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Servant on the Edge of History: Risking All for the Gospel in WarRavaged Vietnam

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An awful time . . . An awesome God. Again and again it happens. Bombs fall in a nearby shopping district. Enemy soldiers terrorize neighboring homes. Crossfire decimates civilian cars at a roadblock. War infuses every quarter of Vietnam. Most Americans long ago have left for safety. The James family remains. Sam James and his wife and four children sit tight in ravaged South Vietnam to share Jesus when the Vietnamese most need ministry--as the country falls to communism. Even during the frightening Tet Offensive, Sam communicates Christ's love and peace as he helps Vietnamese believers start churches and gird up spiritually for the dark days ahead. What makes one man willing to stare death in the face to obey God's call to serve the Vietnamese? And what becomes of all the seeds planted among these fledgling Christians as communist oppression advances?

180 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

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Sam James

25 books1 follower

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5 stars
83 (70%)
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25 (21%)
3 stars
8 (6%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
68 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2018
This is a fantastic book full of amazing stories of how God used a man who allowed himself to be used by God. You don’t leave this book thinking how amazing Sam James is (even though he is pretty legit) but how faithful God is. An easy read and one that encourages you to faithfully follow Jesus and trust him to work in your life. Also a great book for anyone going on the mission field.
Profile Image for Katelyn Brown.
6 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2021
This was one of the best books I have read thus far in 2021. It is an excellent supplement to formal missiology training, helping one to better grasp their course material—from the spirit worldview present in Asia, to cross-cultural challenges, to moral purity, to not associating oneself with a political side, to planting churches and allowing the natives to lead, to simply trusting the Lord day by day on the mission field. Sam James shares his missionary journey with compelling detail and inspiring biblical insight. I am inspired by the James family and their unwavering commitment to the Lord as well as how the Holy Spirit powerfully worked among the Vietnam people during this dark time. This book caused me to praise God all the more and continue praying for the Holy Spirit to lead my cross-cultural, atheist friend to Jesus Christ. No one, no matter how ‘far gone,’ is beyond the reach of Christ’s life-changing power and hope. If you read this book, you’ll be reminded of that afresh.
Profile Image for Blake Western.
Author 12 books69 followers
January 24, 2017
This is one book that I would give 10 stars to if possible. It is as exciting and moving as any novel you will ever read. Sam James paints word pictures masterfully of his time serving as a missionary in South Vietnam. You almost feel that you are there as the author shares many dramatic experiences. This book will be a tremendous blessing for any Christian. I would rank it with any of the great missionary books. It is one of the best books I have ever read.
Profile Image for Jonathan Cofer.
1 review
January 20, 2018
Amazing Read!

Amazing Read! - I am blown away at the story of Sam James. Then to find out after some research that he started The Summit where JD Greear pastors today. That’s amazing. So cool. - I’d recommend this book to anyone. Especially to gain a heart for missions. - Its an easy 5 star rating. I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Caroline Ellis.
28 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
This book forever changed how I saw the Gospel going among the nations. Sam’s story telling is incredible & full of passionate experience. His love for the Vietnamese people is evident and palpable.
6 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2021
Invigorating

Such a wonderful encouragement and challenge to any who read it. A passion for God and his people cannot help but leap from the pages.
Profile Image for Tricia Morrison.
Author 4 books24 followers
October 13, 2022
This book had me laughing, in tears, and moved to worship the Lord. He is living, breathing, and active, and His Spirit is going forth in faithfulness to us to build His church.
Profile Image for Rebekah Clark.
11 reviews
July 9, 2024
Like sitting down listening to your grandfather tell you stories about how great God is!
Profile Image for Carol Chen.
98 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2023
The more years walking with dear Lord, the more I cherish meeting with those who genuinely share about their vulnerability and weakness and keep pressing on by God's grace alone. This author is! Lots of moments are touching and the last part is resonating most that we can't find who we are by any works we've done but only by Christ alone. We are the child of Christ!
Profile Image for Mark.
87 reviews11 followers
February 15, 2010
This book is a collection of short stories about Sam James' mission experience in Vietnam. Some stories are heartbreaking, some are exciting--all are incredibly encouraging. Sam James also provides commentary on what he learned based on his missions experiences that is insightful and applicable for any Christian in his or her walk with Christ. There is also absolutely no hint of pride or boasting as Sam James recounts his amazing impact for Christ in Vietnam--God gets all the glory, and glorifying God is what you will find yourself doing as you read through the pages of this book.
Profile Image for Nicole Drake.
355 reviews14 followers
June 25, 2015
What an amazing story about a missionary's journey in Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s! I was not only brought to tears on numerous accounts, but inspired and encouraged. My soul feels lit ablaze to go out and share the gospel with the world before I miss out on the opportunities God has presented me with. I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for Allen.
106 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2015
I enjoyed every page of this book. I had the gift of meeting Sam James years ago. He mentored me as a leader briefly. It is great to be able to learn more about his mission work in Vietnam. The stories that he shared inspire and teach. I highly recommend this book to all interested in missions. You will enjoy reading it.
Profile Image for Scott Ray.
88 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2011
An amazing book by an amazing man. It is very honest about his struggles and also all that he got to see the Lord do during his time working in Vietnam. What a warrior for God that would work with his wife and kids...living in a village during the Vietnam War. Very inspiring book.
Profile Image for Roger Sigmon.
Author 13 books6 followers
January 12, 2016
WOW!!! Great truths and lessons from a man that served as a missionary in Viet Nam before and during the war.
Profile Image for Tyler Roberts.
2 reviews
July 2, 2015
This book now only keeps you on edge the whole 167 pages, but convicts and reassures you in every which way! This is a must, yes MUST, read for all!
Profile Image for Ashton Eleazer.
498 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2020
The adventures he had in the midst of war and how God protected him was absolutely incredible. I love reading about the checkpoint where God told him to go another way.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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