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Outrageous Courage: What God Can Do with Raw Obedience and Radical Faith

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Bestselling Authors Share a Powerful Story of Raw Faith in ActionFrom the moment her motorcycle pulled up outside Kris Vallotton's small country church years ago, Tracy Evans has been impacting lives. Mentored by Kris, Bill Johnson, and Heidi Baker, Tracy has never been afraid of putting her life on the line repeatedly for Jesus--and God has used her repeatedly to do amazing things for him around the world.This is her story, as recounted to her closest friends. From treating rebel guerillas while captive on an Asian island, to having tea in a Mozambican hut with bullets whistling by, to caring for 900 HIV-positive orphans, Tracy's story will entrance readers, inspire in them adventurous faith, and challenge them to be radically obedient. "Every story in this book is true and unembellished," says Kris. "We hope and pray that Tracy will have the kind of impact on you that she has had on all of us. Put on your seatbelt and let the journey begin!"

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2013

27 people are currently reading
511 people want to read

About the author

Kris Vallotton

130 books277 followers
Kris Vallotton is the senior associate pastor under the senior pastor Bill Johnson at Bethel Church in Redding, California

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Candice.
231 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2017
I loved this book, it was full of amazing stories that will encourage and inspire you to live fuller everyday for the Lord! My favorite story was in the last chapter and simply floored me! God is SO GOOD!
Profile Image for Michael Evans.
34 reviews
February 14, 2018
I want to read books that challenge me to go harder after God and stir up my faith to see the impossible. That being said, this is one of my favorite books of all time. If you want to be challenged and stirred to action then read it!!
Profile Image for Abigail.
158 reviews
January 24, 2019
I think this woman had a great story to tell but an inadequate way of telling it. I liked her more devotional sections and would have liked it if she had focused on that.
341 reviews
April 19, 2013
The title of the book certainly lives up to how Tracy Evan’s has lived her life after becoming a Christian. The courage she displays in her Christian walk is the kind that all of us would love to have. Nothing held back, no doubts or fears entertained, no questioning His plan, just totally trusting and obeying God in all ways. I would love to have that kind of courage.
Having had a rough start in life, you wouldn’t think Tracy would have come to such a place of total commitment and service to God. Her story is proof God can use anyone, no matter what their back ground, if only they are willing. He will polish the rough edges in His time and way.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family and her father in prison, Tracy took the path of most youth in that situation; one of rebellion, anger, hatred, and violence. She ran away and joined the army where she found Christ through a fellow solider. She then obtained her degree as a physician’s assistant and trained at Stanford University. She has served in 64 nations over the past 30 years and is serving to this day.
Her “radical faith” and “outrageous courage” have brought her face to face with death, unbelievable hardship, debilitating illnesses in a shack in the Philippines, heart wrenching suffering of those she worked to minister to. In all of this she did not panic or turn away from what she believed was her calling. Through these frightening situations or only thought was reaching others for Christ and following the Lord’s direction.
While Tracy and I do not share the same beliefs, and I found myself questioning the legitimacy some of her accounts, there is no questioning the testimony of her zeal and commitment to following Christ and spreading the Gospel. Something we could all use more of. This is a very interesting book.
I received this book free from Baker Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.



Profile Image for Anne.
438 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2017
I bought this book for my girls (ages 9, 10, 12). I've offered to pay them each $5 to read it. I'm bribing them to read books that build their faith and challenge them to dream big. This book is on the top of the list! It shows that God doesn't look for the most qualified and most spiritual, He blesses obedience and desire! Better than fiction!
Profile Image for Elise Orre.
23 reviews
February 15, 2023
I de flesta fall är jag väl medveten om hur en bok är skriven, men den här berättelsen var så stark att ordval och meningsrytmer bleknade i jämförelse. Jag brydde mig inte ens om att hitta tillbaka de otaliga gånger jag tappade bort mig. Istället läste jag kapitlen om och om igen, hullerombuller, tog åt mig och lyssnade, med tårar rinnandes ner för mina kinder.

Boken berör. Inte för att det är ett litterärt mästerverk, utan för att den så rakt och tydligt skildrar Guds kärlek genom denna kvinnas liv. Förrutom bibeln själv tror jag aldrig att den kärleken blivit så tydligt framställd för mig i skrift. Boken är ett sant vittnesbörd - ett sådant som med hela kroppen pekar på Herren. Varenda del bär på vishet och lärdomar som väcker, skakar om och uppmuntrar till rannsakan.

Jag tror visserligen att det bara råkade vara rätt bok för rätt tid i mitt liv, men oavsett är jag säker på att alla människor med villiga hjärtan kan ta nytta av att påminnas om vad det verkligen betyder att släppa allt och följa Jesus.
Profile Image for Sloan Robinson.
11 reviews
May 27, 2021
Couldn’t. stop. reading. Tracy Evans, a medical missionary (physician assistant) in Africa among other nations, lives a life yielded to God, serving orphans and the poor. She has seen great tragedy, but also the miraculous.

A favorite quote from the book— “It is easy to never approach the edge of the cliff in trusting God. Fear of death, fear of pain, fear of loss. These fears are all too natural. But we must realize that fear will always betray and sabotage our ultimate purpose.”
Profile Image for Robyn Dunning.
54 reviews
May 4, 2023
A very captivating and inspiring read. Don’t let the cheesy and slightly dated cover put you off. An amazing account of Tracy Evan’s ministry. One wild story after another! An easy and quick read too.
441 reviews
April 24, 2024
I didn't vibe with the writing style, but some of the ideas presented were thought-provoking.
Profile Image for James.
1,533 reviews116 followers
March 7, 2013
Tracy Evans is a physician assistant who has served in Christian medical missions in 64 nations over the past 30 years. Currently she serves with iReachAfrica in Mozambique (for the last twelve years). She was a runaway teen who came to Christ while serving in the army. Her faith ruined her military career (because she loved everyone so much and tried to convert them). As a missionary she’s been through wars, famines and hostage situations. She’s lived and worked in communist and Muslim nations which were closed to the gospel. Again and again she has seen God provide and protect her, guide her through and to difficult circumstances, miraculously heal and work wonders among the people she’s served.


Outrageous Courage tells Tracy’s story. The narrative is written in the first person by her friend and pastor Kris Vallotton and his son Jason Vallotton (also in ministry). The contents of this book are compiled from interviews with Tracy. The story is very much her own, but the Vallottons wrote the actual text, checking to make sure they got the ‘tone right.’

Tracy Evans is a charismatic missionary sent from a charismatic church, so there is an emphasis in this book on supernatural experience; however she doesn’t overstate this. She’s seen God heal and raise the dead, but as a medical missionary she’s also walked with people through suffering and is well acquainted with death. The miracles are not really the point for her, but the God who works miracles. Through out her story she shares how God has guided her into various circumstances and has created opportunities for her to share the story of Jesus with unbelievers. I know very little about her sending organization or what she does on the mission field from day-to-day (stories like this tend to emphasize the extraordinary) but I loved hearing a story from someone who has learned to trust God in life and ministry.

Another part of the story I appreciated was how much Tracy subsists with the support of other Christians. She talks about significant friendships throughout these pages (which include the Vallottons), who have walked with her, prayed with her and supported her throughout her various missionary endeavours She is not a lone-ranger on a solo adventure. While this book is her story there is a community of people which enable her to take a courageous stand in difficult circumstances.

The Vallottons share the story of Tracy because they want to inspire readers to take risks in following God courageously. I was challenged by parts of Tracy’s story and would commend the book to anyone who loves a good testimony or Missionary-adventure story (who doesn’t?). This is a story describes a lived experience of walking with God (rather than abstract-theological reflection).

I am often skeptical about aspects of charismatic books. It isn’t that I don’t believe God does these things, but there is so much hype, pretense and counterfeit miracles that I tend to take a wait-and-see approach. Tracy’s experience is different from my own but I believe she has seen and experienced each of the events described in these pages.

That being said, I found this book a slow read. The conversational style meant that this book sort of meanders through. I prefer a more focused presentation. I also did not like the book cover. The shadowy Zulu and the giant purple sky broken by a red and orange sunset is very much in keeping with the charismatic aesthetic. But it makes it hard for me to take this seriously (it looks like a novel). I give this book 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Chosen Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Profile Image for Sarah K.
1,441 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2013
First of all, I must say that I cannot think of a more appropriate title to this book, because Tracy Evans definitely lives a life filled with outrageous courage. For many people, courage comes in small doses and is applied in situations of [relatively] little import, such as asking someone out on a date, confronting a coworker, etc. For Tracy Evans, her demonstrations of courage are often quite literally involving life and death-risking her physical health, finances, and freedom to share the gospel and Jesus' love. If that's not outrageous courage, I don't know what is.

