The Rescue: Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories…

by Jim Cymbala, Ann Spangler (Primary Contributor)

Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories A Wall Street broker, a party girl, a student, a homeless man, an addict, a teenage mom, a drug enforcer—all of them spiraling out of control. Each has a reason to despair and a wound that won’t heal. Until something unexpected happens—something that will change their lives forever. The Rescue tells the powerful, true stories of men and women whose lives should have ended badly but didn’t. What happens to each of them will take you by surprise and give you hope. It will restore your sense that no matter what you are facing, Someone good is in control of the universe. Fortunately, that Someone cares about you. If you or people you care about are facing challenges beyond their strength, it may be time to experience The Rescue.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Christianity

192 pages, Hardcover

Published February 27, 2018

About the author

Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years. The author of the best-selling titles Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire; Fresh Faith; and Fresh Power, he lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Reviews

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟4.5 Stars🌟

”I used to think you had to be in good shape to come to God. But now I realize that we all come broken. We come messed up and sinful. And He accepts us just as we are. That’s why Christ died, to deal with our brokenness and sin, to bring us back to the Father. God loves us even when we aren’t living as we should be living, because how can we until he saves us? Let’s ask Him to save us.” -Timiney & Rich’s Story


This book is a collection of stories from 7 individuals who’ve had a tough life. Whether they were homeless, drug addicts, sexually abused, abandoned....this book is a raw account of how Jesus saved each of their lives. And I loved reading every single word! Books like these only makes me love Jesus even more❤️❤️


”The reason Jesus died on the cross was for people like me. It was for people who have no hope. There’s no limit to His strength, to His power, to His love, to His compassion. He’s there with His arms open wide, just waiting for us to come home.” -Alex

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains seven great stories of lives being changed by the grace of God. Each one is unique. Some experienced parental abandonment. Others were sexually abused. Some tried hard to get out of the mire while others made choices that brought them deeper into despair. When they cried out to God, He came to their rescue.

These stories are evidence that God is very much in the life transforming business. The book is an encouragement to anyone wanting to make a new start in their life. There is a prayer at the end of the book to help readers who want to ask Jesus into their lives and surrender to God.

These are first person stories of God in His rescue work. The book does not contain any additional teaching on being healed from hurts or on overcoming disadvantages. Readers who want practical suggestions for growth after God's rescue will have to look elsewhere.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Handlebar. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Miriam Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Rescue,” by Pastor Jim Cymbala. A must read: As I read the end of each story encouragement welled up in my heart. The Lord truly is a Rescuer, He is the God of the impossible. In each story you feel the despair, the hopelessness that, in the eyes of this world, radiates impossibilities, that can only bring about death and destruction.
However in God’s word it says “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27. We get to see God’s amazing power, His mercy and unconditional love. When life feels hopeless and wants to trap you be encouraged knowing that as He did it for each life in each of these stories, He can and wants to do it for you.
#TheRescueBook
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[Kim Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a part of the launch team to read and review this book by Jim Cymbala. I am embarrassed to admit that I had not heard of him or read his books before, especially when so many people mentioned to me that they read his previous books and really enjoyed them.
That being said, I had high expectations when I read The Rescue, and I was not disappointed. This is a book that contains seven stories from ordinary men and women who have literally hit rock bottom. They have sunk so low they feel no one cares about them or truly loves them--they have no HOPE. Some have contemplated suicide or have settled for a life of despair. Until they each found hope in JESUS.
When I started this book I found myself with my foot in "that place" a bit, questioning does God hear me? Does He see me? Love me? Does He even know I'm here?? This book answered my questions with a loud YES!! Yes, he sees me and YOU. He loves us and cares about us. He has a plan and purpose for each of us, and He wants us living life to the fullest. If we allow Him to do HIS thing; allow His spirit to speak to us, we can see change, we can have hope when there seems to be none.
I am the mom of a very busy two-year old boy, and I work full-time and also take college classes, so my time is very limited. This book is perfect for busy lifestyles as it's a small book, a very quick read, but it packs a powerful message of love, hope and encouragement.
If you are feeling like you have hit such a low that you can't bounce back, or if you feel like God does not see you, please pick up a copy of this book. It is proof-positive that God is still moving and working. He does see you and he does care about YOU!!
I will definitely be checking out Pastor Cymbala's previous books, as he has made a new fan out of me!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Rescue" is a collection of 7 testimonies by Christians about how they came to faith. They came from different backgrounds, but each had a life of pain that felt empty and out of control until God reached out to them in different ways and brought healing and peace. To quote the last woman, Toni, "No matter how painful your story has been, or how much shame might be hiding from yourself and others, God is strong and loving enough to deal with it. He's also creative enough to use everything--even the worst things--to accomplish his good purposes. If you let him, he will turn your life into a story that you will cherish..." This book seems intended for people who do not believe in God or who don't have a close relationship with him yet.

