There is a strange paradox to the style of the book: Ripken tells you the things he experienced or the stories he was told firsthand, but he doesn't make up details that he wasn't told, and he deliberately obscures some that he was. This means his lack of manipulative embellishment creates an impression of honesty, while the stories themselves are completely unverifiable. I don't think this book could be written any other way. And I am very glad it was written. It is the sort of book that you either hate or it changes your life. There isn't much middle ground available for it. It will take a while for the message of this book to seek as deeply in me as it needs to go. It's the story of a Kentucky couple who ended up on the mission field in Africa. After fruitful ministries in several African countries, they next experienced heartache and confusion. They moved to Kenya so the husband could take trips to serve in Somalia, a Muslim country that experienced extreme tribal conflict, hunger, famine, and lawlessness in the 90s. After meeting horrific humanitarian needs for six years but seeing the national church go from a few hundred down to almost nothing, this couple left the mission field wounded, depressed, and discouraged. They saw lots of crucifixions but no resurrections. They had questions. But no answers. What was God doing? This sent them on a journey around the world to see if persecuted Christians really could experience new life in Christ. They interviewed hundreds of followers of Jesus in Russia, Ukraine, China, and Muslim countries who had face persecution with hope and joy. This book is designed to convict the Western church, to mobilize us out of our complacency and lukewarmness. Personally, I am humbled and inspired to live for Christ and share my faith more boldly. This is a must read for anyone who wants and needs a more passionate faith.
What do You think about Het Dwaze Van God (2013)?
A great journey into the effects suffering for Christ sake has by the believer and the Church
—heyitsdeserry
Inspiring. Could not put it down. Loved the real life stories. Challenging. A must read.
—JoeG
Very moving and thought provoking. Made me cry.
—andyts