Initially I was attracted to Tracy's story because she is currently working with HIV+ orphans in Mozambique (southern Africa). Since one of my academic fields of study is Africa, the continent obviously interests me, and I love reading about God's work there. The stories I read about her work in Mozambique (and really, around the globe... but more on that later) are astonishing and miraculous. No better way to put it, and so, even though I was interested in her story of mission work on a continent that I love, this book has taught me so many lessons about faith, even here as an American Christian. So the next three points reflect those lessons, but I do hope you'll check out the book because there are many, many more.

The authors are very clear early on that this book is not to glorify Tracy's life, but rather, God. I appreciate that, because sometimes missions books [or even the Christian media] can blur the line a little bit. It's easy to do in our own lives, as well. So this biography has caused me to consider who I am seeking to glorify in my actions: myself or my God. I hope and pray it is the latter.

Tracy's life has been filled with hardship and struggle, yet she is definitely a woman of joy. She has given her life to God's mission and that has taken her around the world in the US military, in LA, in the Philippines, and in Mozambique. Her story has inspired me to seek joy instead of happiness, to see how the Lord wants to use me and then let my attitude be reflective of that, not my circumstances.

Lastly, this book has challenged me in regard to my spiritual beliefs about the miraculous and supernatural. I don't have time to go into all my personal beliefs about this subject, but I will say that I tend to be more conservative. If you have questions or want to discuss this further, just email me and we'll talk [pajamachef at gmail dot com]. I certainly believe that the stories of God's work outlined in this book are true, and that God works through people in miraculous ways, here and now. However, the circumstances of these supernatural events: healings, provision, etc. were truly miraculous and beyond my realm of easy to believe. This book has given me much to think about and has challenged me to be more faithful, more obedient, and more courageous. I think this is a story that you will love no matter where you are in your faith journey because of the inspirational life that Tracy lives and the way that she prioritizes her beliefs over everything else in life.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Chosen Books. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House/Chosen Books for the chance to read this great book!
Profile Image for Christian Fiction Addiction.
689 reviews333 followers
February 27, 2013
The radical story of Tracy Evans' sold-out faith for Jesus is at once inspiring and convicting at the same time. "Outrageous Courage" is a powerful book, a true-to-life account of Tracy's decision to put God first and herself second. The action and adventure contained in its pages is all the more thrilling because Tracy's story is a true story, and it is a story that God longs to repeat in our own lives, a story of allowing God to use us in powerful ways. I love where Tracy comments, "While I absolutely love miracles of healing and provision, my favorite miracle of all is the miracle of repentance It is nothing less than supernatural when someone confesses his or her sin and receives Christ's forgiveness so completely that every bit of shame and guilt falls from him or her. It is resurrection from the inside out, and it is what I live for".

Tracy's story of encountering the supernatural on a daily basis is the perfect antidote for anyone who would tell you, "Christianity is boring!". It's truly anything but. God's power and love exists to free the captives, to rescue the prostitutes off the streets, to clothe and house HIV positive orphans, to find the ability to hold a dying woman in your arms while she is leaking bodily fluids. I pray that God will change my heart so I can live the kind of radical obedience that characterizes Tracy's life, and I pray that you will read this book and live out God's plans for adventure in your own life!

If there is any book worth reading this year, Outrageous Courage is it. It may just change your life. 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
3 reviews
January 28, 2015
Courage is outrageous and faith is radical. Outrageous Courage is about a missionary's life in the field and the many challenges she has to overcome. I found the book suspenseful in the way that the reader is wondering if she is going to survive. You have no choice but to turn the page and find out what adventure Tracy is on next.

The book is very encouraging and gives you the momentum you need to pursue your dreams. The author, Tracy Evans, does a very good job at describing her adventures and life threats. The fear that every person would have in those situations she does not seem to have. Though this book is based about her obedience to God and where God takes her, it encourages people, Christian or not to step out and be courageous in the world. It makes each person want to find that faith and have the amount of courage like Tracy.

The type of person that would like this book is someone over the age of thirteen and able to take things seriously.

Outrageous Courage is easy read but filled with many details and quotes that change you. A quote that made me read again was “Passion may have many manifestations, but it must maintain a narrow focus to capture its divine purpose. When conflict arises between our desires, we must prioritize our passions or we will find ourselves paralyzed by indecision.” Passion is violent. It has the ability to change a person's life. Tracy encourages us to live from our hearts and pursue our true passion.
Profile Image for Sarah.
2 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2013
One of my first great reads on my Kindle was a book called “Outrageous Courage” by Kris and Jason Vallotton, published by Chosen Books. I was presented with an opportunity to review it for free and jumped at the chance because 1) I LOVE biographies 2) This book is about a person who is still alive 3) I’m passionate about missions and interested in anyone who is doing them sustainably.

This book was a home run. I was inspired, humbled, encouraged and absolutely floored by the love for Jesus that unfolds in the pages. It’s about a woman named Tracy Evans, though admittedly its not written to glorify her life. It has made me want to spend more time with my Jesus, to hear His voice clearer and obey Him no matter the cost. Tracy’s life isn’t perfect, nor did she come from a model family. Her story of grace and of Jesus constantly healing and making all things new is so strengthening and hopeful. Her pursuit of His Kingdom has led her through the slums of LA, Smoky Mountain (a giant garbage dump) outside of Manilla in the Philippines, and currently to Africa where she feeds babies and pours out her life for the broken.

Hands down you should read this book. If you are breathing and can read you should get this book. It goes on my list of top life changing biographies.
Profile Image for Erin Wolff.
Author 1 book11 followers
January 18, 2015
I wanted to buy a book to read to my three oldest children (ages 10, 8, & 7); something that would inspire them and make them want and desire more from God, and something that would also help them to see the world a little more clearly then their young, innocent eyes have ever seen (in regards to how most people live in 3rd world countries and even here in America). I found this on Amazon, read the reviews, bought it, and was really excited about reading it. I got it a few days later and because I was in the middle of reading my children another book, I decided to read a few pages of this on my own. And a few days later I had finished it! Oops, it was too good to stop reading and wait til I was done with the other book! This book is inspiring, wonderful, and very attainable. I felt like in many ways this lady was me...totally ordinary, and yet desiring of ALL that God has. It has been a long time since I have read something that was this fun! This is something I am very much looking forward to reading to my children (they will really enjoy it), and I have already purchased a copy for a friend since my copy is already lent out. Definitely nothing less then 5 stars!
Profile Image for Brandon H..
635 reviews70 followers
October 14, 2015
This book reads like a novel! If you enjoy reading books about Christians who do incredible things in the face of great difficulties or persecution then you'll probably enjoy this one. It's in the line of Corrie Ten Boom, Brother Andrew, Brother Yun, and Jackie Pullinger. This book recounts the amazing ministry of Tracey Evans and how God took a feisty, super strong-willed, rebellious woman from a difficult background and used her to do things most Christians wouldn't dare.

Her walk of faith is not only inspiring but also a wonderful example of Christianity with teeth and a backbone. If you like mushy, "chicken soup for the soul" type of Christianity, this one will call you to something more substantial. Tracy's testimony will lead you to a deeper faith, a higher calling and to get off the couch of comfortable Christianity which is so common in the West.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
200 reviews40 followers
June 7, 2013
This book is about Tracy Evans, a Holy Spirit-filled believer in Jesus, physician assistant and missionary. It is written in the first person—it is her story (written and transcribed from hours of interviews).

These stories are not sugar-coated, but contain faults and all. It’s about Tracy’s adventures in obedience and through it all God is given all the credit and glory for everything. In that respect it is really about God—about His faithfulness, His goodness, His forgiveness, His healing etc.

It contains a great number of life lessons for Christians so come with a mindset to learn from someone else’s mistakes . (I think that must be part of the definition of true wisdom.)

To read the rest of my review go here:
http://www.cherylcope.com/book-review...
Profile Image for Sarah Beth .
47 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2013
This is a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Review.

Wow, what an awesome book to kick start the year! This highly inspiring read challenged me to my core, and I recommend it to anyone looking for real meaning and purpose in their life, but who need an encouraging push out of their comfort zone. This is a book that makes you want to take immediate action to love more, serve more, and make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to the Authors and to Tracy for sharing these amazing events and revealing the heart of the Father in the midst of some dire circumstances. Words can't express the impact - if you want to be encouraged and inspired to live the adventurous life that God intended for you, then buy this book!
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,059 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2013
This is an amazing true story about one woman who tries to obey God and trust Him with her life! She has served in many different countries as a medical missionary and has endured through illnesses, life-threatening situations, and horrible conditions. She's not perfect, however, and is quick to point out her own shortcomings and mistakes she's made along the way.

To have that much trust and faith is awe-inspiring, especially considering the hard life she had growing up. There's a lot of adventure and excitement in these stories, but also lessons learned and attitudes and emotions that have been healed... read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
14 reviews
April 28, 2013
The subtitle is so apt. This is an amazing story of people just plain stepping out in courage and faith to do what God has asked them to do. THE BEST CHAPTER is the last one where Tracy speaks of the life lessons she has mastered concerning fear. I love that at the end, Tracey simply states that they just do what they do each day--going about the business of loving and serving others--without the general knowledge that what they do is miraculous or courageous. Makes me feel that my simple homemaking, homeschooling life is likely more miraculous than I give it credit for, and giving ground to fear is just not worth it.
3 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2014
Outrageous Courage: What God can do with Raw Obedience and Radical Faith by Kris Vallotton and Jason Vallotton. Tracy is a medical missionary, who has been in many countries. She shares with us the excitement of winning souls to Christ and the heartbreak of losing children to sickness and disease. Tracy brings us on an adventure of what happens when we listen to the voice of God and trials of not listening to God.

This book got me thinking about the world around me, how I need to listen to the prompting of God and how I can witness to the young mother down the street.

Definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Kylie Crawford.
380 reviews14 followers
April 22, 2017
Fearlessness is one of the hardest virtues to cultivate today. This book flies in the face of that using the life of a woman who has learned to live fearlessly.

My heart was in constant tangles reading about this woman's incredible life trusting God, and that's just the thing: we all have the opportunity to live adventures. It's just a matter of trusting God, and saying yes.

Tracy likens our relationship with God to a father throwing his child up in the air, then catching them when they drop - at first it is terrifying, but then as our trust grows, we are soon screaming for him to throw us and catch us again!

Truly a radical, encouraging story. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Barbara.
91 reviews
April 27, 2014
Absolutely amazing! Tracy's willingness to blindly follow the leading of The Lord has truly taken her on the Great Adventure. Vulnerable, painfully honest, and a passion to love like the Father, she will inspire all who read this to follow the Father's heart and push through in the face of fear. Miracle after miracle are woven in through the story of her life. A must read!
Profile Image for Dennis.
3 reviews
December 15, 2014
A great read packed with adventure & encouragement

If you are wondering what your purpose is for being on this planet, read this book and let the Lord reveal the plans he has for you. Then step boldly onto them and live your own adventure. God has one for you. You just need to discover it. Yes, religion is boring, but God isn't.
Profile Image for Hope Burmeister.
123 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2016
What a crazy but amazing story of what God can do when we put it all in His hands. Tracey's story is one of the many that can truly say they have seen God work in the miraculous- even bringing a dead person to life! This book has truly inspired me to go further in my walk with God and push deeper into His kingdom.
Profile Image for Kaleb Sudela.
2 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2013
Great book. It will both challenge and inspire you. It will stretch you out of your comfort zone and provide you with the inspiration to withstand it. It makes even Smith Wigglesworth seem like a Girl Scout in light of the exploits and challenges depicted inside.
Profile Image for Paula.
528 reviews4 followers
Read
January 18, 2017
This is a short and punchy account of what can be achieved when you let God direct your steps. With just a few well-told anecdotes, Kris has managed to encapsulate Tracey's life in an easy-to-read and inspiring book. One that has, I must say, some slightly random cover art...
I'd read it again.
Profile Image for Diane Reilly.
3 reviews
June 6, 2016
Incredible read. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged.

Loved the book and would recommend it to everyone. Read it and you'll see why!! Who can't squeeze more real living into our lives?!
Profile Image for Abigail Ford.
Author 6 books48 followers
August 29, 2018
Moving and inspirational, this book will shock you, encourage you, and make you laugh and cry. Full of powerful words and testimonies, I was deeply empowered by this. I am excited to live a life of outrageous courage and absolute dependence on God.
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