The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected
Nik Ripken. Nashville: B&H Publishing. 323 pp. (Digital Edition).
Many of you (I hope) saw the movie version of this book that was simulcast recently at some of our churches. If you did not and have not read this book, put The Alabama Baptist down now (don’t tell Jennifer Davis Rash or Dr. Bob Terry I said that), go get it or download it and read it. You say you need to know why you should read it? It’s a life-changer.
Nik Ripken and his wife were missionaries in one of the toughest places in the world. It was discouraging to say the least, and when their son died, unable to continue, they returned home to the States to re-evaluate their calling. I have to be honest with you and tell you that the first half of this book was so dark and depressing that it took me several months to get through it. I would read a little, then put the book down. I finally finished it because my Sunday School teacher kept asking me about it.
I’m glad I did. The second part of the book chronicles the Ripkens’ journey around the world to talk with others who served in tough places — China, Russia, Ukraine and other dark and difficult places. Never especially engaged in information about the persecuted Church (is it un-Baptist to admit that?), I was surprised to find something very different from what I expected. Instead of the despair and depression I braced myself for, I read stories of hope and joy and God’s provision and more. Much more. Read it.
—By Martine Bates Fairbanks, Ed.D.
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