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Standing in the Fire: Courageous Christians Living in Frightening Times
Not Even ISIS Can Scare Them Off
Followers of Christ need to relearn what it means to stand courageously for their faith rather than merely survive in a climate of fear. Instead of motivating believers to action, today’s headlines appear to be paralyzing them. Standing in the Fire demonstrates the church triumphant through the lives of people who stood strong and didn’t run away in the face of overwhelming danger. These Middle Eastern heroes of faith fear God more than terrorist groups like ISIS. Supported by Tom Doyle’s commentary on events, the stories included show how these Christians are not living as victims, but victors in Christ.
Followers of Christ need to relearn what it means to stand courageously for their faith rather than merely survive in a climate of fear. Instead of motivating believers to action, today’s headlines appear to be paralyzing them. Standing in the Fire demonstrates the church triumphant through the lives of people who stood strong and didn’t run away in the face of overwhelming danger. These Middle Eastern heroes of faith fear God more than terrorist groups like ISIS. Supported by Tom Doyle’s commentary on events, the stories included show how these Christians are not living as victims, but victors in Christ.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2017
76 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Tom Doyle
7 books65 followersTom Doyle pastored for 20 years in CO, TX & NM before launching into missions in the volatile Middle East. Tom and his wife JoAnn of 28 years have an overflowing heart for the nation of Israel. As a pastor, Tom began leading tours there in 1995 and eventually he became a tour guide for the State of Israel. He speaks frequently at churches and para-church ministries about Israel, the Middle East, the global threat of Islam, and the incredible growth of the Middle East Church since Sept 11, '01."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 1, 2020
I finished reading STANDING IN THE FIRE: COURAGEOUS CHRISTIANS LIVING IN FRIGHTENING TIMES by Tim Doyle with Greg Webster. This is one of the four books on our WMS reading list for this year.
I am very glad that I had the opportunity to read these true inspirational stories about the courage and faith shown by these Christians in the Middle East. They are true believers in Jesus and love everyone; they even pray for their enemies.
This book tells of God's miracles that have taken place in recent years! It reminded me of Paul and Silas and Acts 16 in the New Testament.
"STANDING IN THE FIRE is a collection of true accounts of courageous Christians facing down the enemies who appear in today's top news stories. As with my two previous books, DREAMS AND VISIONS and KILLING CHRISTIANS, names, locations, and other identifying details has been changed to protect these current day heroes of the faith. But their stories are real. So real that you will likely evaluate your own life by comparison, and maybe discover that you have been running in the wrong direction and need to make a U-turn."
- Quote from Tom Doyle's Introduction in his book Standing in the Fire.
5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
I am very glad that I had the opportunity to read these true inspirational stories about the courage and faith shown by these Christians in the Middle East. They are true believers in Jesus and love everyone; they even pray for their enemies.
This book tells of God's miracles that have taken place in recent years! It reminded me of Paul and Silas and Acts 16 in the New Testament.
"STANDING IN THE FIRE is a collection of true accounts of courageous Christians facing down the enemies who appear in today's top news stories. As with my two previous books, DREAMS AND VISIONS and KILLING CHRISTIANS, names, locations, and other identifying details has been changed to protect these current day heroes of the faith. But their stories are real. So real that you will likely evaluate your own life by comparison, and maybe discover that you have been running in the wrong direction and need to make a U-turn."
- Quote from Tom Doyle's Introduction in his book Standing in the Fire.
5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
January 23, 2024
"I ildovnen. Modige kristne i en farlig verden setter søkelyset på troende som er villige til å dø for sin tro på Kristus, men som fremdeles lever.
På samme måte som Sjadrak, Mesjak og Abed-Nego i ildovnen, er det ikke noen jordisk grunn til at de kristne du har møtt i denne boka, fortsatt er i live. Kong Nebukadnesats brennende ildovn er borte for lengst. Men den islamske stat og andre terroristgrupper bruker sverd og kors til å torturere og drepe den dag i dag. Ingen annen gruppe mennesker blir mer rakket ned på av islamske terroristgrupper enn de kristne. Tidligere muslimer som har viet sitt liv til Jesus, slik som dine nye venner i I ildovnen, er spesielt utsatt." - Tom Doyle
Virkelig inspirerande å lese om korleis våre kristne brødre og søstre gjer alt dei kan for å dele dei gode nyhetene om evangeliet sjølv om det er ekstremt farlig og dødelig. Tankevekkande her me sitter i trygge Norge og kor dei gode nyhetene helst berre skal snakkast om til andre kristne.
Sjadrak, Mesjak og Abed-Nego kan du lese om i Daniels bok i Gamle Testamentet Bibelen om du vil, kapittel 3 😊
På samme måte som Sjadrak, Mesjak og Abed-Nego i ildovnen, er det ikke noen jordisk grunn til at de kristne du har møtt i denne boka, fortsatt er i live. Kong Nebukadnesats brennende ildovn er borte for lengst. Men den islamske stat og andre terroristgrupper bruker sverd og kors til å torturere og drepe den dag i dag. Ingen annen gruppe mennesker blir mer rakket ned på av islamske terroristgrupper enn de kristne. Tidligere muslimer som har viet sitt liv til Jesus, slik som dine nye venner i I ildovnen, er spesielt utsatt." - Tom Doyle
Virkelig inspirerande å lese om korleis våre kristne brødre og søstre gjer alt dei kan for å dele dei gode nyhetene om evangeliet sjølv om det er ekstremt farlig og dødelig. Tankevekkande her me sitter i trygge Norge og kor dei gode nyhetene helst berre skal snakkast om til andre kristne.
Sjadrak, Mesjak og Abed-Nego kan du lese om i Daniels bok i Gamle Testamentet Bibelen om du vil, kapittel 3 😊
April 9, 2019
Reading the accounts of our brothers amd sisters in Christ was encouraging and challenging. These testimonies reflect the life-giving power of Christ! May we be faithful to stand where Jesus calls us to stand.
November 21, 2017
This book is a must read for the American church. No words can describe the effect it had on me. It is a life changing book.
April 13, 2019
I am both inspired and heart-broken. That I might have faith as these precious new believers in the Middle East!
August 31, 2018
I liked this book until I realized that with the exception of one story, every single chapter was about men. The women were portrayed as weak, fearful wives. They lacked dimension. The one story with a woman focused on her search for a husband. I am sure there are just as many exciting stories featuring women coming out of the region. But it appears that they aren't worth looking into for Tom Doyle. It's hard to believe, but this book wouldn't even pass the Bechdel test. Once again women's voices are silenced.
May 10, 2017
This is a book that every Christian should read. Amidst all the chaos and terror that we often hear about in the Middle East, there are faithful Christians who are standing in the fire. This book will encourage and thrill you. In the most difficult circumstances people are coming to Christ and then being used in amazing ways to share the Gospel.
June 17, 2020
Wonderful and powerful stories of Muslims coming to follow Jesus.
July 13, 2019
I could hardly put this book down.
Standing in the Fire is a collection of real-life accounts of Muslims who have converted to Christianity and committed their lives to spreading the truth of Christ in an area where it’s least welcomed. It made me cry with every chapter, and if I’m honest, it made me feel ashamed. Ashamed of what it means to be an Americanized Christian. Ashamed of the “problems” I think I have in standing up for Christ. Losing a church family here. A rude comment on Instagram there. The one thing my resumé is lacking, however, is watching as my son is beheaded for our faith, then watching his killers use his head as a soccer ball to torture me until they kill me too.
But, much like the earliest apostles of the faith, even death doesn’t stop them from taking up their crosses daily and following Him.
While we argue about whether instruments should be allowed in our worship services or not (then critique the set when the music isn’t up to snuff for us), they are literally dodging gunfire as they sing praise music up and down the streets of those they hope come to Jesus. While we gripe to anyone who will listen about the church member who hurt our feelings, they’re visiting the homes of those who text, call, and spray paint death threats on the doors and walls of their neighborhoods and leaving Bibles on their kitchen tables, praying they’ll read them and find Christ (and they do). While we bicker with our spouse about buying a new outfit or X-Box game, they’re calling their wives asking for immediate prayer and saying their just-in-case goodbyes while being chased by men with semi-automatic weapons. While ONE MAN witnesses genuine heart conversions and miraculous healings by the thousands, we peddle theatrics and self-help sermons to remind us to just be nice to one another. And while we’re divided into who knows how many denominations because I think Paul said this and you think he said that, they‘re paying attention to one thing and one thing only: The red letters of Christ. The simple Gospel of how much He loves us, how much we need Him, and how He is the only thing that really matters in the end. THEY DIE FOR THAT, y’all. Yet we’re the ones with “Apostle” and “Prophet” prominently showcased in front of our Facebook names.
We have become a society so focused on intelligence and theology and apologetics that we‘ve completely forgotten the power and importance of the simple Gospel. This book is a phenomenal reminder of it, and of what happens when Christ-followers get real, get risky, and get radical about others knowing our Messiah like we do. Five stars, and then some. May it inspire thousands to stand in the fire with them.
Standing in the Fire is a collection of real-life accounts of Muslims who have converted to Christianity and committed their lives to spreading the truth of Christ in an area where it’s least welcomed. It made me cry with every chapter, and if I’m honest, it made me feel ashamed. Ashamed of what it means to be an Americanized Christian. Ashamed of the “problems” I think I have in standing up for Christ. Losing a church family here. A rude comment on Instagram there. The one thing my resumé is lacking, however, is watching as my son is beheaded for our faith, then watching his killers use his head as a soccer ball to torture me until they kill me too.
But, much like the earliest apostles of the faith, even death doesn’t stop them from taking up their crosses daily and following Him.
While we argue about whether instruments should be allowed in our worship services or not (then critique the set when the music isn’t up to snuff for us), they are literally dodging gunfire as they sing praise music up and down the streets of those they hope come to Jesus. While we gripe to anyone who will listen about the church member who hurt our feelings, they’re visiting the homes of those who text, call, and spray paint death threats on the doors and walls of their neighborhoods and leaving Bibles on their kitchen tables, praying they’ll read them and find Christ (and they do). While we bicker with our spouse about buying a new outfit or X-Box game, they’re calling their wives asking for immediate prayer and saying their just-in-case goodbyes while being chased by men with semi-automatic weapons. While ONE MAN witnesses genuine heart conversions and miraculous healings by the thousands, we peddle theatrics and self-help sermons to remind us to just be nice to one another. And while we’re divided into who knows how many denominations because I think Paul said this and you think he said that, they‘re paying attention to one thing and one thing only: The red letters of Christ. The simple Gospel of how much He loves us, how much we need Him, and how He is the only thing that really matters in the end. THEY DIE FOR THAT, y’all. Yet we’re the ones with “Apostle” and “Prophet” prominently showcased in front of our Facebook names.
We have become a society so focused on intelligence and theology and apologetics that we‘ve completely forgotten the power and importance of the simple Gospel. This book is a phenomenal reminder of it, and of what happens when Christ-followers get real, get risky, and get radical about others knowing our Messiah like we do. Five stars, and then some. May it inspire thousands to stand in the fire with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
8/10 ⭐️
🔥✝️
En bok om människor som är villiga att dö för sin kristna tro, men som fortfarande lever. Ett flertal sanna berättelser om muslimer som börjat följa Jesus på några av världens farligaste platser.
Inte riktigt lika bra som "Kvinnor som riskerar allt" av samma författare. Det är svårt att betygsätta en bok som handlar om riktiga människor och deras berättelser, men jag tyckte det var lite tråkigt att berättelserna avslutades så tidigt. I flera fall tog kapitlet slut direkt efter personen blev kristen. Jag hade gärna velat veta mer om hur det gick för dem. (Kanske beror det dock på att boken gavs ut rätt nära i tid till händelserna?)
Så sjukt imponerande att dessa människor som endast varit kristna i några månader/veckor/dagar/timmar är villiga att uppoffra till och med sina liv för Jesus. Och här går man själv och är rädd för att säga att man är kristen för att man kanske kan bli lite utstött..
(Mitt favoritkapitel var kap 5 - det var också det längsta kapitlet.)
🔥🔥🔥
🔥✝️
En bok om människor som är villiga att dö för sin kristna tro, men som fortfarande lever. Ett flertal sanna berättelser om muslimer som börjat följa Jesus på några av världens farligaste platser.
Inte riktigt lika bra som "Kvinnor som riskerar allt" av samma författare. Det är svårt att betygsätta en bok som handlar om riktiga människor och deras berättelser, men jag tyckte det var lite tråkigt att berättelserna avslutades så tidigt. I flera fall tog kapitlet slut direkt efter personen blev kristen. Jag hade gärna velat veta mer om hur det gick för dem. (Kanske beror det dock på att boken gavs ut rätt nära i tid till händelserna?)
Så sjukt imponerande att dessa människor som endast varit kristna i några månader/veckor/dagar/timmar är villiga att uppoffra till och med sina liv för Jesus. Och här går man själv och är rädd för att säga att man är kristen för att man kanske kan bli lite utstött..
(Mitt favoritkapitel var kap 5 - det var också det längsta kapitlet.)
🔥🔥🔥
March 9, 2024
If you aren't sure if Jesus is still actively working in peoples' lives, read this. If you want to be encouraged in your walk with God, read this. If you want to get a feel for what real persecution is like being a Christian in the Middle East, read this. If you want to help those or even go and help in the Middle East, read this first.
Tom Doyle introduces us to different individuals in the Middle East coming from different backgrounds and different perspectives. Some were already Christians wanting to help Muslims or people of other faiths find Jesus. Others were Muslims who received the call from Jesus and began to follow Him, at their peril.
Some of the stories make for some dark reading, but there is hope to be had in each of them. I would encourage everyone who is either searching, or has already found Truth, to read this book.
Praise Jesus for His victory. May the Lord continue to keep His faithful followers safe and spread His Good News.
Tom Doyle introduces us to different individuals in the Middle East coming from different backgrounds and different perspectives. Some were already Christians wanting to help Muslims or people of other faiths find Jesus. Others were Muslims who received the call from Jesus and began to follow Him, at their peril.
Some of the stories make for some dark reading, but there is hope to be had in each of them. I would encourage everyone who is either searching, or has already found Truth, to read this book.
Praise Jesus for His victory. May the Lord continue to keep His faithful followers safe and spread His Good News.
October 22, 2025
"Are you willing to die for Him?" seems like a cliché in Christian circles. "Are you willing to live for Him?" is the more pertinent question for most of us reading this in English, and it's the question Doyle ends with.
This collection of terrible, tragic, yet somehow humourous, inspirational and faith-filled stories are what we need to bolster our hearts through the exile we find ourselves in.
No doubt there are many questions and criticisms of E3, as with all faith-based organisations. The effective altruism bunch will have a field day. Ultimately though, effectiveness isn't what they're going for. Nor is altruism for that matter. It's all-out, on-fire, reckless abandon and surrender. Like politics, economics and even religion, all ideology will fail. Faith, hope and love are all we have and for those who have met Jesus, the former two have been fulfilled and love is all they have and need. Forever.
This collection of terrible, tragic, yet somehow humourous, inspirational and faith-filled stories are what we need to bolster our hearts through the exile we find ourselves in.
No doubt there are many questions and criticisms of E3, as with all faith-based organisations. The effective altruism bunch will have a field day. Ultimately though, effectiveness isn't what they're going for. Nor is altruism for that matter. It's all-out, on-fire, reckless abandon and surrender. Like politics, economics and even religion, all ideology will fail. Faith, hope and love are all we have and for those who have met Jesus, the former two have been fulfilled and love is all they have and need. Forever.
