Dare to Stand Alone

by Bradley Booth

"Sir, when the regulations of my country clash with the laws of my God, I must obey my God," Ivan declared.

The general studied Ivan's face seriously. "Does that include the regulations of your army?"

Religion was suppressed. Christians were forced to practice their faith secretly. Yet one teenage boy found the courage to stand up and speak boldly about his God. Not just to his friends or in a private church meeting--but on a military base. In front of nearly 3,000 enlisted men . . . and one colonel.

Foolish? Maybe. Risky? Definitely. But Ivan Gumenyuk had determined to follow God's calling, and right then God was calling him to be a missionary in the Soviet army. Like Daniel of old, Ivan faced trials that tested his faith to the limits. And, like Daniel, Ivan accomplished incredible things for God.

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2008

About the author

Men who previously lacked a definite sense of purpose can often look back on a single experience that altered the course of their lives.

For some, it is the love of a woman. For others, it is the death of one.

In the case of Bradley Booth, the combination of both had such a profound effect that it led to him to write.

He lost his fiance to a rare form of leukemia and was advised to seek solace by venting his feeling among others who had suffered a similar tragedy.

Perhaps if he had done so, "I Apologize" would never have been written.

The culmination of five tormented years--during which he blamed himself for not doing more to save her--unleashed emotions that produced his first novel.

Her death and the dreams she once had for the future defined his purpose in life.

As for taking so long to publish the story, when asked, he simply answers, "I Apologize."

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Reviews

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a favorite since my early childhood, which may or may not have been because “Dare to be a Daniel” also used to be one of my favorite songs. The true story is absolutely incredible. Ivan is a boy who longs to be a Daniel even in the secret church of Soviet Russia. When he is drafted into the army, the outspoken teenager stands up for his beliefs and witnesses publicly. What he did not dare to do at home, he does in the Soviet Army Bootcamp. Expecting to face court-marshalling or even a firing squad…. Wait, I can’t give away the whole story! But the miracles God worked- and the sheer lack of opposition in Ivan’s way- shower the story of a modern-day Daniel, a man who dared stand for right though the heavens fall.

The one deducted star is because at a certain point Booth’s writing exasperates me. The man needed a good English teacher. This book could have been written so much better. But the book is short- 130 pages- and worth the read for the story alone.

[Mark Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring

Such an inspiration! Dedicated to his convictions, God blessed with an anointing that opened doors to evangelize, reaching people for
Jesus

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times I fell like just like him.

[Kody · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok but it could've been better because it made me bored

[Treasure Bermudez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an appreciable book. It teaches me more about how to accept God and share it. Ivan had the courage and strength that he needed to share the word of God.

[Anahi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an amazing book because it talks about God

[Myrijel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice because he's standing for God but a bit boring....

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was super amazing! This dude becomes a soldier, then THE BOSS!!!!

[Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gave me a glimpse into young man's life and how he managed to survive in the army.

[Victor Velasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

Inspirational read, couldn’t put it down after I started reading it. Through one man, God raised an a great army