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Dragon Ride: True Stories of Adventure, Miracles, and Evangelism from China
Twenty-year-old Peter, when threatened with incarceration in a mental institution for his faith, refused to let Grace fight for his release. “If leaving me in the mental institution will further the gospel, then leave me there!”
The first time Doris, an orthodox Buddhist, heard about Jesus, she whispered to Grace, “Don’t tell anyone that Jesus died for us. This will be our secret!”
The police were interrogating 19-year-old Hope every few days—pressuring her to disclose Grace and Justin’s ministry to university students. With tears in her eyes, she told Grace and Justin, “I’ll never betray you two, no matter what they do to me!”
Leah, an idol-worshipper, longed to become a Christian, but she was afraid. “If I believe in Jesus, the gods I worship are going to retaliate. They’ll hurt me really bad. Is Jesus powerful enough to protect me from them?”
In the kick-off meeting of a discussion group Grace was leading for atheist university students, Carol burst out laughing. “Grace, you can’t be serious! You actually believe God exists?”
In Dragon Ride, the beauty of the Lord is seen through the eyes of Buddhists, atheists, idol-worshippers, Muslims, and an animist as they encounter Jesus. Dragon Ride records the actual conversations Grace had with her friends, and many of them embraced Christ as the answer to their deepest longings.
Grace writes about persecution, evading the police, saving lives, helping the homeless and disabled, and she even writes about the murder of a friend. But more importantly, she writes of a God who acts on behalf of His children, of a faith that grew in the crucible of China, and of learning how to effectively share the gospel.
Grace’s stories are raw, personal, and humorous, and she openly shares about her own spiritual struggles and growth.
The first time Doris, an orthodox Buddhist, heard about Jesus, she whispered to Grace, “Don’t tell anyone that Jesus died for us. This will be our secret!”
The police were interrogating 19-year-old Hope every few days—pressuring her to disclose Grace and Justin’s ministry to university students. With tears in her eyes, she told Grace and Justin, “I’ll never betray you two, no matter what they do to me!”
Leah, an idol-worshipper, longed to become a Christian, but she was afraid. “If I believe in Jesus, the gods I worship are going to retaliate. They’ll hurt me really bad. Is Jesus powerful enough to protect me from them?”
In the kick-off meeting of a discussion group Grace was leading for atheist university students, Carol burst out laughing. “Grace, you can’t be serious! You actually believe God exists?”
In Dragon Ride, the beauty of the Lord is seen through the eyes of Buddhists, atheists, idol-worshippers, Muslims, and an animist as they encounter Jesus. Dragon Ride records the actual conversations Grace had with her friends, and many of them embraced Christ as the answer to their deepest longings.
Grace writes about persecution, evading the police, saving lives, helping the homeless and disabled, and she even writes about the murder of a friend. But more importantly, she writes of a God who acts on behalf of His children, of a faith that grew in the crucible of China, and of learning how to effectively share the gospel.
Grace’s stories are raw, personal, and humorous, and she openly shares about her own spiritual struggles and growth.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2017
91 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 6, 2018
The author shares her own journey of how she came to know the Lord and how she guided many others of different backgrounds on their own journeys. It offers a unique look into the what it takes to lead to someone to Christ. Dragon Ride is also filled with the trials the author and her husband faced sharing the Gospel and the ways that God provided for them. It’s an interesting, faith-strengthening read.
May 18, 2019
This is an interesting book about the author's experiences in Hong Kong and mainland China. She writes well. There is suspense in some of the stories. You can almost visualize some of the stories with her detailed descriptions. She tried to begin her evangelism by thinking the way her students were thinking and going from there.
March 10, 2021
An amazing chronicle of stories! One of the best books I've ever read on evangelism. At times, this was an excruciating read due to the hardship this family suffered, but, wow, what fortitude and commitment. And the joys of seeing souls saved made the bitter sections sweet. I'm still amazed at what some people will go through to see the gospel propagate in tough fields. Pray for a missionary today. They need all the support we can give them.
March 11, 2019
I don’t often write reviews but this one deserves it. This book challenged me and encouraged me. It was a complete page turner and I could not put it down. If you are looking for a book that will challenge you to share your faith this one will do it!
October 7, 2017
A fascinating book that gave me an in-depth look at life in China and the difficulties and hardships missionaries must overcome. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of people and places from which I was able to see and feel what it was like to actually be there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 29, 2019
Wonderful book!
I loved this book!! It was magnificent to hear how God is moving in other countries. Grace was so blessed to have been used of God. I will tell everyone I know how worth while it will be for them to read this book!
