Back To Jerusalem

by Brother Yun, Enoch Wang, Peter Xu Yongze

Napoleon once said "When China is moved it will change the face of the globe." Today those words are becoming a reality through the powerful spiritual vision of the Chinese church to send 100,000 missionaries across China's borders to complete the Great Commission, even in this generation.

Here Brother Yun, Peter Xu Yongze, and Enoch Wang, three Chinese house church leaders who between them have spent more than 40 years in prison for their faith, explain the history and present-day reality of the Back to Jerusalem movement. Christians everywhere who are called to fulfill the Great Commission will be thrilled by this testimony and inspired to live bolder lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Christian, China, Christianity, Nonfiction, Evangelism, Faith, History

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Yun'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.

Reviews

[Mindee Berkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was inspired and convicted by this book. I am one of those comfortable western Christians who has no idea what it means to give up all and follow Christ. I am grateful for this book. It destroyed me in so many ways. A must read.

[Samuel Borland · Rating 5 out of 5]

这本书定罪了我

[Jurene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most influential books I've read. If you're wavering or facing anxieties, the testimony of the Chinese church will encourage you to run the race with joy.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down. It was a Chinese version of a command to do missions. Among the many quotes are "History shows that when people become isolated and inbred they get genetic defects and grow weak. The same applies to the Church". "When we serve God it's important to concentrate on His character and our obedience to His leading." "When you seek to bring blessings to others, your own lives will be blessed" "The Christian life is one of action for Jesus, not inaction" "There are more than enough Christian 'believers' in the world today. God wants more disciples." The Dead Sea has 153 sources of fresh water flowing into it but no water flowing out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i picked up this book right after my brother returned from his missions trip in China back in summer of '07. the testimonies contained in this book left me mournful yet uplifted. it has allowed me to reflect back on my lack of spiritual life. this book has also reaffirmed the truth in the book of Revelations for me.

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read will go down in history as the most transformative one for me in December 2019! This book is the amazing story of what God is doing in the hearts of believers in China--though it really shouldn't be amazing because it is what God has been doing in the hearts of true believers throughout history. But this book really helped me see the stagnant state of my own heart! This is one of those books I had dreams about during the time I was reading it. I pray that I would allow God to work the changes He desires in my heart. And I also pray for the house church in China and the unreached people they are focusing on reaching out to. May God give them the courage they need in the face of incredible opposition!

[Tommy Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, inspiring, convicting book.

Mainly firsthand accounts told by 3 different house church leaders in the 1900s in China. Highlights include details on the first missionaries sent from China pre-communism, a behind the scenes look at the re-unification of the house church congregations, and numerous stories of the faithfulness of God in the midst of sad and painful persecution.

If you are interested in missions, China, the Great Commission, unreached people groups, the 10/40 window, or the Kunming circle I think you will be glad to read this book. Or if you like stories of faithful Christians in history you will probably find the stories nestled in this little book helping to fan your own flame, as they did for me.

If you do read it, I’d love to hear from you and your takeaways!

[Damon Barnhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting perspective from Chinese Christians. Yes, I can use those two words in the same sentence. There are many Christians living in China and trying to practice their religion. The government cracks down on Christianity but many are still defenders of the faith, even at the cost of persecution and long prison sentences. A couple interesting ideas from this book... the leaders of the congregations said they did not want issues with denomination power struggles. But without a clear focus and direction from a prophet how will they be united? I love the mission of BtJ to teach all about Christ, even going to neighboring countries because of difficulties in China. But I have to say that in order to establish trust with the Chinese government, the BtJ cause, and Christianity in general, needs to follow the laws of the land. With Jesus fanatics not being mindful of Chinese law is no way to build a relationship of trust and Christianity in China. Overall, I gave this book a five star because it was fascinating, and inspiring to me. For the most part, I highly support what they are doing.

[Jen Brubaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 1 day for a reading challenge. So encouraging to see strong, dedicated followers of Jesus on the other side of the world. Also a heart-piercing book challenging my own level of surrender to Jesus. Their zeal to finish fulfilling the Great Commission is inspiring.

[Jan Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is interesting insight into the working of this movement.

[Dorothy Grace Barrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much we can learn from the church in Asia about what it means to follow Jesus

[King Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must read for Christians

Good narrative of the history of back to Jerusalem movement. Very powerful! Convicting, biblical and encouraging driving me to repentance

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars [Missiology]
(W: 2.97, U: 3.75, T: 4.21)
Exact rating: 3.64
#4 of 22 in genre

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this book left me stunned, tearful and disturbed by the complacency of my own spiritual life. The book also introduced me to a missionary movement that I previously knew nothing about.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Communists taking over actually helped pave the way for the spread of Christianity. It forced them to have one major language instead of many different dialects, developed a better road system, and other things that helped spread Christianity. Many more interesting facts.

[Alan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book because I found it completely repetitive to The Heavenly Man, which was far more interesting a story. This book provided the same information without the storyline to keep me interested.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the Chinese church's vision to carry to gospel to the remaining unreached people groups around the world. I'd recommend this book to people to encourage them to trust God for big things and that we could possibly see the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetime.

[Gavin Breeden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories from the underground church in China. There are lots of charismatic things in the book, including the claim that a person was raised from the dead at one of their meetings. Regardless, their zeal for Christ and missions is encouraging and contagious.

[Karen Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for every person who names the name of Christ.

[Samuel Rood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing things are happening as God's Spirit is moving God's people. A key piece to what God is doing today.

[Rachel Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

May God awaken the sleeping church to fulfill our worldwide vision!! Praise God for the many faithful Chinese believers willing to give up everything for the sake of the gospel.

[Aaron W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super motivating and encouraging. I especially enjoyed the testimonies of Chinese Christians. However, I have 2 criticisms. One is that I think the author is too far to one extreme of the pendulum in some cases. For example, I think it is right and good for a pastor to care for the sheep's problems in his church. This book leads me to believe that the health of a pastor's church should come secondary to that of evangelism and "fishing for souls." As in most of life, there needs to be balance. The second critique I have is the improper interpretation of a few of the Scripture verses. Apart from those things, I loved this book. It encouraged me to embrace suffering for Jesus. It moved my heart for prayer. It compelled me to trust and rely on Jesus more. Great book.

[Friday Otuya]

The passion of the Chinese church to spread the gospel of Jesus from China all the way back to Jerusalem is the theme of this book. It is a christian book that clearly illustrates the many trials and tribulations of many men and women who were impassioned and convicted by the Almighty God, and commissioned to take the gospel of the saviour Jesus Christ to the heathen people, at great costs which were often their lives.