For me, I resonate with books that tell stories, either fiction or non-fiction. Not that I don't like or am not affected by theological or instructive books, I just find myself more convicted and changed by stories. For example, I am more convicted by my lack of faith when I read about Hudson Taylor than I am when I read a book about faith, how to have it, and what it does in my life. When I see faith, grace, love, etc lived out in other people, fictional or not, I am affected more than if I just read books that talk about faith, grace, love, etc. And because of that, I tend to read more biographies and Christian fiction.
"Safely Home" is a fictional story based on some real life events and people. Here is a short synopsis:Executive Ben Fielding hits upon a perfect plan: he will make his company millions of dollars by using Chinese labor to manufacture its electronic components. To kickstart his plan, he visits China, where he stays with college roommate Li Quan, whom he hasn't seen in over 20 years. From Li, Ben learns that his initial impressions of China from his research and from visits over the years are false, but Ben doesn't believe Li's stories of the persecution of Christians until Li is taken to jail. As Ben rediscovers Jesus through Li's faith, he discovers the truth that God does not promise an easy life on Earth, only eternal happiness after death.
I don't want to give away too much of the story, so I won't give specifics. But I was convicted of a lack of reliance on and love for Jesus Christ, a lack of love for the lost, too much love for the comforts of the world, and not setting my eyes and my heart on eternity and eternal things.
If you enjoy reading a good book and want your faith and your heart stirred and refreshed for Jesus, I recommend reading this book. And if you do read I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
