The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun

co-written by Paul Hattaway

This book is the incredibly honest and powerful account of Brother Yun being persecuted because he is a Christian. I heard people talking about this book long before I picked up my mum's copy. It excited and amazed her so much, I wanted to find out what the book was all about.

I'm struggling to write this review because a man who is so committed to God, even willing to die for Him, seems crazy. I say so often that I love God and want to give everything to and for Him; it sounds cheesy and very 'Christian'. This guy is for real. His story made me feel uneasy, jealous, pathetic and left me wondering, "am I for real?"

Brother Yun experienced such a personal God and one of miracles that he wanted the same for people who didn't yet know God and so committed himself to telling them. Starting in China, which meant persecution in the way of beatings and abuse in prison, he refused to deny his faith in God. There were occasions when he nearly died, but miraculously lived. He escaped prison, walking out through open doors without the guards seeing him. On one occasion, absolutely desperate for God, he fasts food and water for 72 days.

Now based in the West, Brother Yun continues to travel telling people about God, but identifies a different kind of persecution - materialism and the power of spoken and written words, distracting and disabling Christians from being effective. He explains that both of these forms of persecution are as bad and damaging as each other, believing that persecution actually helps Christians to stay focussed on and develop stronger faith in God. He contrasts Western Christians with those in China who experience a God of miracles and wonders, a God who shows up in their time of need, because nothing and no-one else will.

I learnt a lot about God and myself whilst reading this book. The immediate effect was a desire to pray for China. Going deeper than that, I saw something of how much God wants me. I began to understand that I must overcome these things which distract and disable me as a Christian here in the West. Only then will I see a God of miracles and wonders where I live, a God will shows up in my time of need, because nothing and no-one else will.

I dare you to read this book and not be affected by it. If you're a Christian, I dare you to read this book and not believe that this is your God at work in China as He longs to be here. If you're not a Christian, I dare you to read this book, hear about my God and not want to know Him more.