I loved this book!! It was magnificent to hear how God is moving in other countries. Grace was so blessed to have been used of God. I will tell everyone I know how worth while it will be for them to read this book!
September 27, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. I loved reading the different accounts of life in China experienced by the author and her family. While reading it I felt all the frustrations but also the joys of the Jacob family living and ministering in a foreign culture and learning to appreciate and loving it. I am challenged by the approach of Grace Jacob in making Christ known to a mostly atheistic people not rushing them or preaching at them, but lovingly questioning them as to where they are in their beliefs. I am impressed by Jacob's statement that their code of ministry was to put as much into one person as they would a thousand and they would invest in someone who was struggling just as much as one who was emotionally balanced and charismatic. That comes across in Jacob's various accounts of the family's treatment in different situations.
July 11, 2017
Grace is a good storyteller and the chapters move fast. She details life as it is for a Western Christian in current China, trying to live out her faith. She has the gift of evangelism, and the last quarter of the book is better than the rest as she details how she handled some pretty interesting conversations. Her own growth is evident as she moves you through her life with honesty, impulsive recklessness in some situations, and a real heart for people to understand Jesus well. I might rate this as a 5 star except I wonder the implications of a book this direct while many other Westerners are still living in tough places trying to do their job well also.
December 29, 2017
This was a very interesting book, in part because I know the author! She writes under a pseudonym, but the stories are very real. She tells of the many "adventures" she and her family have while they live, work and minister in the "Great Country," China. This is a book that is well worth reading.
September 27, 2017
This book is most definitely a "must read". The message of Christianity it portrays is gripping and insightful. Its content is also exciting and its prose excellent. The author's and her husband's dedication to their Christian mission is truly amazing, inspiring and glorifying to their Lord.
July 3, 2019
This book was a page turner for me and very hard to put down! The short stories were gripping and kept me going back for just “one more.” I have decided to go back and read it to my kids. The stories of courage and faith and God showing up is certain to build their faith!!
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November 22, 2019Moving story!
I loved the simplicity of her writing. It opened my heart to the everyday presence of God, always present and willing to act on behalf of his beloved . Thank you Grace for your honesty and willingness to share your stories. I have a renewed hunger for God because of this book.
I loved the simplicity of her writing. It opened my heart to the everyday presence of God, always present and willing to act on behalf of his beloved . Thank you Grace for your honesty and willingness to share your stories. I have a renewed hunger for God because of this book.
July 9, 2020
As someone with a passion for missions, I enjoyed this book. My favorite parts of Grace's story was hearing about what life is really like in China as well as reading of her evangelistic efforts and the various approaches she took when ministering to the lost. I especially liked that she didn't have a one size fits all approach in her evangelism. There were a lot of interesting stories that kept the book from dragging. She and her husband have done a honorable work in a most difficult nation. I pray that God will raise up more like them.
Because the writing could be a bit better, I'd give it 3.5 stars.
A few quotes -
"Chinese culture doesn’t place a high value on telling the truth—rather it values relationships running smoothly. Practically, this means that Chinese people often tell others what they want to hear just to have peace. This comes from the Daoist ideal of avoiding interpersonal conflict."
"Some Chinese will go so far as to pray with you to receive Christ when they don’t even believe God exists. Because they want to honor you, they say yes when you ask if they want to believe in Jesus. So whenever I told a Chinese person about Christ, I usually didn’t trust their reaction unless they disagreed with me first."
“Falling in love, where you only imagine what the person is like, now that’s wishful thinking. You think the person is just what you imagined him to be, but you’re not actually connecting with a real person. Really knowing someone is completely different—he won’t be just what you imagined, and there will be things you don’t like about him. Also, the relationship can grow deeper. My relationship with God is a real relationship. How do I know? He’s not exactly what I imagined he would be. He’s way beyond what I imagined. Also, I keep getting to know him more deeply. That doesn’t happen with an imagined relationship. In fact, although most things about God I really like, there are some things I don’t like about him and the Bible. If God came out of my imagination, I would like everything about him. So God is not just wishful thinking.”
Because the writing could be a bit better, I'd give it 3.5 stars.
A few quotes -
"Chinese culture doesn’t place a high value on telling the truth—rather it values relationships running smoothly. Practically, this means that Chinese people often tell others what they want to hear just to have peace. This comes from the Daoist ideal of avoiding interpersonal conflict."
"Some Chinese will go so far as to pray with you to receive Christ when they don’t even believe God exists. Because they want to honor you, they say yes when you ask if they want to believe in Jesus. So whenever I told a Chinese person about Christ, I usually didn’t trust their reaction unless they disagreed with me first."
