I Am N

"When militants from the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) moved into northern Iraq, they began identifying Christian-owned property. Families would find the Arabic letter ﻥ (nun, noon), or n, painted on their homes and churches. This single letter conveyed the powerful accusation that the occupants were “Nazarenes,” people who followed Jesus of Nazareth rather than Islam. To be labeled “n” in a community dominated by Muslim extremists is to undergo an immediate identity and life change. With this mark comes the ultimatum: If you convert to Islam or pay the tax, you can keep your material possessions and remain in this community. If not, leave or you will die."

This heart-breaking book contains numerous stories of Christians, young and old, facing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. The stories in this book are current, straight from the front lines from real people facing persecution for their Christian faith. This book was written in order to share the stories of Christians—from Nigeria to Malaysia to Pakistan—who have suffered persecution from Muslim extremists. These are stories of courage and steadfastness. These Christians are living out Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” They boldly and unashamedly proclaim that Jesus Christ is their Lord and savior, regardless of the circumstances.

This book is divided into six different parts, each dealing with specific types of persecution or reactions to persecution:
Part One: Sacrifice - The reality of making a personal sacrifice for one’s faith isn’t something most Christians in the West are forced to think about very often. Sacrifice is never far from the hearts and minds of Jesus followers who are persecuted by Islamic extremists. They know that once their faith becomes visible to others, persecution will come.

Part Two: Courage - When we live among people who are resistant to or openly hostile toward the gospel, it is hard—sometimes terrifying—to stand strong and live out our identification as followers of Jesus.

Part Three: Joy - Joy is probably not the first emotional expression we associate with persecuted followers of Jesus. James 1:2–3 reminds persecuted Jesus followers that suffering has a purpose: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Part Four: Perseverance- persecuted Christians are encouraged by 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” And Mark 13:13: “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Part Five: Forgiveness - Even more compelling than stories of their faithful perseverance under persecution are stories of their forgiveness for those who persecute them. Sincere forgiveness for the people who hate and harm them.

Part Six: Faithfulness - The faithfulness of one inspires others to remain true to God—to focus their hearts and minds on Jesus and face the temptations, endure the persecution, and risk everything to follow him.

The stories themselves are heart-breaking, but each story contains a bible verse that specifically deals with persecution that is special to each persecuted individual. One thing I thought was interesting is that several stories mention people seeing a vision of Christ that guides them to learn more about the Christian faith.

This book is written as a call to pray for the persecuted Christians you learn about, and to serve them if at all possible. I would recommend it to all Christians so that you can hear the stories and learn from them, and be encouraged to stand strong in your faith. I received this book as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.