The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus

As a Christian you can't help but read this book and be inspired. The amazing stores in this book will warm your heart and fill you with motivation to go out and reach others for Christ. It provides some very basic explanations of the various religions out there and most interviewees provide insights on how to best reach that particular spiritual philosophy. Just a great book to see the power of the Holy Spirit work in people's lives.

Thom Rainer's "The Unexpected Journey..." is a book that both encourages and enlightens followers of Christ. With great care and dignity, he shares the stories of people who have converted to Christianity from various worldviews. The insights from these individuals on why they made such a life-changing decision are worth the price of the book. If you would like to see what those outside of the faith really think about Christianity, this book would be a great read for you.

Rainer shares the story of thirteen people from various religious backgrounds who came to faith in Jesus Christ. This book is written in a conversational style and relates the circumstances surrounding each interview. Every account closes with a list of what influenced that particular individual (or couple) to accept Christ. The author set out to share the stories of people from various backgrounds who have come to faith in Jesus Christ. He does so much more than that. Through their stories, a Christian reading this book will be encouraged to be faithful in witnessing. Practical steps to deal with each of the backgrounds represented are explained in a way that makes sense. This book should be read by every Christian who wants to learn that others can saved, regardless of how hopeless their situation looks. These stories are samples that represent hundreds of people. It is a reminder that our neighbor is loved by God, and should be loved by us. The material presented is easy to read, yet full of information and practical steps on how to handle numerous situations. It is useful to an individual reading for personal edification, but would also be excellent for a group study. For this reviewer, it is a reminder that no matter how someone appears or what their background is, they need Jesus Christ as Savior. Christians cannot afford to write off or ignore anyone simply because we don't want to be bothered. We should imitate the grace, mercy and love that Jesus exhibited to those he encountered. That is not always popular or easy, but it is important. In the end, each individual will stand before the Father and answer for their activity on earth. The best attitude to have will be one of obedience to all that Jesus taught.

I'm trying to think about how to word my review. I'm afraid I will not be able to do this book justice. The bible says that God will call people from every nation, kindred and tribe. Oh yes, He has. Atheists, witches, agnostics, people lost in confusing beliefs that lead nowhere...God found them all. They were each touched in different ways and each uniquely found their way to Jesus Christ. The transforming power of His love, His word and His promise is evident in each of the twelve stories. These people are real and speak their testimonies in plain language. The book is not preachy, contrived, patronizing or full of treacle, just straightforward stories of salvation. Reading each chapter made my heart soar and my lips praise God for His love and mercy. The author outlines, in each chapter, the basics of what the beliefs of each person prior to their conversion to Christianity entailed. Very helpful. I felt as though I was on along on each "journey" as they found their way to Jesus. Thank you for this.

The evangelistic efforts of Christians today are crippled because of a fear of failure, or rejection, or incompetence. Consequently, rather than struggle with weak unclear efforts, often, there is none. Thom S. Rainer's book "The Unexpected Journey: Conversations with People Who Turned from Other Beliefs to Jesus" serves to rebuild the confidence of would be evangelists. Rainer accidentally (?) reminds the reader that God still uses ordinary means to get the attention of sinners who need a relationship with Christ. Evangelistic programs, special outreaches, and orchestrated church campaigns are not the engines driving the unconverted to seek Christ. So what is? Thom uses his classic Rainer analysis to tell a dozen stories of conversions to Christ. The book encourages readers to stay in the lives of others and share the love of Christ. No special program, no magic words, just faithful learning, living, and sharing the love of God reaches those who do not know him.