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The Bible or the Axe: One Man's Dramatic Escape From Persecution in the Sudan
Exile. Persecution. Torture. The riveting story of one man's escape from the Sudan. By the muddy banks of the Kulo-jobi River, a young Sudanese boy is faced with a decision that will shape the rest of his life. William Levi was born in southern Sudan as part of a Messianic Hebrew tribal group and spent the majority of his growing up years as a refugee running from Islamic persecution. He was eventually taken captive for refusing to convert to Islam and suffered greatly at the hands of his captors.After escaping Islamic forces, William eventually came to the United States where he attended college. Since that time, he has been sharing his story nationwide and petitioning members of congress to take action to end the violence in Sudan. His story of deliverance will touch the hearts of believers and raise their awareness to the plight of our Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ.
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2004
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 23, 2012
A Jew and Christian, William Levi was raised as a shepherd in the Ugandian jungle and his job as a herdsman encompassed killing boa constrictors, fighting wildfires, and scaring off hyenas -- all by 6 years of age. This responsibility, however daunting, prepared him for the many hardships he was to endure as a young man and when, at the age of 17, he was forced to leave his village in South Sundan, William recounts the many difficulties he overcame in his struggle for a higher education. After living in a total of four different countries, William finally found his home in the US and because of this multi-cultural experience, he is able to offer some very insightful views about what it's like living in different cultures. With his background with Muslims in Sudan, he is also able to explain exactly where the Muslims come from and what specific truths will shatter their misguided belief. In all, it is a very inspiring book to read.
The Scripture which I believe sums up his story is:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" - Philippians 4:13
We in America have been given much. Much is required of us. What are we doing for Christ's sake?
The Scripture which I believe sums up his story is:
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" - Philippians 4:13
We in America have been given much. Much is required of us. What are we doing for Christ's sake?
February 5, 2018
What an interesting book! I had a hard time putting it down. The style is easy and conversational, but it’s the beautiful testimony of his faith through trials that really captures your attention.
The story begins with the almost idyllic memories of his childhood and then moves on to the struggles he had to gain an education. As he grows, his memories start to include the trials and dangers of being a Jewish Christian in a Muslim dominated land. Then he is called on to take a stand. Will he stay true to Christ and die; or convert to Islam and live?
It’s really amazing, encouraging, and convicting to read about his faith through such difficulties and persecution. He is very open about his struggles, temptations, questions, and doubts. After each, he glorifies God for His faithfulness, for leading him every step as he sees God use him to reach others for Christ.
While he is not a pacifist, he firmly believes God does not want him to fight. He does not claim that this decision is the only right one, and he can respect others making different ones. As he explained it, I can completely respect his stand.
There are a couple of things that I'm not sure about. One was right, at the end when he seemed to be saying that Eden was actually in Africa. He was giving a quick overview of Sudan’s history and mentioned that in passing. It was very brief, but it sounded like he was taking the evolutionary theory that man first evolved in Africa and merging it with the Creation account. Then there are really no distinctions made between Catholic and Protestant at any point in the book. I can understand he wants to do the most he can for anyone being persecuted in Sudan, but there are no warnings about any sort of false doctrine. Personal salvation through faith in Christ alone is a major theme in this book, but he doesn’t seem to recognize how that conflicts with some of these other church’s doctrines.
I would still recommend everyone read it.
The story begins with the almost idyllic memories of his childhood and then moves on to the struggles he had to gain an education. As he grows, his memories start to include the trials and dangers of being a Jewish Christian in a Muslim dominated land. Then he is called on to take a stand. Will he stay true to Christ and die; or convert to Islam and live?
It’s really amazing, encouraging, and convicting to read about his faith through such difficulties and persecution. He is very open about his struggles, temptations, questions, and doubts. After each, he glorifies God for His faithfulness, for leading him every step as he sees God use him to reach others for Christ.
While he is not a pacifist, he firmly believes God does not want him to fight. He does not claim that this decision is the only right one, and he can respect others making different ones. As he explained it, I can completely respect his stand.
There are a couple of things that I'm not sure about. One was right, at the end when he seemed to be saying that Eden was actually in Africa. He was giving a quick overview of Sudan’s history and mentioned that in passing. It was very brief, but it sounded like he was taking the evolutionary theory that man first evolved in Africa and merging it with the Creation account. Then there are really no distinctions made between Catholic and Protestant at any point in the book. I can understand he wants to do the most he can for anyone being persecuted in Sudan, but there are no warnings about any sort of false doctrine. Personal salvation through faith in Christ alone is a major theme in this book, but he doesn’t seem to recognize how that conflicts with some of these other church’s doctrines.
I would still recommend everyone read it.
December 22, 2018
The Bible or the Axe
I realize I don’t have anything very quippy to add to the title of the book I’m reviewing, but there we are.
I met William Levi at the Father-Son camp in downstate Illinois when he was a featured speaker. I was attracted to him, as I am attracted to all African ex-pats, but his story was surprisingly moving. The Bible or the Axe is his memoir of an interesting childhood and a gripping escape from Sudan.
William’s education is as an engineer, and it shows in the writing. It can be dry and pedantic, and of course he’s dealing with multiple variables of racism and culture as he’s writing cross-culturally. Nevertheless, the further I got into the book, the tighter the prose became, and I was hooked into the narrative as things got personally interesting for him — particularly during his escape from Sudan.
This book is a great reminder for Christians that our citizenship is in heaven, and that every decision we take here will affect our witness for that Kingdom, whose King is the Prince of Peace. Levi had an opportunity to live that struggle in a very personal way, but not just under the jihadi rulers of Sudan. It played out differently among secularized Christians in Egypt, and with American college students who unwittingly mocked his “easy” life.
It’s also a good book for people who want to see the reality of life under jihad, especially for someone whose experience of it greatly precedes 9/11. I found it encouraging, considering some of the anti-theism and anti-Christianity that seems to be growing in parts of our society. While it seems far-fetched right now, the days may not be so far off before we are called upon to make some similar choices to those faced by William Levi.
In all, I think it’s a worthwhile read, although the early chapters dragged a bit, and he can be “preachy” at times. For this last element, it’s usually when he’s decided to tell, instead of show, his point. In other words, the point is valid, but it would be better for him to trust the reader to get it from his narrative.
I realize I don’t have anything very quippy to add to the title of the book I’m reviewing, but there we are.
I met William Levi at the Father-Son camp in downstate Illinois when he was a featured speaker. I was attracted to him, as I am attracted to all African ex-pats, but his story was surprisingly moving. The Bible or the Axe is his memoir of an interesting childhood and a gripping escape from Sudan.
William’s education is as an engineer, and it shows in the writing. It can be dry and pedantic, and of course he’s dealing with multiple variables of racism and culture as he’s writing cross-culturally. Nevertheless, the further I got into the book, the tighter the prose became, and I was hooked into the narrative as things got personally interesting for him — particularly during his escape from Sudan.
This book is a great reminder for Christians that our citizenship is in heaven, and that every decision we take here will affect our witness for that Kingdom, whose King is the Prince of Peace. Levi had an opportunity to live that struggle in a very personal way, but not just under the jihadi rulers of Sudan. It played out differently among secularized Christians in Egypt, and with American college students who unwittingly mocked his “easy” life.
It’s also a good book for people who want to see the reality of life under jihad, especially for someone whose experience of it greatly precedes 9/11. I found it encouraging, considering some of the anti-theism and anti-Christianity that seems to be growing in parts of our society. While it seems far-fetched right now, the days may not be so far off before we are called upon to make some similar choices to those faced by William Levi.
In all, I think it’s a worthwhile read, although the early chapters dragged a bit, and he can be “preachy” at times. For this last element, it’s usually when he’s decided to tell, instead of show, his point. In other words, the point is valid, but it would be better for him to trust the reader to get it from his narrative.
December 17, 2020
powerful - having read Kimberly Smith's Passport through Darkness, I have been overwhelmed by the trouble that has been happening in the Sudan; but also overwhelmed by the love and grace of Christians there. such an informative , challenging and motivating book.
September 29, 2025
Either 4 or 5 stars, but leaning 4.
Pros:
- Great bit of church "history," in the sense of being aware of strands of Christianity that we are prone to forget in the West. Also a great, absorbing story, as well as bringing exposure to a very different way of life, mindset, etc.
Cons:
- I think the book is very event-based/narrative-based, so that the characters are not as fully flushed out as would be the case in a convincingly 5-star book. Now the events are certainly engaging and edifying, but at the same time there's so many episodes with different casts that you just get a glance at most of the characters. (Not to say someone's personal life story has to maximize interesting characters, but nonetheless, it paints a somewhat cursory picture in some cases.)
Other:
- The prose is easy to read, but it is not beautiful. It doesn't reach the depths of the mastery of the English language. I think it's a good level of simplicity for kids getting faster at reading, but not as enjoyable as an adult.
PS: shoutout to my sister for recommending it; a very good read!
Pros:
- Great bit of church "history," in the sense of being aware of strands of Christianity that we are prone to forget in the West. Also a great, absorbing story, as well as bringing exposure to a very different way of life, mindset, etc.
Cons:
- I think the book is very event-based/narrative-based, so that the characters are not as fully flushed out as would be the case in a convincingly 5-star book. Now the events are certainly engaging and edifying, but at the same time there's so many episodes with different casts that you just get a glance at most of the characters. (Not to say someone's personal life story has to maximize interesting characters, but nonetheless, it paints a somewhat cursory picture in some cases.)
Other:
- The prose is easy to read, but it is not beautiful. It doesn't reach the depths of the mastery of the English language. I think it's a good level of simplicity for kids getting faster at reading, but not as enjoyable as an adult.
PS: shoutout to my sister for recommending it; a very good read!
January 12, 2018
William Levi, a Messainic Jew from the tribe of Levi was born in the Sudan. His family faced persecution from the ruling Muslim regime, along with the majority Christian population of the current nation of Southern Sudan. As a teenager he fled Sudan, to Egypt, Turkey, France and finally America where he completed his education and commenced an organisation to help the people of Southern Sudan called Operation Nehemiah. His is an interesting story. African Jews are not commonly known in the West, although they should not be a surprise to any who knows a little church history, or at the very least, the book of Acts and the account of the Ethopian eunuch. A confronting account of yet more oppression and cruelty that is rife in our world and the hope offered only in Jesus Christ,
February 7, 2021
The author is a Sudanese who grew up in a Messianic Hebrew family. He had a happy childhood as a refugee in Uganda until they were forced to go back to Sudan. That wasn't a great place to live especially when the Islamics took over the country. As a Christian his life was in danger and he had to flee the country. William's journey led him through several countries before he ended up in the United States. He share his struggles as he faced persecution because of his determination to serve Yeshua. This is an amazing story of God's faithfulness.
December 21, 2017
Educational and mind grabbing
William shares his life on very personal level without the pretense of seeking sympathy but a desire to inform or educate the reader. It was tough book to put done. I would definitely recommend this book.
William shares his life on very personal level without the pretense of seeking sympathy but a desire to inform or educate the reader. It was tough book to put done. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 20, 2020
A Messianic Jew tells how he escaped war-torn Sudan. It is a gripping first-hand story of a refugee and the courage it takes to embark on such a journey not knowing the outcome or the end. His horrendous journey made him the man he would need to be to go back and bring hope and healing to his countrymen. It is one of those books which demonstrates that beautiful stories are written from sorrow and lessons are learned in pain.
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April 21, 2021A great read!
September 10, 2023
Indrukwekkend om vanuit perspectief van een Soedanese vluchteling de wereld te aanschouwen. Laatste hoofdstuk over ontstaan van bijbel en rol van Afrika zeer interessante aanvulling.
March 18, 2013
This book really impacted my life in many ways. I met William & his family in 2009 when he gave me a copy and I was amazed to read his life story, fascinated by how his dad led his family into the wilderness when they were refugees in Uganda and how they cleared the land and created a home for themselves from nothing. I also marveled at his Peter-like escape from being taken to be excited and how the Lord led him and cared for him after he left his family as a teenager (never to see his parents again) and how God sustained him and finally brought him here to America, where he hoped for an education but God has other plans. This gave me hope that God would lead my own children even if my influence was hindered as I am today trusting God's sovereign hand in both our young men's lives. There are many stories in the book that we now have more information about and it builds my faith... such as the story about the cash crop that the family sold to finance Williams escape from Sudan (a wonderful example of God's miraculous intervention that is not in the book...ask me, I'll tell you)
It has been a privilege to come to know William and Hannah Levi and their 6 children and for Jon to be with them in South Sudan as I write this... and to see the way god has intervened to lead and guide him to return and help restore the family and the church that has been ravaged after years of civil war and exile. You can get copies of the book for 1 cent plus shipping ($4)... I highly recommend it and then you will have a first hand knowledge of the ministry our family has become involved in.
It has been a privilege to come to know William and Hannah Levi and their 6 children and for Jon to be with them in South Sudan as I write this... and to see the way god has intervened to lead and guide him to return and help restore the family and the church that has been ravaged after years of civil war and exile. You can get copies of the book for 1 cent plus shipping ($4)... I highly recommend it and then you will have a first hand knowledge of the ministry our family has become involved in.
August 3, 2008
I came across this book as a result of meeting William Levi at our church in Montgomery, NY. He spoke about the ongoing plight of persecuted Sudanese Christians. I was fascinated by the fact that he grew up in a Messianic tribal group of Sudanese Christians. His book tells the history of the Sudanese Messianic Jewish tribal group to which he belonged and the Muslim persecution of Christians in Sudan.
He had to be on the run from the time he was young and the story of his eventual emigration to the U.S. is one of faith and courage and especially the faithfulness of God. A fascinating book !
He had to be on the run from the time he was young and the story of his eventual emigration to the U.S. is one of faith and courage and especially the faithfulness of God. A fascinating book !
January 1, 2015
Levi is born in Sudan, flees Sudan for Uganda, lives as refugee in Uganda only to flee years later back to Sudan where he must flee again. His story is inspiring. At times I thought, "no one is that perfect" but at other times, I thought, "he is straight up about his weaknesses". I was concerned there would be a lot of violence but not at all. There is one harsh scene but he does not over-dramatize for the shock value.
December 23, 2008
I do not understand why the U.S. cared so much about the Muslims killed in Kosovo but do not seem to care how many Christians are slaughtered in the Sudan. This is a sad and uplifting story both.
January 8, 2010
Very inspiring story.
September 1, 2016
Semicolon review: http://www.semicolonblog.com/?p=919
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December 18, 2014Encouraging tale of a Sudanese man and his dependence on the Lord as he suffered persecution.
August 16, 2016
A very entertaining, enlightening, and well-written story of a remarkable man and the amazing God he serves
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews