The Victor's Crown of Glory: True, Miraculous Stories of God at Work in the War-Torn Middle East and North Africa

by Dorcas Sharp Hoover, John Samara, Ananias House

Can the church in the Middle East and North Africa survive the ravages of radical Islamic terrorists, or should the believers flee? What happens when a sheik shouts “Allahu Akbar” during the pastor’s sermon? Whose voice did the ISIS captive hear in the prison cell? What was the significance of the Man in white’s message to the Muslim family? What is the outcome when ISIS wives demand to live with the Christian families? Will the radicals hang the young pastor they kidnapped, blindfolded, and beat? The Victor’s Crown of Glory takes the reader to the frontlines of the battle in the Middle East where God’s miraculous power is displayed in the midst of evil. Stories of God at work in the 21st Century feel as if they come straight from the book of Acts. Gripping accounts showcase daring, modern day heroes of the faith risking all to follow Jesus in the face of radical ISIS terrorism, kidnappings, bombs, secret police, and imprisonment. The book is filled with heartwarming eyewitness accounts of miracles of God at work in the midst of the darkest, most dangerous of circumstances.

From the epicenter of Middle Eastern conflict, refugee stories depict Jesus showing up to care about those who have lost everything. He is reaching out to Muslims, and they are responding in unprecedented numbers. These first-hand accounts include a biography of the courageous, resilient Syrian pastor whose life is fraught with danger, who lives with his ear to the heartbeat of God, and for whom miracles are more common than the falling barrel bombs. Eyewitness accounts uplift and encourage, strengthening the reader’s faith that God will be present in their own challenging circumstances. This is a hope-filled story of triumph on the frontlines of a fierce battle.

 

Genres: Biography, Christian

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Charlene Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring and convicting accounts of God’s power in the Middle East, and the amazing faith of His dear and suffering children. How Great is our God! This book is very impacting and I highly recommend it.

“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”-Oswald Chambers

[Bethany Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an inspiring book, but for some reason, it wouldn't keep my attention, so that is why I rated it the way I did.

[Valerie Beachy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing and inspiring book! These brave men and women on the front lines, serving so faithfully and fearlessly, are truly deserving of their Victors Crown.

While this book does talk of war, suffering, hunger, persecution, rape, etc it doesn't make me feel dread and fear of suffering, but rather an excitement for the joy set before us. Eternity feels close, and so worth anything we may suffer. It's not a 'heavy' read, but rather inspiring.

This book also helps to bridge the gap between "us" in the west and "them" and reminds me to pray for them as my brothers and sisters.

The stories shared deserve more than 5 stars, but the book as a whole got 4 stars just because of the author's disjointed style of writing. It was hard to follow at times and hard to form a connection with any character because it jumps around between all the stories so often. I personally just didn't enjoy her style, but I still recommend the book wholeheartedly.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful book. There is much suffering and persecution in it, which I usually have a hard time reading, but this book is also full of many miracles and a great reminder that God is Sovereign, trustworthy, is with those who are suffering and can use what the enemy means for evil for good.

The only reason I gave a four star rating instead of a 5 is because the style of sharing parts of stories and then coming back to them later isn't my favorite. For me, it's harder to keep track of the people and follow what is happening with them.

It is also good to hear about what is happening in Syrian from the Syrian perspective.

[Allan Nemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! There are not adequate words to state what I think of this book but I'll do my best. When you read about the persecution that exists in this world towards those that follow Jesus you will likely find that it affects you. For me, this book was a revelation of how bad it is in many countries of the world towards followers of Jesus. This book shows the persecution through the lives of certain people in Syria and Lebanon during the reign of Asaad, father and son. Through it all one sees the Lord moving in their lives, working miracles. I definitely can't say enough good things about this book. Best you read it for yourself.

[Helen Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read, full of depth and suffering. This book is a collection of true stories of the sufferings and persecutions new believers are facing. Halfway through this book I had the opportunity to meet the author, John. The stories are not just stories, they are day to day reality for so many people in Syria and beyond. A great book to read on your own or as a family to open your eyes and heart to the realities of current day persecution.

[Jon Horst · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging read. It was good to be reminded of what the Church is experiencing and how it is growing despite persecution and suffering.

[Laurinda Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encouraged me to take my focus off my own goals and obey God every day. You can’t read about your brothers and sisters in Christ following our Father so closely and not be inspired!