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A Company of Heroes: Portraits from the Gospel's Global Advance
“All Christians should read this book.” ― Rosaria Butterfield Across the globe, the gospel is advancing through the work of Christians willing to risk everything in the hardest places. This book, written by a missions journalist as he traveled throughout twenty different countries, is filled with stories of Christians past and present whose examples of endurance, courage, sacrifice, and humility connect readers with God’s unstoppable work across the world. These heroes are simply ordinary people who have experienced the transformative power of a Savior who is alive and moving―and their stories will inspire readers to take faith-filled risks for the gospel.
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2019
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 3, 2024
I love books like this because it just reminds you of the bigness and goodness of the gospel going out to the ends of the earth through ordinary people!
July 2, 2020
"Every time I go to another corner of the world and see the church growing and the gospel changing lives, my view of God gets bigger. The men and women in this book are my heroes for the ways they magnify the grace and power of our risen Christ. Like stars in the heavens, they shine with glory that has been given to them by their Savior."
The quote I shared above is the perfect summary and the perfect sales pitch for A Company of Heroes. Tim Keesee, someone you already know if you've seen any Dispatches from the Front videos, paints several brief but powerful portraits of men and women around the globe who proclaim the gospel by their words and their lives. Most are present-day believers who would be known only to their friends, family, and communities if not for this book. A few are well-known names from the past.
Through Keesee's approach, readers will walk away encouraged by two powerful realities:
1) The gospel is spreading all over the globe even as we speak. Keesee introduces us to believers in North Africa, Bahrain, China, Ethiopia, Central Asia, Utah, Afghanistan, Armenia, England, and many other places. Though they face different triumphs, challenges, experiences, and cultures, they all love the same God. They all share the same gospel. They all find motivation for each day through God's glory and Jesus Christ's resurrection.
2) The gospel has been spreading all over the globe across the ages. The God you love is the God William Carey loved. The gospel you seek to share with your friends and family is the gospel Amy Carmichael sought to share in India. Across time and history, no amount of opposition has been able to snuff out the gospel or the Church. God is always on the move, using faithful men and women as His ambassadors to the lost.
This book is a beautiful celebration of the universal church. But more importantly, it is a beautiful celebration of our glorious God, who is calling people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. The men and women within these pages are true heroes, not because of who they are but because of who is at the center of their lives. Keesee says it far better than I can:
The quote I shared above is the perfect summary and the perfect sales pitch for A Company of Heroes. Tim Keesee, someone you already know if you've seen any Dispatches from the Front videos, paints several brief but powerful portraits of men and women around the globe who proclaim the gospel by their words and their lives. Most are present-day believers who would be known only to their friends, family, and communities if not for this book. A few are well-known names from the past.
Through Keesee's approach, readers will walk away encouraged by two powerful realities:
1) The gospel is spreading all over the globe even as we speak. Keesee introduces us to believers in North Africa, Bahrain, China, Ethiopia, Central Asia, Utah, Afghanistan, Armenia, England, and many other places. Though they face different triumphs, challenges, experiences, and cultures, they all love the same God. They all share the same gospel. They all find motivation for each day through God's glory and Jesus Christ's resurrection.
2) The gospel has been spreading all over the globe across the ages. The God you love is the God William Carey loved. The gospel you seek to share with your friends and family is the gospel Amy Carmichael sought to share in India. Across time and history, no amount of opposition has been able to snuff out the gospel or the Church. God is always on the move, using faithful men and women as His ambassadors to the lost.
This book is a beautiful celebration of the universal church. But more importantly, it is a beautiful celebration of our glorious God, who is calling people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. The men and women within these pages are true heroes, not because of who they are but because of who is at the center of their lives. Keesee says it far better than I can:
The exceptional quality about these heroes—whether past or present—that has strengthened and steadied me is how all of them have oriented their lives around the truth that Jesus really is alive. They are living, walking, witnessing reminders of the resurrection because they daily demonstrate that Jesus is personally and powerfully with them—working in them and through them and for them. By their willingness to go and risk and act in the reality of the resurrection, they live out the truth that "the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor. 4:20). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of their endurance, risk-taking, and death-defying joy. Their optimism doesn't come from wishful thinking but from the power of an endless life—both Christ's and ours in him.
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June 5, 2019Well, I’ve written pretty rambly reviews for my two blogs, so I’ll try to be succinct here. It’s difficult, though, because I really enjoyed this book—so be warned!
Also, please note that I was given this book as a free review copy by the publisher, Crossway, but am under no obligation to write a positive review. (Thank you so much, Crossway!)
Where do I even begin? This book is so different from some you might pick up. It’s basically a collection of different journal entries, and each chapter typically shares a story from a different portion of the world. Each entry, though, is an experience in itself. The author did an amazing job bringing us into the setting so we feel like we’re actually there, even though they are just notes from his travels.
The chapters are about people from all over the world. I love that the book starts out in Morocco, but soon you move on to places like Utah, England, China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and many other places.
