Though published more than twenty years ago, this massive compendium of information remains an essential resource for all students of Christian missions, world Christianity, and world history.

Most churches and Christians do not emphasize deep transformation by God through the Holy Spirit. They communicate the facts of the faith well enough, but fail to address the deep idols of the heart that make us vulnerable to besetting sins, addictions, and despair when real trouble comes.

Though I cannot recommend that anyone purchase or read this book (see my Global China Center review for the reasons why), I do think that it contains some useful information and analysis.

Noted historian on the subject of World Christianity, Scott Sunquist has given us another outstanding volume. He possesses both a wide knowledge of the Christian movement’s history as a whole and a comprehensive grasp of Christian missions in all its dimensions.

I don’t know how I’ll be able to convey the essence of this gripping narrative in a brief review. Paul Hattaway has given us a major contribution to the history of the church in China, based on extensive reading and personal interviews with key characters in the story.

As Athanasius, at the cost of five exiles, all alone against what seemed to be the whole Christian world - and thus the phrase, ‘Athanasius contra mundum” - courageously insisted centuries ago, the words written in large letters on signs and barns along dusty Southern roads are true: JESUS SAVES!