The shape of God dictates what a hero looks like. If you are all about worshiping power, CEO’s and comic book heroes stand as the definition of what a hero looks like. If you’re all about money and bowing to that idol, the billionaires and entrepreneurs are at the top of the list. But if you’ve been broken, bound by chains, and a slave to sin; if you’ve been rescued by an all-powerful, all-knowing God that used other broken sinners to rescue you, then those who are willing to sacrifice bear witness to the good-news of the gospel are your heroes.
Tim Keesee apparently is of the latter type. Founder and executive director of Frontline Missions International, Tim brings us a book full of heroes worthy of emulation that are both relatable and encouraging. Stories of men like Ghafur who despite having his family and wife reject him, can’t help but rejoice in the brothers and sisters the Lord has brought him. Ghafur has decided to follow Jesus no matter the cost and echoes with his life the refrain, “I have decided to follow Jesus…no turning back. No turning back.”
Mr. Keesee says this about another hero, Mei Li who lives in China; “The fearful little girl who put on her game face and met trouble head-on hasn’t changed that much-only now she isn’t taking the lead. Christ is, and she’s just following him- no regrets, no retreat,” (p. 63). Mei Li lives in a place where pastors were executed and thousands more died in prison. Her story intertwines with that of a Mr. Zhao, a pastor who went to prison when in college and was only one of two-hundred who survived. Both heroes working to bring good news into a spiritually oppressed country.
The book itself is an encouraging read that brings light to missions work. It fosters a heart for those that are both being reached and those who are being used by God to do the reaching. And while it is a quality book, the story telling can sometimes be a little difficult to follow. Jumping from one mission field to another, the stories are written in a ‘journal’ format that depicts the events from a first-person perspective. If you, like me, are reading through a number of books all at once and have long periods of time between readings, it can sometimes require a re-read of previous sections to refresh your memory of the hero and missions field you are currently reading about.
This can be remedied by reading straight through the book, or ensuring that you read each chapter as a whole before moving on to your next book. And because the book is written to read as a narrative, it’s easier to do than a text-book. Especially as you find yourself encouraged by the willingness of others to suffer for the sake of Christ.
Of the aspects of the book that I love, the one piece that encourages me more and more, is the witness of the fact that God is saving a people from every tribe, every tongue, every nation. And this book gives you a window into His work in that very vein. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! If you are looking for a reminder of what God is up to, if you are hoping to be encouraged towards missions work, or just want something to spur you on in your prayer life, read this book.
____________________________________________
The following book review is an ongoing effort on my part to find resources worth sharing that may help any and all who are looking to counsel others. It was also done in conjunction with Crossway’s Book Review Program and subsequently a free digital copy of the book was provided for my review.