unfold the tale.
If you want to hear a story of deep and abiding romance, read this book. If you want to hear a gripping tale of odds-defying action and suspense, read this book. If you want to feel the flames of faith fanned within your soul, read this book. If you're human, read this book! I cannot think of any person I know to whom I wouldn't recommend this powerful true story.
That said, words cannot express a high enough recommendation for this book. Impossible Love tells the beautiful, compelling story of how God united Craig – an American New Testament scholar – and Médine – a Congolese scholar who met Craig while a graduate student, became separated from him for years, and was rendered a refugee by her country's civil war in 1997-1999. As their gripping account, told in sections alternating between them, makes very clear, no one but God could have brought them together through their inner and outer trials. Opening with scenes of Médine and family fleeing gunfire as fugitives, on the one hand, and of Craig, a former atheist turned zealous Bible college student, being beaten for witnessing in the streets, this is one book I didn't put down easily – and I don't think you will either!
Throughout their story, God is clearly at work. He sees to their needs in ways that just can't be waved off as mere coincidence. But that wouldn't surprise Craig or Médine. The sorts of manifestations we see in the New Testament – miracles, prophecy, even speaking in tongues – aren't foreign to either much of African Christianity or to the Christian circles in which Craig moves. (Actually, one of the earliest misunderstandings that comes between Craig and Médine is over speaking in tongues!) For some readers, the prevalence of modern prophecy may be one of the strangest aspects of their story (as they both hear prophecies about their future that they cannot possibly believe could be fulfilled... until they are). But should it be? “Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29). The God of the Old Testament and of the New Testament is the God of the Church, who fills us with the same Spirit. Perhaps we have not because we ask not (James 4:2).
A significant portion of the book is occupied with the horrors of the civil war that ravaged Congo-Brazzaville, Médine's home country, from June 1997 through December 1999. Neither side's soldiers prove to be above committing awful war crimes, and the Moussounga family frequently has reason to wonder if they'll live to see the next day, as they flee from town to town, face disease and serpents and worm-infested drinking water, and suffer in the face of human cruelty. Now that our world is gripped in the worst refugee crisis in decades, we need all the more to hear from someone who has been a refugee, to remind us that the numbers aren't statistics; they're people made in God's image, whose problems aren't easily solved by the soundbites we manufacture from our comfortable armchairs in the United States.
But the central theme of their story is that, even though their love was humanly impossible – kept apart by so many misunderstandings, and by first one being married and then the other (both of which end in dreadful heartbreak), and then the civil war and further problems after that – it was possible for God to bring about! As the two conclude: "God knows the future into which He calls us. No matter what the hardships along the way, He is truly worthy of all our trust. He really is the God of impossible love" (237). And the story showcases the fervent faith, fearless evangelism, and social commitment that God's faithfulness elicits from Craig, Médine, and others as the pages unfold the tale.
If you want to hear a story of deep and abiding romance, read this book. If you want to hear a gripping tale of odds-defying action and suspense, read this book. If you want to feel the flames of faith fanned within your soul, read this book. If you're human, read this book! I cannot think of any person I know to whom I wouldn't recommend this powerful true story.
January 3, 2019
There are so many ways to start this review. As someone who’s worked in marketing books, this book is a gift to market. Story of love against all odds? Check. World leading New Testament scholar? Check. War? Check. Complex relational webs? Check. Two divorced people encountering God in a deeper way and being drawn together by his good sovereign hand? Check.
That would be one way of starting this review. I’ve been reading things by Craig Keener, a New Testament Academic at Asbury Seminary in the USA, for quite a while now. At the Society of Vineyard Scholars 2018 Conference, we heard from Craig and his wonderful wife Medine. They spoke more personally than cerebrally – but that would be to set up a false binary, because in their personal story there is a deep theology. This story is shared in this book, Impossible Love: The True Story of an African Civil War, Miracles and Hope Against All Odds, and is well worth reading.
https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...
That would be one way of starting this review. I’ve been reading things by Craig Keener, a New Testament Academic at Asbury Seminary in the USA, for quite a while now. At the Society of Vineyard Scholars 2018 Conference, we heard from Craig and his wonderful wife Medine. They spoke more personally than cerebrally – but that would be to set up a false binary, because in their personal story there is a deep theology. This story is shared in this book, Impossible Love: The True Story of an African Civil War, Miracles and Hope Against All Odds, and is well worth reading.
https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...
December 12, 2023
I was amazed at the deep struggles that Medine came through so victoriously. This was a powerful eye-witness account of war-torn Congo. But the writing was distracting at times. Not sure why it was not better edited. I did find it interesting the huge contrast between the hardships we Americans face versus the true hardships of those across the world. We break down from over work and yes, emotional pain, but our brothers and sisters across the world face rampant and unrelenting disease without the relief of medicines, the uncertainties of getting a daily meal, the complete unavailability of clean water, and the ever-present greediness and evil of corrupt governments. Also I wanted to see how Craig and Medine resolved their theological differences about speaking in tongues. To me the reliance on prophetic words and the emphasis on tongues was off-putting.
May 12, 2017
Amazing Story of Faith in the Midst of So Much Suffering
There are many stories in the Scriptures that demonstrate a strange and seemingly defeated way to the calling God has on people of great faith. This is a modern story very similar.... in which a cross-cultural marriage unites two people seeking to follow God with all their hearts but who experience devastating circumstances prior to finally marrying and serving God together. Much of the suffering that takes place in The Congo during the civil war is hard to read but the faith that develops in these Christians as a result is pure gold as a result.
There are many stories in the Scriptures that demonstrate a strange and seemingly defeated way to the calling God has on people of great faith. This is a modern story very similar.... in which a cross-cultural marriage unites two people seeking to follow God with all their hearts but who experience devastating circumstances prior to finally marrying and serving God together. Much of the suffering that takes place in The Congo during the civil war is hard to read but the faith that develops in these Christians as a result is pure gold as a result.
September 3, 2016
Wow! What a story!! What an amazing story!! I could not put this book down!!
I've read some incredible stories of God's faithfulness to His people over the years. Stories that have also demonstrated Christians persevering under incredibly difficult circumstances while witnessing God's amazing grace and supernatural involvement on their behalf - stories like The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew, The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun, and others. Here's another one to add to that distinguished list.
I couldn't put it down. Incredible!!
I've read some incredible stories of God's faithfulness to His people over the years. Stories that have also demonstrated Christians persevering under incredibly difficult circumstances while witnessing God's amazing grace and supernatural involvement on their behalf - stories like The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew, The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun, and others. Here's another one to add to that distinguished list.
I couldn't put it down. Incredible!!
September 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book...it was a quick read. While the story of the relationship that ultimately developed between the author and his wife was moving, what really was gripping was the conviction that arose for me regarding how easy we have it in the States, our needs largely met, freedom from civil war and unrest, freedom to express our faith, comfortable lifestyles, etc...a much needed reminder to thank the Lord for our bountiful blessings!
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December 24, 2018The harrowing tale of Craig and Medine's unlikely courtship. Cultural misunderstandings and civil war separated them for many long years before they were finally united in marriage. A story of brokenness and healing, full of miracles and close calls, prophetic words and fulfillment.
August 22, 2022
Amazing story of incredible faith and love.
January 8, 2022
I think this is the first time finished reading a book with a war and survival background like this. Written in two perspectives/points of view, I felt like I'm really getting into the story of Craig and Médine, how scary and gripping the situation Médine and her family were, and how complicated life was for Craig. Among all the turmoil, fear, sadness, even despair, and maybe death that can be faced, they chose to surrender and believe in God. They believed that God would surely open a way and help them even in ways that seem impossible.