“Falling in love, where you only imagine what the person is like, now that’s wishful thinking. You think the person is just what you imagined him to be, but you’re not actually connecting with a real person. Really knowing someone is completely different—he won’t be just what you imagined, and there will be things you don’t like about him. Also, the relationship can grow deeper. My relationship with God is a real relationship. How do I know? He’s not exactly what I imagined he would be. He’s way beyond what I imagined. Also, I keep getting to know him more deeply. That doesn’t happen with an imagined relationship. In fact, although most things about God I really like, there are some things I don’t like about him and the Bible. If God came out of my imagination, I would like everything about him. So God is not just wishful thinking.”
November 5, 2019
Praise God!
As an Asian American, I definitely related to many of the stories and experiences in this book. It was well written and encouraging. All glory to God!
As an Asian American, I definitely related to many of the stories and experiences in this book. It was well written and encouraging. All glory to God!
August 7, 2019
I got this book figuring it would be an adventure story of how discreet missionaries are doing God's work in China. However, once I got into it a few sections, I realized it was that and more. The book's insights are proving immediately applicable to my life, with valuable ideas about living and sharing faith in any diverse culture, including here in the US where I live.
It was fascinating to read her ways of sharing the Good News with secular atheists, Buddhists, Muslims and others, by learning "to think like they think in order to make the gospel appealing." As Grace wrote: "I couldn’t start from my way of thinking and expect them to make the transition—almost definitely they wouldn’t. I had to make the switch and think like they did."
The book is filled with engaging personal testimony, accounts of God's miraculous works, and lessons learned in many different ministry settings. Grace writes in a sincere, naturally interesting way that drew me into the book and kept me eager to read what would come next. I particularly appreciated the splendid imagery, to let me visualize the country & people.
I thought the author's use of her 48 vignettes was masterful. If ever I were to take on writing to share some of my own life stories & lessons-learned with my kids & grandkids, this is the way I'd try to do it!
Oh yes: you'll have to read the book to learn why "Lazy waitresses are ideal for secret Christian training. "
It was fascinating to read her ways of sharing the Good News with secular atheists, Buddhists, Muslims and others, by learning "to think like they think in order to make the gospel appealing." As Grace wrote: "I couldn’t start from my way of thinking and expect them to make the transition—almost definitely they wouldn’t. I had to make the switch and think like they did."
The book is filled with engaging personal testimony, accounts of God's miraculous works, and lessons learned in many different ministry settings. Grace writes in a sincere, naturally interesting way that drew me into the book and kept me eager to read what would come next. I particularly appreciated the splendid imagery, to let me visualize the country & people.
I thought the author's use of her 48 vignettes was masterful. If ever I were to take on writing to share some of my own life stories & lessons-learned with my kids & grandkids, this is the way I'd try to do it!
Oh yes: you'll have to read the book to learn why "Lazy waitresses are ideal for secret Christian training. "
September 18, 2019
Invaluable!
For anyone ministering to Chinese, as I am seeking to do, Grace shows us how to do it more effectively, as she honestly shares with us what God has taught her during those years in China. She so well points out in one of her last chapters, it’s partly a matter of listening carefully and understanding where they are starting from in their thinking. In the evangelical world we have often been taught, implicitly if not explicitly, proclamation is enough. Just give them the gospel.....and certainly we must do that. But how many times do we fail in our mission because we have failed to find a connecting point with those we are seeking to evangelize with the good news of Jesus Christ? This honest account of some of her experiences is not only fascinating to read, but also worthy of study.
For anyone ministering to Chinese, as I am seeking to do, Grace shows us how to do it more effectively, as she honestly shares with us what God has taught her during those years in China. She so well points out in one of her last chapters, it’s partly a matter of listening carefully and understanding where they are starting from in their thinking. In the evangelical world we have often been taught, implicitly if not explicitly, proclamation is enough. Just give them the gospel.....and certainly we must do that. But how many times do we fail in our mission because we have failed to find a connecting point with those we are seeking to evangelize with the good news of Jesus Christ? This honest account of some of her experiences is not only fascinating to read, but also worthy of study.
August 6, 2019
Dragon ride is exactly as the title describes - stories of Adventure, Miracles, and Evangelism. Grace gives true accounts of her growth in faith and struggles with human emotion. Some chapters are fun, some sad, and many keep you spellbound and on the edge of your seat with danger and excitement. She reminds us that HE never forsakes us and is always with us. It was written in an easy to read and follow book. Each chapter makes you want to see what's going to happen in the next and what's really amazing is they are all True stories. As a "not so avid" reader, I have read this book twice and look forward to another book from Grace.
