Faith: The Abyss We All Face

by Bill Becknell

A successful American surgeon gives away everything he owns and moves to Russia to keep a promise he made to God when he was fourteen. . . and finds unexpected joy.   Doctor Bill Becknell moved to Russia and, despite not speaking the language, began providing medical care to people in the villages above the Arctic Circle. He traveled by truck, snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, and helicopter to reach people who had never seen a doctor or heard about Jesus—people who told him that they’ve been waiting all their lives for someone to explain who created the stars in the night sky. Every trip he made was an adventure. Despite extreme hardships, brokenness, sacrifices, and even near-death experiences along the road, Bill discovered that God has an unfailing love that is beyond comprehension.   This is the true story of one man’s journey to confront and understand the suffering, pain, confusion, and despair that challenge our lives. Sorrow is a part of living, but how we handle the tragedy in our lives makes all the difference. This book was written to encourage us not to be afraid to step into the unknown abyss of faith.   “This book about battles of faith . . . will be an encouragement to everyone who reads it.” —Ingeborg Fuhrhop-Stetzler, president, Agape Germany

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2014

Reviews

[Christian Klaue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting to read about his ministry in Russia. Instead, that is where this book ends. That was somewhat disappointing.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know whether this book would win any awards for writing style. That said, the author did keep my interest. There were some choices he made that seemed strange to me. Why would a father name two sons after him? Wouldn't that cause confusion? He mentions that he went to military school because he was a rebellious boy. Sometimes he comes across as being naïve. However, he was a successful surgeon, living the good life before he gave everything away to answer God's call to become a missionary. I expected to learn what his life was like when he served as a missionary in Russia and started a whole new ministry called "Agape" but that experience apparently is told in a sequel. Nevertheless, Dr. Bill Becknell appears to be a modern-day saint whose faith is unwavering.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, But Repetitive

When I purchased this book, I thought it would be a more linear story and that it would describe more of what it was like to live in Russia. Yes, I was curious as to how he got to that point of "deciding" to go there but I also wanted to hear about his initial weeks there. What was his apartment like? Were things expensive there? Was he afraid of the people or of doing something wrong? Did he fear the government there was watching him? Did he fear his life was ever at risk? What was the food like? Did he make any friends with people he genuinely felt he could trust as a dear friend? What is the weather like there?
Instead I felt like this book had more than just a couple of repeats -- and it seemed to increase as I got further into the book. I also noticed that the book , though friendly, had me feeling in places that I was attending a lengthy church service -- with no music. I was a little bored too but I stuck it in hopes it would get better. It didn't.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories, but could have tightened up the writing with a good editor.

[Hannah S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who haven't had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Bill over a meal or a cup of spoonable hot-chocolate in Russia, here is your chance to meet a man with amazing stories. True stories -- coming from following an amazing and true God.

I'm waiting for his next book with more stories of seeing God at work in Russia!