ePub Dispatches from the Front: Stories of Gospel Advance in the World's Difficult Places by Tim Keesee in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Stories from the Front Lines reviewed by Bill Pence of CoramDeotheBlog.comBy Bill PenceI recently heard Tim Keesee speak at the 2016 Ligonier National Conference. I was so moved by his short address; that I bought this book the next day and completed it within four days. I hope to watch the related DVDs soon.Tim has a ministry of visiting gospel workers on the front lines. In this ministry; he has spent years crisscrossing the globe; visiting and supporting and documenting the church around the world. This book allows us to follow along with Tim on his journeys over the past several years as he travels from the former Soviet Republics to the Balkans; from China to Southeast Asia; from Bangladesh; India; and Pakistan to Liberia; Sierra Leone; and Guinea; from the Horn of Africa to Egypt; from Afghanistan to Iraq. Tim’s wife Debbie took the dozen or more journals that he scribbled across four continents and turned them into a working manuscript for the book.This was a book that I just couldn’t put down. It is ultimately encouraging to see what saints around the world are doing for Christ; but it is also heartbreaking at times as some of Tim’s friends and co-laborers pay the ultimate price. The author writes that in difficult places he has met brothers and sisters living like lambs among wolves. He tells us that these are “stories of kingdom advance—dispatches written along the way; often scribbled in the moment; praising our Captain’s brilliance; describing his victories; and telling of his gracious; sleepless care as he walks among us on the front lines.”I affirm what Justin Taylor writes in Foreword “This is a dangerous book to read; for you may never be the same.” Highly recommended whether you go or support missionaries who do go to the front lines.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. MovingBy S. GrotzkePoint: The person of Jesus Christ knows no boundaries; only fronts through which he confidently treads.Path: Tim Keesee gives wartime correspondent information in a poetical and provoking narrative. He invites us to pick up the war cry of our King as he boldly leads his children in a victory of love. The stories which are written are meant to direct us to the task and revel in the Savior’s plan. In nature; they are both exciting and difficult; joyful and painful.Sources: This book is a compilation of journal entries from Keesee. He provides his viewpoint of the lives of believers around the world who are boldly suffering for Christ.Agreement: This was a moving book. My thoughts and emotions were led to exaltation and bitter tears; laughter and sorrow.Personal App: If Christ knows no boundaries; why am I hesitating?Favorite Quote: “I recall what Zwemer said of those hard places: The kingdoms and the governments of this world have frontiers which must not be crossed; but the Gospel of Jesus Christ knows no frontier. It has never been kept within bounds. It is a message for the whole race; and the very fact that there are millions of souls who have never heard the message becomes the strongest of reasons why we must carry it to them. Every year we hear of further advance into these regions of the world by commerce; by travelers; and by men of science. If they can open a way for themselves; in spite of all these difficulties; shall the ambassadors of the cross shrink back? God can open doors. He is “the Great Opener.” He opens the lips of the dumb to song; the eyes of the blind to sight; and the prison house to the captive. He opens the doors of utterance and entrance of the Gospel. He opens graves and gates; the windows of heaven and the bars of death. He holds all the keys of every situation.”It would be worth another read and I would recommend it to someone who:Is interested in missions.Wants to get a global view of their local faith.Would like to hear what Christ is doing around the world.Other books along this same theme would be:Anderson; Chris; JD Crowley; David Hosaflook; Tim Keesee; and Joe Tyrpak. Gospel Meditations for Missions. Churchworksmedia; n.d.Piper; John. Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions. Baker; 2008.Piper; John; and David Mathis; eds. Cross: Unrivaled Christ; Unstoppable Gospel; Unreached Peoples; Unending Joy. BH Books; 2015.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good News from the FrontlinesBy Alexander R. TandonI was first exposed to "Dispatches from the Front" through the DVD series of the same name. I have not compared the DVDs to the accounts included in this book; though I would guess they are the same or similar. If that is the case; I would recommend the DVDs over the book; but only because they set Dr. Keesee's writings to moving video and images.That being said; I happily give this book 5 stars. Dr. Keesee writes as one who has been to the front and spent time with the infantry so that he might share their stories with us. His writing style is engaging and you will frequently feel as though you are there with him. This book will challenge you to prayerfully consider what you're doing with your life and should; at a minimum; inspire you to pray more faithfully for those who are risking their lives for the advance of the Kingdom.So; grab a cup of strong coffee (his preferred beverage) and open your heart and mind to the unstoppable power of "Calvary Love"!