Besides putting my trust in God, I also learned to praise God for, whatever happens, to praise God in any circumstances, whether it's good or bad, happy or sad in my thoughts and views. Praising God in a state of happiness and joy is an easy thing and is usually done, but praising God in a difficult time maybe even at the lowest point of life is a difficult thing, maybe even unthinkable, I learned a lot from Papa Jacques who often said: "let's thank God".
From Craig and Médine's story, it can be seen that people who follow God aren't those who had a free life without problems, even Médine also questioned why was a man of God, someone who lives for God, someone who pour out and gave his life to God but has such a sad life. But we can see that those who follow God are people who can get through their problems by relying on God's guidance. For me, faith is a journey that sometimes can't always be strong and powerful, there were times when my heart felt so dry and empty that even praying doesn't feel good. But the journey aims to find something, and the journey of faith is to find the heart of God. Faith is a choice to follow God's voice and guidance, faith is choosing to believe in Him even though the road ahead looks dark and full of impossibility.
❤️ "When your strength seems at an end, you see only the beginning of My strength. When your faith is at its end, My kindness has just begun. The time you thought Me farthest, I was there embracing your pain. This is your God who shows Himself true, the God of the cross. I, who have brought you now to this time, call you to look back and to see My exquisite handiwork, to recognize My design, so you may trust Me. The sea is vast; but it is not vast enough to begin to contain My boundless love for My children, nor to contain all the wisdom of My purposes. My giving love to you is greater than all the sands of the seashore, more vast than the seas, higher than the mountains, more awesome than the skies."
❤️ "But many other stories are not recorded there. Your story is likewise part of the larger story of My work in the world. Each of My children has a story, part of the larger story I am weaving in history. As I will not lose track of the sand of the sea, so I do not lose track of any of My children."
Besides putting my trust in God, I also learned to praise God for, whatever happens, to praise God in any circumstances, whether it's good or bad, happy or sad in my thoughts and views. Praising God in a state of happiness and joy is an easy thing and is usually done, but praising God in a difficult time maybe even at the lowest point of life is a difficult thing, maybe even unthinkable, I learned a lot from Papa Jacques who often said: "let's thank God".
From Craig and Médine's story, it can be seen that people who follow God aren't those who had a free life without problems, even Médine also questioned why was a man of God, someone who lives for God, someone who pour out and gave his life to God but has such a sad life. But we can see that those who follow God are people who can get through their problems by relying on God's guidance. For me, faith is a journey that sometimes can't always be strong and powerful, there were times when my heart felt so dry and empty that even praying doesn't feel good. But the journey aims to find something, and the journey of faith is to find the heart of God. Faith is a choice to follow God's voice and guidance, faith is choosing to believe in Him even though the road ahead looks dark and full of impossibility.
❤️ "When your strength seems at an end, you see only the beginning of My strength. When your faith is at its end, My kindness has just begun. The time you thought Me farthest, I was there embracing your pain. This is your God who shows Himself true, the God of the cross. I, who have brought you now to this time, call you to look back and to see My exquisite handiwork, to recognize My design, so you may trust Me. The sea is vast; but it is not vast enough to begin to contain My boundless love for My children, nor to contain all the wisdom of My purposes. My giving love to you is greater than all the sands of the seashore, more vast than the seas, higher than the mountains, more awesome than the skies."
❤️ "But many other stories are not recorded there. Your story is likewise part of the larger story of My work in the world. Each of My children has a story, part of the larger story I am weaving in history. As I will not lose track of the sand of the sea, so I do not lose track of any of My children."
December 12, 2018
Wonderful in every way....a must read for sure.
I was one the edge of my seat every minute. God's miraculous workings to bring these two together was so Incredibly marvelous that words fail me. One has to read it to get all the precious details and experience it all for yourself. I will not give any spoilers here so just buy it and be forever transformed. It will cause anymore struggling with prejudice to repent. God's love for the African peoples knows no bounds. His wonders are on every page.