April 9, 2020
Powerful inspiring stories of faith despite persecution and oppression. It is so eye opening that this is real, it read like a suspense novel with all the amazing stories. It makes me step back and think about my faith, how I’m living it out, and what am I doing to share the good news? 4 stars because the language was distracting for me in that it was very American, so it was strange for me to be reading about Syrian people using American slang and colloquialisms. Personally I would prefer to read the way they would be expressing themselves. I think it’s beautiful seeing different cultures and languages talking about Jesus and I know the language and perspective would be different and that aspect was lacking for me.
Also, I noticed at least once a child’s name changed in a story, it made me concerned since the names are changed to protect identities.
Also, I noticed at least once a child’s name changed in a story, it made me concerned since the names are changed to protect identities.
May 27, 2017
What a treat this book was! I heard Tom Doyle on the Voice of the Martyrs podcast (vomradio.com) and his stories so enchanted me I had to get the book. I was not disappointed. I actually read some stories twice because they were so powerful! If you are looking to understand the recent developments in Syria and Lebanon, if you are looking to understand better the plight of Christians in that region, if you are looking to be encouraged by the mighty works God is doing in the hearts of people, then this is a must read for you.
August 31, 2017
Inspired by men and women standing in Love and Faith
I chose 5 stars because of real people standing in love and faith for those suffering in the middle of war, even their persecutors. Not just faith in something,but true love for the one torturing them.
Real people living it right now in 2017 in the most dangerous places.
I was inspired to live for Jesus and love those around me with His love and forgiveness.
I recommend this book for Christians, Muslims, Jews and every person who has been hurt and felt like they were persecuted by others.
I chose 5 stars because of real people standing in love and faith for those suffering in the middle of war, even their persecutors. Not just faith in something,but true love for the one torturing them.
Real people living it right now in 2017 in the most dangerous places.
I was inspired to live for Jesus and love those around me with His love and forgiveness.
I recommend this book for Christians, Muslims, Jews and every person who has been hurt and felt like they were persecuted by others.
January 27, 2023
Wow! I told someone just the other day how this book really put the difficult circumstances in my life into perspective. Reading all of these stories about the transformation of these bold, brave & courageous Christians who are living in persecution.
It’s humbling to read stories about persecuted believers because sometimes I complain about my circumstances. However, when I see the difficulties that these believers experience because of their faith it challenges my beliefs. This is definitely a must read for all believers whatever level of faith.
It’s humbling to read stories about persecuted believers because sometimes I complain about my circumstances. However, when I see the difficulties that these believers experience because of their faith it challenges my beliefs. This is definitely a must read for all believers whatever level of faith.
November 16, 2024
Author Tom Doyle writes a book about converted Christians living in persecuted areas of the world. It is a collaboration of stories told by these men and women. Each of them detail how they came to Christ while living lives at one time faithful to other religions, and how they are able to continually be a beacon for Jesus. Miracle after miracle is described throughout these pages. It will certainly inspire your faith and make you look at your own life and ask, "What am I doing to live for Jesus?"
July 5, 2018
Powerful accounts written in a fast moving style.
They are very challenging when I compare the pressures on those appearing within the pages with the minimal pressures on me. There were however some useful applications to be considered in the more sheltered West.
The only weakness for a British reader were some of the US applications, vantage points and language.
It was given to us to read and pass round. Hopefully many others will get blessing from it.
They are very challenging when I compare the pressures on those appearing within the pages with the minimal pressures on me. There were however some useful applications to be considered in the more sheltered West.
The only weakness for a British reader were some of the US applications, vantage points and language.
It was given to us to read and pass round. Hopefully many others will get blessing from it.
April 8, 2024
Excellent!
This is real life. Life in a world that hates you because you chose to follow Jesus, but Father God has a plan. Love. Peace. In the midst of it all. And along the way, He gives you words to speak to those who hate you. Moves the hearts of those searching for truth to seek you out.
These are the stories of some of those who found Jesus in a world of hatred and what our God did in their lives.
Very good book!
This is real life. Life in a world that hates you because you chose to follow Jesus, but Father God has a plan. Love. Peace. In the midst of it all. And along the way, He gives you words to speak to those who hate you. Moves the hearts of those searching for truth to seek you out.
These are the stories of some of those who found Jesus in a world of hatred and what our God did in their lives.
Very good book!
August 1, 2025
The stories of Christians surviving and living in the war torn Middle East are intriguing and kept calling me back until I finished the entire book. After the final chapters, I realize that Jesus is doing some of His best work in the world today in the areas where being a Christian will literally put your life on the line.
We Christians in the West have much to learn from the stories in this book about being on fire for the Lord and risking it all for Him.
We Christians in the West have much to learn from the stories in this book about being on fire for the Lord and risking it all for Him.
November 13, 2017
Amazing accounts of current day Christians who are truly picking up their cross and carrying it daily. I am in awe at how Jesus is working today in the middle east. The courageous faith shown in these 8 stories is inspiring...and i will admit left me feeling a bit dim. God's light does shine brightest in the face of persecution. Excellent read!
July 4, 2018
Excellent true stories of Christians in the middle east and their survival amid intense persecution. Each chapter closes with a personal message from these persecuted believers which in my opinion is the best part. This book should inspire us all to greater boldness in sharing the Gospel with others.
June 17, 2024
This is a challenging book to read. It shares stories of believers who have considered the costs, and chosen to take up their cross (in very costly ways) to follow Christ ... It speaks of the power of God to preserve, but also the reality of evil. While the anonymity and "changing of names and details" means that it is hard to know exactly how close to reality the stories are, it is a great motivation to pray for this needy part of the world.
November 19, 2017
As in the author's book, Killing Christians, Standing in the Fire tells more true stories of Christian faith and strength in the middle east. For some reason I enjoyed Killing Christians more, but Standing in the Fire was still an inspirational read.
October 18, 2020
4 stars [Anthology]
(W: 3.25, U: 3.75, T: 4.5)
Exact rating: 3.83
#15 in the theme of Missions, out of 56
Courageous brothers and sisters in the Middle East in the face of ISIS, Assad, Hamas, et al.
(W: 3.25, U: 3.75, T: 4.5)
Exact rating: 3.83
#15 in the theme of Missions, out of 56
Courageous brothers and sisters in the Middle East in the face of ISIS, Assad, Hamas, et al.
December 31, 2021
Another incredibly moving, inspiring and Christ focused collection of stories about believers in the Middle East facing tremendous challenges because of their faith in Christ. Read it and be encouraged and motivated to stand strong for Jesus yourself!
November 29, 2022
A great challenge
This book was such both an encouragement and a challenge to me. Reading about all the difficulties people face to live and sometimes die for Christ, begs the question ‘Am I willing to live wholeheartedly for Him no matter what, no matter where I am?’
This book was such both an encouragement and a challenge to me. Reading about all the difficulties people face to live and sometimes die for Christ, begs the question ‘Am I willing to live wholeheartedly for Him no matter what, no matter where I am?’
June 21, 2023
Honestly, once I started this book, I couldn't put it down! Each chapter was a new story of a Christian in a Middle Eastern country risking their lives to spread the gospel. They were all compellingly told and convicting to this Christian!
Read
September 9, 2024More of the same as his other books but very intriguing, interesting, and compelling. Thoroughly, enjoyable is not the correct word, but reading these stories left me hopeful and challenged. Very good read.
March 21, 2025
Standing in the Fire tells 8 stories of Christian brothers and sisters living in the middle east. Their stories were touching and convicting. Hearing the testimonies of individuals living under so much persecution yet filled with so much joy was sobering to me as I can so quickly forget the blessings in my own life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews