The subtitle of this book is what drew me in, A True Story of Tragedy, Faith, and Forgiveness in the Muslim World. Now this sounded like an interesting story.
The author, Ray Norman, was the national director for World Vision's program in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania when 9/11 occurred. I never stopped to think of the impact of that event upon Christians working in Islamic countries. It had a significant and dangerous impact among many.
The book opens with the author and his young daughter enjoying rare free time on the beach as a respite from blistering hot temperatures. His wife had just left for France and their son was at a boarding school in another town. On that drive, a lone gunman stops them and shoots Ray Norman and his daughter, Hannah.
This is how the story begins in the book but the author fills us in on the rest of the story as we learn how he came to be in the country in such a position, his family, the Muslim people he worked with and ministered to, the changes 9/11 brought to an already dangerous situation for missionaries, and... perhaps most amazing of all... his return to Mauritania and how the story continued from there.
I love a good missionary book and this was one of the best I have ever read. Once I was into the book a few chapters, I couldn't put it down. I carried it with me and read at every opportunity. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
The author's writing is just a tad bit on the choppy side but not unlike when you are sitting with a friend who is sharing stories and has to pause and ponder and get the facts right. For me, it made the book even more personal.
This book is not only recommended for the story it brings but it also helped me to understand the Muslim people more... those who wake up everyday to make a living for their children. Those who do not adhere to violence. I see their lives clearer now and the importance of Christian organizations... not to mention the bravery of those God has called... to live and work in such countries.
Highly Recommended!
Dangerous Love was sent to me for the purpose of review but the opinions are my own.
More info on this book can be found at Amazon.com... here.*
*Most links to Amazon are Associate links.
4 comments:
Must stop reading your reviews as you make me want to buy all the books. Wanted to tell you that has happily begun the book on Reagan that you reviewed before Christmas. No review from him yet.
Thank you for the review of this book, Brenda. I just hopped over to Amazon and got it!
This book sounds good, I like true missionary stories.
Great review! I put it on my 'wish list' and hopefully will get it soon. Thanks, Brenda!
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