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General Review, by Nancy Wagner
Cambodia, North Korea, China, Romania, Uganda, Pakistan, Cuba--in over forty nations around the world today, devout Christians are experiencing religious persecution. Even in our own free country, the faithful are persecuted for their beliefs because “Christianity is controversial ... it is powerful over the enemy. Satan does not waste his time on false religions.” Extreme Devotion tells the stories of men, women, and children who have lived or are presently living their faith by giving their freedom and, in some cases, even their lives to stand for Christianity.
Each daily entry begins with “Extreme” something, such as: “Loyalty, Honor, ‘Riches,’ Logic, Allegiance, Teaching, Politeness, Danger, and Heritage.” And on every page the reader finds a true story of an individual from early Christian times to the present day showing courage, commitment, strength, hope, or love.
One touching story tells of a 12-year-old boy who gave a flower to a Soviet Captain to give to his wife because the boy was unable to give the flower to his mother, who this same Captain had put into prison for her Christian beliefs. The boy’s offer of love so moved the Captain that he embraced the boy and soon found himself arrested and put into a filthy prison cell because he could no longer arrest and torture Christians.
Finally, in the living application section of each entry, the Voice of the Martyrs’ editors give words of encouragement to help the reader deal with his or her own daily struggles in living a Christian life.
By showing us a true witness, these ordinary Christians who have faced extraordinary situations can help us strengthen our faith. They are indeed victors over their struggles, not victims. As St. Augustine has said, “The cause not the suffering makes a genuine martyr.” Extreme Devotion definitely encourages us to live our faith and face the future without fear.
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