The Lord of the Ring: In Search of Count Von Zinzendorf

This is a worthwhile book that fills in a lot of color on an obscure leader of an obscure group of people that may be THE MOST INFLUENTIAL group of nobodies in evangelical history! Phil Anderson puts together an enjoyable and readable account of the Moravian community of Herrnhut and its leader, Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf. I had read about Zinzendorf in my church history classes and my denominational polity class (as a precursor to the pietistic movement), but never did I see his connection to important missionaries and mission movements. Through this book, I was able to see the impact that the Moravians had on John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, William Carey, William Booth, and also on the current 24-7 prayer movement. Back when Protestants were not doing ANY global missions, there were these Moravians -- going to India, to St. Thomas island, to Central Asia, to colonial America, to Greenland, and many other places. They inspired the work of the Circuit Riders and gave John Wesley the disciple-making tools he needed to start the Methodist movement. And they inspired a young William Carey to challenge the denominational powers that be that global missions was a possibility. I have passed this book on to many of my friends and, without fail, each one has become inspired by the power of simple people who were the REAL DEAL. For anyone looking to find people in our past who majored in "first things," look no further than the Moravians. And Phil Anderson is a perfect tour guide for all who want to meet them.

In this book by Phil Anderson you will find one of the best accounts of the life of Count Zinzendorf and the birth of the Moravian movement in Germany. The first seven chapters are amazing as from a young age Zinzendorf grows into the great leader of this missionary community in Hernhutt. The story of this small community of 300 who sent over 1000 missionaries around the world in 100 years and who for 100 years also continuously sustained 24/7 prayer is absolutely amazing! Everyone should know about this move of God and this book is a good synopsis of it, hitting the major points and showing how God moved in the life of Zinzendorf and others to bring about a miraculous community. The only drawback to this book is the last three chapters. They are basically stories of others (such as John Wesley) who were affected by the Moravians or the community at Hernhutt. Although interesting, it seems to veer off the main point of the book which traces the life of Zinzendorf and the birth of this community. That put aside, this is still a great read. With easy writing to follow, well documented research and even a personal log journey of the author as he and friend travel to Hernhutt themselves. A must for anyone interested in 24/7 prayer or in revival movements of God!