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Omul ceresc
Remarcabila poveste a vieţii fratelui Yun din China
„Începând cu anul 1949, când a început persecuţia asupra creştinilor, bisericile au suferit din cauza multor atacuri. Astfel, până în anul 1958 guvernul a închis toate bisericile oficiale. Soţia şefului de stat Mao, pe nume Jiang Qing, le spunea vizitatorilor străini: „În China creştinismul a fost redus la secţiunea de istorie a muzeelor. Este mort şi îngropat.” În anii 1970, o delegaţie creştină care a venit în vizită din Statele Unite ale Americii a raportat că „în China nu a mai rămas nici măcar un creştin”.
În anii 1970 biserica chineză a început să se deschidă asemenea unui boboc de trandafir, care a fost închis pentru multă vreme, şi să-şi arate din nou viaţa şi frumuseţea lumii întregi. În acea perioadă, un tânăr din partea de sud a provinciei Henan L-a întâlnit pe Domnul Isus Cristos şi şi-a dedicat viaţa Lui, urmându-L ca Domn şi Stăpân. Dumnezeu a pus stăpânire pe viaţa sa într-un mod remarcabil.
Fratele Yun a văzut pe tot parcursul celor treizeci de ani de încercări harul lui Dumnezeu din plin în viaţa sa, revărsându-se ca o binecuvântare pentru mulţi. El este unul dintre liderii aleşi de Dumnezeu pentru această generaţie, un luptător puternic şi lucrător credincios. Lucrarea sa a fost urmată de multe semne şi minuni, demonstrând că este un apostol al credinţei.
Mărturisesc că toate povestirile din această carte sunt adevărate. Am fost martorul multor evenimente descrise pe aceste pagini. Mă simt foarte onorat că sunt prietenul cel mai apropiat şi conlucrătorul fratelui Yun. El m-a respectat întotdeauna ca îndrumător spiritual şi pastor, respectul fiind reciproc. Când m-am căsătorit l-am rugat pe fratele Yun să conducă serviciul de căsătorie şi să ne dea binecuvântarea.
Am citit această carte plin de recunoştinţă la adresa lui Dumnezeu şi o recomand în mod sincer ca o mărturie adevărată a lucrurilor măreţe făcute de Dumnezeu în biserica din China.
Xu Yongze
Preşedintele Asociaţiei liderilor bisericilor de casă Frăţia „Sinim” din China
„Începând cu anul 1949, când a început persecuţia asupra creştinilor, bisericile au suferit din cauza multor atacuri. Astfel, până în anul 1958 guvernul a închis toate bisericile oficiale. Soţia şefului de stat Mao, pe nume Jiang Qing, le spunea vizitatorilor străini: „În China creştinismul a fost redus la secţiunea de istorie a muzeelor. Este mort şi îngropat.” În anii 1970, o delegaţie creştină care a venit în vizită din Statele Unite ale Americii a raportat că „în China nu a mai rămas nici măcar un creştin”.
În anii 1970 biserica chineză a început să se deschidă asemenea unui boboc de trandafir, care a fost închis pentru multă vreme, şi să-şi arate din nou viaţa şi frumuseţea lumii întregi. În acea perioadă, un tânăr din partea de sud a provinciei Henan L-a întâlnit pe Domnul Isus Cristos şi şi-a dedicat viaţa Lui, urmându-L ca Domn şi Stăpân. Dumnezeu a pus stăpânire pe viaţa sa într-un mod remarcabil.
Fratele Yun a văzut pe tot parcursul celor treizeci de ani de încercări harul lui Dumnezeu din plin în viaţa sa, revărsându-se ca o binecuvântare pentru mulţi. El este unul dintre liderii aleşi de Dumnezeu pentru această generaţie, un luptător puternic şi lucrător credincios. Lucrarea sa a fost urmată de multe semne şi minuni, demonstrând că este un apostol al credinţei.
Mărturisesc că toate povestirile din această carte sunt adevărate. Am fost martorul multor evenimente descrise pe aceste pagini. Mă simt foarte onorat că sunt prietenul cel mai apropiat şi conlucrătorul fratelui Yun. El m-a respectat întotdeauna ca îndrumător spiritual şi pastor, respectul fiind reciproc. Când m-am căsătorit l-am rugat pe fratele Yun să conducă serviciul de căsătorie şi să ne dea binecuvântarea.
Am citit această carte plin de recunoştinţă la adresa lui Dumnezeu şi o recomand în mod sincer ca o mărturie adevărată a lucrurilor măreţe făcute de Dumnezeu în biserica din China.
Xu Yongze
Preşedintele Asociaţiei liderilor bisericilor de casă Frăţia „Sinim” din China
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
589 people are currently reading
13673 people want to read
About the author
Brother Yun
14 books44 followersYun's book claims both extreme persecutions and miracles of deliverance similar to ones found in the Bible. Despite a life of poverty in China, he since has spoken to thousands internationally, possibly millions, with the gospel message. Seen as a rebel among some Chinese for not joining the 'official' government-controlled Christian organization (see: Three-Self Patriotic Movement), he was imprisoned and tortured by the government authorities. His book claims that he became a highly wanted man across several provinces. He was finally arrested and sentenced to many years in prison. However, Yun continued his ministry while in prison, with more miraculous results. As a result, many prisoners and even some prison officials became born-again Christians. While he gained increasing favor from some officials, he also became a target of increased persecutions by others. He was repeatedly beaten and became severely malnourished. While in prison, Yun writes about undertaking a total fast without food or water for 74 days.
After many years in prison, he escaped from Zhengzhou Maximum Security prison from which it is reported that nobody had previously escaped. He described how he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit, telling him to simply walk out the heavily guarded prison gate. Risking being shot to death on the spot, he wrote later that he obeyed the voice, and walked straight through several prison doors that were somehow left open in front of many prison guards, across the prison yard and finally out of the main gate. Yun stated that it was as if he had become invisible to the guards who stared straight through him. Although many expressed doubts that such a thing could happen, some prison guards had lost their jobs for this 'embarrassing mishap.' It is reported that the official investigation by the Chinese Government concluded that "Yun received no human help in his escape." These reports have been also confirmed by numerous prisoners who occupied the same prison cell as Yun. He remains the only person to have escaped from this notorious maximum security prison.
After many years in prison, he escaped from Zhengzhou Maximum Security prison from which it is reported that nobody had previously escaped. He described how he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit, telling him to simply walk out the heavily guarded prison gate. Risking being shot to death on the spot, he wrote later that he obeyed the voice, and walked straight through several prison doors that were somehow left open in front of many prison guards, across the prison yard and finally out of the main gate. Yun stated that it was as if he had become invisible to the guards who stared straight through him. Although many expressed doubts that such a thing could happen, some prison guards had lost their jobs for this 'embarrassing mishap.' It is reported that the official investigation by the Chinese Government concluded that "Yun received no human help in his escape." These reports have been also confirmed by numerous prisoners who occupied the same prison cell as Yun. He remains the only person to have escaped from this notorious maximum security prison.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,036 reviews
March 31, 2008
An incredibly challenging view of commitment to the Lord. As horrific as his experiences were, Yun and his coauthor Paul Hattaway share the story with amazing joy and vision. I did lay awake at night thinking about some of the abuses Yun suffered, but this is not a depressing book; it is both tremendously humbling and extremely visionary.
August 31, 2013
How far are you willing to go for your convictions?
How much are you willing to risk? This book received five stars because it challenged me on many levels. On the surface it is the autobiography of a Christian in China, named Brother Yun, born in 1958. His family was very poor, and early in adolescence Yun had a spiritual conversion. The early chapters read almost like a parable. During his life practicing and preaching the faith, Yun faced tremendous religious persecution including years of imprisonment and torture. The inserts by his wife, Deling, give an even deeper perspective of how she cared for their children alone. Yun’s courage and dedication inspire western Christians to examine their own commitment and to truly value the religious freedom we possess.
Here ends the secular discussion on fighting for religious freedom.
There was a deeper process going on for me. How much do I believe? The story relates the occurrence of miracles in the life of Yun – almost like a modern day Acts of the Apostles. Do I believe these? Or do I root around for rational explanations? In places where practicing your faith means life or death, doesn’t it make sense that the astonishing can occur? When this man shares his excruciating tales of physical and emotional desolation, where do I see myself in my commitment, or better, in my comfort? Miracles don’t come cheap and the most wondrous miracle is a life transformed. How far am I willing to let the Spirit take me?
Yun doesn’t pray for the fall of communism in China. He prays for a stronger spiritual back to face oppression in order to bring more glory to God. This courageous man speaks calmly about the real possibility that he will die in the mission field.
This is the vision of the Kingdom of God, and it humbles my small faith.
How much are you willing to risk? This book received five stars because it challenged me on many levels. On the surface it is the autobiography of a Christian in China, named Brother Yun, born in 1958. His family was very poor, and early in adolescence Yun had a spiritual conversion. The early chapters read almost like a parable. During his life practicing and preaching the faith, Yun faced tremendous religious persecution including years of imprisonment and torture. The inserts by his wife, Deling, give an even deeper perspective of how she cared for their children alone. Yun’s courage and dedication inspire western Christians to examine their own commitment and to truly value the religious freedom we possess.
Here ends the secular discussion on fighting for religious freedom.
There was a deeper process going on for me. How much do I believe? The story relates the occurrence of miracles in the life of Yun – almost like a modern day Acts of the Apostles. Do I believe these? Or do I root around for rational explanations? In places where practicing your faith means life or death, doesn’t it make sense that the astonishing can occur? When this man shares his excruciating tales of physical and emotional desolation, where do I see myself in my commitment, or better, in my comfort? Miracles don’t come cheap and the most wondrous miracle is a life transformed. How far am I willing to let the Spirit take me?
Yun doesn’t pray for the fall of communism in China. He prays for a stronger spiritual back to face oppression in order to bring more glory to God. This courageous man speaks calmly about the real possibility that he will die in the mission field.
This is the vision of the Kingdom of God, and it humbles my small faith.
January 6, 2021
This book kept me glued to the story to understand this one mans journey, obstacles, and persecution for wanting to follow his faith. It is a recommended book for those seeking a story that is enlightening, and at times unbelievable, yet believable. I found myself in awe and reading more to uncover his journey.
October 22, 2008
I didn't really enjoy this book. I knew there was a lot of controversy surrounding the book right about the time I started reading it. I asked some missionaries that we know in China what they thought of him. Unfortunately, they know him through an American speaking engagement rather than the house church movement in China.
Anyhow, while I want to keep my mind open to the possibility that God can/does work in miraculous ways I found this book over the top. I've read a couple other missionary biographies and those seem more realistic, God works miracles but its not on every page. I also found that he continuously took verses out of context and never once in the entire book did he fully explain the gospel. I think that to give at least one presentation of what he told others would be helpful... otherwise I'm lead to believe he simple told people to repent of their sins, which isn't sufficient, I believe.
There were also several times in which his story paralleled stories in the Bible a little TOO closely. For example, he escapes from prison passing 2 or 3 guards, and then the iron gates are from some reason open. He goes to a friends house, where they are praying, and the daughter is so excited to hear his voice that she forgets to open the door. Read Acts 12:6-19... minus the angel and change the servant to a daughter and its basically the same story. And that's not the only one.
While I'm not ready to call him a fake, a fraud, or a liar, I'm ready to put the brakes on and not accept whole heartedly what he has said. I'm going to assume that for the most part his story is true, however, he maybe the events are exaggerated in his mind or something.
I could continue with my opinion, but I'll spare you.
Anyhow, while I want to keep my mind open to the possibility that God can/does work in miraculous ways I found this book over the top. I've read a couple other missionary biographies and those seem more realistic, God works miracles but its not on every page. I also found that he continuously took verses out of context and never once in the entire book did he fully explain the gospel. I think that to give at least one presentation of what he told others would be helpful... otherwise I'm lead to believe he simple told people to repent of their sins, which isn't sufficient, I believe.
There were also several times in which his story paralleled stories in the Bible a little TOO closely. For example, he escapes from prison passing 2 or 3 guards, and then the iron gates are from some reason open. He goes to a friends house, where they are praying, and the daughter is so excited to hear his voice that she forgets to open the door. Read Acts 12:6-19... minus the angel and change the servant to a daughter and its basically the same story. And that's not the only one.
While I'm not ready to call him a fake, a fraud, or a liar, I'm ready to put the brakes on and not accept whole heartedly what he has said. I'm going to assume that for the most part his story is true, however, he maybe the events are exaggerated in his mind or something.
I could continue with my opinion, but I'll spare you.
February 27, 2015
About this book:
“It is the intensely dramatic story of how God took a young, half-starved boy from a poor village in Henan province and used him mightily to preach the gospel despite horrific opposition.
Brother Yun is one of China’s house church leaders. Instead of focusing on the many miracles or experiences of suffering, however, Yun prefers to focus on the character and beauty of Jesus. Interspersed with his personal account are contributions from his wife, Deling, made mostly during her husband's frequent periods of imprisonment. You will remember where you were the first time you read this life story. It's a watershed book that will turn the reader to prayer and praise.”
Series: Non-fiction
Spiritual Content- Over 250 Scriptures from title page to back-cover are quoted, mentioned or referenced; An huge, amazing amount of Faith, witnessing and praying; ‘H’s are not capital until the Repentance part at the end; The Lord speaks to Brother Yun many times and sends him visions as well; Many mentions of those in the Bible and book of the Bible; Many songs are sung and written out; Martyrs for the Cross and how they were killed; At very low times, the enemy would tempt Brother Yun.
*Note: Many mentions of other religions and demons; “Food was the god of the criminals in that prison.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three forms of ‘stupid’ and four ‘shut up’s (though one I would overlook, see Here! ); Curses are said but not written; Blood & wounds (semi-detailed to can be detailed); Prison, Beatings, and Torture are all afflicted; Mentions and stories of those who were beaten and/or killed for their Christian Faith (it’s heartbreaking, and bluntly put); Mentions of murder; a couple mentions of drowning; Mentions of committing (or thinking about) suicide; Mentions of drinking; Mentions of brain out of it’s skull and feeling like your brain will explode; Mentions of human waste & prisoners urinating on Brother Yun; Pus and oozing sores;
Sexual Content- Brother Yun calls the Three-Self Church a ‘harlot’ (it’s repeated and said a total of four times); A few mentions of prostitutes and seduction; A couple cell mates say they raped women (no details); A mention of two women who were kidnapped and used as s*x slaves; A few mentions of abortion and being force not to have any more babies; When talking about his wife, Brother Yun says “After our marriage Deling and I had thought about having a baby, but at the time my name and photo was plastered everywhere by the police so we didn’t get the chance to spend much time together. On one occasion before I was arrested I secretly sneaked home and during that visit my wife conceived.”.
*Note: A mention of a mother’s chest (“In those days I was just like a baby sleeping in the arms of his mother, peacefully suckling at his mother’s bosom.”); A couple mentions of private body parts (“The next morning the guards took me out from the cell and practiced martial arts on my body. They killed and pouched me to the ground and ordered several other prisoners to stomp on my chest and private parts.” And “As a result a horrible plague struck, causing many prisoners to die. Infection entered men’s bodies through their backsides and private parts.”)
-Brother Yun
P.O.V. told by Brother Yun and sometimes his wife, Deling.
372 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Five Stars
Wow. I could start off this review about five different ways. I’m not sure which one to pick. Maybe the one where I start off saying how my heart is in China. Or how I was so excited to read this book. Or that I shockingly didn’t cry at all while reading this novel. Or that I never write or underline in a book, but in this book I did. Or that I’ve never read a book with so many Scriptures in it—or beautiful songs. Or that if I ever meet Brother Yun (who I would probably slip up and call him “Mr. Brother Yun” and pump his hand like a well. And give him a hug. For inspiring me, for opening my eyes even more, for his worshiping through the awful prisons he was in. He says on page 187, “I didn’t suffer for Jesus in prison. No! I was with Jesus and I experienced His very real presence, joy, and peace every day. It’s not those in prison for the sake of the gospel who suffer. The person who suffers is he who never experiences God’s intimate presence.” (capital H mine). I love his look on this. He was beaten horribly every time he was arrested. But yet, he rejoiced become he knew that The Lord had put him there to be a witness. (Which reminds me of Ester 4:14 “And who knows? Perhaps you have been made...for such a time as this.” (VOICE)) And he was. I loved when Brother Yun pointed out this Scripture “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” (Genesis 50:20 NASB). That is...perfect for what Brother Yun went through. He was tortured, beaten, attacked spiritually and physically but he stood firm in the Lord, trust and waiting on Him. I want that kind of Faith.
I want to share one song Brother Yun sings that I truly love:
“First comes blood, then anointing oil
First we must be clean then we receive blessing from the Lord
First we must experience Calvary, then will come Pentecost.
Cross, cross, forever my glory
His blood has washed my sins away
Only through the blood of Jesus.”
I actually did some research and found the music online; you can listen to it for free HERE. Isn’t it beautiful? (Link to sheet musics, words and different versions).
I could go on and on about this book. It’s definitely a keeper for me. It was a harsh eye-opening book, but it showed me how the Lord works and that Christ is being shared in a country near to my heart.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Monarch Books) for this review.
“It is the intensely dramatic story of how God took a young, half-starved boy from a poor village in Henan province and used him mightily to preach the gospel despite horrific opposition.
Brother Yun is one of China’s house church leaders. Instead of focusing on the many miracles or experiences of suffering, however, Yun prefers to focus on the character and beauty of Jesus. Interspersed with his personal account are contributions from his wife, Deling, made mostly during her husband's frequent periods of imprisonment. You will remember where you were the first time you read this life story. It's a watershed book that will turn the reader to prayer and praise.”
Series: Non-fiction
Spiritual Content- Over 250 Scriptures from title page to back-cover are quoted, mentioned or referenced; An huge, amazing amount of Faith, witnessing and praying; ‘H’s are not capital until the Repentance part at the end; The Lord speaks to Brother Yun many times and sends him visions as well; Many mentions of those in the Bible and book of the Bible; Many songs are sung and written out; Martyrs for the Cross and how they were killed; At very low times, the enemy would tempt Brother Yun.
*Note: Many mentions of other religions and demons; “Food was the god of the criminals in that prison.”.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three forms of ‘stupid’ and four ‘shut up’s (though one I would overlook, see Here! ); Curses are said but not written; Blood & wounds (semi-detailed to can be detailed); Prison, Beatings, and Torture are all afflicted; Mentions and stories of those who were beaten and/or killed for their Christian Faith (it’s heartbreaking, and bluntly put); Mentions of murder; a couple mentions of drowning; Mentions of committing (or thinking about) suicide; Mentions of drinking; Mentions of brain out of it’s skull and feeling like your brain will explode; Mentions of human waste & prisoners urinating on Brother Yun; Pus and oozing sores;
Sexual Content- Brother Yun calls the Three-Self Church a ‘harlot’ (it’s repeated and said a total of four times); A few mentions of prostitutes and seduction; A couple cell mates say they raped women (no details); A mention of two women who were kidnapped and used as s*x slaves; A few mentions of abortion and being force not to have any more babies; When talking about his wife, Brother Yun says “After our marriage Deling and I had thought about having a baby, but at the time my name and photo was plastered everywhere by the police so we didn’t get the chance to spend much time together. On one occasion before I was arrested I secretly sneaked home and during that visit my wife conceived.”.
*Note: A mention of a mother’s chest (“In those days I was just like a baby sleeping in the arms of his mother, peacefully suckling at his mother’s bosom.”); A couple mentions of private body parts (“The next morning the guards took me out from the cell and practiced martial arts on my body. They killed and pouched me to the ground and ordered several other prisoners to stomp on my chest and private parts.” And “As a result a horrible plague struck, causing many prisoners to die. Infection entered men’s bodies through their backsides and private parts.”)
-Brother Yun
P.O.V. told by Brother Yun and sometimes his wife, Deling.
372 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Five Stars
Wow. I could start off this review about five different ways. I’m not sure which one to pick. Maybe the one where I start off saying how my heart is in China. Or how I was so excited to read this book. Or that I shockingly didn’t cry at all while reading this novel. Or that I never write or underline in a book, but in this book I did. Or that I’ve never read a book with so many Scriptures in it—or beautiful songs. Or that if I ever meet Brother Yun (who I would probably slip up and call him “Mr. Brother Yun” and pump his hand like a well. And give him a hug. For inspiring me, for opening my eyes even more, for his worshiping through the awful prisons he was in. He says on page 187, “I didn’t suffer for Jesus in prison. No! I was with Jesus and I experienced His very real presence, joy, and peace every day. It’s not those in prison for the sake of the gospel who suffer. The person who suffers is he who never experiences God’s intimate presence.” (capital H mine). I love his look on this. He was beaten horribly every time he was arrested. But yet, he rejoiced become he knew that The Lord had put him there to be a witness. (Which reminds me of Ester 4:14 “And who knows? Perhaps you have been made...for such a time as this.” (VOICE)) And he was. I loved when Brother Yun pointed out this Scripture “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” (Genesis 50:20 NASB). That is...perfect for what Brother Yun went through. He was tortured, beaten, attacked spiritually and physically but he stood firm in the Lord, trust and waiting on Him. I want that kind of Faith.
I want to share one song Brother Yun sings that I truly love:
“First comes blood, then anointing oil
First we must be clean then we receive blessing from the Lord
First we must experience Calvary, then will come Pentecost.
Cross, cross, forever my glory
His blood has washed my sins away
Only through the blood of Jesus.”
I actually did some research and found the music online; you can listen to it for free HERE. Isn’t it beautiful? (Link to sheet musics, words and different versions).
I could go on and on about this book. It’s definitely a keeper for me. It was a harsh eye-opening book, but it showed me how the Lord works and that Christ is being shared in a country near to my heart.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Monarch Books) for this review.
December 9, 2014
This story is not likely true. I have attempted to contact Brother Yun about some of the issues I raise here. But his staff member says he will only answer questions at one of his programs. Does that make sense? Can you imagine Billy Graham requiring this, surrounded by an adoring crowd, with a few hundred people wanting to thank him? Of course the offer was disingenuous. Yun is much more popular among Christians outside his own Henan Province.
Here are the problems. 1) The larger fellowship of Christian leaders in Henan Province have distance themselves from Yun and his claims. Many of the independent churches in Henan first learn about Yun from Yun HIMSELF, during their testimony time. They just assumed that Christians do not lie (And just how many people has Benny Hinn healed through his anointed ministry?). 2)This is the second Chinese autobiographer that claimed a miraculous life akin to Paul in the Book of Acts. The first Chinese pop author to do so was Nora Lam. Her miraculous escape was made into a movie, "China Cry." Alas she was exposed and admitted her lies. 3)Those more familiar with the present situation in China say the Chinese tend to exaggerate to make for a better story. Claims about Watchman Nee made outside of China do not accord with the testimony of those attending the Shanghai Christian Assembly in the 1940'a and 50's. One I spoke to attended his trail in 1956. There are indeed great stories from China about faith in the midst of suffering. Yet they are without mighty power miracles. They read more like "The Hiding Place," than "The Heavenly Man." They are published by small Chinese presses. A further caveat: Christians need to remember the Bible requirement of witnesses. The greater the claims, the greater the need for evidence. Two witnesses for some things; 500 for the more wondrous.
In 2001, I visited a Christian church in Xiaolin, Henan. That's the small city famed for "Gungfu." There were no seats in the sanctuary. Many stood before its walls praying. One of the Deacons told me that they wish I could stay and teach them Greek. They are concerned about false doctrine and misinterpretations of Scripture. They desire good seminary/ Bible school instruction more than short-term missionary/evangelists. [Reviewers note: Just checked a new book, "China's Opening Door." Author Dennis Balcombe details some of the mighty events of the Christian church in Bro. Yun's own Henan Province. Nothing about Yun's miracle exploits. Why not? The author did meet him in China just before he left for America. Yun is shown in a picture looking healthy, even athletic. Balcombe details the faith of other Christians there, but not Yun. Why?]
Here are the problems. 1) The larger fellowship of Christian leaders in Henan Province have distance themselves from Yun and his claims. Many of the independent churches in Henan first learn about Yun from Yun HIMSELF, during their testimony time. They just assumed that Christians do not lie (And just how many people has Benny Hinn healed through his anointed ministry?). 2)This is the second Chinese autobiographer that claimed a miraculous life akin to Paul in the Book of Acts. The first Chinese pop author to do so was Nora Lam. Her miraculous escape was made into a movie, "China Cry." Alas she was exposed and admitted her lies. 3)Those more familiar with the present situation in China say the Chinese tend to exaggerate to make for a better story. Claims about Watchman Nee made outside of China do not accord with the testimony of those attending the Shanghai Christian Assembly in the 1940'a and 50's. One I spoke to attended his trail in 1956. There are indeed great stories from China about faith in the midst of suffering. Yet they are without mighty power miracles. They read more like "The Hiding Place," than "The Heavenly Man." They are published by small Chinese presses. A further caveat: Christians need to remember the Bible requirement of witnesses. The greater the claims, the greater the need for evidence. Two witnesses for some things; 500 for the more wondrous.
In 2001, I visited a Christian church in Xiaolin, Henan. That's the small city famed for "Gungfu." There were no seats in the sanctuary. Many stood before its walls praying. One of the Deacons told me that they wish I could stay and teach them Greek. They are concerned about false doctrine and misinterpretations of Scripture. They desire good seminary/ Bible school instruction more than short-term missionary/evangelists. [Reviewers note: Just checked a new book, "China's Opening Door." Author Dennis Balcombe details some of the mighty events of the Christian church in Bro. Yun's own Henan Province. Nothing about Yun's miracle exploits. Why not? The author did meet him in China just before he left for America. Yun is shown in a picture looking healthy, even athletic. Balcombe details the faith of other Christians there, but not Yun. Why?]
July 25, 2021
Could God work the miracles listed in this book? I believe so. Did He in the manner described? I...don't know. I'm skeptical. But even if everything in this book happened exactly as stated, I don't think it made for a very interesting memoir. Certainly it left me feeling more icky than edified. And I'm a little bit embarrassed admitting that.
The problem I kept running into even when I accepted the words at face value: considering everything God does, this book sure focuses a lot on Brother Yun.
And yeah, maybe it is a language barrier, a translation thing. Maybe I expect too much. He's telling his story, so obviously he will play a central role. But again and again, I felt like the story emphasized Brother Yun and his actions and not the miraculous things around him. He obeyed, he spoke, he sassed, he suffered, he prayed. He miraculously did x, y, z. But no amount of Scripture or token praise takes away the uncomfortable feeling that Brother Yun stands center stage here, not God.
And if you're expecting me to believe God did these amazing things (which maybe He did!)...well, I'm going to expect to see emphasis placed more on God's might than Brother Yun's.
The problem I kept running into even when I accepted the words at face value: considering everything God does, this book sure focuses a lot on Brother Yun.
And yeah, maybe it is a language barrier, a translation thing. Maybe I expect too much. He's telling his story, so obviously he will play a central role. But again and again, I felt like the story emphasized Brother Yun and his actions and not the miraculous things around him. He obeyed, he spoke, he sassed, he suffered, he prayed. He miraculously did x, y, z. But no amount of Scripture or token praise takes away the uncomfortable feeling that Brother Yun stands center stage here, not God.
And if you're expecting me to believe God did these amazing things (which maybe He did!)...well, I'm going to expect to see emphasis placed more on God's might than Brother Yun's.
December 12, 2023
Ummmm what!?!?!?
Im not crying you are
Ok I’m not actually crying but I thought about it!
Cuz this book is INSANE! Wish I literally would have read this so many years ago…
So many good thoughts, good words to live by, great one liners to live by in this book
But I’ll choose one that sticks out to me:
“We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure!”
Uhhh why did this book just wreck me!?!?
Yeah I think you should read it
Im not crying you are
Ok I’m not actually crying but I thought about it!
Cuz this book is INSANE! Wish I literally would have read this so many years ago…
So many good thoughts, good words to live by, great one liners to live by in this book
But I’ll choose one that sticks out to me:
“We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure!”
Uhhh why did this book just wreck me!?!?
Yeah I think you should read it
June 12, 2018
I'm not sure why I am unable to give this outstanding book 5 stars. While many Christian biographies tend to be weighed down by an author's infatuation with their subject and autobiographies the self-importance of the subject, this book falls into neither of those pits.
Indeed, I was incredibly impressed with Brother Yun's humility in admitting his mistakes and missteps. He even shares occasions where the LORD supernaturally directed him (through visions and/or prophecies of others) but he disregarded the leading and went his own way. He talks about making ministry an idol in his life and trying to balance his responsibilities as pastor with the legitimate claims of his wife and children. He shares about challenges, struggles and imperfections of the house church movement in China, as well as his difficulties in understanding the church of the West. These honest, and seemingly fair, assessments give his accounts of the LORD's miraculous interventions a greater weight. He talks about healings, miracles of many kinds, and the joys and sufferings of the Chinese church, including his own imprisonments and torture. He shares his personal struggles with God, his anguish and questioning of the LORD and his experience of finding Him faithful, again and again.
This is a powerful book. Wandering through a difficult valley myself, I found strong identification with his struggles and nourishment for my soul through his experiences. This isn't the best writing you'll ever read, but the frank, conversational style may make it the most sincere. And while it is clear Brother Yun is a man of the Bible (much of his phrasing and metaphor is scriptural) his account lacks the sanctimonious tone that is so off-putting.
The first 50ish pages were challenging for me... as someone who struggles with a series of chronic maladies, not one, but TWO miraculous healings almost discouraged me from continuing, but I'm glad I did, and I think others will find this read an excellent investment of their time. Highly recommended. 4 stars.
For those who would like more information to complement this biography, I would also recommend Randy Alcorn's historical fiction work "Safely Home" and David Aikman's non-fiction exploration of the Church in China, published as "Jesus in Beijing".
____________
Reading this book again in summer of 2015, and interacting on Goodreads. I thought this comment I posted on a detractor's review would add substance to my review:
Ebookwormy: "I did a cursory search on the issues you raised. #1) I cannot find anything that Nora Lam was ever completely discredited nor that she repented. I did, however, find a lot of information about her multi-million dollar ministry and concerns about her finances. But nothing that "proved" her story was false.
The matter of Brother Yun seems different. First of all, Brother Yun has NOT made a fortune off his story and does not live a lavish lifestyle of an evangelical mega. Furthermore, this Open Letter from the co-author Paul Hattaway addresses many of the concerns you raise.
http://asiaharvest.org/bookstore/open...
Finally, it seems the main concern you have is with the miraculous accounts in the book. I've read the book before and happen to be taking another turn through it, and I don't see any bad theology being taught, but I do find myself challenged by the miraculous, as you seem to be. Is it possible that the God of the universe would CHOSE to intervene in countries in which the gospel is oppressed through methods he is not regularly using in open countries? After all, don't most generals bring their most powerful weapons to the front lines of the battle? "
_______________________
Finally, there is one other thing I see occurring in the (admittedly few) Goodreads reviews I read. Some people write that 'every Christian' should read this book, or that Brother Yun is so incredible. I think, from the tone of the book, that Brother Yun would agree that he is not the hero. Jesus is the hero. Every Christian, and non-believer too, should read the Bible. This book is helpful and inspiring testimony of a person following Jesus, but Jesus' story in the Bible is the one that saves. Let's stop looking for heroes in Evangelicalism to make us feel superficially good about ourselves and hold tightly to the hero of Jesus Christ who is the only one who can satisfy our souls both here and in for eternity.
Update 2018....
I recently completed Jennifer Lin's marvelous Shanghai Faithful. I would commend it to readers of The Heavenly Man. Lin's work is a narrative non-fiction memoir of her Protestant family in China, beginning with the first convert of her lineage in the mid-nineteeth century and continuing to today. Highly recommended.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Indeed, I was incredibly impressed with Brother Yun's humility in admitting his mistakes and missteps. He even shares occasions where the LORD supernaturally directed him (through visions and/or prophecies of others) but he disregarded the leading and went his own way. He talks about making ministry an idol in his life and trying to balance his responsibilities as pastor with the legitimate claims of his wife and children. He shares about challenges, struggles and imperfections of the house church movement in China, as well as his difficulties in understanding the church of the West. These honest, and seemingly fair, assessments give his accounts of the LORD's miraculous interventions a greater weight. He talks about healings, miracles of many kinds, and the joys and sufferings of the Chinese church, including his own imprisonments and torture. He shares his personal struggles with God, his anguish and questioning of the LORD and his experience of finding Him faithful, again and again.
This is a powerful book. Wandering through a difficult valley myself, I found strong identification with his struggles and nourishment for my soul through his experiences. This isn't the best writing you'll ever read, but the frank, conversational style may make it the most sincere. And while it is clear Brother Yun is a man of the Bible (much of his phrasing and metaphor is scriptural) his account lacks the sanctimonious tone that is so off-putting.
The first 50ish pages were challenging for me... as someone who struggles with a series of chronic maladies, not one, but TWO miraculous healings almost discouraged me from continuing, but I'm glad I did, and I think others will find this read an excellent investment of their time. Highly recommended. 4 stars.
For those who would like more information to complement this biography, I would also recommend Randy Alcorn's historical fiction work "Safely Home" and David Aikman's non-fiction exploration of the Church in China, published as "Jesus in Beijing".
____________
Reading this book again in summer of 2015, and interacting on Goodreads. I thought this comment I posted on a detractor's review would add substance to my review:
Ebookwormy: "I did a cursory search on the issues you raised. #1) I cannot find anything that Nora Lam was ever completely discredited nor that she repented. I did, however, find a lot of information about her multi-million dollar ministry and concerns about her finances. But nothing that "proved" her story was false.
The matter of Brother Yun seems different. First of all, Brother Yun has NOT made a fortune off his story and does not live a lavish lifestyle of an evangelical mega. Furthermore, this Open Letter from the co-author Paul Hattaway addresses many of the concerns you raise.
http://asiaharvest.org/bookstore/open...
Finally, it seems the main concern you have is with the miraculous accounts in the book. I've read the book before and happen to be taking another turn through it, and I don't see any bad theology being taught, but I do find myself challenged by the miraculous, as you seem to be. Is it possible that the God of the universe would CHOSE to intervene in countries in which the gospel is oppressed through methods he is not regularly using in open countries? After all, don't most generals bring their most powerful weapons to the front lines of the battle? "
_______________________
Finally, there is one other thing I see occurring in the (admittedly few) Goodreads reviews I read. Some people write that 'every Christian' should read this book, or that Brother Yun is so incredible. I think, from the tone of the book, that Brother Yun would agree that he is not the hero. Jesus is the hero. Every Christian, and non-believer too, should read the Bible. This book is helpful and inspiring testimony of a person following Jesus, but Jesus' story in the Bible is the one that saves. Let's stop looking for heroes in Evangelicalism to make us feel superficially good about ourselves and hold tightly to the hero of Jesus Christ who is the only one who can satisfy our souls both here and in for eternity.
Update 2018....
I recently completed Jennifer Lin's marvelous Shanghai Faithful. I would commend it to readers of The Heavenly Man. Lin's work is a narrative non-fiction memoir of her Protestant family in China, beginning with the first convert of her lineage in the mid-nineteeth century and continuing to today. Highly recommended.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 17, 2008
We read this as a family a few years back, but the story has never faded. It is definitely one of a kind. Brother Yun went through some of the most extreme torture, both physically and mentally, while he was in China, but he experienced the most important thing in life too, God mercy and grace. He fasted for more the 40 days, I don't remember exactly, but definitely experienced a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
It is intense, but it definitely is a life changing book.
It is intense, but it definitely is a life changing book.
May 1, 2020
Praise God for the Chinese house church movement! This book is an auto-biography of Brother Yun, a leader of the Chinese house church movement in the midst of the Communist government.
A few thoughts/responses:
-God has been and IS powerful and miraculous
-God doesn’t require our ministry to be in relationship with Him
-The opposite of life is not suffering it is the absence of God. In suffering we experience and know Jesus the only means to true joy and peace
A quote from the book that captures a lot and challenges my faith: “When people hear my testimony they often say, “You must have had a terrible time when you were in prison.” I respond, “What are you talking about? I was with Jesus and had overwhelming joy and peace in his intimate presence.” “
4 not 5 stars because, I don’t think he would take offense, Brother Yun is not a writer and sometimes the book can feel like a diary.
A few thoughts/responses:
-God has been and IS powerful and miraculous
-God doesn’t require our ministry to be in relationship with Him
-The opposite of life is not suffering it is the absence of God. In suffering we experience and know Jesus the only means to true joy and peace
A quote from the book that captures a lot and challenges my faith: “When people hear my testimony they often say, “You must have had a terrible time when you were in prison.” I respond, “What are you talking about? I was with Jesus and had overwhelming joy and peace in his intimate presence.” “
4 not 5 stars because, I don’t think he would take offense, Brother Yun is not a writer and sometimes the book can feel like a diary.
January 15, 2023
Words cannot possibly express the treasures found in this book. Through gut-wrenching his real-life experiences Brother Yun exemplifies a life truly surrendered to the Lord. I can only hope that one day I come to this level of surrender and love for the Lord in this lifetime. Truly a must-read for every Christian committed to follow Jesus.
P.S. You will experience anger, frustration, grief, but ultimately joy when reading Brother Yun’s account of his life. But more than anything I think you’ll be challenged to pursue the Lord more than ever before….for He’s worth it! 💕
P.S. You will experience anger, frustration, grief, but ultimately joy when reading Brother Yun’s account of his life. But more than anything I think you’ll be challenged to pursue the Lord more than ever before….for He’s worth it! 💕
March 17, 2021
I first read this soon after becoming a Christian in college and was very moved at the time. Having done mission work in China for over ten years now, I decided to revisit it, and my opinion of Brother Yun is even higher now.
First of all, Brother Yun is a controversial figure. You will find many Western Christians denouncing him and his story as bogus. In part, this is because the miracles he experienced are truly incredible. He did not eat or drink for 74 days. He just got up and walked out of a maximum security prison, unseen by guards (and his legs were both broken just before). A supernatural light guided his wife and children through the jungles of Myanmar as they tried to escape to Thailand. There are many more. But the greatest cause for Western Christians denouncing him as a fraud is a letter written by a famous house church leader (Samuel Lamb) calling him a fraud and signed by a few other house church leaders. I treat such accusations seriously, and so I read the letter. The author of this book, Paul Hattaway, also wrote a rebuttal to the letter which you can read here: https://asiaharvest.org/open-letter-h...
I'm familiar with Paul Hattaway and have friends who know him personally. He is an honest man and a careful researcher. As his letter makes plain, he sought to verify the miraculous claims of Brother Yun by interviewing eyewitnesses separately. On the other hand, the accusations of these Chinese church leaders are not backed up by evidence, and in fact Samuel Lamb has never even met Brother Yun or even read his book. But while all of this evidence itself leans in Brother Yun's favor, what most persuades me of the veracity of Brother Yun's testimony is his personal piety and his focus on Jesus. This was what most impressed me the first time I read the book, and it is what stuck out this time, as well.
First of all, just read his response to his accusers and you will see Christ in him. Although he talks about incredible miracles in his book, this book does not read like a man trying to show off and impress crowds. His attention is constantly on the glory of Christ, not himself. This is a book about Jesus. I sense a real, deep, genuine love for Christ and a personal relationship with him. If you watch videos of Brother Yun preaching you will I think feel the same way about him. His testimony is such that he must either be lying and is therefore a very wicked man or he must be telling the truth--there is no possibility that these stories are just hallucinations. And I just don't think an unconverted swindler can speak about Jesus the way he does. Those closest to him all testify to this. I have not yet seen anyone who knows him personally denounce him as a fraud. I just listened to an interview with his son, who praised his father for being constantly the same at home as he is in public.
Those that tend to dismiss Brother Yun in the West are often from the conservative, reformed crowd because we are naturally uncomfortable with the miraculous. Moreover, Brother Yun has spoken in some charismatic churches that some would label heretical. But it's important to listen to the man himself and not just consider the places in which he speaks. In his book, he repeatedly issues warnings that charismatics often fall into. For example:
"I have a problem with the 'prosperity' teaching prevalent today, which tells us if we follow the Lord we'll be safe and comfortable. This is completely contrary to Scripture as well as to our experiences in China." (p. 232)
"Any vision or dream we receive needs to be carefully weighed against the Scriptures, as nothing from God will ever contradict his Word." (P. 117)
"As Christians we are not to live by any vision or dream, nor should we seek after them. We must only live by the Word of God and seek the face of Jesus." (P. 116)
His book does not read at all like one written by a TV evangelist. It reads like Richard Wurmbrand. This is the story about a man who suffered terribly for the Lord and yet loved his enemies with the love of Christ. It is a shame that he has been slandered so harshly (in fact, he discusses in the final two chapters how this kind of persecution is in some ways more difficult to handle than the tortures of prison guards). Western Christians not familiar with the Chinese church might come away from this book thinking that Brother Yun is one of the main leaders of the Chinese house church movement. Brother Yun himself doesn't make this claim--he is but one leader in one house church network--but some might have wrong impressions of his influence on the Chinese house church today. I have asked multiple Chinese Christian friends in the past if they've ever heard of him, and most of them haven't. Those that have will often be quick to say that Samuel Lamb says he is a fraud. So in many ways he has been purged from the Chinese church because of this slander, although there are still many Chinese Christians who highly respect him. May God vindicate this man, if not in this life then in the next.
I should also mention that Brother Yun sometimes makes sweeping claims about what "Christians in China" experience today. It's important to note that he hasn't lived in China for more than 20-25 years now (this book is also something like 15 years old). The Chinese church has changed a lot since the time he was serving the church, just after the Cultural Revolution. If you take this book as a representative sample of what Chinese churches are like today, you will be greatly misled.
When I finished this book, I considered how best to pray in response to it. Some might feel an overwhelming desire to experience the kind of visions and miracles that Brother Yun experienced, but the impression it left on me was much different. I prayed, "Father, help me to love Jesus like Brother Yun loves Jesus."
First of all, Brother Yun is a controversial figure. You will find many Western Christians denouncing him and his story as bogus. In part, this is because the miracles he experienced are truly incredible. He did not eat or drink for 74 days. He just got up and walked out of a maximum security prison, unseen by guards (and his legs were both broken just before). A supernatural light guided his wife and children through the jungles of Myanmar as they tried to escape to Thailand. There are many more. But the greatest cause for Western Christians denouncing him as a fraud is a letter written by a famous house church leader (Samuel Lamb) calling him a fraud and signed by a few other house church leaders. I treat such accusations seriously, and so I read the letter. The author of this book, Paul Hattaway, also wrote a rebuttal to the letter which you can read here: https://asiaharvest.org/open-letter-h...
I'm familiar with Paul Hattaway and have friends who know him personally. He is an honest man and a careful researcher. As his letter makes plain, he sought to verify the miraculous claims of Brother Yun by interviewing eyewitnesses separately. On the other hand, the accusations of these Chinese church leaders are not backed up by evidence, and in fact Samuel Lamb has never even met Brother Yun or even read his book. But while all of this evidence itself leans in Brother Yun's favor, what most persuades me of the veracity of Brother Yun's testimony is his personal piety and his focus on Jesus. This was what most impressed me the first time I read the book, and it is what stuck out this time, as well.
First of all, just read his response to his accusers and you will see Christ in him. Although he talks about incredible miracles in his book, this book does not read like a man trying to show off and impress crowds. His attention is constantly on the glory of Christ, not himself. This is a book about Jesus. I sense a real, deep, genuine love for Christ and a personal relationship with him. If you watch videos of Brother Yun preaching you will I think feel the same way about him. His testimony is such that he must either be lying and is therefore a very wicked man or he must be telling the truth--there is no possibility that these stories are just hallucinations. And I just don't think an unconverted swindler can speak about Jesus the way he does. Those closest to him all testify to this. I have not yet seen anyone who knows him personally denounce him as a fraud. I just listened to an interview with his son, who praised his father for being constantly the same at home as he is in public.
Those that tend to dismiss Brother Yun in the West are often from the conservative, reformed crowd because we are naturally uncomfortable with the miraculous. Moreover, Brother Yun has spoken in some charismatic churches that some would label heretical. But it's important to listen to the man himself and not just consider the places in which he speaks. In his book, he repeatedly issues warnings that charismatics often fall into. For example:
"I have a problem with the 'prosperity' teaching prevalent today, which tells us if we follow the Lord we'll be safe and comfortable. This is completely contrary to Scripture as well as to our experiences in China." (p. 232)
"Any vision or dream we receive needs to be carefully weighed against the Scriptures, as nothing from God will ever contradict his Word." (P. 117)
"As Christians we are not to live by any vision or dream, nor should we seek after them. We must only live by the Word of God and seek the face of Jesus." (P. 116)
His book does not read at all like one written by a TV evangelist. It reads like Richard Wurmbrand. This is the story about a man who suffered terribly for the Lord and yet loved his enemies with the love of Christ. It is a shame that he has been slandered so harshly (in fact, he discusses in the final two chapters how this kind of persecution is in some ways more difficult to handle than the tortures of prison guards). Western Christians not familiar with the Chinese church might come away from this book thinking that Brother Yun is one of the main leaders of the Chinese house church movement. Brother Yun himself doesn't make this claim--he is but one leader in one house church network--but some might have wrong impressions of his influence on the Chinese house church today. I have asked multiple Chinese Christian friends in the past if they've ever heard of him, and most of them haven't. Those that have will often be quick to say that Samuel Lamb says he is a fraud. So in many ways he has been purged from the Chinese church because of this slander, although there are still many Chinese Christians who highly respect him. May God vindicate this man, if not in this life then in the next.
I should also mention that Brother Yun sometimes makes sweeping claims about what "Christians in China" experience today. It's important to note that he hasn't lived in China for more than 20-25 years now (this book is also something like 15 years old). The Chinese church has changed a lot since the time he was serving the church, just after the Cultural Revolution. If you take this book as a representative sample of what Chinese churches are like today, you will be greatly misled.
When I finished this book, I considered how best to pray in response to it. Some might feel an overwhelming desire to experience the kind of visions and miracles that Brother Yun experienced, but the impression it left on me was much different. I prayed, "Father, help me to love Jesus like Brother Yun loves Jesus."
September 2, 2022
Stories like this challenge me and put me to shame. I am amazed every single time when I read stories of Christians in other countries, how I really have no idea what standing for the gospel really means. It's a hard and sad read hearing of his suffering and imprisonement. Yet at the same time a challenge. The Bible that he had memorized becomes real to him.
I have a soft spot for China in my heart and I don't remember if I have read any such accounts of National Christians like this (other than the well known Missionary stories). It was eye opening to get a fresh look at the Boxer Rebellion and the Underground Church.
His description of Christianity in the Western world is sad and true. Oh how we have so much and suffer so little and yet are so lukewarm.
I have a soft spot for China in my heart and I don't remember if I have read any such accounts of National Christians like this (other than the well known Missionary stories). It was eye opening to get a fresh look at the Boxer Rebellion and the Underground Church.
His description of Christianity in the Western world is sad and true. Oh how we have so much and suffer so little and yet are so lukewarm.
July 10, 2017
Lots of controversy surrounds this book regarding whether many of the miracles Brother Yun talks about experiencing in this book really happened or not, since they resemble miracles found in the Bible. I went into reading this book with an open mind because I love a good biography showing God accomplishing His purpose by working through man.
To start with, this book is pretty intense. The things that Brother Yun went through are incredibly horrifying that no man should ever have to go through. The miracles that happen to Yun are pretty incredible as well and I can see why they are met with skepticism.
The writing style is quite unique and simplistic and it's obvious at once that Yun has a heart for the Lord. His personality is obvious throughout and centers on being hopeful and joyful in dire circumstances.
I understand why people can be quite skeptical as to whether everything really happened or if Yun is just a really great storyteller. But in the end, what I kept on coming back to was the heart of the author and the message. Not only is it encouraging, but Yun's heart for God and evangelism is very contagious. It's not up to me to decide if what Yun experienced was real or not, I'll leave that up to God, but I can't help but think of how many skeptics Jesus had when he performed miracles. It isn't the believability that necessarily makes a miracle a miracle, but the fact that it's so unbelievable. It points to only One who can make the impossible, possible, and that is Christ.
While this is a biography about Yun, the story isn't about Yun, it's about Christ working through Yun. And that's the way a good biography should be.
To start with, this book is pretty intense. The things that Brother Yun went through are incredibly horrifying that no man should ever have to go through. The miracles that happen to Yun are pretty incredible as well and I can see why they are met with skepticism.
The writing style is quite unique and simplistic and it's obvious at once that Yun has a heart for the Lord. His personality is obvious throughout and centers on being hopeful and joyful in dire circumstances.
I understand why people can be quite skeptical as to whether everything really happened or if Yun is just a really great storyteller. But in the end, what I kept on coming back to was the heart of the author and the message. Not only is it encouraging, but Yun's heart for God and evangelism is very contagious. It's not up to me to decide if what Yun experienced was real or not, I'll leave that up to God, but I can't help but think of how many skeptics Jesus had when he performed miracles. It isn't the believability that necessarily makes a miracle a miracle, but the fact that it's so unbelievable. It points to only One who can make the impossible, possible, and that is Christ.
While this is a biography about Yun, the story isn't about Yun, it's about Christ working through Yun. And that's the way a good biography should be.
September 22, 2009
this book is powerful. it's probably the most single, powerful story i've ever come across. it has challenged me more than any other book i've ever read.
yun's story (which is completely true) shows what surrendering our lives to Christ looks like. it's a clear picture of what living selflessly looks like, what being willing to go where your sent by God looks like and what trusting Him in unbearable circumstances looks like.
and it's a clear picture of what it looks like when God delivers us from evil and harm and impossible situations.
seriously...this book is ridiculously amazing. i would encourage every believer to read it in order to be encouraged that:
a) God is still doing miracles just like He did through Christ and through the early church. He is moving in powerful, practical and real ways.
b) God is not limited by anything, including our situations or our limited abilities.
c) God is the one true God and He is forgiving, merciful, full of grace and HE LOVES US!
just go read the book.
yun's story (which is completely true) shows what surrendering our lives to Christ looks like. it's a clear picture of what living selflessly looks like, what being willing to go where your sent by God looks like and what trusting Him in unbearable circumstances looks like.
and it's a clear picture of what it looks like when God delivers us from evil and harm and impossible situations.
seriously...this book is ridiculously amazing. i would encourage every believer to read it in order to be encouraged that:
a) God is still doing miracles just like He did through Christ and through the early church. He is moving in powerful, practical and real ways.
b) God is not limited by anything, including our situations or our limited abilities.
c) God is the one true God and He is forgiving, merciful, full of grace and HE LOVES US!
just go read the book.
April 23, 2021
I dunno, man...there's some really weird stuff in here. I read it after reading Brent's review, and I know he's got a much more knowledgeable perspective than I've got, but I've never read a Christian biography (and I've read quite a few) that strained credulity quite so much. I think I'll label it mixed bag. There was some good stuff in there, like "The world can do nothing to a Christian who has no fear of man." But ultimately, it didn't do what I want a good bio to do — inspire me to imitate the subject as he imitates Christ. The weird stuff was just too distracting for that.
January 8, 2022
Stunning; surely a must read for all Christians who want to see how God powerfully works to extend His kingdom.
This book had be convicted deeply, challenged to be far more bold and far more trusting in prayer.
The chapter on the problem with the Western church was particularly insightful. 'We have so much in the West, yet seem to fight to give the least to God.'
This book had be convicted deeply, challenged to be far more bold and far more trusting in prayer.
The chapter on the problem with the Western church was particularly insightful. 'We have so much in the West, yet seem to fight to give the least to God.'
December 27, 2011
We in the West have such cushy lives. Even when things go badly for us, especially as Christians, we cry out to God and say "why are you letting this happen to me?" We think we deserve the good stuff--you know, as though it's our birthright to not have to suffer.
This book will forever nag me when I complain. What I endure as "hardship," no matter how severe it may be will pale to what this man, and literally millions of others around the world endure daily in the form of persecution for what they believe.
Martyrdom and persecution may seem a quaint relic of ancient history, people who burned or thrown before lions. The reality is that Christians all over the world are imprisoned, tortured, and discriminated against in real deleterious ways right now. In our life time.
This book will challenge you because it will confront you with questions we don't want to think about. Do you really believe God can reveal himself to those who only have a vague idea of who he is? Do you believe God can miraculously provide his word for people who long to receive it but don't know how to find it? Do you believe physical and emotional suffering for the cause of Christ can yield a greater intimacy with him? Can you imagine choosing the suffering over enticement of relief that recanting would bring? Do you think that miracles have ceased, and God no longer works as he did in biblical times?
For believers, the stories in this book will challenge you with things you've been taught about how God works. It will challenge you with your own personal beliefs, and may make you wonder what you will someday do when faced with similar challenges.
For unbelievers, this book will force you to confront one question: Is it true? We can call Yun stubborn, extremist, even insane. We can try to explain away the miracles, the dreams, the healings, and his endurance. What Yun knew however, is that even his suffering, as brutal and inhumane as it was, was a drop in the bucket compared to the suffering of Christ for us as he bore our sin.
This book will forever nag me when I complain. What I endure as "hardship," no matter how severe it may be will pale to what this man, and literally millions of others around the world endure daily in the form of persecution for what they believe.
Martyrdom and persecution may seem a quaint relic of ancient history, people who burned or thrown before lions. The reality is that Christians all over the world are imprisoned, tortured, and discriminated against in real deleterious ways right now. In our life time.
This book will challenge you because it will confront you with questions we don't want to think about. Do you really believe God can reveal himself to those who only have a vague idea of who he is? Do you believe God can miraculously provide his word for people who long to receive it but don't know how to find it? Do you believe physical and emotional suffering for the cause of Christ can yield a greater intimacy with him? Can you imagine choosing the suffering over enticement of relief that recanting would bring? Do you think that miracles have ceased, and God no longer works as he did in biblical times?
For believers, the stories in this book will challenge you with things you've been taught about how God works. It will challenge you with your own personal beliefs, and may make you wonder what you will someday do when faced with similar challenges.
For unbelievers, this book will force you to confront one question: Is it true? We can call Yun stubborn, extremist, even insane. We can try to explain away the miracles, the dreams, the healings, and his endurance. What Yun knew however, is that even his suffering, as brutal and inhumane as it was, was a drop in the bucket compared to the suffering of Christ for us as he bore our sin.
November 6, 2014
The true life story of Brother Yun. Liu Zhenying took Christ as his Savior at the age of 16 in 1974. For the following 27 years, he was a leader in the Christian movement in China which led to two imprisonments, many incarcerations, and persecution, torture and life beyond our imagination. This book truly made me realize how easy it is to take our faith for granted in those countries where freedom of religion is truly a freedom. While in more recent times, there has been more and more disparagement of Christians here in the US, we still have no understanding at all of what it truly means to stand up and live for our faith knowing that it may truly cost us our lives. Brother Yun finally escaped to Myanmar and then on to Germany where he is now a German citizen and still fights for the Christians of China. An overpowering and bold testimony by this man. 
April 5, 2008
This was a fantastic book. It tells the story of Brother Yun, a Chinese Christian who played a significant role in the house church movement of China. His autobiography tells the story of his inspiring devotion to Christ, his multiple imprisonments (and experiences of abuse and torture), and the amazing miraculous ways he has seen God work in his life. It took me a few chapters to get into the book, but then I was hooked. Some parts are especially gripping, including the account of Yun’s miraculous escape from a high security prison. This book was full of wisdom and very encouraging. It has challenged how I see the Christian walk and what I want my life to look like. This is now one of my favorite biographies, which puts it in some great company!
February 7, 2015
I was very excited to read this book as I have heard about Brother Yun but had not read his story. Brother Yun received Christ when he was a young man and from the time of his acceptance he had repeated visions from God. When he faced imprisonment and torture for his belief he would come out of it praising God all the louder.
Written from his perspective, with assistance from Paul Hattaway, this book opens the eyes of Christians everywhere of how a journey with God may not always be easy, but it is always rewarding. Thank you to Brother Yun, Monarch books and bookfun.org for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Written from his perspective, with assistance from Paul Hattaway, this book opens the eyes of Christians everywhere of how a journey with God may not always be easy, but it is always rewarding. Thank you to Brother Yun, Monarch books and bookfun.org for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2019
Wow, so good. Unbelievable (yet true!) stories of miracles and persecution. And a faith that proves genuine through it all. So inspiring! Definitely for mature audiences. But highly recommend.
December 7, 2022
Amazing story that will challenge your faith and revise your spirit.
January 18, 2021
Wow... Feeling pround of your devotion to the Gospel?
Read this, read Wurmbrand - it will put a break on your pride. Hopefully it did something benefic to mine.
Recently, a friend in mine asked me to tell him a great example of a man devoted to Christ.
I told him: Apostle Paul.
Him: yeah... He is a bit overused.
Well, brother Yun is a good example of a modern apostle.
(Not saying that he has the same authority or function as the first apostoles, but if there is still an office of the apostole, this man suits the role)
Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.
Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one.
Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea.
I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers,
in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing.
Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation?
If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness.
Read this, read Wurmbrand - it will put a break on your pride. Hopefully it did something benefic to mine.
Recently, a friend in mine asked me to tell him a great example of a man devoted to Christ.
I told him: Apostle Paul.
Him: yeah... He is a bit overused.
Well, brother Yun is a good example of a modern apostle.
(Not saying that he has the same authority or function as the first apostoles, but if there is still an office of the apostole, this man suits the role)
Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.
Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.
Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one.
Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea.
I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers,
in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing.
Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches.
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation?
If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness.
June 5, 2012
Two years ago, I tried to read this very same book, but not even halfway through I stopped because of lack of interest.
Now I see that it's required reading for our Values Ed class in school so I decided to finish it in advance. The same problem went up again. The writing style just failed to captivate me and bring me "inside" the story and so I was eager to finish it just to get it done with.
But as I progressed, I got used to the blunt writing style and really got sucked into the story which, in itself, is really captivating. I presume this book would be even better if the writing style was improved, but because of the story that really blesses the reader, I'm sure you'll find it worth reading, too. There were in some cases I wished there were more descriptive sentences because I'd really want to feel the emotions that move me and the basic sentences felt fast-paced and run-on to me. Still, while reading the book, I found myself rethinking so many things and by the end, I actually wanted more.
I really recommend this to Christians looking to improve their faith and loyalty to the Lord. I promise it will not disappoint.
Now I see that it's required reading for our Values Ed class in school so I decided to finish it in advance. The same problem went up again. The writing style just failed to captivate me and bring me "inside" the story and so I was eager to finish it just to get it done with.
But as I progressed, I got used to the blunt writing style and really got sucked into the story which, in itself, is really captivating. I presume this book would be even better if the writing style was improved, but because of the story that really blesses the reader, I'm sure you'll find it worth reading, too. There were in some cases I wished there were more descriptive sentences because I'd really want to feel the emotions that move me and the basic sentences felt fast-paced and run-on to me. Still, while reading the book, I found myself rethinking so many things and by the end, I actually wanted more.
I really recommend this to Christians looking to improve their faith and loyalty to the Lord. I promise it will not disappoint.
July 16, 2023
This book was astoundingly life-changing! The way the Lord worked in brother Yun's life as well as others is so inspiring and truly brings honor and glory to God.
I recommend this book to absolutely everyone who wants to be challenged and live a life for God!!
I recommend this book to absolutely everyone who wants to be challenged and live a life for God!!
April 16, 2023
Bro this is one of the most powerful book that i've read. Solid 5 stars. You can see the hand of God throughout this man's life. His love for Jesus and his burden for the lost souls will burn your heart. A must read. 🥲
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December 7, 2023This is a difficult read given the level of persecution Yun and others faced and still face in China where there is no freedom of religion; if you don't join the state run "Christian" church then you are persecuted relentlessly.
Yun, born in 1958, became Christian as a teenager after his father was healed of cancer. He and his family became very committed to this and Yun was a missionary within China. He has been arrested a number of times where he was treated brutally, but he was still able to reach men in prison.
Yun, born in 1958, became Christian as a teenager after his father was healed of cancer. He and his family became very committed to this and Yun was a missionary within China. He has been arrested a number of times where he was treated brutally, but he was still able to reach men in prison.
February 17, 2024
God is amazing.
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