His love for all who He sent Jesus Christ to suffer and die comes through loud and clear. This book shines with so much honesty and heartfelt faith that I had to look at my own heart to examine this much needed element of my Christian life. Reading this true, life account in the lives of the Keener's caused me to love Jesus more as I fell in love with Me'dine and Craig. We now listen to his You Tube channel teachings with more insightful interest since reading "Impossible Love". I highly recommend this book to all who love God's miraculous workings in impossible situations for truly this is one of those situations. Enjoy and be blessed. Thank you Craig and Me'dine. See you in heaven.
I was one the edge of my seat every minute. God's miraculous workings to bring these two together was so Incredibly marvelous that words fail me. One has to read it to get all the precious details and experience it all for yourself. I will not give any spoilers here so just buy it and be forever transformed. It will cause anymore struggling with prejudice to repent. God's love for the African peoples knows no bounds. His wonders are on every page.
His love for all who He sent Jesus Christ to suffer and die comes through loud and clear. This book shines with so much honesty and heartfelt faith that I had to look at my own heart to examine this much needed element of my Christian life. Reading this true, life account in the lives of the Keener's caused me to love Jesus more as I fell in love with Me'dine and Craig. We now listen to his You Tube channel teachings with more insightful interest since reading "Impossible Love". I highly recommend this book to all who love God's miraculous workings in impossible situations for truly this is one of those situations. Enjoy and be blessed. Thank you Craig and Me'dine. See you in heaven.
February 19, 2021
Uma bela história de resiliência e fé de uma congolesa, que torna-se refugiada, e segue com a família em uma jornada de sobrevivência com um Deus que cuida não só da vida dos seus, mas dos anseios mais profundos e íntimos de seu coração. Também, um retrato brutal das distâncias entre realidades de vida nos continentes africano e americano, e suas definições de sofrimento e dor. Enquanto, de um lado do mundo, manter-se vivo por mais um minuto, em meio a um contexto de guerra é a ordem do dia, seja fugindo de bombardeios e soldados violentos, buscando a última porção de mandioca para alimentar as 14 pessoas da família, ou no desespero de conseguir medicamentos para tratar malária; de outro lado, os dramas da vida moderna falam de uma sociedade de cansaço, com seus excessos, depressões, esgotamentos, conflitos relacionais, preconceitos e legalismos.
Uma dor jamais diminuiu a outra, é certo, mas mais histórias como a Medine sendo conhecidas poderão certamente nos ensinar, "do lado de cá", preciosas lições de vida e novas perspectivas do real significado de dor e sofrimento.
Uma dor jamais diminuiu a outra, é certo, mas mais histórias como a Medine sendo conhecidas poderão certamente nos ensinar, "do lado de cá", preciosas lições de vida e novas perspectivas do real significado de dor e sofrimento.
July 6, 2018
I loved this book - my son and I read it after hearing Dr Keener & Dr Keener speak together at the Society of Vineyard Scholars in June 2018. What humble and faithful souls, a gift to the body of Christ in so many ways!
"Miracles are a wonderful foretaste of the future Kingdom, but they are merely a sample, sparks of the future. They are not meant to be a panacea for all the world's sufferings.
If God can be found even in the cross - indeed, especially there - then we can trust God's plan for us in our own stories, even if they are filled with deep pain and brokenness."
"Miracles are a wonderful foretaste of the future Kingdom, but they are merely a sample, sparks of the future. They are not meant to be a panacea for all the world's sufferings.
If God can be found even in the cross - indeed, especially there - then we can trust God's plan for us in our own stories, even if they are filled with deep pain and brokenness."
January 9, 2020
I don't know how to say it any better than the words on the front cover: "The true story of an African civil war, miracles and hope against all odds." Truly. Craig Keener and Medine Moussounga Keener take turns telling a story that is almost beyond belief. Trusting God when everything around you seems to be crashing and burning is always hard. These two people had faith and it was greatly rewarded. They are honest in describing moments of doubt and despair but choosing to believe God and keep moving forward. Completely inspiring!
January 17, 2022
Much to ponder in Medine's story of surviving a terrible war in the Congo--as both prayed and waited for God to send them a spouse.
(Which, obvious to everyone else, was Medine and Craig).
I was quite taken with how the Moussounga family relied on prayer and prophecy to encourage them and keep themselves alive during 7 terrible years.
I knew little about the civil wars and the effect on the people in the Congo--it reminded me a lot of what happened in Rwanda about the same time.
We need to know these things. We need to read about them and marvel at how God works.
(Which, obvious to everyone else, was Medine and Craig).
I was quite taken with how the Moussounga family relied on prayer and prophecy to encourage them and keep themselves alive during 7 terrible years.
I knew little about the civil wars and the effect on the people in the Congo--it reminded me a lot of what happened in Rwanda about the same time.
We need to know these things. We need to read about them and marvel at how God works.
February 13, 2022
Un témoignage de la formation d'un couple malgré les différences culturelles et la guerre au Congo. Ce couple c'est celui de Médine et Craig Keener ( l'homme encyclopédie qui fait un commentaire sur le livre des actes en 4 volumes avec 3 milliards de notes de bas de page. Soit dit en passant c'est mon anniversaire bientôt. Quel rapport avec des livres ? Mais ça a tout à voir voyons !)
C'est la partie sur la guerre, où l'on suit Médine, qui est la plus intéressante, on est rapidement captivé par cette histoire de réfugiés de guerre dans laquelle Dieu parvient à garder les siens.
La partie sur Craig est un peu moins intéressante car il s'y passe moins de choses. Ou plutôt le choix est fait par les auteurs de mettre en avant l'histoire de Médine. Mais nous avons quand même droit à quelques informations biographiques sur Craig qui permettent de mieux saisir la chronologie de sa bibliographie et de pourquoi certains thèmes lui tiennent à cœur.
Facile à lire, bien raconté sans fioritures dans le style. Peut sans doute convenir à quelqu'un voulant lire pour la première fois un livre anglais en entier.
C'est la partie sur la guerre, où l'on suit Médine, qui est la plus intéressante, on est rapidement captivé par cette histoire de réfugiés de guerre dans laquelle Dieu parvient à garder les siens.
La partie sur Craig est un peu moins intéressante car il s'y passe moins de choses. Ou plutôt le choix est fait par les auteurs de mettre en avant l'histoire de Médine. Mais nous avons quand même droit à quelques informations biographiques sur Craig qui permettent de mieux saisir la chronologie de sa bibliographie et de pourquoi certains thèmes lui tiennent à cœur.
Facile à lire, bien raconté sans fioritures dans le style. Peut sans doute convenir à quelqu'un voulant lire pour la première fois un livre anglais en entier.
February 27, 2022
This was an epic account of how God brought together in marriage the authors despite war, grave illness, broken backgrounds, and more. Most of the book recounts Médine’s experiences during the year and a half of being a refugee during war in Congo. Reading this a few days before and during the Russian invasion of Ukraine made this book all that more impactful. One intriguing factor of this book is the frequent mention of prophecies, dreams, and visions experienced by both authors and a whole host of people connected to them.
July 16, 2023
The story of God bringing two human beings together from a situation rife with misunderstandings. It tells of the true story of Craig S Keener first an Atheist, then a Christian and how he met and married his wife.
The story is told from the point of view of both parties and thus gives the reader an excellent understanding of what was going on. And, without a doubt God had to be involved throughout the process.
I have read the book multiple times. I continue to be in awe of what happened.
The story is told from the point of view of both parties and thus gives the reader an excellent understanding of what was going on. And, without a doubt God had to be involved throughout the process.
I have read the book multiple times. I continue to be in awe of what happened.
July 27, 2024
I first discovered the work of Craig Keener through his famous IVP New Testament Bible Background Commentary which I have used for Bible study for over 2 decades since then.
This book was a peak behind the curtain, telling the story of Medine and Craig that grounds their scholarly accomplishments in true life lived in the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. It's the story of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately redemption that has God's imprint throughout. With that said, we see how life with God is lived through depression, violence and civil war, and failed marriages.
The majority of the book is a gripping account of Medine surviving her country's civil war, this section was hard to read as her family barely survives through violence and terror of this time. But throughout God is with them!
An encouraging read and I recommend to anyone who has time.
This book was a peak behind the curtain, telling the story of Medine and Craig that grounds their scholarly accomplishments in true life lived in the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. It's the story of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately redemption that has God's imprint throughout. With that said, we see how life with God is lived through depression, violence and civil war, and failed marriages.
The majority of the book is a gripping account of Medine surviving her country's civil war, this section was hard to read as her family barely survives through violence and terror of this time. But throughout God is with them!
An encouraging read and I recommend to anyone who has time.
July 30, 2024
What a wonderful story of God’s faithfulness, even when it seems like He has abandoned us. This true story of impossible odds reminded me a lot of Corrie Ten Boom’s story. Our Savior is not just a miracle worker from the Bible. He is alive and working miracles throughout our own history. He is using horrific events to bring hope to those who will simply trust Him in spite of what their eyes see and their physical bodies endure.
November 26, 2024
While packaged as a love story, this is so much more. The thrust of this narrative - which goes through civil war, refugee life, divorce, poverty, and depression - is about how God can redeem any situation, protect through any danger, and speak clearly and intervene miraculously in our lives. My faith has been buoyed by hearing all God has done in their lives. The characters have their foibles and quirks, but they are honest about that so it shines through who God has been to them.
January 13, 2025
This book is highly recommended from many prominent Christians if you read the endorsements in the front. I would say it is worth the time at the very least to hear Medine Moussounga Keener's incredible story of surviving the Civil War in the Congo with her family and friends. There were lots of miracles, prophetic voices speaking into her life as well as Craig's, and the amazing reunion that finally brought them together after all those events.
November 20, 2017
Could not put this down. I would start reading in the bath and read until the water was cold. My mother in law left the book for me to read. After reading the epilogue, I was thrilled to realize that we had hosted the authors' son at our home just a few weeks before! What an amazing vocal gift this young man has and you can see in story how the enemy tried to silence him. To God be the glory!
July 23, 2019
Powerful Testimony of God's Care
Only by God's Grace could the events told here end in triumph! I have been changed through the story of the hardship and miracles the Keener's have shared. I saw prejudice I didn't know I have and am looking forward to seeing my attitude change as God changes my heart.I am very grateful.
Only by God's Grace could the events told here end in triumph! I have been changed through the story of the hardship and miracles the Keener's have shared. I saw prejudice I didn't know I have and am looking forward to seeing my attitude change as God changes my heart.I am very grateful.
September 3, 2021
A batalha espiritual
Com sua habilidade de escrita sensacional, C.S. Lewis traz reflexões importantíssimas sobre ídolos, religiosidade vazia, hipocrisia, entre outros, nos lembrando que somos todos pecadores e do imenso e indescritível amor de Deus. A narração do Pilgrim é sensacional, no começo senti muita aflição, mas consegui me acostumar o suficiente para ouvir o livro inteiro.
Com sua habilidade de escrita sensacional, C.S. Lewis traz reflexões importantíssimas sobre ídolos, religiosidade vazia, hipocrisia, entre outros, nos lembrando que somos todos pecadores e do imenso e indescritível amor de Deus. A narração do Pilgrim é sensacional, no começo senti muita aflição, mas consegui me acostumar o suficiente para ouvir o livro inteiro.
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