Book: The Insanity of God

Out of all the books I read in 2013 this is easily the one I will most recommend. 

Title: The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected

Author: Nik Ripken (this is a pen name, not his real name).

What’s it about: Nik Ripken and his family served as missionaries in various countries. During their time serving Somalia (from a base in Kenya - it was in the early 90s) something happens that leads them to move back to America for rest. Wondering whether God still has resurrection power today and if the Gospel can truly flourish in hard places leads Ripken to travel the world interviewing the persecuted church.

Throughout the rest of the book he tells his own story of faith as he travels and hears stories in Russia, countries in eastern Europe that had had communism, China, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The stories are incredible, challenging and humbling. 

The stories take place fifteen years ago and the book was only published in 2013 - with the author's name changed, all the people's names changed and some details obscured. This is done to protect the story tellers.

Why did I read it: I was told about this book by another missionary family at the JV Thanksgiving Retreat and I was so intrigued I downloaded it that day! 

Favourite idea: I loved the part about their call to missionary service (but it deserves it's own post). I was really challenged by the faith of those in the persecuted church - they truly knew that God was greater than anything.. even their lives. And their passion for Him and His Word is beautiful.

Read this book! You will not be disappointed. It's less than £10 on The Book Depository and they ship worldwide for free (it's rapidly becoming my favourite site!).