Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel by Jana Kelley

Mercy Triumphs: A Contemporary Novel

by Jana Kelley 
Although this is the second in a series by the author, and I hadn't read the preceding book I found this novel easy to understand and interesting as well. From the opening chapter, I was drawn into the world of these three women: Mia, Halimah and Rania. One can tell that the author knows what she is writing about. In truth, she grew up in Southeast Asia and during her adult life has lived in Sudan and the Middle East for thirteen years! I have greatly enjoyed studying about the history and culture of Africa and the Middle East and although I have never been there, I found that the cultural details were perfectly accurate in this book! Thus, this book is more than a novel. It is a look into the life of an American woman in the middle east and also the life of native Sudanese living as Christians amongst their Muslim family and friends. For literary quality, there are a little too many details however I found these necessary for teaching the reader about the setting and cultural differences.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God. Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God's mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don't deserve it. Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader's eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography by Paul Hattaway

An Asian Harvest: An Autobiography

by Paul Hattaway A gripping autobiography from missionary and Bible courier Paul Hattaway, author of The Heavenly Man'

    This is the recently-published autobiography of a missionary to China! It is a very in depth biography and gives a well-rounded picture of the author's life both before and during China missions. At first, before I really got to know the missionary, I found the book a little tedious and too detailed. however, as I continued reading I got more interested in the author's life. I also began to appreciate his Godly character qualities and found myself agreeing with and admiring his stance on many issues. In fact, since the author includes his regular struggles in life, I found this a helpful book just for life in general, not to mention mission life. As for the life in China, this book is very interesting and a testimony to God's faithfulness! 

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Paul Hattaway was a high-school dropout from New Zealand--homeless, hungry, and lonely--before he found faith. But once he encountered the love of God and read the Bible, Paul never looked back. The rest of his life has centered on making sure all the people of Asia have Bibles of their own.Through Asian Harvest, Paul has traveled to Laos, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and many other Asian countries bringing the gospel with him. His ministry has provided over ten million Bibles to China alone, and has sponsored more than fifteen hundred Asian missionaries.

The story of Paul's conversion, the fascinating places he's faithfully followed God to, the struggles with the realities of the mission field and other missionaries, and the incredible miracles God has performed along the way make An Asian Harvest a remarkable, inspiring read.  

I Have Seen God: The miraculous story of the Diospi Suyana Hospital in Peru book review

I Have Seen God: The miraculous story of the Diospi Suyana Hospital in Peru by Klaus-Dieter John

(originally published in German as" Ich habe Gott gesehen ")

   ''What He wants done, will be done. There are no limits to His divine power. It is our responsibility to persist in prayer, to trust Him, and to thank Him from the bottom of our hearts.'' -page 236

   This is the story of a miracle: a 20+ million dollar miracle. When God gave Klaus-Dieter John and his wife the mission and direction to create a beautiful mission hospital in Peru, it looked to be an impossibility. To man, that is. But, as the Johns will be the first to testify, nothing is impossible with God. When one's plans correspond with God's will, they will happen.
  Follow the Drs. Klaus-Deiter and his wife Trina's journey all the way from their homeland of Germany to Peru, and be amazed as you see God's mighty hand through the years of toil and perseverance!
As the author said so powerfully in a chapter of the book:

   ''What He wants done, will be done. There are no limits to His divine power. It is our responsibility to persist in prayer, to trust Him, and to thank Him from the bottom of our hearts.'' -page 236

   As I read this book, I was moved and amazed by how God worked in people's hearts to accomplish the means, monetarily and otherwise to complete this massive project! This book is 269 pages long, and quite an enjoyable read. It is, in a way an autobiography yet not once does the author doesn't give the impression of boasting in his own strength. The whole book is the story of God's power and faithfulness. I was so blessed to read this book, and will continue to keep up to date on the work at Diospi Suyana hospital!

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!