Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F ALC
Publication
Tyndale
Description
Is this the day I die? Li Quan asks himself this question daily, knowing that he might be killed for practicing his faith. American businessman Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant former college roommate is facing in China. He expects his old friend has fulfilled his dream of becoming a university professor. But when they are reunited in China after twenty years, both men are shocked at what they discover about each other. Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations, and two worlds.
User reviews
LibraryThing member misskate
This story broke my heart. I never realized how blessed liberty of belief is and how much we take for granted.
LibraryThing member sandib
A powerful, powerful book—a commentary not only on the persecuted Church, but the insulated American Church that looks positively pathetic in comparison.
LibraryThing member TracyWhitt
Wondeful book, one of my favorites of all time. It takes a look into the persecuted church in China, and challenges your relationship with Christ (but in a good way).
LibraryThing member jeaneva
Every Christian in the Western world should read this book! Two men-an American business man and a Chinese persecuted Christian-are the protagonists.
A marvelous painting (Safely Home) is reproduced in the front of the book. I guarantee you will never hear those words ("persecuted Christian") the
A marvelous painting (Safely Home) is reproduced in the front of the book. I guarantee you will never hear those words ("persecuted Christian") the
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same way again after you read this spine-tingling, inspiring story of faith under fire. Show Less
LibraryThing member PattiJoppa
One of the best books that I have ever read. It really creates a picture of heaven and earth in a powerful and highly impactful way. I have never read a book like this one before. It definitely changed my perspective on Christianity in communist countries and also made me much more appreciative of
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the freedom that we have in the United States to worship and study the Bible. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Show Less
LibraryThing member ruthhite
Safely Home is a book that I could not put down. Randy Alcorn's account of the Church in China has opened my eyes to what Chinese Christians endure for the sake of the cross. This book has burdened me (in a good way) to pray for the persecuted church. I was in tears by the end of this
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book---praying, rejoicing and worshipping a victorious God. Show Less
LibraryThing member ELynette1
One of the favorite Christian fiction books our church group has read.
LibraryThing member tsisler
I abandoned this book. The writing wasn't strong but it was forgivable as I was looking at it as a catalyst for spiritual reflection and a glimpse into the persecution in China. However-the book started becoming too bizarre and the spiritual ideas too repetetive to sustain my efforts. I'm giving it
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two stars for the fact that it did promote some thought and it did make me more aware of the some of the events in China that were previously unbeknownst to me. Show Less
LibraryThing member HGButchWalker
I love the fact that Alcorn is able to both weave a compelling story and inspire you to love the Savior more. This is a really good book.
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
I've seen a number of Randy Alcorn's books around and have read a few of his non-fiction in the past, someone recommended this book which looked interesting. Alcorn's focus in most of his writing tends to be on heaven--one of his better known books is simply entitled Heaven. Although, this is
Ben (American) and Quan (Chinese) end up studying together in America and become firm friends. They have both made professions of faith. Several decades later, Ben is a wealthy businessman and Quan is back in China suffering due to religious persecution. The story revolves around their reunion and how things have dramatically changed for both of them over the years.
The author depicts scenes from heaven throughout the narrative. The angels are watching over the characters in the book and recording their deeds. There is an overlap between earthly and heavenly matters. Towards the end of the book, he also describes a person in hell. This part of the narrative was almost unbearable to read but I forced myself to finish it because it is likely the reality of what unbelievers will face. I think it is good for us sometimes to remember the reality to spur ourselves on to share with those who are still in darkness.
I'm in two minds as to whether depicting any type of activities in either heaven or hell is a good idea for an author. One review I read makes the case that we shouldn't put words in God's mouth. Whilst I agree with this in principle, I think the author has done a good job with this material. He makes it clear that it is fiction but not fantasy. The things described are taken closely from the biblical account and therefore are likely to be part of our experience in heaven. Having said that we are told that no human mind can imagine what God has prepared for us....I can see both sides of this debate. As long as the person reading remembers that it is fiction, I think it could actually encourage us as believers as the author has been faithful to Scripture.
The main storyline about the Chinese underground church is powerful. The author has done his research and the text is full of facts and figures and information that brings life to the characters. I was particularly interested in his assertions about the Chinese government's propaganda machine. That they present an image to Western countries but the reality is somewhat different. I witnessed this in the Philippines when the Pope came to visit and all of the slum dwellers were packed off to luxury accommodation for a night only to lose their homes and belongings and be kicked onto the street a day later.....sad but true. Image is everything.
I did enjoy this book and am impressed that the author has chosen to donate all royalties from it to the persecuted church around the world. The ending dragged on a bit and became a little removed from reality. However, this was definitely above an average read, provides a lot of fascinating detail about the persecuted church, has a few pages of gripping (and terrifying) writing depicting hell which will challenge and has some ideas about heaven which are worth exploring.
There is no bad language or sexual content. There is some graphic violence and some torture scenes which some readers may struggle with. However, it remained border-line for me and wouldn't stop me reading this book again.
Recommended for Christians interested in the persecuted church or for those looking for inspiration for evangelism.
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fiction it deals with the same subject from a slightly different angle.Ben (American) and Quan (Chinese) end up studying together in America and become firm friends. They have both made professions of faith. Several decades later, Ben is a wealthy businessman and Quan is back in China suffering due to religious persecution. The story revolves around their reunion and how things have dramatically changed for both of them over the years.
The author depicts scenes from heaven throughout the narrative. The angels are watching over the characters in the book and recording their deeds. There is an overlap between earthly and heavenly matters. Towards the end of the book, he also describes a person in hell. This part of the narrative was almost unbearable to read but I forced myself to finish it because it is likely the reality of what unbelievers will face. I think it is good for us sometimes to remember the reality to spur ourselves on to share with those who are still in darkness.
I'm in two minds as to whether depicting any type of activities in either heaven or hell is a good idea for an author. One review I read makes the case that we shouldn't put words in God's mouth. Whilst I agree with this in principle, I think the author has done a good job with this material. He makes it clear that it is fiction but not fantasy. The things described are taken closely from the biblical account and therefore are likely to be part of our experience in heaven. Having said that we are told that no human mind can imagine what God has prepared for us....I can see both sides of this debate. As long as the person reading remembers that it is fiction, I think it could actually encourage us as believers as the author has been faithful to Scripture.
The main storyline about the Chinese underground church is powerful. The author has done his research and the text is full of facts and figures and information that brings life to the characters. I was particularly interested in his assertions about the Chinese government's propaganda machine. That they present an image to Western countries but the reality is somewhat different. I witnessed this in the Philippines when the Pope came to visit and all of the slum dwellers were packed off to luxury accommodation for a night only to lose their homes and belongings and be kicked onto the street a day later.....sad but true. Image is everything.
I did enjoy this book and am impressed that the author has chosen to donate all royalties from it to the persecuted church around the world. The ending dragged on a bit and became a little removed from reality. However, this was definitely above an average read, provides a lot of fascinating detail about the persecuted church, has a few pages of gripping (and terrifying) writing depicting hell which will challenge and has some ideas about heaven which are worth exploring.
There is no bad language or sexual content. There is some graphic violence and some torture scenes which some readers may struggle with. However, it remained border-line for me and wouldn't stop me reading this book again.
Recommended for Christians interested in the persecuted church or for those looking for inspiration for evangelism.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sherlockqueen
Excellent book
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2002)
Christian Book Award (Winner — Fiction — 2002)
Original publication date
2001
ISBN
9780842337915