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Worth the Risk: What Would You Put on the Line to Share God's Love in Europe
What does it take to be a cross-cultural messenger of the Gospel? This book explores two extraordinary lives that God has used to impact Bob Evans, soldier, WWII chaplain, missionary, and founder of Greater Europe Mission, and Jazz Jones, modern-day missionary facing the challenges and trials of ministry in post-modern Europe, including terrorism and religious strife. What was true about the spiritual climate of Europe 75 years ago? What is true today? And what is always true?
- GenresChristian
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 6, 2022
I seriously loved this. So personal, so detailed, so intriguing. If you are curious how God leads people to live a life for Him, this is a great book.
May 17, 2018
This was the perfect book for me to read after graduation - so affirming.
October 9, 2022
Was required reading as a part of my internship with Greater Europe Mission, which Bob Evans started
First off, if you’re not a missionary with Greater Europe Mission, then skip through and read Bob’s sections. That is not because Jazz’s section are not inspiring or well written, but because those sections felt targeted toward a GEM crowd as almost a pseudo-training.
The missionary of the modern day is likely obsessed with the ideal of the 10:40 window and Unreached peoples in that space. However, through the lens of Bob Evan’s heart to see Europe raise up disciples it is apparent how much kingdom workers are still needed in Europe. This book will inspire and challenge you to become more missional with your life, no matter the cost!
My one big thing, and the reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is my realization that Bob’s sections are fictional. At the end of the book the author of Bob’s sections gives a disclaimer that it is simply a reflection woven from birds-eye-view events that happened in his life. Does that make it less inspiring, if I’m being honest, yeah it does a little bit. However, still a great book overall
First off, if you’re not a missionary with Greater Europe Mission, then skip through and read Bob’s sections. That is not because Jazz’s section are not inspiring or well written, but because those sections felt targeted toward a GEM crowd as almost a pseudo-training.
The missionary of the modern day is likely obsessed with the ideal of the 10:40 window and Unreached peoples in that space. However, through the lens of Bob Evan’s heart to see Europe raise up disciples it is apparent how much kingdom workers are still needed in Europe. This book will inspire and challenge you to become more missional with your life, no matter the cost!
My one big thing, and the reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is my realization that Bob’s sections are fictional. At the end of the book the author of Bob’s sections gives a disclaimer that it is simply a reflection woven from birds-eye-view events that happened in his life. Does that make it less inspiring, if I’m being honest, yeah it does a little bit. However, still a great book overall
July 20, 2024
This is not a good missionary story. It is well-written and very engaging, but I would not recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about mission work or missions in France specifically. In fact, I have a hard time imagining that much of what is written is even true.
Each "character" (Jazz Jones and Bob Evans) are the heroes of their respective story. Everyone loves them and their greatest sins are that they simply care too much. Each chapter ends with someone telling the protagonists how special they are. Oddly enough, everyone that they meet is changed in remarkable ways and credits their newfound love for God to these two super Christians. There is no struggle or dilemma that these two cannot conquer by dint of them just being such perfect, Godly people.
Evans' story in particular (which is by far the more interesting since it reads like a fantasy epic) is full of anachronisms and bizarre dialogue that leads me to believe that instead of being an autobiographical account from an actual WWII veteran this was written by someone who has never spoken to someone older than their parents. The Greatest Generation did not (does not) practice Christianity in the same way that the modern Evangelical movement does, and the tales of Evans "relationship-not-religion" style evangelism and discipleship is just too unbelievable. These sections also seem to have been written by someone who doesn't know how learning a second language works...
As a current missionary in France, it is also quite frustrating how the drudgery and difficulty of actual ministry here is glossed over in favor of over-spiritualized tugging at the heartstrings. If I were to have read this before moving then I might believe every French person is just a surface level gospel presentation in broken French away from devolving into a weepy mess and confessing their sins to me. It's too bad that this book couldn't offer a more legitimate depiction of missionary life in France.
Two stars since at least the book was captivating enough to keep me reading until the end.
Each "character" (Jazz Jones and Bob Evans) are the heroes of their respective story. Everyone loves them and their greatest sins are that they simply care too much. Each chapter ends with someone telling the protagonists how special they are. Oddly enough, everyone that they meet is changed in remarkable ways and credits their newfound love for God to these two super Christians. There is no struggle or dilemma that these two cannot conquer by dint of them just being such perfect, Godly people.
Evans' story in particular (which is by far the more interesting since it reads like a fantasy epic) is full of anachronisms and bizarre dialogue that leads me to believe that instead of being an autobiographical account from an actual WWII veteran this was written by someone who has never spoken to someone older than their parents. The Greatest Generation did not (does not) practice Christianity in the same way that the modern Evangelical movement does, and the tales of Evans "relationship-not-religion" style evangelism and discipleship is just too unbelievable. These sections also seem to have been written by someone who doesn't know how learning a second language works...
As a current missionary in France, it is also quite frustrating how the drudgery and difficulty of actual ministry here is glossed over in favor of over-spiritualized tugging at the heartstrings. If I were to have read this before moving then I might believe every French person is just a surface level gospel presentation in broken French away from devolving into a weepy mess and confessing their sins to me. It's too bad that this book couldn't offer a more legitimate depiction of missionary life in France.
Two stars since at least the book was captivating enough to keep me reading until the end.
November 19, 2019
This is one of the most compelling books I have read about living out one’s faith by completing trusting God to do what He’s promised to do for us when we act on His nudges. The lives of Bob Evans, founder of the Greater Europe Mission in Germany, and Jazz Jones Becker, who follows in his footsteps sixty-six years later in France, are related in riveting alternating sections of the book. Their experiences are shared in "you-are-there" scenes.
The book is well written, and the message is compelling. I appreciated the emphasis on sharing one’s faith with the non-believers sent across our paths. But even more I was made aware of the absolute necessity of teaching those who accept Jesus as Lord of their lives how to live for Him. Youth pastors need to read this compelling book and then share it with their flock.
Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE
The book is well written, and the message is compelling. I appreciated the emphasis on sharing one’s faith with the non-believers sent across our paths. But even more I was made aware of the absolute necessity of teaching those who accept Jesus as Lord of their lives how to live for Him. Youth pastors need to read this compelling book and then share it with their flock.
Hope Irvin Marston, author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE
November 9, 2019
This is a good missions book. It follows two rather different stories, one a contemporary account of missions activity in modern-day France, interspersed with a narrative of the life of the founder of GEM as a chaplain in the US Army in France in World War 2. They fit together pretty well, although I personally liked the World War 2 story much more than the modern-day one, but that might just be me. Both stories feel authentic and are well-written, and enjoyable and inspiring to read, without being preachy.
March 4, 2022
The book tells the history of Greater European Missions by weaving together two true stories, 60 years apart. One story concerns a young woman who is currently involved with the ministry, and the other tells the amazing story of the founder, Bob Evans. It was interesting and informative, and most of all inspiring.
March 6, 2018
Fascinating story of Bob Evans, who finally discerned God’s will for his life to share The love of God in Europe back in the 40s and 50 s. Compelling story. Well written - kept me captivated!!
September 11, 2018
Wonderful book!
You won't be disappointed! An absolute amazing example of what our daily lives should look like no matter our location.
You won't be disappointed! An absolute amazing example of what our daily lives should look like no matter our location.
March 18, 2021
I loved Worth the Risk. I was encouraged, and at the same time, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book.
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April 22, 2018Given by a beloved nephew who is off to France to join this ministry.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews