I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists

by The Voice of the Martyrs

Yousef, whose mother threatened to kill him for having a Bible, now smuggles Bibles the way his family once smuggled drugs. After Parveen’s employer beats her for attending church, Parveen begins to help other young Christian women who work in Muslim houses.
Abdulmasi kills hundreds of Christians in northern Nigeria with no remorse—until the day he chooses a new life of faith and sacrifices everything for a God of love.
What can we learn from these faith-filled brothers and sisters around the world? How can we pray for them? And what do their remarkable stories teach us about a God whose light shines in a dark world?

I Am N reminds us that we are each “N”—as radical Muslims in Iraq identify followers of Jesus the Nazarene. Wherever we live, we have camaraderie with those who are persecuted. So come meet their families. Read their stories. Deepen your faith in a God who gives us the courage to shine in a dark and hurting world.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Religion, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The Voice of the Martyrs continues in this mission around the world today through the following main purposes:
Our ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:
"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be an overwhelmingly depressing book with its stories of betrayal, terror, torture, and deprivation. But – it isn’t! Instead, it’s incredibly uplifting. Each story is a beautiful picture of grace, peace, courage, faith, forgiveness, love, and victory. It’s so uplifting because each ‘victim’s’ focus is on Christ and his love and forgiveness for all.
How does he see his future? The light of God has penetrated his darkest moments when he thought his life was over. With a grateful heart, he is determined to continue serving God with the 'one chance' he asked Jesus to give him. "They will either kill me, or there will be other miraculous events like these," he said. "Which one is bad?"
It’s not a solid narrative. Rather it’s a collection of glimpses into the lives of persecuted believers living throughout the Muslim world. It could easily be used as a devotional. Each story is an example of sold-out service to Christ and ends with an exhortation to faith, prayer, faithfulness, forgiveness, and love.
The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of stories from believers who suffered under ISIS. I guess I was expecting more stories from those countries because of the title. There were a couple, but the majority of the stories were from other Muslim countries. Oh, and there were three stories that, while they are inspiring, seemed out of place. They were about martyrs in England during the Reformation, Germany during WW2, and Carthage during Roman rule.
I would recommend this to everyone. If you don’t know Christ, you will see how He saves even the most hardened sinner. If you are a Christian, you will be comforted, convicted, encouraged, and motivated.

[M.A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from David C. Cook and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited and intrigued when I spotted this one on Netgalley and pleased to be approved to review it.

I liked the basic premise, it is a collection of stories about Christians living in areas where they are the minority and facing persecution because of it. However, this book blurred together into a collection of vague and general stories of suffering after a few of the stories.

As a Christian living in Kurdistan (Iraq) I expected to feel a bit more inspired. I know that I’m a foreigner living here as a guest and that my experiences are nothing like what I read, but I was disappointed in the lack of a holistic examination of what goes on in the region. Beyond a few passing references to Muslims that offer help in some small way, there was no discussion of the wonderful people that make up the majority of the population. For every fanatic, there are dozens of people who treat their Christian neighbors well and even assist them at their own risk.

Christians face dangers in this part of the world. This is a fact.

To be labeled “n” in a community dominated by Muslim extremists is to undergo an immediate identity and life change. With this mark comes the ultimatum: If you convert to Islam or pay the tax, you can keep your material possessions and remain in this community. If not, leave or you will die.

Again, there is a brief mention of the fact that most Muslims aren’t radicals, but it feels like lip service. I simply couldn’t love this book, it was too superficial. Perhaps my own Catholic background was simply incompatible with this more emotionally charged brand of Christianity, or maybe this simply isn’t the book to help me on my walk. Either way, I applaud the sentiment but have no passion for the content.

Two Stars.

Expected Publication: March 1, 2016

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

Outstanding. This book made me weep, laugh, and cheer. It encouraged my soul. It broke me and gave me hope and helped me understand more of what difficulties fellow Christians around the globe face as they share their love for Jesus with the people around them.

Triggers: domestic violence, rape, violence, suicide

Content: graphic violence (not sensationalized), domestic abuse, sexual abuse/rape, derogatory term, prostitution (mentioned), suicide (mentioned), drugs, tobacco, tattoos

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a series of true accounts of Christian persecution in Islamist communities around the world. Some of these are heartbreaking but many are inspiring. Some of these persecutors even became Christians. What attracts mostly Muslims to Christianity, it seems, is the idea of a personal, loving God involved in your daily life. I found that interesting. The fact that Christians will suffer torture and death rather than renounce Jesus is itself a testimony of its reality. It was all a delusion, they couldn’t suffer that.

I was surprised at how religious the book was but shouldn’t have been. Each account was followed by a moral lesson/sermon with Bible verses quoted. I also wondered why they kept using the term “Jesus followers” instead of “Christians” or “disciples.”

It reminds us that we have it pretty good here. Sure, the Biden administration designated Christians terrorists and jailed people for praying and didn’t jail those who committed violence against Christians, and some businesses will fire you for being Christian, and you may get doxxed and swatted, and the courts allow that, but we are pretty blessed here as being murdered for being Christian is still pretty rare even if it happens once in a while.

Language: Clean
Sexual Content: Mentions of sexual assault
Violence/Gore: Moderate to severe; not very graphic
Harm to Animals: None
Harm to Children: Some murdered
Other (Triggers): Torture, terrorism; death by fire, drowning, gun violence, knife violence, etc. People watch family members murdered.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) moved into northern Iraq, they began identifying Christian-owned property. Families would find the Arabic letter ﻥ (nun, noon), or n, painted on their homes and churches. This single letter conveyed the powerful accusation that the occupants were “Nazarenes,” people who followed Jesus of Nazareth rather than Islam. To be labeled “n” in a community dominated by Muslim extremists is to undergo an immediate identity and life change. With this mark comes the ultimatum: If you convert to Islam or pay the tax, you can keep your material possessions and remain in this community. If not, leave or you will die."

This heart-breaking book contains numerous stories of Christians, young and old, facing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. The stories in this book are current, straight from the front lines from real people facing persecution for their Christian faith. This book was written in order to share the stories of Christians—from Nigeria to Malaysia to Pakistan—who have suffered persecution from Muslim extremists. These are stories of courage and steadfastness. These Christians are living out Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” They boldly and unashamedly proclaim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and savior, regardless of the circumstances.

This book is divided into six different parts, each dealing with specific types of persecution or reactions to persecution:
Part One: Sacrifice - The reality of making a personal sacrifice for one’s faith isn’t something most Christians in the West are forced to think about very often. Sacrifice is never far from the hearts and minds of Jesus followers who are persecuted by Islamic extremists. They know that once their faith becomes visible to others, persecution will come.

Part Two: Courage - When we live among people who are resistant to or openly hostile toward the gospel, it is hard—sometimes terrifying—to stand strong and live out our identification as followers of Jesus.

Part Three: Joy - Joy is probably not the first emotional expression we associate with persecuted followers of Jesus. James 1:2–3 reminds persecuted Jesus followers that suffering has a purpose: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Part Four: Perseverance- persecuted Christians are encouraged by 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” And Mark 13:13: “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Part Five: Forgiveness - Even more compelling than stories of their faithful perseverance under persecution are stories of their forgiveness for those who persecute them. Sincere forgiveness for the people who hate and harm them.

Part Six: Faithfulness - The faithfulness of one inspires others to remain true to God—to focus their hearts and minds on Jesus and face the temptations, endure the persecution, and risk everything to follow him.

The stories themselves are heart-breaking, but each story contains a bible verse that specifically deals with persecution that is special to each persecuted individual. One thing I thought was interesting is that several stories mention people seeing a vision of Christ that guides them to learn more about the Christian faith.

This book is written as a call to pray for the persecuted Christians you learn about, and to serve them if at all possible. I would recommend it to all Christians so that you can hear the stories and learn from them, and be encouraged to stand strong in your faith. I received this book as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found I Am N to be a compelling read that I could easily recommend to all Jesus followers. The book shares first-hand experiences--stories--of being a Jesus follower (a Christian, "N") in predominantly Muslim countries. (Think Middle East, Africa, Asia).

Lest you think the goal of the book was to strike fear or terror into American readers about Muslims, you should know that the overall tone of the book is one of hope, love, joy, peace--not fear, not worry, not regret. Time and time and time again, Christians who have been persecuted have chosen to FORGIVE, pray for, in some cases even witness to those that have attacked/abused/persecuted them. Even in cases where someone was killed, the response has generally been one of forgiveness. Surviving members of the family saying we forgive those that did this, we forgive them, we are praying that God will forgive them, we are praying that they will be saved, we know they need Jesus, we were once like they are.

Most of the stories are of Muslims converting to Christianity and becoming Jesus followers. They 'convert' knowing that it could very well cost them everything: relationships with parents, relationships with siblings, relationships with a spouse and in-laws, relationships with their children, their jobs, their homes or apartments, their money and property, their freedom, their very lives. There are accounts of people being beaten, tortured, imprisoned, shot and left for dead, killed. And sometimes the abusers are family members or former neighbors.

Yet through these circumstances, the stories reveal the joy of being a Jesus follower. How they REJOICE to share in the sufferings of their Savior, how God is with them through everything, the comfort they get from feeling his presence. They passionately, zealously love the Lord. And they love Muslims. Just as Paul zealously desired to see all Jews come to faith in Christ, these believers long to share the good news with other Muslims. They know the risks, that the risks are HUGE. But they believe that heaven and hell are real, and, that they could never stand by and do nothing with so many lost souls in need of saving.

Perhaps that is what will be so striking to American readers--to see the great contrast between those willing to live and die for Christ and those that profess the faith and live how they want and blend completely into the culture.

The book is divided into sections: "Sacrifice," "Courage," "Joy," "Perseverance," "Forgiveness," and "Faithfulness." Between each section, readers are introduced to a handful of martyrs throughout history. The book concludes with a commitment prayer. The prayer is inspiring to say the least. And it follows the various sections of the book: sacrifice, courage, joy, perseverance, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the days when I have to spend my time confined to bed, I often think about, and pray for, the persecuted church. It is easy to feel lonely and sorry for myself, but when I think about my brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith around the world, my hard days are put into perspective. I may be alone, but I am in a comfortable bed and a cozy house. I may be tired, but I have food and water. I have access to Scripture. I have a husband and children who take care of me.

Praying for the persecuted church helps me to focus on others instead of on myself, and it gives me something productive to do even when I am exhausted.

Because the persecuted church is often on my mind and heart, I was grateful for the opportunity to read I Am N: Inspiring Stories of Christians Facing Islamic Extremists. This book was released by Voice of the Martyrs earlier this year, and it tells of real events that took place between the years of 2001 and 2015. Some details like names and specific locations have been changed in order to protect the people whose stories are being shared, but the book gives real accounts of modern day persecution.

It took me three months to read I Am N because of the heavy nature of the content. I never read more than three stories at one time, and I often only read one story before taking a break for a few days. It was a hard book to read, but also a very good book to read. This book helped me to better understand the hardships faced by persecuted Christians, and it provided me with the opportunity to pray for specific Christians in specific ways.

I thank the Lord for the faithful testimony of these believers who are standing firm in the faith, despite insults, loss of family, loss of property, physical harm, and risk of death. Their faithfulness encourages me to persevere in my faith and in the life to which God has called me.