July 7, 2019
I felt very much the same way reading Dragon Ride! Grace is an excellent writer/storyteller! I was also moved by the miracles and the faith building that she and her husband had experienced during various hardships, challenges with people and illnesses! It is definitely a faith builder and a great resource for those seeking to evangelize those of a different background, culture and religion! I will be reading this one again!!
August 7, 2019
Outstanding! You cannot make up these true life experiences that Grace Jacob and her family have lived in China. Most of us in the west do not have a clue of how difficult and dangerous it is to live for Christ in China. This should be required reading for anyone contemplating foreign missions; not to scare them off but to encourage them because of the tremendous need and to help prepare them so they do not become discouraged.
September 15, 2019
Dragon Ride was the first book I've read in years as I am not a reader. I could not put this book down I wanted more. I am encouraged and inspired to seek Jesus more and teach others to love Him as well. To spread our wings and fly.
We see Gods divine appointments thru all the difficult circumstances.
I so admire the everyday struggles they went thru and everything they endured as a family. Bless them in all they do.
We see Gods divine appointments thru all the difficult circumstances.
I so admire the everyday struggles they went thru and everything they endured as a family. Bless them in all they do.
August 4, 2019
Amazing spell binding book. A travel with this family in China in Ministry that is hard to put down. So real and raw and loving at the same time. Wonderful sense of humor and amazed that ministry can be so interesting and difficult. 29 years they spent with their family and gave it all. Wonderful Read!
April 2, 2018
God in the Dragon's Lair
A great book of changing hearts in China. She has courage and faith that are refreshing. Makes me wonder about the Great Dragon!
A great book of changing hearts in China. She has courage and faith that are refreshing. Makes me wonder about the Great Dragon!
August 3, 2019
Excellent read!⭐️Shows the soul of a missionary heart.
August 1, 2018
****Extraordinary true stories of adventure, courage and sacrifice****
Set in Hong Kong and Mainland China, Oregon author Grace Jacob’s forty-eight true short stories span twenty-nine years of her family’s missionary journey, from 1986 to 2015. Some read like adventure stories, while others are tales of risk and intrigue, but all stories reflect the importance of a missionary’s relationship with God and the Holy Spirit who guides and directs them.
Written in first person, the exotic stories are told in chronological order and share Grace’s personal spiritual struggles and growth as well as those of her sons and husband. The stories also portray the cultural differences that shaped the world views of a people and culture who believe in Buddhism, Confucianism and Communism.
For example, Grace and her family learned Confucianism was based on blood relationship and social responsibility with foreign relationships, such as with missionaries, given little consideration. Confrontations within the Chinese culture were avoided, even if it required lying, which meant Grace’s family were often told what others thought they wanted to hear. While Communism taught there was no God, thus the Bible was irrelevant.
Grace writes, through much prayer she and her family learned “…how to challenge the atheistic and Buddhist thinking” they confronted. They learned how to deal with “…security issues, persecution and forced abortions” and many other dangerous situations.
The entire family learned to “relish Chinese food, laugh at Chinese jokes and even learned how to tell Chinese jokes,” which made them more effective missionaries. As their fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin increased, Grace writes, “…learning to think in another language and taking on the values of another culture…” ultimately enriched and broadened their souls.
Their extraordinary stories reveal a missionary’s life is one of sacrifice and teaching others about Christ’s plan of salvation and how to be in relationship with the Lord. All stories reflect that theme and reveal how the power of the gospel literally changes lives, as well as hearts. An excellent book to understand the challenges of modern-day missionaries.
‘Dragon Ride: True Stories of Adventure, Miracles, and Evangelism from China,’ by Grace Jacob, XP Publisher, 2017, 278 Pages, 978-0692879177, $12.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "April 2018"
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Set in Hong Kong and Mainland China, Oregon author Grace Jacob’s forty-eight true short stories span twenty-nine years of her family’s missionary journey, from 1986 to 2015. Some read like adventure stories, while others are tales of risk and intrigue, but all stories reflect the importance of a missionary’s relationship with God and the Holy Spirit who guides and directs them.
Written in first person, the exotic stories are told in chronological order and share Grace’s personal spiritual struggles and growth as well as those of her sons and husband. The stories also portray the cultural differences that shaped the world views of a people and culture who believe in Buddhism, Confucianism and Communism.
For example, Grace and her family learned Confucianism was based on blood relationship and social responsibility with foreign relationships, such as with missionaries, given little consideration. Confrontations within the Chinese culture were avoided, even if it required lying, which meant Grace’s family were often told what others thought they wanted to hear. While Communism taught there was no God, thus the Bible was irrelevant.
Grace writes, through much prayer she and her family learned “…how to challenge the atheistic and Buddhist thinking” they confronted. They learned how to deal with “…security issues, persecution and forced abortions” and many other dangerous situations.
The entire family learned to “relish Chinese food, laugh at Chinese jokes and even learned how to tell Chinese jokes,” which made them more effective missionaries. As their fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin increased, Grace writes, “…learning to think in another language and taking on the values of another culture…” ultimately enriched and broadened their souls.
Their extraordinary stories reveal a missionary’s life is one of sacrifice and teaching others about Christ’s plan of salvation and how to be in relationship with the Lord. All stories reflect that theme and reveal how the power of the gospel literally changes lives, as well as hearts. An excellent book to understand the challenges of modern-day missionaries.
‘Dragon Ride: True Stories of Adventure, Miracles, and Evangelism from China,’ by Grace Jacob, XP Publisher, 2017, 278 Pages, 978-0692879177, $12.99
“Gail’s Bookshelf” Midwest Book Reviews: "April 2018"
Google+GailWelborn
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
FaceBook Reviews: Gail Welborn
February 21, 2024
A great insider’s view of Chinese missions
I will admit the cover sold me on this book - dragons (which I love) plus the promise of stories of adventure were an easy sell. The book wasn’t quite what I was expecting…a feisty woman, often rebelling against common sense (sneaking around forbidden borders, into restricted areas - all which could have put her missions at risk) giving a real account of life in China and the challenges she faced.
I gained a real appreciation for being an American. We have freedom of thought (free from communist brainwashing), quality housing (nine hours a week to fix things not needed) and food (not laced with melamine), plus quality healthcare (nurses use new gloves and doctors have sufficient training). I enjoyed the stories and struggles, though at times I wanted to give her a good smack (letting her kids run wild or the above neglect of common sense). Overall, it was raw and unfiltered which was nice, and I would definitely recommend it!
I will admit the cover sold me on this book - dragons (which I love) plus the promise of stories of adventure were an easy sell. The book wasn’t quite what I was expecting…a feisty woman, often rebelling against common sense (sneaking around forbidden borders, into restricted areas - all which could have put her missions at risk) giving a real account of life in China and the challenges she faced.
I gained a real appreciation for being an American. We have freedom of thought (free from communist brainwashing), quality housing (nine hours a week to fix things not needed) and food (not laced with melamine), plus quality healthcare (nurses use new gloves and doctors have sufficient training). I enjoyed the stories and struggles, though at times I wanted to give her a good smack (letting her kids run wild or the above neglect of common sense). Overall, it was raw and unfiltered which was nice, and I would definitely recommend it!
June 2, 2024
Fascinating stories of 29 years of service in Hong Kong and China. Some of her early stories really reminded me of our time in China…but then her stories went waaaay further in their horrific nature than what we endured. I was amazed. She did a lot of her Christian walk in her own strength and it was painful to read at points. I could see her deepen in her faith as I read more. Her skills at evangelism grew and really were so effective as she listened to where they were and adjusted to the people rather than sharing her faith from her own vantage point. I really appreciated that about her journey.
December 27, 2019
The e-book was given to me by a friend . I thoroughly enjoyed it and got so engrossed that out of 3 books which I am reading at the same time, this one being last, I finished this one first. Like the author, Hong Kong and China are always close to my heart and more so because I belong in this part of the world . Thank you, Grace, for sharing about your experiences and God’s workings in your life. Also like the chapters about sharing Jesus to different types of university students taking note of where they are coming from intellectually , spiritually and emotionally.
February 22, 2020
This book is amazing. Grace wrote this, then she self-published it. A publishing house missed a grand opportunity. I sincerely hope she writes many more books, she has so much to share with all of us. I am not going to give any spoilers, but if you want to read a TRUE story that is wondrously stranger than fiction, filled with REAL adventure, intrigue, suspense, danger, and self-sacrificing love, you will want to read this book. It will also increase your faith, and we all need an increase in faith every day.
July 10, 2020
This felt like an action/spy movie by Michael Bay!!! Very fun read that I couldn’t put down!!! If you need a story to inspire your faith and encourage you to share Christ, read this!! It has twist and turns, suspense, comedy, miracles, and incredible story-telling of an American missionary family’s experience in communist China. I guarantee you’ll start sharing your faith or at least praying for the lost more!
August 9, 2021
A modern day biography of Christian missionaries' 29 year ministry in China. Much of what Grace Jacob wrote can apply to Christians' every day interactions at home with friends around. She's encouraging, reporting not just vaguely, "and then we met with them for six weeks" but describing what the conversations were about and what her own mistakes and struggles have been asking the way. This is also so helpful to know how to pray for Christians in China.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews