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Chasing God: One Man's Miraculous Journey in the Heart of the City
Chasing God is Roger Huang's gritty, heartfelt story of obedience to God's call to follow Him into the heart of the city. That mission can inspire you! Leaving behind his abusive home in Taiwan, Roger discovered both the American Dream and his French bride, Maite. A dramatic event took place before his very eyes and prompted Roger to rethink his future and his calling. As a couple, Roger and Maite chose not to ignore the plight of the poor and homeless in San Francisco's most impoverished district, the Tenderloin. Since founding City Impact, Roger has led many in discovering the power of prayer, fasting, and serving hands-on in a community starved for hope. Chasing God is a testimony to God's miraculous provision and will challenge you to consider how to serve and care for your own city and community.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
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400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 5, 2014
Book Review of Chasing God by Roger Huang
A compelling story of the author’s life to date which begins as he waits naked, in a darkened room with two of his brothers to be savagely beaten by their father. Huang details an amazing account of leaving Taipei for the streets of San Francisco where he leaves his abusive home to live on the streets and make his own way in life. On a rare visit to his the street outside his father’s grocery store, he runs into the young woman who steals his heart…and whom he pursues until she agrees to marry him. And the adventure has just begun!
Huang makes no bones about the ongoing issues of unforgiveness, abandonment, abuse and low self-esteem that he continues to battle with, with his difficulty, seeming well-nigh impossible to overcome, to love his wife and new family. But, in the midst of all of this, he and Maité are transformed by trusting in the God of the Bible. And now the adventure begins to get serious, much, much more intense.
Huang and Maité are working hard to make ends meet in a very expensive city. They have four children, live in a two-bedroom apartment, and they both work; Roger at two jobs as the story gets into full swing…and then he applies for a third job! On his way to work at the posh Parc 55 he runs into a problem: he has a flat tire just blocks away from work but in one of the poorest and roughest neighbourhoods in the Bay area—Tenderloin. Roger tries to keep his distance from the panhandlers, the drug dealers, the barkers offering a visit to strip clubs and the gangs, mostly from the gangs as he calls for a tow…and then heads back into his car to keep it from being stripped (I think!) and stay out of the hands of the trouble on the streets. But, in the few minutes he waits for the tow truck to arrive, Roger’s memories of his abusive past are stirred as he sees the nearest gang harass a thin boy of about 10…and he does nothing.
By the time he has returned home, God has spoken to him: “What would you have done if that were your son?” Roger’s story continues:
My gut clenches in a visceral reaction as I imagine Phil and Christian at the mercy of a bunch of thugs. No one lays a hand on either of my sons. I would have helped him. Protected him.
In a bright moment of clarity, the next thought pierces me with a swift and sharp conviction: They are all the same to Me.
And that moment of hearing the voice of God radically transforms his life.
This is the true life story of Roger Huang which focuses on what Roger and Maité have done in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco since that moment in 1983. It is the story of a man who believes that God still speaks to people today, and that that same God acts in miraculous ways to save people and to restore broken lives. I was moved to tears, frequently. I believe you will be inspired and encouraged and challenged to make a difference in your own neighbourhood. Read this book, you’ll be glad you did.
A compelling story of the author’s life to date which begins as he waits naked, in a darkened room with two of his brothers to be savagely beaten by their father. Huang details an amazing account of leaving Taipei for the streets of San Francisco where he leaves his abusive home to live on the streets and make his own way in life. On a rare visit to his the street outside his father’s grocery store, he runs into the young woman who steals his heart…and whom he pursues until she agrees to marry him. And the adventure has just begun!
Huang makes no bones about the ongoing issues of unforgiveness, abandonment, abuse and low self-esteem that he continues to battle with, with his difficulty, seeming well-nigh impossible to overcome, to love his wife and new family. But, in the midst of all of this, he and Maité are transformed by trusting in the God of the Bible. And now the adventure begins to get serious, much, much more intense.
Huang and Maité are working hard to make ends meet in a very expensive city. They have four children, live in a two-bedroom apartment, and they both work; Roger at two jobs as the story gets into full swing…and then he applies for a third job! On his way to work at the posh Parc 55 he runs into a problem: he has a flat tire just blocks away from work but in one of the poorest and roughest neighbourhoods in the Bay area—Tenderloin. Roger tries to keep his distance from the panhandlers, the drug dealers, the barkers offering a visit to strip clubs and the gangs, mostly from the gangs as he calls for a tow…and then heads back into his car to keep it from being stripped (I think!) and stay out of the hands of the trouble on the streets. But, in the few minutes he waits for the tow truck to arrive, Roger’s memories of his abusive past are stirred as he sees the nearest gang harass a thin boy of about 10…and he does nothing.
