Neither Bomb Nor Bullet: Benjamin Kwashi: Archbishop on the front line

by Andrew Boyd

In the warzone that Nigeria has become, Archbishop Ben Kwashi has survived three assassination attempts. A brutal assault on his wife, Gloria, drove him to his knees - to forgive and find the strength to press on. Islamist militants have Nigeria in their sights. These are the terrorists who kidnapped hundreds of Christian schoolgirls - who have vowed to turn Africa's most populous nation into a hard-line Islamic state. Their plan is to drive the Christian minority from the north by kidnapping, bombing and attacking churches. Plateau State is on the frontline. But holding that line against Boko Haram, and standing firm for the Gospel, is Ben Kwashi, the Anglican Archbishop of Jos. In Jos, churches have been turned into fortresses and Archbishop Ben now conducts more funerals than weddings and baptisms put together. He has survived three assassination attempts and his wife has been brutally attacked. Yet his faith grows ever more vibrant. He has adopted scores of orphans who live in his home, including many who are HIV positive. And the challenge of his message - to live for the Gospel even in the face of terror - has never been so timely.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2019

Reviews

[Eliza Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow, the life of Ben Kwashi is truely mind blowing. A man of such great faith in the face of persecution. If only i had read this book before he came and visited the church!!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful stuff. Ben has real integrity in admiring his failures and need for Christ while also being very willing to share the great things than have been done through him.

Additionally, horrific to hear of the struggles in Nigeria now, and very helpful to hear a voice on the ground.

God has been very kind in working through Ben’s amazing life.

[Ashleigh Ringdal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very captivating story about Ben Kwashi’s life so far and of the Lord’s work being completed through him in Nigeria. It is an interesting, entertaining, and sobering read, however sometime jumps around making it difficult to follow in places. All in all, highly recommend!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about an incredibly brave Anglican Archbishop who has to face the terrors of radical Islam in Nigeria but remains steadfast in his faith.



I enjoyed the beginning about his naughty antics as a young boy, his early days as a soldier and his stories about the culture of his country.Although his mother was semi-literate, his father was an educated civil servant and his grandmother was deeply religious, young Ben fell into bad ways. He drank too much and failed his military exams although his superiors still wanted him to become an officer. Luckily, a street pastor converted him and he found his true calling.



His early romances and his strange love affair with the shy, but hot-tempered country-girl Gloria was also fun to read. She sounds incredibly formidable but extremely wise!



After that the book becomes somewhat harrowing because of the military dictatorship and the rise of militant Islam. In 1987 a minor skirmish between a Muslim and a Christian led to riots and killings - the young minister's house and church were burned down. He had to give a speech in the midst of the upheaval and tell his flock what to do - he gave wise advice. It's still a joy to read because of his happy and wise personality and Gloria is interesting, but it also brings home to the reader the rise of radical Islam.



I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest book review.



EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780857218438
PRICE $12.95 (USD)

[georgiebaebi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️!!!!
Pros:
Welcome Another New Favorite Book!!! I’m gonna have to start separating nonfic/fic lists!
Archbishop Ben Kwashi and his wife Gloria are full on #couplegoals. They’ve been through bombings/assassination attempts, a brutal—and I mean brutal assault—on Gloria, attacks from corrupt officials in the church and in government, and just won’t quit! On top of ministry, they’ve raised over 400–FOUR-HUNDRED-kids. 🤯 Ben’s advice for finding a great spouse is to go up on a mountain with 2 friends and full on yell “Lord give us wives/husbands! Please, Lord!” It worked for them 👍🏻
This book is humorous, jarring, heartbreaking, humbling, exhorting, and just what I needed to read. It is so human and also so holy and I LOVED that the last section is comprised of direct prayer requests and practical advice for living life for and with Christ💕
Three things Ben stressed throughout: 1) When God seems silent it’s often because He’s already spoken so obey and get going. 2) Give whatever you’ve got to God and he WILL break it, bless it, and multiply it—to paraphrase a spiritual mentor of mine “faithfulness first, fruitfulness follows (Matt 6:33). 3) restraint is the name of the game in life (Even when violence is breaking out) and especially in parenting, self-control is a non-negotiable.
Cons:
Absolutely none but for the fact It’ll make you REAL aware of how much more you could be doing with your life to serve God.

Favorite quotes: “If I live, I serve the Lord. If I die, I go to be with the Lord. Either way, I’m in business.” And “I have seen God work with a remnant. He doesn’t need a movement of millions”

[Marja Verschoor-Meijers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book had somewhat of a slow start and I had to force myself to keep reading, it reveals a lot of interesting information about Nigeria and the struggles the church is facing on a daily basis. It is a story of faith, endurance, and personal struggles... but Ben keeps looking ahead!

[Barbara Kennard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this eye opening book about a Nigerian archbishop. Would recommend if you want to learn more about this country and what has happened. A challenge for those in the West too, re Christian faith in action.

[Karen Soole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to learn from this godly man.

[Mark Einselen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the honor of being the standard I hold biographies to - it kept me up past my bedtime! Only biography to do so. Loved it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, fascinating story of a faithful life despite very really hardships.

[Samuel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, eye-opening, hilarious, emotional and wonderful read!

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. The beginning was a bit slow and I didn’t immediately connect with the writing. I found the second half much more engaging. It was a powerful read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring and humbling story. Bishop Kwashi and his wife Gloria have such a faith and a heart for the people and children of Nigeria. It is a book and story that will always stay with me.

[R S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Great history of religious extremism and tribal extremism in Nigeria. Also a great spiritual biography. Highly recommended.