What do you think?
Rate this book
Hidden Heroes
Living Water in the Desert: True Stories of God at Work in Iran
More Muslims in Iran have come to faith in Christ in the last thirty years than in the thirteen hundred years that Islam has been in the country. In a land that is notorious for persecution, through the lives of missionaries and Iranian believers God's word is being spread far and wide. Seventeen chapters tell true stories of the Living Water of Jesus Christ pouring out for thirsty people to drink in the country of Iran
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2015
11 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Davis
109 books47 followersLibrarian Note: There are several authors by this name in the Goodreads database.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 16, 2020
Amazing!! I loved it!!
July 30, 2023
Excellent children’s book! The interconnected stories gave us an idea of the history of Christian work in Iran, including the persecution that has happened since the revolution in 1979. Some of the stories are so incredible that they gave me goosebumps!
I felt the author’s treatment of persecution was very appropriate for children. There is brief mention of some being beaten or killed, but no details are given. The author clearly shows how persecution has grown the church and I was inspired by the courage of Iranian Christians.
The most graphic descriptions of physical suffering are in one story that describes how a girl was taught Allah would punish her in hell, and the self-flagellation of earnest Muslims. If you’re concerned about this, pre-read chapter 14.
A few extra tidbits are included at the end of the book: a current update on Christianity in Iran, a message from the author about her experience writing the book, extra information about the missionaries and believers mentioned (book titles and ministry information), and Thinking Further questions for each chapter. The last section is a huge added bonus, and made me feel extra affection for the author for thoughtfully including them.
I felt the author’s treatment of persecution was very appropriate for children. There is brief mention of some being beaten or killed, but no details are given. The author clearly shows how persecution has grown the church and I was inspired by the courage of Iranian Christians.
The most graphic descriptions of physical suffering are in one story that describes how a girl was taught Allah would punish her in hell, and the self-flagellation of earnest Muslims. If you’re concerned about this, pre-read chapter 14.
A few extra tidbits are included at the end of the book: a current update on Christianity in Iran, a message from the author about her experience writing the book, extra information about the missionaries and believers mentioned (book titles and ministry information), and Thinking Further questions for each chapter. The last section is a huge added bonus, and made me feel extra affection for the author for thoughtfully including them.
March 12, 2024
Very simple (but true) stories aimed at young readers, talking about how people came to a Christian faith in Iran. By the end of the book, I had a real feel for the challenges and opportunities faced in that country and it was great to read out loud with my boys.
November 16, 2018
Favorite quote in this book: "Where the blood of the saints has fallen, there the church of the saints will grow! A church that is not afraid of death will never be defeated!"
February 25, 2025
Davis does a good job of expressing these stories with simplicity a child will understand. This is great read-aloud for parents or teachers. For older children or adults, there are recommendations in the back of the book of other biographies that tell further details of each story.
April 5, 2025
I just love this faith-building series of true stories from the mission field. We read this volume in conjunction with our study of the Middle East. The Muslim-Background Believers we read about are great souls that spur me on to greater courage and expectation.
April 29, 2025
This series is my favorite thing about Sonlight curriculum! I love learning about mission fields across the world and opening our eyes to how God works differently in other cultures!
This book did not disappoint.
This book did not disappoint.
May 26, 2018
This is a very encouraging book. The personal histories of many people in Iran coming to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior is wonderful to read. It is a youth book but great for any age!
May 31, 2019
Absolutely amazing true stories, worthy of being read by children and adults alike.
January 5, 2020
Stories of missionaries and God’s Word and His Presence in Iran as written for children.
March 5, 2020
Wonderful true stories of salvation in Iran.
December 22, 2021
Fascinating stories. Reminds me of Pastor Karen's story. Level F.
November 11, 2022
one of my favorite non-fiction books about missionaries, this book is amazing for both younger (9+) and older kids! very eye-opening.
March 29, 2023
I love to see how God can work in the lives of Muslims, who, ironically, are Christians biggest rival in religion.
October 25, 2024
This was a really good read! Really moving and sometimes sad conversions in Iran, which were all amazing! God is at work in even such a broken, and persecuted country!
March 14, 2025
This is an amazing book of stories of Iranian lives transformed by Christ, from the start of Christian mission in Iran to the present day. Very faith-building.
March 26, 2025
So good!!! This was a history book for my daughter that was supposed to take 2.5 school weeks and we read through it in a little less than 2 hours!
March 20, 2017
Read this out loud to my kids. Beautiful true stories of God at work in the Middle East!
March 3, 2023
Number of pages: 128
Genre Missionary Biography (Iran)
Series: Hidden Heroes #6 (Last book in the series, but they don’t have to be read in order)
Age recommendation: 8-12 ish. (Younger and older kids might enjoy it too, but that’s more the intended audience)
Summary: There is a struggle going on in Iran: people leaving Islam to join Christianity. Not only is it hard to leave the old way, but there is persecution for joining the new. This book follows several pastors and converts on their journeys to bring Living Water to the desert.
My thoughts: I’m really sad that there aren’t any more books after this. I’ve really enjoyed this whole series of missionary/evangelism in other countries. I love that they’re short and easy to read. Also, in the notes at the end the author mentions some of her sources for the book which as an older reader I might actually check out.
In this book, the struggle is between Christianity and Islam, Jesus and Mohammed. There is a bit about Muslim beliefs/practices, and also what happened to Muslims who converted to Christianity (ie: disownment, death threats, violence) and two pastors were murdered. If you’re concerned about this for your kids, I would suggest reading it first or reading it with them.
I really like this series and would recommend it to everyone!
My personal rating: 5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre Missionary Biography (Iran)
Series: Hidden Heroes #6 (Last book in the series, but they don’t have to be read in order)
Age recommendation: 8-12 ish. (Younger and older kids might enjoy it too, but that’s more the intended audience)
Summary: There is a struggle going on in Iran: people leaving Islam to join Christianity. Not only is it hard to leave the old way, but there is persecution for joining the new. This book follows several pastors and converts on their journeys to bring Living Water to the desert.
My thoughts: I’m really sad that there aren’t any more books after this. I’ve really enjoyed this whole series of missionary/evangelism in other countries. I love that they’re short and easy to read. Also, in the notes at the end the author mentions some of her sources for the book which as an older reader I might actually check out.
In this book, the struggle is between Christianity and Islam, Jesus and Mohammed. There is a bit about Muslim beliefs/practices, and also what happened to Muslims who converted to Christianity (ie: disownment, death threats, violence) and two pastors were murdered. If you’re concerned about this for your kids, I would suggest reading it first or reading it with them.
I really like this series and would recommend it to everyone!
My personal rating: 5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
October 27, 2015
Terrific collection of stories geared to the YA audience. Starting with the 1800's on through recent history, God is moving--even in Iran. Includes some discussion question for each chapter, making it a nice resource for home educators.
March 22, 2022
Touching stories from Iran of people encountering Jesus that we read as part of my child's history curriculum.
April 6, 2024
True stories of missionaries and conversions in Iran. Interesting look into the culture.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews