You've Got Libya: A Life Serving in the Muslim World

by Greg Livingstone

Greg Livingstone has spent a lifetime planting churches in Muslim communities and can testify to the life-changing power of the gospel in even the most unpromising circumstances. This is his autobiography. Unwanted at birth and born out of wedlock no-one would have considered that Greg Livingstone would become a pioneer in missions to unreached Muslim peoples. You've Got Libya charts his journey and his adventures. This first-hand narrative is full of compelling humor and self-depreciating honesty as Livingstone travels all over the world proclaiming the Gospel. The result is a page turning tour de force that urges the reader to pursue God unreservedly and to join with Him in the adventure of pursuing the lost. Greg's burden for the millions of Muslims who had no gospel witness amongst them led to the launching of Frontiers, a mission agency focusing exclusively on church planting amongst Muslim communities. Today, Frontiers is a movement of more than 1,000 field workers in nearly 50 countries.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2014

Reviews

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest memoir written with engaging, self-deprecating humor. I felt like he was right there telling me the stories of his crazy life.

[David Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. A stirring account of the lives & ministry of Greg & Sally Livingstone, with Greg serving in three mission agencies and having a heart to reach Muslims for Christ. A strength of this book is that Greg writes honestly, not hiding his weaknesses or failings.

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWCHER

[Steve Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of autobiography that you really don't want to put down. Livingstone's self-deprecating style and engaging writing keep you turning pages wondering what in the world (or where in the world) is he going to do next. I highly recommend it to see how God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His divine purposes.

A favorite quote from the book that seems to sum up Livingstone's life:

"Leaders are people others want to follow into a venture that is over their heads. Leaders are people who make things happen toward a goal that is so important hat it's worth failing in the attempt."

That seems to be Livingstone. By his own admission he's no evangelist--rather he's a sheepdog that rounds up others to do the job.

[Matt Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring autobiography by a true apostle. The writing is not at all academic, but very popular-level and accessible. Greg's love for Jesus and for Muslim people shines through, as does the remarkable nature of his testimony as one who emerged from a very hard background. Reading of Greg's background, one is left with the impression that there really are no excuses based simply on past difficulties. Recommended.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary extraordinariness. Fun, moving, sobering, jolly, inspiring book. I really enjoyed how unpretentious it is (like the man himself), while marvelling at the escapades and adventures and tragedies and hope. Grateful to God for people like Greg Livingstone.

[Yuri Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was completed in first draft format in 2010 and finalized and published in 2014. It is an autobiography on the very fulfilled life of Greg Livingstone.

Livingstone had a rough childhood, a mother who was in a dubious occupation and a father who was not in the picture. He eventually was fostered by a Christian family. Read the book to find out more…

I will not reveal much else except long story short, God has used Greg Livingstone immensely. Livingstone became a missionary and recruiter for reaching the Muslim world for Christ and founded a unique Mission agency which has sent thousands of Christians to unreached people groups among many Muslim nations.

If you want a book about a person who kept running the race, never taking a break, this is a book for you. Greg Livingstone was always All-in. He was completely committed to what God has called him to, the Muslim people.

Greg Livingstone is open to confess sin and freely acknowledges his own weaknesses and such language comes through exceedingly clear in the book.
This is not merely a record of Livingstone’s adventures, but an organic unity of missional thought and worldview. You know his struggles and get to see him mature in Christ right before your eyes.

I think it’s important for Christians to be committed to missions and reading biographies, autobiographies, short tales, etc is one of the first steps to be a missional Christian.

The writing is very casual, but real. It’s not a detailed thorough analysis of life adventures, like some biographies. It’s rather a roller coaster and the reader is along for the ride, and gets to feel some of the same excitement. It’s such a fun read.


The biggest lesson I learn from You’ve Got Libya is that both Greg Livingstone and his wife, Sally, are doers of the word. They are both extremely committed to God’s calling on their lives and make best use of their time, for the days are evil. They never stopped. Always go, go, go.

We need to learn from both Greg and Sally Livingstone to seek for the will of God on your life (which will always includes missions of some sort) and chase it with a never ending passion.

Read the book.

[Beverley Munday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Greg Livingstone in England when I was a teenager when he came to my church and gave us a talk. Frontiers, the mission organization, he founded was also in my hometown so he was familiar to me. Imagine my surprise when some 15 years later he shows up at my church in the US and is a supported missionary!
Having heard about Greg from afar it was very interesting to learn more about him up close through this autobiography. At times funny, at times poignant and honest we learn who Greg is and how he has dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and kept true to his calling. He has had an unconventional life in many ways but God has greatly used him.
An easy, enjoyable, and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Greg or the life of someone who is called to be a Jesus follower.

[Dorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missions in the 60s was absolutely bonkers bananas! Like they really just let kids loose out there! But so much has been learned through those bonkers banana times and so much good happened despite some questionable practices. Reading this book felt like chatting with your Dad or Grandpa about their life stories- so enriching and gives a better framework for where we are today. And, sidenote: I really appreciated the openness when talking about Sally's mental health. It was just so refreshing, especially getting to hear from Sally herself at the end of the book! Overall, I'm beyond grateful for people like the Livingstones who are so bonkers bananas in love with Jesus that they devoted their entire lives to loving others the way he did 💕

[Yuri Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very riveting. I have personally met the author and he’s extremely motivating. I would describe him as always doing something. You feel your life ought to be more intentional especially in the area of evangelism and missions. He’s a kingdom focused guy. Encouraging to talk to. I finished the book in two days.

[Phil Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite growing up under dire circumstances, Greg Livingstone lives a very Christian inspired life. This autobiography captures his Christian fulfilled lifestyle that he and his wife Sally lived for over 50 years.

[Marti Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frontiers founder and mobilizer extraordinaire Greg Livingstone passed away in July. But more than a decade before, he wrote an autobiography. I’d always meant to read it. After I shared the sad news of his death with a fellow Livingstone fan, he sent me a copy of the book (after re-reading it, of course!) What a great read. Don Richardson called it “an utterly real, high-impact, sham-free life story,” and Phil Parshall called it, “A hard book to put down!”

This is anything but a hero story, as the author is well aware of his limitations and failures and shares them freely. Many memoirs falter by including too many unrelated anecdotes and dropping too many names. Here, I thought the stories and relationships added to its charm and brought it to life.

[Joshua Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVER THIS BOOK! Well written. I devoured this book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I were drawn to Frontiers because of their commitment to pastoral coaching/ member care and their outreach to Muslims. This book we just read by its founder makes this mission agency all the more endearing to us. A hard book to put down! In fact I was annoyed when responsibilities kept getting in the way of me reading it these past couple of days. :)

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informal, easy to read autobiography that speaks powerfully of the life and impact of David Livingstone and how mission has been transformed to reach Muslims around the world. As is the case with many an autobiography it feels quite one sided and self-absorbed, but still am enjoyable, challenging, easy and informative read.

[Robert Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a man I've grown to appreciate greatly over the years. Very candid, realistic. After all his "ups and downs" you get the strong impression that this is still a man "under construction" for God's purposes.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I really couldn't put it down and had to read multiple parts out loud to friends. Hilarious. Heart-breaking. Incredible. I'm so glad this story has been shared-- it's a prime example of God's grace and faithfulness.

[Josh Boyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Hard to put it down. So much packed into one life, and one book, that it's almost overwhelming.

[Lana Colby hurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great story of missionary life.