Love Has a Face: Mascara, a Machete and One Woman's Miraculous Journey with Jesus in Sudan

by Michele Perry, Heidi Baker (Foreword)

Termites for dinner. Bombs in the backyard. A nation torn by decades of war still on the brink. Can one life really make a difference?Born without her left hip and leg, Michele Perry is no stranger to seeming impossibilities. So when she arrived in war-torn Southern Sudan--with little more than her faith in god's promises--she did what everyone told her was she opened a home for orphaned children in the middle of guerilla warfare territory and has now become "mama" to over one hundred little lives.With a deft pen, she recounts unforgettable stories of life in the bush, stories that capture the reader with the stark realities of living in a war zone--and the power of God's love to transform them. Her own story is just as compelling as the ministry she is living. From working in the slums of India to finding her home in war-ravaged Africa, Michele's life has been a journey deeper into the supernatural power of God.Readers will be swept up in one woman's poignant spellbinding, captivatingly honest journey of love and the glimpses of God's tender grace and mercy in the midst of a broken and hurting world

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Africa, Memoir, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing accounts by a woman serving as a missionary is southwest Sudan.
I'd give this 4 1/2 stars. I save five stars for books that are next to impossible to put down.
This book was suggested by Amazon as a title I might like because I'd previously rated "__". It sounded good so I put it on my wish list and it was given to me at Christmas last year. I finally picked it up to read it and can guess why Amazon suggested it. I've previously read several books by Heidi Baker, head of Iris Ministries and serving in Mozambique. As I was reading this, I learned that the author attended the Baker's ministry school. Michele's home in Sudan is under the umbrella of Iris Ministries. I can see it. The way Michele writes and her heartbeat of love for the forgotten and abandoned echoes what I know of Heidi and Rolland Baker, from what I've read and from my own travels to Mozambique. The stories are amazing as Jesus shows up in the everyday needs showing His love. But it's not all glory stories. There is a balance with the everyday struggles as well. Definitely a title I will hang on to and read again and again.

[Hattush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a beautiful story of what God can do with people who give Him everything. Every page of this book is filled with love for Jesus and people. This is what we as Christians should look like.

[Liralen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavy emphasis, here, on 'and we prayed and prayed and everyone was healed!' As a decided skeptic, I found it a little hard to take, but...there you go. It's hard at times to get a sense of the whens and the wheres—at least, there's a limited amount of background in terms of how Perry got started with an orphanage(?) and so on, although there's a little about her background. I...can't really recommend this to fellow skeptics. People who believe that asking Jesus to heal you from cancer/scoliosis/burns/mental illness is a surefire way to heal might find this to be a better fit.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard most of this as a book on tape. I think I probably would have rather read it than heard it, because the reader's style emphasized that which I disliked most about the book. I think that Michele Perry is likely doing very good work in Sudan, but this manner of telling her story is not targeted towards me. I know that my overly critical mind affected how I heard the story, but it seemed like the whole thing could be summed up as "I'm really good at loving people, so God is constantly doing amazing miracles for me!" I do believe that God does miracles in this age, but I also believe that even in Christ's ministries, miracles were a side support for His gospel, not the message itself. If you took the miracles out of the book, there wouldn't be much of a message left there at all. There is far more we could have benefited from in terms of the steps that led Perry in her life to Sudan, the practical issues that she deals with on a daily basis, the difficult decisions she has to make. Instead, you get the impression that everything will work out perfect, every decision will be the right one, and every problem will be fixed with a miracle, if you only love God enough.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invitation to the unpaved roads. To seek out the sad, nameless faces; to go beyond the edge of the map; to be completely captivated by Jesus, who is the very essence + face of Love. That is what Michele lays out in this book through a recounting of life experiences and specifically her time in the war-torn bush villages of Sudan. There is a decent amount of supernatural experiences and healings, which, let’s be honest, can sometimes be difficult for our analytical Western minds to process— but then again, who are we to limit God to the boxes we somehow construct? This book has valuable things to say, and I definitely recommend giving it a read!

Michele Perry has a rather romantic writing style full of beautiful, descriptive words. I listened to this book on Hoopla, read by Rebecca St. James. Rebecca’s voice, paired with Michele’s storytelling prose and random humor bits made for a pleasant + inspiring listen.

[Beth Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our chaotic world, we are bombarded by heart-breaking news that often chips away at our hope. Read LOVE has a FACE by Michele Perry. Spoiler: your eyes will be opened, your heart will be touched, and your faith will be renewed. Is Jesus alive and working in some of the darkest places in our world? Read and see -- you may grow a set of new lenses.

[Christy Trever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Has a Face by Michelle Perry is the inspiring story of the author's work at an orphanage in the Sudan. Perry's story is beautiful and thick with the power of God's love. She tells story after story of His amazing grace working through the lives of these small children who have come to find their identity in Him. Despite being born missing her left hip, leg, and kidney, she never focuses on her lack or uses it as an excuse to do less. She's fallen in love with God's heart and wants to share His love with the people who need it most. From garbage dumps and bars to prisons and army camps, she has spread God's Word throughout Sudan. Perry has learned to rely on God for provision in the direst of circumstances, talking her way out of a machine gun pointed in her face, providing lollipops for over 200 people when she knew only 96 were there. Not every miracle is huge, like the the parting of the Red Sea, but each day is filled with small miracles as God has blessed this home to over 80 children who would otherwise starve in this war-ravaged country. The stories are often so jaw-dropping, that I repeatedly gave the book to my husband saying, "You have to read this!" Perry always points to God as the source of the blessings, refusing to accept glory for herself. Her story will galvanize readers into being more active with their faith, to reach out to all of God's children with His love, which is just what Perry would want.

[Johnny Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle to give this book 3 out 5 stars. I sometimes liked it, but I disliked a good portion as well.

I can identify with many of her experiences as a white person moving to an African nation that is predominately made up of black people. I enjoyed those stories, and understood what she was saying.

However I had a hard time swallowing the "spiritual" explanations for some of the illnesses of the children she cares for.

I was particularly disturbed by the story of the 4 month old baby who was supposedly possessed by a demon.

She is on the right path when it comes to love. Especially when it comes to demonstrating that love in practical ways to the community. Perhaps one day she will lose the dependence on charismatic-ism or Pentecostalism and realize that Jesus is plenty on His own.

Not a bad book, worth reading if you're interested in cross cultural work in Africa.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I would recommend this book to any and every one. The book is not so much about missions as about God's love, prayer, living in the supernatural every day and loving ... loving...loving. You will find in this book lessons in going through trials, in trusting God and hearing Him, working with Him every day. Truly, it is an example of iniviting and living in His kingdom come here on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Thank you, Michele Perry, for sharing your heart, your relationship and your walk and for praying over and for your reader. My life has been changed, blessed and I am feeling His presence even now in the midst of so much love. Bless you and your incredible family there in Sudan.

I will be re-reading this book.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t written in an easy to read chronological order but rather idea to idea. As such, a bit harder to follow her life. But God brought this book to me at just the right time in my life. It was a message of wholehearted devotion to God and following His plan for the authors life. A plan that took her out of her comfort zone and across the world to some of the most dangerous and difficult parts of the planet. And yet His plan was right where she was eager to be. Joy in following His leading, even with disabilities that could have been used as an excuse. A good reminder.

[Lance Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a missionary in southern Sudan Michele Perry says, "I am reminded again and again here: Love has a face. Mine." Though a bold statement, it is being validated through encouraging stories of miraculous provision and healing in the midst of poverty and war. I applaud Michele, who is freely giving away the life of the gospel to the precious Sudanese.

[Herrleerervtxmail.Ch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich habe das Buch als Geschenk erhalten. Deshalb habe ich es vermutlich auch zu ende gelesen. Für mich ist das Buch einfach nur chaotisch angeordnet. Manche Punkte sind gut, aber ich finde es einfach nicht gut geschrieben mit vielen Wiederholungen von Themen. Und ich hatte die ganze Zeit das Gefühl, dass die gute Frau mich einfach anhand ihrer Geschichte mit Gott belehren wollte. Dazu kommt, dass ihre Erlebnisse als allgemeine Wahrheiten dargestellt und theologisch nicht reflektiert werden. Was nehme ich trotzdem mit: Wie kann ich als geliebtes Kind Gottes ein Ausdruck seiner Liebe für die Menschen um mich herum werden und sein?

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a touching and encouraging story of faith and the power of the Spirit. Humbling to realize what one woman can do when she follows Jesus wholeheartedly!

[Pub Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Female missionary in south Sudan, strong faith based, woman experiences miracles.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A keeper and one to re-read!

[Krista · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very often to I come across a book I do not finish. This was one. The first two chapters were very interesting, but in the middle of chapter 3 it got really weird. The author started to talk about her falling on the ground and not being able to move for 4-5 hours because she was caught up with the Spirit and a lot of what she was saying did not make much sense. I felt really uneasy finishing this book so I did not. Of course do not take my word for it, try reading it yourself. It is about a woman who goes to Sudan to open a home for children, a missionary experience of sorts.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut title from a strong young woman. Michelle Perry was born with one hip, one leg, and one kidney and currently serves as a bush missionary in the Sudan. Amazing stories. A nice blend of challenge, admonition, humor, and inspiration.

[Darlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all - actually I stopped reading just after the half way point. I really appreciate the author's experience and her heart for ministry and mission - but the book just never grabbed me!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!!! Michelle Perry raises the bar for all Christians. If only I could love in the same capacity! A must read for anyone with a heart for missions, especially Africa!

[Lacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of great stories about how God has worked through Michele Perry in the Sudan. The ways she has seen Him heal & provide for the orphans and widows are incredible. I do wish the book had been a bit more organized chronologically; at times it was difficult to follow.

[Arlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is about Michele Perry who was born without her left hop and leg. She goes to southern Sudan with little more than faith in God's promise and opens a home for orphaned children.
Amazing woman of faith and love of God.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what to say a very powerful book. I think my review should read, Just read it!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for everyone but for people who want to read about God's provision and power.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Could not put it down and was really personally touched by this work.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way more religious than I thought it would be. I couldn't get through the whole thing.

[Abigail Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Very encouraging and uplifting. Her stories are amazing in here, really makes your heart smile and you long to do what she does. It spurs you on to love like Jesus.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story with an awesome challenge.