One of my most favorite parts of this book is that not only are the missionaries talked about ones that are likely still on the mission field, but they also are serving in places that might not be your popular (dare I say it?) “missionary tourist” destinations. Instead of focusing on the common third-world areas like Central America or Africa, the focus is more on the difficult outposts of Christianity. Places where the Muslim influence is high, and yet a surviving, thriving Church is raising its head above the rubble and proclaiming Christ as the answer! Yes, of course there are stories from Africa—but we also hear from Central and Eastern Asia as well, which is somewhere I personally haven’t read a lot about.
There were two main takeaways for me from this book: 1) The gospel of Jesus Christ is glorious and still does work in the lives and hearts of men and women around the world, and 2) We still have an amazing opportunity, resources, and ability to share this gospel with others. This book didn’t strike me as just a tell-the-story book. You aren’t meant to read it and move on. Somewhere within these pages, I think you’d likely find yourself, and say “oh! That’s what I can do!” It presents the truth—and it shows the action people are taking based on that truth. And in that, I think the true treasure of this book lies.
So, whether you are a missionary and are looking for encouragement, would like to be one someday, are looking for a way to pray for missionaries you know, or would just love to see a little more about what God is doing in His worldwide church today, this may be a book you would appreciate. Personally, I’m hoping I can get a paperback copy of it to have on my shelf. It’s that good.
Also, please note that I was given this book as a free review copy by the publisher, Crossway, but am under no obligation to write a positive review. (Thank you so much, Crossway!)
Where do I even begin? This book is so different from some you might pick up. It’s basically a collection of different journal entries, and each chapter typically shares a story from a different portion of the world. Each entry, though, is an experience in itself. The author did an amazing job bringing us into the setting so we feel like we’re actually there, even though they are just notes from his travels.
The chapters are about people from all over the world. I love that the book starts out in Morocco, but soon you move on to places like Utah, England, China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and many other places.
One of my most favorite parts of this book is that not only are the missionaries talked about ones that are likely still on the mission field, but they also are serving in places that might not be your popular (dare I say it?) “missionary tourist” destinations. Instead of focusing on the common third-world areas like Central America or Africa, the focus is more on the difficult outposts of Christianity. Places where the Muslim influence is high, and yet a surviving, thriving Church is raising its head above the rubble and proclaiming Christ as the answer! Yes, of course there are stories from Africa—but we also hear from Central and Eastern Asia as well, which is somewhere I personally haven’t read a lot about.
There were two main takeaways for me from this book: 1) The gospel of Jesus Christ is glorious and still does work in the lives and hearts of men and women around the world, and 2) We still have an amazing opportunity, resources, and ability to share this gospel with others. This book didn’t strike me as just a tell-the-story book. You aren’t meant to read it and move on. Somewhere within these pages, I think you’d likely find yourself, and say “oh! That’s what I can do!” It presents the truth—and it shows the action people are taking based on that truth. And in that, I think the true treasure of this book lies.
So, whether you are a missionary and are looking for encouragement, would like to be one someday, are looking for a way to pray for missionaries you know, or would just love to see a little more about what God is doing in His worldwide church today, this may be a book you would appreciate. Personally, I’m hoping I can get a paperback copy of it to have on my shelf. It’s that good.
January 8, 2020
Keesee writes riveting stories of the gospel’s advance around the world amidst persecution and suffering. It reads like a modern-day Acts as stories are told of God’s incredible saving work. Keesee blends the stories with theology, relevant biblical texts, and examples from church history. A book that challenged my own heart that I will be excited to recommend to many in my church.
May 23, 2020
So glad I’ve read this book! Opened my eyes to what God is doing across the globe. Have not come across Tim Keesee and his work before. I struggled with his writing style, I wonder if it’s more suited to a documentary script. Grateful though for the many insights into Holy Spirit empowered Christ witnesses throughout the globe bringing glory of God.
May 30, 2020
As an American Christian, it is super easy to become insular in my thinking of the impact of Gospel work. This book served as a reminder that God has always been and always will be at work transforming lives world wide. Plus, the author writes in a beautiful poetic style that is easy to read yet not sacrifice the intensity of these Gospel ministers to see souls transformed.
April 12, 2020
It's wonderful to read about God's power to redeem sinners in unexpected places and through the means of normal people doing what God has called them to do.
January 1, 2025
What a blessing to read!
This book kind of felt like an new version of a childhood favorite, “Missionary Stories with the Millers”.
This book kind of felt like an new version of a childhood favorite, “Missionary Stories with the Millers”.
August 10, 2024
I agree with the Rosaria Butterfield quote on the back of the book, “All Christians should read this book.”
April 25, 2019
5 stars
An amazing look at the men and women who are risking their lives to share the gospel of Jesus across the globe. As well as stories of people in America who have made a big and small impact with their witness and their very lives. All Christians should read this book. I so highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
An amazing look at the men and women who are risking their lives to share the gospel of Jesus across the globe. As well as stories of people in America who have made a big and small impact with their witness and their very lives. All Christians should read this book. I so highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews