Monday, June 4, 2012

Son of the Underground by Isaac Liu with Albrecht Kaul - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the publisher)
Isaac Liu, the son of Brother Yun, tells his own story of growing up under the hostile eyes of the Chinese authorities

In the months before Isaac's birth, Brother Yun was in prison. His mother was about to be forced into having an abortion, though seven months pregnant, because she was carrying the child of an enemy of the state. After desperate prayer, the night before she was due to go into a hospital for the operation, she miraculously gave birth.

Isaac met his father for the first time at the age of four. With Brother Yun constantly on the run, and his mother working to feed the family, Isaac's grandmother cared for him. One day his mother was also arrested. Isaac and his sister were swiftly taken by local Christians to another town, where they registered at a school under false names. The family finally managed to flee to Burma, then to Thailand, and ultimately to Germany.

Isaac's mother had prayed that God would not call her son to be an evangelis--but his father had dedicated him to God. Isaac, now in his twenties, has embraced the call to be a pastor.

My Thoughts:
In China we had never prayed that the persecution would cease, only that God would give us strength to bear all the oppression and the suffering.” (p. 99)

When I reflect on the story of Isaac Liu’s life, Son of the Underground, the quote on page 99 is an accurate description of his life as the son of a Chinese evangelist. I lost track of the times his father was imprisoned and his family was the target of police raids and narrow escapes. That he came to believe and place his faith in Christ was a miracle in itself. Though he did have times of doubt as a teenager, God continued to provide protection and leadership for him and his family in such a miraculous way, that he was continually pulled to God’s heart and led in the paths that would eventually lead him into full-time ministry.

Time and time again, my heart was pricked with conviction as I read Isaac Liu’s testimony. His mother and grandmother were such special ladies, and their unshakable faith were major influences on Isaac’s life time and time again. Oh that God will allow me to have that same testimony in the lives of my sons! I was also deeply touched by Isaac’s obedience in the face of very tempting life choices. Time and time again, God drew him to His heart and led him in a plain path. Again, I pray that I will be just as attentive to God’s voice in my life and obedient to follow where He leads me.

Son of the Underground is an amazing story that will encourage you and challenge you to grow in your faith and cling to God’s leadership in your life!

About the Author:
Albrecht Kaul, an experienced writer and editor, has travelled extensively in China and knows the country and its people.


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