I received a complimentary copy of I Am N from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains brief stories of modern day Christians facing persecution by Islamic extremists. There are also six stories of martyrs in history. The book is very informative and would be a good introduction to persecution in the world today. I have read several books of persecuted Christians and was disappointed by the brevity of the stories. Each story is only 3 or 4 pages. For the most part, they left me wanting more information! I wanted the "rest of the story!" However, presenting detailed stories was apparently not the purpose of the book. It was just an introduction to persecution and accomplished that goal well.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tough book but needs to be read

Yes this is a tough book to read at times, I enjoy a comfortable UK lifestyle and need to realise the majority in this World don't. There are tales of the faith, betrayal, suffering we are unaware of fully. I believe that there is a lot worse going on in other parts of the world, this book spares us the worse but no the less it does have a powerful message that needs to be told. Not only do I recommend this book I believe it should be read and that it can not be ignored.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably best used as a devotional as all of the stories are rather short (3-4 pages long) with a devotional application attached for them. I personally prefer more in-depth looks at a few Christians who persevered through persecution than the brief stories of many (especially for a book I went through over just a couple sittings), but that's more personal preference than a critique of this book. Certainly we need more Christians in America with the bravery, courage, and grace of these Christians oversees who testify to the power of Christ.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Good).

[Charity Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So exciting to read a book like this. I love that these Christians are willing to give up everything for God. Their ministry is so powerful because of the love and joy they have in spite of losing everything on earth. They know where their true joy is.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up, our family always kept a magazine called Reader's Digest near the "throne" in the bathroom. This magazine was loaded with short stories that made for great reading when you are forced to sit down away from the world to take a load off.

I say that as a lead-in for me saying that I am N is an excellent bathroom book.

No, I don't mean that this book's only use is to be a substitute when you run out of bathroom paper. No. This book is excellent to read in 3-5 minute segments. It is loaded with stories of individuals who have suffered persecution or even death. Each of these stories is just a few pages long. VotM does a good job keeping them motivating and inspirational even while dealing with horrifying events and circumstances.

I get regular updates on my Email from VotM but to be honest, most of them are never read. Shame on me, I know. I have a strong suspicion that many of these stories, if not all, started out as the subjects of those emails meant to remind us of what is happening within the persecuted world and to direct us in our prayers.

I encourage everyone to pick up this book. It makes for a great, short reading of true stories. Far more important, however, it is a great tool to keep us focused and praying for the Persecuted Church. Even if you never do pick up this book, please do not ignore the needs it highlights. Please pray for the persecuted church, especially in my part of the world where Islam's intolerance rules.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book of this book from christian audio via the public library. It was even more challenging and more descriptive than the Insanity of God by Nik Ripken of the suffering, torture, and persecution for believers in Isalamic worlds. I wished for more information about the people, I wanted to know how they heard the gospel, came to Christ, etc-- the book shared different aspects of each person's stories and it was a lot to take in, but the truth is hard, and we live a sheltered life with the freedom to share our faith. I did feel like I had a tour of this area of the World hearing about so many from different areas. I think reading it may have been more effective way to soak in and learn from the lives for me, but I'm thankful to gain exposure via audio books and increase my knowledge. I will likely read or listen to this again in the future.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells many recent stories of oppression toward people who have chosen to put their faith in Jesus, the Son of God, especially in the Middle East and some African countries. Often the letter "N" is painted on their churches or houses, standing for "Nazarenes," followers of Jesus of Nazareth. People within houses with the "N" face all sorts of persecution. While the stories can be sad, the amazing thing about the entire book is that the people are willing to be oppressed, even killed, because their love and faith in Jesus is that strong and grows even stronger as Jesus becomes more real to them. As followers of Jesus of Nazareth, We can be inspired and equipped for our own possible persecution in the days ahead.

[Esther Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and I think all Christians should read it. It tells the stories of many persecuted Christians from around the world, and it has a few stories about martyrs in history. This book reminded me of how much of a blessing it is to live with the freedom of religion in America, and to pray for the persecuted Christians of the world, to stand with them and to never forget about them. The stories in this are beautiful, they tell of women who forgave their husband's killers, or people who came to faith in Jesus because someone else died for him. If you are considering reading this book, do it, you will not regret it.

I do not recommend that anyone under 12-14 read this, depending on your maturity level.

[Blake Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many impressive stories of Christians facing extreme persecution and some who died for their faith in Christ. We hear much about Radical Islam in the news. This book shows what many modern Christians experience and reveals what they often face daily in places such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, Northern Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These stories usually do not make the news here, but I have no doubt that they would be headline news in a heavenly newspaper.

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an OUTSTANDING book. So inspiring!

Book Summary
Absolutely amazing book on the power of following Jesus - even through almost unbearable persecution.

Truth Be Told
I actually teared up a few times when reading this book.
There were some truly grueling stories, but also some downright amazing power of God's grace. Switching from one to another was really inspiring, moving, and touching.

Final Thoughts
Would highly recommend

I am N.

4.9/5

[Orpa Sharon Rodé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek over wonderlijke verhalen van vervolgde christenen heeft mij echt stilgezet hoe bijzonder het is om in vrijheid te leven. En in vrijheid over God te kunnen spreken. Prachtige, maar ook hele heftige verhalen over vergeving en bekering. Die me aan het denken hebben gezet. ❤️

[Chip Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring…

[Mia Shenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

[Andrew Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encouraging book filled with amazing stories of believers who have stood strong in their faith! This book was a great encouragement to me but was also convicting. The chapters focusing on Christian stories of forgiveness forced me to reconsider how I should be forgiving others who have hurt me, albeit in much less severe ways.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book. It's written very simply and to the point, with stories of persecuted Christians from all over the Middle East. Every Christian should read this book; it will inspire you to grow in your faith, especially if you live in a culture (like America) where there are no real negative consequences to professing Christianity. These stories of real men and women dying and suffering for their faith will certainly inspire and challenge you to follow Jesus not just in word, but in deed.

In a world that proclaims "tolerance", we need to realize the wickedness of Islam and the whole Muslim tradition. We simply can't ignore it any longer; Islam is an inherently terroristic religion. That doesn't mean that we should live in fear or hatred, but we should be aware of what we are facing. This book will prepare you to learn more about the Middle East and what is really going on in our world today.

I think that the hardest part of this book for me was the idea of forgiveness; I know personally that it would be very difficult for me to forgive someone who had tried to kill me or had taken a loved one. But God commands us to forgive, just as Jesus forgave on the cross. I pray that he will give me the strength to follow him in that way!

Overall, this is an excellent book. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, saddened, and even encouraged. For God has always used great persecution to bring about an increase in his kingdom. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." May it be so in our day.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I most often cannot relate with verses that talk about suffering when I read the Bible. Living in a country that is not physically threatening to express my faith in Christianity, I simply cannot fully understand verses like 1 Corinthians 12:26 and Philippians 4:11-13. This book helps me realise that although I may not, until my death, dive to the deeper levels of comprehending Christ’s suffering in those Biblical verses, I can still participate in the suffering of His body throughout the world by praying for them. “I Am N” is a bucket of cold water that jolts awake this aspect of my Christian life that has been at most asleep or at least ignorant to the global persecutions of my brethren in faith.

You want to know the extreme kinds of price that Christians must pay to stand firm in their faith? the unimaginable grace from Jesus Christ that empowers these persecuted to love their persecutors? the God who gives them the courage and perseverance to stay faithful amidst intense suffering? You have to read this book.

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, when we compare ourselves to them, we are truly nothing, and it is by this consequential humility I invite you to pray for them and learn about their stories.

[Leiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one sermon I have never forgotten was a sermon entitled, 'Who is praying for Osama bin Laden'. Since then, our persecuted Christian family (and especially the Muslim world) has always been close to my heart.

My first client when I worked at a refugee organisation was a Christian convert family from Afghanistan. Their first question to me when they arrived was, "are you a follower of the Way". Due to the above, I knew what that meant and said yes. The reassurance and comfort that brought to that family is something I will never forget as the first person they met on arrival loved Jesus after their years of persecution for converting from Islam.

I also happened to walk into a shop one day in China and met a woman who was secretly selling Christian merchandise. I found them hidden in her store when we were alone and with google translate, I asked her the above question. She cried and we hugged and prayed for each other in our own languages.

This book really spoke to me as it combined the main areas of Christian interest for me - prayer and persecuted Christians. Would recommend definitely.

[Babette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt more and more depressed reading all these stories. Plus, I felt like I'm failing myself. I do not experience this joy in God. "If you have Jesus, you have all you need". Alright, but I am not so sure I have Jesus, especially now that I read about all these courageous people being so sure of it. Reading this book, it's like as a Christian, you sign up for persecution. It's a package deal, and the bible says so too. Now all these New Age ideas, enlightenment theories and modern day spirituality sound more appealing than my beliefs in Christ. Now of course, I judge myself for that opinion (I am not a real believer etc.) and feel the worse for it. An inspiring and encouraging book? Not for me.

I feel a fear for Muslims coming up too, and I don't want that. We have very friendly and loving Muslim neighbors. This book only deals with extremist Muslims, but mentions what the Koran says (i.e. that if someone denies the Koran and Mohamed, that person should be killed). It does make me wonder; what do moderate Muslims think of this?

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always feel sightly uncomfortable reviewing non-fiction accounts because it feels like you're making a judgment on people's lives. This is an ambitious attempt that covers more breadth than depth and is really more of a sweeping overview spanning multiple countries rather than a nuanced analysis of the communities in which these stories take place. It can be a little much to take in at times. Not only are you bombarded with story after story, but you also are only given four pages for each account which makes the book feel a bit rushed. I'm not a fan of the writing style which was detached and not particularly engaging. I do think the authors did a good job of accomplishing their goals of neither "encourag[ing] any hatred toward Muslims" nor "elicit[ing] pity for persecuted Jesus followers," and avoiding unnecessarily elevating any individual subject but focusing on the truths and God that empowered the to live in such extraordinary ways. While there was certainly some room for improvement, I think it was an overall commendable effort and interesting, informative read.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read. Sobering, challenging, disturbing and inspiring. Short vignettes of Christians who have faced or are still facing persecution, especially at the hands of Islamic Extremists, but sometimes even from the hands of their own families. I had to read only a few chapters at a time...and usually ended with a time of prayer both asking the Lord to enable me to be faithful, but more in support of those facing such horrors. Most of the names have been changed to protect the individuals who are still in tentative, to not say, dangerous situations. I Am N portrays these brothers and sisters in a relaistic manner. Some have gone through such horrific attacks and still have both bitterness and forgiveness in their hearts; others have totally forgiven and pray for their persecutors in a truly Christlike fashion. May we support however we are called and pray, pray, pray. One story spoke of how the Lord acted through prayer to enable a brother to survive and even worship the Lord through the worst attacks he suffered.

[Dave Rench · Rating 5 out of 5]

God doesn't force us all through the same difficulties. The trials in the American church are mainly complacency and internal fighting within the church. For the people in this book, living for Christ is taken to a whole different level, as their very lives are at stake when they proclaim to their neighbors, coworkers, and friends that they are now Christ followers.
Would I be able to stand like they do? Not on my own strength. But I'm convinced God provides the strength needed for the trial being faced. Not before the trial, but in the midst of it. And the fact that these people are so confident that this God of Love would care for them personally, that they would leave their families and physical comforts behind is inspiring. They bring great shame to their families, which is the ultimate insult in their culture. But they bring great joy to the very throneroom of heaven, where God says "well done, good and faithful servant".

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is sobering. Very few American Christians know what it is to be seriously persecuted for our faith. What if, as in one case in this book, the terrorists show up at your door and demand that we deny Jesus or they will kill our family? Its one thing to give up our life but its hard to fathom giving up the rest of our family. This book has multiple stories of amazing faith and courage. More Christians have died for the faith in the last century than in the previous 1900 years. But also more Muslims have become Christians in the last century than in the previous 1300 years. That's probably one of the reasons Islamic persecution of Christians keeps getting more extreme.