By the time he has returned home, God has spoken to him: “What would you have done if that were your son?” Roger’s story continues:
My gut clenches in a visceral reaction as I imagine Phil and Christian at the mercy of a bunch of thugs. No one lays a hand on either of my sons. I would have helped him. Protected him.
In a bright moment of clarity, the next thought pierces me with a swift and sharp conviction: They are all the same to Me.
And that moment of hearing the voice of God radically transforms his life.
This is the true life story of Roger Huang which focuses on what Roger and Maité have done in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco since that moment in 1983. It is the story of a man who believes that God still speaks to people today, and that that same God acts in miraculous ways to save people and to restore broken lives. I was moved to tears, frequently. I believe you will be inspired and encouraged and challenged to make a difference in your own neighbourhood. Read this book, you’ll be glad you did.
June 8, 2014
What an amazing book.
This should be a required book for every Christian as it shows how we don't have an excuse for doing the work of the Lord.
Roger Huang and his wife Maite were immigrants who had such a heart for the poor and homeless community in San Francisco.
The book shows an interesting journey of one man who came from a broken and rough family situation to loving God. In the process of serving God, he didn't have the perfect life as he still suffered from the childhood pains but God used him greatly.
This book shows the power of persistent prayer and fasting along with doing what God has called you to do regardless of the challenges. Roger Huang and his wife saw the supernatural in their own lives and the lives of so many they touched.
This should be a required book for every Christian as it shows how we don't have an excuse for doing the work of the Lord.
Roger Huang and his wife Maite were immigrants who had such a heart for the poor and homeless community in San Francisco.
The book shows an interesting journey of one man who came from a broken and rough family situation to loving God. In the process of serving God, he didn't have the perfect life as he still suffered from the childhood pains but God used him greatly.
This book shows the power of persistent prayer and fasting along with doing what God has called you to do regardless of the challenges. Roger Huang and his wife saw the supernatural in their own lives and the lives of so many they touched.
November 15, 2013
This was an uplifting story of man finds a greater purpose one day and does much good. Roger Huang has set up ministry in the Tenderloin in San Francisco, a rough and tough place. Food, education, and spirit are needed in in many places and Huang works to provide here. There is a lot of good fortune and money that shows up when needed, and the narrative seems a bit incomplete. This will especially appeal to readers with an interest in the area, although it may lead to more questions than answers about this specific ministry. Overall, an inspiring take on how you can make a difference in the lives of others.
Provided by publisher.
Provided by publisher.
August 30, 2019
Roger Huang is a pretty amazing man and God is using him to do amazing things. I enjoyed reading about his work.
So why only three stars? Having everything in first-person, present tense was distracting and a bit annoying. Also, there are multiple times where there are flashbacks within flashbacks.
So why only three stars? Having everything in first-person, present tense was distracting and a bit annoying. Also, there are multiple times where there are flashbacks within flashbacks.
November 16, 2020
What a remarkable life! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story, Roger.
January 2, 2015
Amazing things can happen through one person and the power of prayer!
This is the story of Roger Huang and the ministry that he started in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Huang suffered significant abuse at the hands of his father in Taipei as a child. After coming to the States and witnessing a young boy beaten by bullies in the Tenderloin district, Huang was so distraught that he hadn’t come to the boy’s aid and set out to find him. In the process, his heart was burdened to help others in the area who were drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics or misdirected kids. He starts by passing out sandwiches to people in the area and begins to build relationships with them. He eventually starts teaching the kids lessons about Jesus and this soon evolves to a regular program called Super Saturday. As Huang and his family continue to build relationships with the people in this area, they even begin a church and an elementary school in the area.
Chasing God tells the story of the amazing things that can happen when one person steps out in faith and is obedient to the plans that God is asking him to follow. Miracle after miracle happens as they face significant obstacles (sex clubs next to the elementary school they’ve started, a bigger building needed for their growing school, finances needed for repairs to keep the school going, etc.). Each problem is met with a divine intervention from God with Huang receiving all that he needs …often at the very last minute. A perfect summary of his life, Huang says “I like to say I am God’s bellhop. I just open the doors that He asks me to, and He does all the work. It is a beautiful and crazy life that God has given us in the Tenderloin. And He just keeps surprising us with how He works everything out.” The ministry has grown in so many different directions to meet the needs of people in this area. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, over 20,000 meals and 10,000 grocery bags are distributed to the apartment buildings in the Tenderloin.
While I always enjoy hearing about the start and growth of a ministry (and the passion of the people involved), the book’s story and cadence became a little predictable. A need was identified, a prayer was answered and then there was another need identified along the way, etc. . I hope to never become bored with answered prayer (Ha!), but the overall reading didn’t maintain my interest in the end like it did in the beginning of the story. It became expected that each need would be met. It might have been interesting to learn more about the different people in the Tenderloin and how their personal situations had changed dramatically as a result of this ministry.
I received a complimentary e-book of Chasing God from David C Cook in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is the story of Roger Huang and the ministry that he started in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Huang suffered significant abuse at the hands of his father in Taipei as a child. After coming to the States and witnessing a young boy beaten by bullies in the Tenderloin district, Huang was so distraught that he hadn’t come to the boy’s aid and set out to find him. In the process, his heart was burdened to help others in the area who were drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics or misdirected kids. He starts by passing out sandwiches to people in the area and begins to build relationships with them. He eventually starts teaching the kids lessons about Jesus and this soon evolves to a regular program called Super Saturday. As Huang and his family continue to build relationships with the people in this area, they even begin a church and an elementary school in the area.
Chasing God tells the story of the amazing things that can happen when one person steps out in faith and is obedient to the plans that God is asking him to follow. Miracle after miracle happens as they face significant obstacles (sex clubs next to the elementary school they’ve started, a bigger building needed for their growing school, finances needed for repairs to keep the school going, etc.). Each problem is met with a divine intervention from God with Huang receiving all that he needs …often at the very last minute. A perfect summary of his life, Huang says “I like to say I am God’s bellhop. I just open the doors that He asks me to, and He does all the work. It is a beautiful and crazy life that God has given us in the Tenderloin. And He just keeps surprising us with how He works everything out.” The ministry has grown in so many different directions to meet the needs of people in this area. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, over 20,000 meals and 10,000 grocery bags are distributed to the apartment buildings in the Tenderloin.
While I always enjoy hearing about the start and growth of a ministry (and the passion of the people involved), the book’s story and cadence became a little predictable. A need was identified, a prayer was answered and then there was another need identified along the way, etc. . I hope to never become bored with answered prayer (Ha!), but the overall reading didn’t maintain my interest in the end like it did in the beginning of the story. It became expected that each need would be met. It might have been interesting to learn more about the different people in the Tenderloin and how their personal situations had changed dramatically as a result of this ministry.
I received a complimentary e-book of Chasing God from David C Cook in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
June 11, 2014
So inspiring! Several ministers from my church have taken college students to the Tenderloin area to help minister to the people in this area and it has radically changed their lives.
March 24, 2018
This book changed my life! Throughout the book, Roger details his life, including some chapters that were quite difficult to read about, such as his relationship with his parents. It is abundantly clear that he had his heart broken, bringing him to the Lord. Roger writes very clearly, and in such a way that I felt like I was growing up with him and walking through his life. I wanted to cry with him, rejoice with him, and hug him at times.
Going into it, I didn't know that much about fasting. Pastor Huang shows by example what it means to fast and the purpose behind it. Fasting is a way for Roger to bring a concern to God and to re-center himself on Christ. He is very intentional about fasting and does it often. In the book, several chapters are entitled "Fasting about _____", illustrating how often he does, and especially so in times of desperation. He fasts about the Tenderloin district of SF, about support for a church building, and about his family, among other things.
Going into it, I didn't know that much about fasting. Pastor Huang shows by example what it means to fast and the purpose behind it. Fasting is a way for Roger to bring a concern to God and to re-center himself on Christ. He is very intentional about fasting and does it often. In the book, several chapters are entitled "Fasting about _____", illustrating how often he does, and especially so in times of desperation. He fasts about the Tenderloin district of SF, about support for a church building, and about his family, among other things.
February 10, 2021
One Man's Incredible Journey With a God
This is the story of how an abused child came to know and follow Jesus and what ensued after that. While you learn a lot about The abusive childhood Roger grew up in, the real focus of this story is the work God later led Roger into in the heart of the Tenderloin in San Fransisco. Beginning by handing out bologna sandwiches until the ministry grew to include a school for 300 children he and his family have been serving there for over 30 years now. It is the story of trusting God and seeking him and following after him. This book will encourage your faith and help you to see what God can do through a life fully committed to him. The section on fasting at the end is particularly helpful.
This is the story of how an abused child came to know and follow Jesus and what ensued after that. While you learn a lot about The abusive childhood Roger grew up in, the real focus of this story is the work God later led Roger into in the heart of the Tenderloin in San Fransisco. Beginning by handing out bologna sandwiches until the ministry grew to include a school for 300 children he and his family have been serving there for over 30 years now. It is the story of trusting God and seeking him and following after him. This book will encourage your faith and help you to see what God can do through a life fully committed to him. The section on fasting at the end is particularly helpful.
February 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Pastor Huang's true life story about the Tenderloin area of San Francisco. His journey along with his wife in ministering to children and adults in the worst area of the city is fascinating. He felt God calling him to start this ministry and through his belief and prayers, God answered every prayer and not only brought children and adults who lived there to him but hundreds of volunteers. Definitely worth reading. This man has so much love in his heart for the underdog and when you read his history, you'll know why. Thank you, Pastor Huang for sharing your life story.
March 26, 2021
Amazing ministry
And if Roger & his wife could find God’s path of service with so little resources of their own, all of us should feel embarrassed at our lack of entering the “chase” and hanging on until God shows us His plan for our part in sharing the Gospel. Their making sandwiches to give them entry into the Tenderloin provided such a powerful impact on me that I know there is still something for an 85-year-old woman like me to do in spreading the Word even though I thought my productive years were long past. Thank you for your inspiring life, Roger! Continued blessings to you and FROM you to others.
And if Roger & his wife could find God’s path of service with so little resources of their own, all of us should feel embarrassed at our lack of entering the “chase” and hanging on until God shows us His plan for our part in sharing the Gospel. Their making sandwiches to give them entry into the Tenderloin provided such a powerful impact on me that I know there is still something for an 85-year-old woman like me to do in spreading the Word even though I thought my productive years were long past. Thank you for your inspiring life, Roger! Continued blessings to you and FROM you to others.
April 25, 2022
I was forced to read this for school, so take that as you will while reading my review.
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian and totally believe in miracles from God with the right amount of faith. However, I saw extremes in this book that were not very believable.
Huang gets by on life just by prayer. San Francisco mortgage? Prayer. Non-profit organization? Prayer. Schoolhouse and prayer space? Prayer.
It was just a bit unrealistic for me how he was provided millions of dollars to help with his livelihood and ministry, all from supposed strangers.
TLDR: What Huang has created is truly incredible, yet I am a skeptic and doubt that everything in this book is 100% fact.
2/5
Don't get me wrong, I am a Christian and totally believe in miracles from God with the right amount of faith. However, I saw extremes in this book that were not very believable.
Huang gets by on life just by prayer. San Francisco mortgage? Prayer. Non-profit organization? Prayer. Schoolhouse and prayer space? Prayer.
It was just a bit unrealistic for me how he was provided millions of dollars to help with his livelihood and ministry, all from supposed strangers.
TLDR: What Huang has created is truly incredible, yet I am a skeptic and doubt that everything in this book is 100% fact.
2/5
February 22, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. There's a lot to like (it's inspiring, and challenged me in multiple areas of my faith), but the time jumps are disorienting. And while the stories of God's miraculous provision are amazing, it's written in a way that seems to imply that if I start fasting then God will grant me any wish. Or that I can set before Him any random sign and He'll answer in that way ("if we see birds on this bird feeder, God wants us to buy this house").
I am glad I read it, but couldn't bring myself to taste it any higher than 3 stars.
I am glad I read it, but couldn't bring myself to taste it any higher than 3 stars.
March 3, 2019
This story of one man’s faith journey is an easy read, but it challenged me deeply. Roger put his faith in action, and through the power of prayer and fasting he witnessed miraculous break throughs ... God is plowing through spiritual barriers and bringing down strong holds .
I need to consider how my own prayer life will be impacted by the message of this book.
I need to consider how my own prayer life will be impacted by the message of this book.
January 25, 2021
Faith-Building
It was great; when I first started reading it I wasn’t sure what to expect.
It took a little time to get to the main body of the book, but I was amazed by some of the stories and encouraged in my desire to serve the Lord.
The impact they’ve had in their region is tangible
It was great; when I first started reading it I wasn’t sure what to expect.
It took a little time to get to the main body of the book, but I was amazed by some of the stories and encouraged in my desire to serve the Lord.
The impact they’ve had in their region is tangible
October 2, 2021
Blown Away!
I now feel very close to Pastor Roger. I am a case manager at a homeless mission in my area and I think Roger's story is amazing. What a blessing this book has been! I will tell others that they should read it and give it to others if they can. Thanks to all the Huang family.
I now feel very close to Pastor Roger. I am a case manager at a homeless mission in my area and I think Roger's story is amazing. What a blessing this book has been! I will tell others that they should read it and give it to others if they can. Thanks to all the Huang family.
October 3, 2017
Huang has an amazing story to tell, and one that everyone should hear. I was inspired and encouraged by his passion for those living in the distressed Tenderloin District of San Francisco, especially the young people. Fast, but fascinating read.
February 19, 2019
Just obey
An example of obedience, you don’t have to understand what Gods after (often can’t understand) but just obey and He’ll show you what he’s up to. Thank you Roger for obeying.
An example of obedience, you don’t have to understand what Gods after (often can’t understand) but just obey and He’ll show you what he’s up to. Thank you Roger for obeying.
May 25, 2019
Be inspired by Gods faithfulness
It is powerful to see how Roger and his family chased after God to serve others and how God did amazing things to allow him to serve the poor in such powerful ways. God is the great restorer!
It is powerful to see how Roger and his family chased after God to serve others and how God did amazing things to allow him to serve the poor in such powerful ways. God is the great restorer!
May 26, 2019
Amazing story of God's work in and through a submitted man
Pastor Huang is an inspiration. Reading about his life has given me new clarity on what it means to be a Christian. I am so excited to lead a mission team to San Francisco next month to work with City impact!
Pastor Huang is an inspiration. Reading about his life has given me new clarity on what it means to be a Christian. I am so excited to lead a mission team to San Francisco next month to work with City impact!
January 21, 2021
Wonderful
God is always moving. There is nothing better than following Jesus. Nothing more rewarding. No better or more significant relationship. He does miracles! For His glory! And He deserves the glory!
God is always moving. There is nothing better than following Jesus. Nothing more rewarding. No better or more significant relationship. He does miracles! For His glory! And He deserves the glory!
January 25, 2021
A blessing to read
Amazing story, demonstrating how real people and pray and get practical answers from a loving, all-powerful God. So grateful for Pastor Roger’s desire to share his blessings with us in this book.
Amazing story, demonstrating how real people and pray and get practical answers from a loving, all-powerful God. So grateful for Pastor Roger’s desire to share his blessings with us in this book.
April 30, 2021
Inspiring
His life had such a horrific start you would think he'd end up a gang member, junkie, etc. Instead he turned into a junkie for the Lord. Taking care of children, homeless, one sandwich at a time. Roger, his wife and children sent years doing God's work in one of the worst areas of San Francisco. Thank you for sharing your story .
His life had such a horrific start you would think he'd end up a gang member, junkie, etc. Instead he turned into a junkie for the Lord. Taking care of children, homeless, one sandwich at a time. Roger, his wife and children sent years doing God's work in one of the worst areas of San Francisco. Thank you for sharing your story .
December 4, 2021
Powerful
This was an amazing account of God's power in the life of Roger and Maite Huang and how He used them to transform an inner city community. Their ongoing dependence on Him to provide for their ministry and to sort out challenges was inspiring. I recommend this book.
This was an amazing account of God's power in the life of Roger and Maite Huang and how He used them to transform an inner city community. Their ongoing dependence on Him to provide for their ministry and to sort out challenges was inspiring. I recommend this book.
January 20, 2022
I was inspired that by prayer and fasting God can do what seems impossible. God took Roger Huang from a depressed abused boy to a man who followed God and brought hope to the hopeless in San Francisco.
July 13, 2022
An autobiographical story of how an inner-city ministry in Tenderloin started. Real struggles and breakthroughs as God takes Roger Huang and his family on an adventure. Reminiscent of our own work on Methadone/Miracle Mile in Boston. Praying to catch God’s heart for Atlanta.
May 15, 2019
Evocative
I loved this book! It is simple and powerful and authentic. It is God working in and through a very special man (made special by God). This book inspires me.
I loved this book! It is simple and powerful and authentic. It is God working in and through a very special man (made special by God). This book inspires me.
January 30, 2020
Not the best writing, but a great story about making a large impact in Tenderloin. One man with a mission who altered so many lives - extremely impressive.
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July 2, 2021A must read for Christians
This book is a great read. I was enthralled by this man's backhand how he went on To be a force for GOD.
This book is a great read. I was enthralled by this man's backhand how he went on To be a force for GOD.
November 28, 2021
Truly amazing what prayer and fasting will do, along with a willing heart to obey God
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews