Set in China and Burma, this book tells of the suffering and triumph of a devoted pastor imprisoned to extremis. Brother Yun was converted at the age of 16 following the miraculous healing of his father, and the witness of his mother's faith. He had never seen a Bible; they were almost non-existent, and carrying one could result in severe punishment. Desperate for the Word of God, Yun prayed and fasted for many months until he was eventually given one. How he loved, treasured and memorised it!

Brother Yun was filled with an intense zeal to serve the Lord and preach the gospel, despite the dangerous situation. He became one of the leaders of the house church movement in China, which numbers tens of millions of believers. When he took a stand against the government controlled church he was cast into prison, where he experienced terrible deprivation and torture. During this time God led him to a miraculous 70 day fast without food or water, through which he was drawn closer to the Lord and was able to triumph over the terrible circumstances.

In total Brother Yun was imprisoned three times in China and for a fourth time in Burma. His last prison experience in China culminated in a miraculous escape from a maximum security prison - he simply walked past the guards and out through the open gates! Today he and his family are based in Germany where the primary focus of their ministry is the 'Back to Jerusalem' movement. This is the vision of the Chinese church to send out 100,000 missionaries to preach the gospel and establish fellowships of believers in the countries between China and Jerusalem (www.backtojerusalem.com).

The book grips your heart from the first page. It challenges any complacency about the situation in China and reminds us that religious persecution is still a fact for millions. In doing so, however, it is very positive and encouraging, emphasising the beauty and character of Jesus, and the value of knowing and serving him.

I found it a very challenging read, written by a man whose experience is completely different from mine as a doctor in England. How can I relate to someone who has experienced prolonged prison and torture, who has seen many miracles and prayed and fasted for longer than our Lord himself? I cannot. However, much of the Bible is beyond my understanding although I am constantly challenged and helped by it. Maybe that is the way to view this book, like a mighty mountain of faith. I can climb a little way up; you may be able to get further.

Reviewed by Jeremy Franklin,  CMF Pastoral Secretary