I received an ebook review copy from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this incredibly moving book. The Rescue shares the testimonies of 7 people whose lives were transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ. These testimonies are sometimes difficult to read,(mostly because it causes us to face the truth about our own messy lives). The transparency of these people overwhelmed me but what overwhelmed me even more was the transformation of these people from a messy history to "I have no history, Jesus healed me." I've been a born again believer for almost 40 years and I think sometimes I become jaded and complacent, but this book reignites a passion to see God's redemptive work not only in my life but in the lives of others. When the redemptive work of Christ transforms someone into a new creation in Christ, we need not only rejoice over it but we need to testify about it, because others need to see and want what they have: Jesus, and that's what this book does. Every page screams the name of our savior. This book is scheduled to come out the end of February, but I wish it was released on Valentine's Day, because it is a love story. The love story of God the Father who loved us, pursued us and sent His son for us. May you be blessed as well as you read these pages.

[BRIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
A Must Read! It blessed me in so many ways and reminded me of how Loving & Forgiving God really is! HE MINISTERS GRACE at just the right time and Transforms Peoples Lives!
What amazing accounts of real people who have gone through severe trials in Life and have been one way or the other brought to the end of their own strength & Hope and made to realize when They cried out for Help from God... He met them & changed their lives forever!

[Mandy Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful reminder of the unfailing love of Jesus and his pursuit of a lost and broken world. No matter your circumstances or where you are in life, there is a rescuer there for you who can turn your story into something beautiful. The seven people who share their stories in this book went through some unbelievably hard things but when their lives interesected with the love of God everything changed. I highly recommend this book!

[cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compelling, quick read. It is full of 7 moving stories of people from all walks of life who had lost hope and direction and through a life-changing experience with God were rescued. I am reading it purposefully one chapter a day, but could very easily gobble it up in one sitting on a rainy day (much like a bag of M&Ms!--I can devour them or savor...)

I have read many of Pastor Cymbala's books and have loved every one of them. He is engaging, authentic, and not preachy at all.

[Michelle Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just sat down to read for a little while today and am almost done with the book. I made myself take a break. I don't want it to end. The testimonies in this book are amazing. They are real and raw! I found myself horrified and in awe of what these people have endured and the amazing power of Jesus to forgive, heal and save. I've even found my own story in some of there's that has given me hope.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's a must read no matter where you are in life. I'm so thankful for each of these who have so bravely stepped out to tell their stories. AMAZING!

Back to my book....

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book telling the amazing and true stories of seven people and how their lives were touched and forever changed by the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Through these stories author Jim Cymbala, along with Ann Spangler, provide evidence that no matter who you are, what you did in your past, or your current circumstances, The Rescuer, can help you overcome them and live a life filled with joy and purpose.

[Carole Anne]

Read this book in a day...it's that riveting! See my review here: https://hisownheartblog.blogspot.com/... #TheRescueBook #Hope #Hopeforme

[Corby Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Rescue - Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories” by Jim Cymbala is not primarily about what I thought it was going to be about, and it spoke to me in a way I did not expect. It was more. It was better. I spent about three and a half hours reading The Rescue cover to cover and near the end, it irritated me in the best possible way. I had to put it down, get up from my comfy chair, take a walk and say out loud, “Really?!” You see, as I read through the first few stories, the thing that I had decided to focus on in my review became clear. However, it turned out to be the very thing I needed to hear myself right now. I heard The Lord say in my heart, “This is for others, but it’s also for you. Pay attention.” I was going to be all cool and share this great book with the world wide web. It turns out God wanted to share it with me.

Going in, I thought The Rescue was going to focus on the circumstances of people’s stories. These stories are in the book, and more. But those changes are not the kind of rescue the book is really about. In the first five pages it became evident; being rescued didn’t mean being saved from circumstances, it was meant people being saved from themselves. It was about transformation. Jim writes, “... my hope is that, like my seven friends, you will experience the deep transformation that I call ‘the rescue’ - an experience that will change your life so that you will no longer feel defeated by your problems or overwhelmed by your worries. Instead you will have learned what it means to live a life of profound transformation, one that will bring you joy and give you the kind of peace that will never leave you.” p. 5

I love reading and talking about transformation because I know I need it myself. I want others to experience it. With The Rescue, I have another tool to share what it looks like with others.

I’m going to ask you to not buy one book; buy two. I’m not trying to sell books for Jim. In fact, he doesn’t even keep the royalties. He puts them right into the church to enable ministry that seeks to help people experience being rescued. No, I’m asking you to buy two because before you get to the end of it you will already know someone else who needs to read it. I know I do.

[C.E. Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring and touching read! The Rescue shares true stories of seven broken lives, and how God pieces them back together.

Lawrence Punter’s story:
This drew me in quickly and is my favorite story in the book. Lawrence, a young boy, unloved and unwanted, makes his way through a cruel world believing it when he’s told that he is worthless. Just when he settles on a way to end the pain—life takes him on a brand new miraculous turn.

Timiney Visser and Rich Crisalli’s story:
After a Wallstreet exec and flight attendant’s “chance” meeting, they begin on an unexpected path God has planned out for them. It’s beautiful to see how God worked in Timiney’s and Rich’s lives and showed them their purpose.

Robin’s story:
Robin’s is an interesting story. She is a Jew who follows Jewish customs, etc. but has grown to believe that Jesus of the New Testament is the true Messiah.

Kaitlin Pinkleton’s story:
This is a heartbreaking story dealing with child abuse and neglect. Kaitlin suffered unspeakable wrongs and found the only One who could climb from the wreckage.

Alexander Colon’s story:
Being raised in a violent alcoholic home made Alex store all his anger and hurt inside. When he reached his teen years, his anger took form in violence, drugs, and alcohol. It took hitting rock bottom and losing everything and everyone to make him look somewhere other than himself for help.

Toni Ginés-Rivera’s story:
Through years of sexual abuse from a trusted family member, Toni suffered for many years. After finding God’s path for her life, she overcame much, succeeded much, and learned that all things—even the horrible and tragic—work together for good.

Each story has a powerful message and displays God’s mercy, forgiveness, and healing. He sees our troubles and pain and always provides the perfect rescue—a gift that is ours if we choose to receive it.

Highly inspiring and motivational, this book provides hope and encouragement through our challenges, revealing how a true and loving God cares about us and wants to help us.

5 Stars!

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 192
Publisher: Zondervan
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Handlebar.

[Wayne Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person has a story. In that story of life are the victories, tragedies and the everyday things of life. This book by Pastor Jim Cymbala is an opportunity to step in to the lives of others and see the divine orchestration of how God loves, redeems and is always there even when we make the worst of decisions. In the pages of this book as you walk along with these individuals you will cry out of sorrow and cry with joy as God shows up in miraculous ways.
If you are in a place of uncertainty in your life then please pick up this book and journey with those that have possible walked down the path your on and see what God is able to with your story and let him take the pen and write a new chapter.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

So right when my family was going through a super rough time during a huge power outage and even as I write this thousands of people are still out. Fortunately mine was only out for 42 hours. I was struggling with scraping up savings and getting the kids and pets to a hotel so that we could be warm and safe. We lost all of the food in the fridge and freezer and we will not see any reimbursements.

The hotel cost more than I pay for rent a month and on top of that chaos I had to still go buy some groceries to last a few more days. I bring this up because I had my older kids read this with me outloud and although it is just seven stories from random people in the way they want to tell it for maximum effect, this book is a great way to be humbled and remember that God has a plan. If you have faith this book will uplift, if you have doubts it is still worth reading. I am actually glad to have had this with me.

[Andy Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains sever powerful stories from seven completely different people of how God never stopped pursuing them through abuse, heartache, loss, and a life with no hope. While many would simply see them as a "lost cause", God never gave up! He turned their mess into a miracle! Highly recommend this author and this book!

[Belén Lechuga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siete impactantes historias verídicas de transformaciones milagrosas en las que cada protagonista tiene un encuentro personal con Jesús. Se lee en una tarde. Lectura algo dura para personas sensibles.

[Lisa Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and encouraging. This book will strengthen the faith of all who believe and spark renewed faith in anyone who has reason to doubt. The testimonies are relevant and once you start reading it is difficult to put this book down!

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rescue tells the testimonies of seven people who were rescued by God when there was no way. Each of these stories are compelling and unique. There are moments when it seems almost impossible for these people to be saved, but then out of thick darkness comes the light of Jesus shining more brightly than a sun.
The Rescue is a book for all people looking for hope. It will increase your faith in Jesus. If you are at a point in life where you are about to give up, this book is for you!
The Rescue is an easy read that will touch your heart. It is a great book to share!!

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

God knew just what I needed, just when I needed it. I have been in such a valley for such a long time. It has been so long since I have heard anyone share a testimony about what God had done or was doing in their life, I was beginning to believe He was no longer at work. Reading these seven testimonies has renewed my faith. I long to again be a part of a church where testimonies are shared, where people are committed to Christ and He is changing their lives. It has given me a hunger to dig deep into His Word so that I can be one of those people and so that I can show Christ’s love to others once more. Thank you Jesus!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book.
Seven people with stories of how God intervened at the right time to bring them into relationship with Him. If you like testimonies, true life stories, then you will enjoy this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book full of encouraging stories of lives transformed by Jesus! This was a great encouragement and reminder of how God rescued me. Also, as a pastor, I can see how great of a tool this will be as we minister and reach out to others. I highly suggest this book!

[Ryan Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rescue: Seven people with seven amazing stories of broken lives that were made whole through the amazing power of The Rescuer, Jesus Christ. This is a great read displaying inspiring true stories of the hope that is always available in Christ. If you know someone in a broken, dark or hopeless situation, I highly recommend you pass this book on to them. It could literally save their life!

[Connie Ferdarko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, very interesting to follow each of the seven peoples stories. To me its always fascinating to see how Jesus has worked absolute miracles in peoples lives. Such a forgiving God we have, a loving God. Jim Cymbala and Ann Spangler did a great job on this one. I hope people who need to know there is hope and help out there find themselves with a copy of this book.

[Karl Dumas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of us have been convinced that there were no options, but then got a good night’s sleep, and woke up feeling refreshed, and able to face another day. That is many, or even most of us. But some people really do fall into a seemingly bottomless pit, and not see a way out—there are no good night’s sleeps. But then just when it seems that there are no options, Jesus shows up, and life turns the corner. Sometimes when Jesus is all that you have, you finally realize that Jesus is all you really need.
And in The Rescue: Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories (Jim Cymbala with Ann Spangler, Zondervan, 2017) we meet some people whose lives had taken the turn for the worse, and they thought there was no hope, UNTIL they had their own personal encounter with the Living Lord.
For many people miracles are those things that happened back in New Testament times, when Jesus healed the lame, fed the multitudes, and caused the blind to see, but in this book the Doubting Thomases among us see that miracles still do happen.
I enjoyed reading the stories, and the fact that there are names and pictures of the people involved makes this a little more enjoyable, but in many ways the stories are like those in a Guideposts magazine, or in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.
Still, I’ll give it a C+/B-

[Cyndi Maloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I loved reading the stories of those who found Christ in the midst of their despair, I was left wanting "more." I have read other books by Jim Cymbala, and The Rescue lacks the fire and passion of his earlier works. While there was nothing about the book that I didn't like, there just wasn't anything to really love. It's more like a collection of Guideposts or Chicken Soup for the Soul stories. It is certainly not on par with his earlier books.

*I was provided with a copy of the book in an exchange for my review. This in no way influenced my opinion.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven different, people, seven different messed up lives, and one loving God. Anyone looking from the outside would say they have no chance of ever changing but thank goodness God doesn’t look on the outside! It might also appear that their situations were so dire and far gone that they had no hope. But with God all things are possible! To society these people would seem to be broken beyond repair but enter the Lord and His miraculous healing and love.
I have read inspirational stories about God redeeming people deep in, but I found this one to be a bit different. The people tell their own stories in a very detailed and personal way. I could feel their despair and misery through their words. I also felt their amazement and joy when they met the Lord and he changed their lives forever. Some of them were victims of the wrongs of others, and some put themselves where they were at by their own choices.
I was reminded of the quote by R. Zaccharias “ Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” The stories brought to light how a transgression will multiply into many as time goes on, and continues to grow worse until one surrenders to God’s intervention. I was blessed at reading the many different ways the Lord reached out and spoke to each person. It shows what a personal God He is. There is no cookie cutter pattern for God to touch a life. Thank goodness! They did not even know they needed Him, but He came to them and met them where they were at. No matter how far the individuals had fallen, when they accepted Christ the changes were permanent. How wonderful to read about their lives before Christ and after. I was amazed.
One the biggest ways this book spoke to me was that although my problems may not be of the same magnitude, He will do miraculous things for me too! His power is limitless in all areas! I knew this already but the book brought it home even closerThis book was so encouraging and hope filled! What testimonies of God’s love and power today!
I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[Debi Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rescue: Seven People, Seven Amazing Stories... is a book by Pastor Jim Cymbala that contains seven stories from ordinary men and women who have literally hit rock bottom. They share their testimonies of how they came to faith.  They came from different walks of life, different backgrounds, but each of them felt empty and had fallen to the bottom rung of the ladder. Their lives were filled with pain and felt as though no one cared about them or truly loved them - they had no HOPE and their lives were out of control.  Some had even contemplated suicide or had just settled for a life full of despair.  That is until each of them found hope in Jesus Christ. 

The seven in this book - a Wall Street broker, a party girl, a student, a homeless man, an addict, a teenage mom, a drug enforcer - any one of them could be a family member or friend of any of us. In fact, if the book said "eight people", I could have very easily been included in this book, as I can relate so much with the folks in this book.  We are all His children and He loves us and knows each one of us all the way down to the number of hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7)

Christ redeems us and transforms us into new creations in Him and this book allows these seven individuals to provide their testimony so that others can learn about how Jesus is in their hearts. Being saved once I got sober, I could totally relate to Kaitlyn's story.

If you feel like you've hit a low spot and you think you won't be able to move forward in your life or move past your troubles, or even if you feel like God does not see you, please read this book.  You'll see how God is moving and working in your life, that He does see you, He knows you and He cares about you!!

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Laifong Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter what kind of mess you are in and how you got there, if you sincerely cry out to God for help, He will answer!

This is the main message that grabbed my heart while reading The Rescue. While the lives and situations of the seven people who graciously shared their stories were diverse, each one came to a point of utter desperation and hopelessness, either because of someone else’s evil actions or because of his/her own bad choices. That was when God showed up.

God not only rescued these people, but He restored their lives, and redeemed their broken past - one obvious example being using their stories now to point people to Him! I found it interesting that many had to be rescued multiple times…I guess we are all stubborn people who do not always learn from our mistakes! Thank God for His unrelenting love and patience toward us! I also appreciate the honest acknowledgment that following Jesus does not make all our problems disappear; on the contrary there are very real costs, but oh, He is worth it!

I like the clear explanation at the end of the book of how one can begin a relationship with God and the practical where-to-go-from-here suggestions. Jim Cymbala’s heart as a pastor and as someone who knows Jesus intimately shines through clearly. I highly recommend this book!