What do you think?
Rate this book
Another Man's War: The True Story of One Man's Battle to Save Children in the Sudan
The rise of Sam Childers from violent, drug-addicted biker to a man willing to risk everything to rescue the orphans and child soldiers of Sudan "All my life, from birth, it's been a fight. And it always seemed to be another man's war. I always seemed to be fighting for someone else. But it always came back to me. The Word says we're born into sin, and sin always comes back to war." - Sam Childers Sam Childers has always been a fighter. Born to a violent father and a mother of great faith, his life was a contradiction. With an affinity for drugs and women, the angry young man grew into a drug-dealing biker. But that was then. Nowadays Sam-along with the cadre of Sudanese soldiers he employs-spends his time in the most dangerous parts of Sudan and Uganda rescuing the youngest victims of war, orphans and child-soldiers. His mission is save the children, no matter the cost. "Another Man's War is about true terrorism . . . against more than 200,000 children in northern Uganda and Southern Sudan. Sam Childers-a fighter and a preacher (some call him a mercenary)-tirelessly leads a small militia into the jungle, daring to fight against a vicious army outnumbering him one thousand to one. One man can make a huge difference. Sam Childers certainly does." -- Peter Fonda, actor/filmmaker, best known as star of Easy Rider "The Reverend Sam Childers has been a very close friend to the government of South Sudan for many years and is a trusted friend." -- President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan "The Reverend Sam Childers is a long time devoted friend to our government and his courageous work is supported by us." -- President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda "Sam Childers is one of those rare men [who is] willing to do literally whatever it takes to promote the message of Jesus Christ and save children from the tyranny of evil men." -- John Rich, lead singer and songwriter, Big & Rich
223 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
64 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 7, 2025
Every so often, a book comes along that blurs the line between faith, grit, and moral ambiguity. Another Man’s War by Sam Childers is exactly that kind of story.
Childers—once a drug dealer and biker—finds redemption through a calling that leads him to South Sudan, where he becomes known as “The Machine Gun Preacher.” What begins as a personal quest for salvation turns into a mission to rescue children caught in the brutality of the Lord’s Resistance Army.
It’s not a polished hero’s tale. Childers is rough, unfiltered, and often controversial. But that’s what makes the book compelling—it raises uncomfortable questions about morality, justice, and what it really means to “do good” in a world that doesn’t play by clear rules.
Beyond the action and adrenaline, what stayed with me was the paradox: how a man’s faith can drive both compassion and conflict. It challenges the reader to consider where conviction ends and obsession begins.
For those interested in leadership born out of chaos, faith-based transformation, or the ethics of humanitarian work, Another Man’s War offers a raw and unforgettable perspective.
#Leadership #Transformation #Faith #Ethics #BookReview #SocialImpact
Childers—once a drug dealer and biker—finds redemption through a calling that leads him to South Sudan, where he becomes known as “The Machine Gun Preacher.” What begins as a personal quest for salvation turns into a mission to rescue children caught in the brutality of the Lord’s Resistance Army.
It’s not a polished hero’s tale. Childers is rough, unfiltered, and often controversial. But that’s what makes the book compelling—it raises uncomfortable questions about morality, justice, and what it really means to “do good” in a world that doesn’t play by clear rules.
Beyond the action and adrenaline, what stayed with me was the paradox: how a man’s faith can drive both compassion and conflict. It challenges the reader to consider where conviction ends and obsession begins.
For those interested in leadership born out of chaos, faith-based transformation, or the ethics of humanitarian work, Another Man’s War offers a raw and unforgettable perspective.
#Leadership #Transformation #Faith #Ethics #BookReview #SocialImpact
March 3, 2015
This one is another to add to my favorites! I saw Machine Gun Preacher several months ago with Gerard Butler and I found out at the end there was a real Machine Gun Preacher named Sam Childers and he had a book I bought right way. Digging through my stacks of unread books I added it to my reading 2 to 3 at a time but I couldn't put this one down. This is another one everyone should read along with my 2 fav books of all time by Kent Nerburn. Neither Wolf Nor Dog and Wolf at Twilight. They are on my favorites list. Actually you should read any and all books on my favorites list:) This book was so moving and I have wanted to add his work to my charities I work with. There are so many evil things in this world that have been happening since we were created and it's so hard to realize there are still so many horrific things done to people, children and animals. They are there but by the Grace of God there are those out there that fight the good fight in any way, shape or form. We can all do something, somewhere, somehow.
August 13, 2012
PROS: it is an inspiring tale of redemption and of answering a calling greater than ones self.
CONS: it is poorly written, education accounted for, and the religious and political agenda is clear. It is unfortunate that his message isolates itself within these constraints.
CONS: it is poorly written, education accounted for, and the religious and political agenda is clear. It is unfortunate that his message isolates itself within these constraints.
April 27, 2009
This memoir tells the story of Sam Childers and of the children of southern Sudan and northern Uganda. About half of the book describes Sam Childers' youth, including his years as a drug-using and -selling biker and how he left that life to become a Christian preacher called by God to minister in Africa.
The rest of the book describes his ministry in Sudan and Uganda: first driving a mobile medical clinic to areas without access to medical services and now building and protecting a compound where children left orphans by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) can grow up in safty. He describes what life is like in the areas the LRA (a rebel group led by Joseph Kony) terrorizes villagers, why children are kidnapped by the LRA, what happens to them when they are, and how they get free.
He briefly describes the recent history of Sudan and Uganda. He also describes God's protection and provision of his work there. He describes rescues, going into danger areas, and the fighting. He describes in detail the Village/orphanage and what they provide for the children who live there.
The book is interesting, well-written, and fast-paced. I would have liked to know more about how they help the children recover from what they've seen and experienced, though. For those who don't like gore and suffering, this book has few gory details. Personal accounts of what the children and villages suffer at the hands of the LRA are given briefly and with few details.
Sam Childers is outspoken about his Christian faith in the book and gives credit for a number of miracles (mainly of protection and provision) to God, but he says that a lot of non-Christians are interested in and supportive of his work. So this book might be interesting to non-Christians despite the Christian content. If you're someone who believes there's never any justification for using violence, then I doubt you'll like this book.
I'd recommend this book, especially to those who like incredible-but-true missionary stories, to soldiers who are Christians, and to those interested in what's being done to help the children in southern Sudan and northern Uganda.
The rest of the book describes his ministry in Sudan and Uganda: first driving a mobile medical clinic to areas without access to medical services and now building and protecting a compound where children left orphans by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) can grow up in safty. He describes what life is like in the areas the LRA (a rebel group led by Joseph Kony) terrorizes villagers, why children are kidnapped by the LRA, what happens to them when they are, and how they get free.
He briefly describes the recent history of Sudan and Uganda. He also describes God's protection and provision of his work there. He describes rescues, going into danger areas, and the fighting. He describes in detail the Village/orphanage and what they provide for the children who live there.
The book is interesting, well-written, and fast-paced. I would have liked to know more about how they help the children recover from what they've seen and experienced, though. For those who don't like gore and suffering, this book has few gory details. Personal accounts of what the children and villages suffer at the hands of the LRA are given briefly and with few details.
Sam Childers is outspoken about his Christian faith in the book and gives credit for a number of miracles (mainly of protection and provision) to God, but he says that a lot of non-Christians are interested in and supportive of his work. So this book might be interesting to non-Christians despite the Christian content. If you're someone who believes there's never any justification for using violence, then I doubt you'll like this book.
I'd recommend this book, especially to those who like incredible-but-true missionary stories, to soldiers who are Christians, and to those interested in what's being done to help the children in southern Sudan and northern Uganda.
February 4, 2012
My husband told me about this guy - he is actually a "regular" in his Somerset, PA store (when he's in the states)! I'd never heard of him before, but I found his book in the library and was excited to read it.
Sam Childers' story is totally fascinating. Not only the accounts of his dangerous and somewhat controversial work in the Sudan, but also his dramatic, life-changing conversion experience. I was really blown away.
His story is what makes the book. You really do have to overlook the total lack of organization & "flow," the typos (I wasn't even looking for them and I found 3-4), and generally poor editing. Honestly, the story is so amazing, it's surprising how easy it is to overlook those things.
I like to rate books on how long they stay in my mind. Some are totally forgettable; some stick with you. This is one that I wake up thinking about. I can't wait till my husband reads it so we can discuss it.
If not for the terrible editing, I would have given it 5 stars.
Sam Childers' story is totally fascinating. Not only the accounts of his dangerous and somewhat controversial work in the Sudan, but also his dramatic, life-changing conversion experience. I was really blown away.
His story is what makes the book. You really do have to overlook the total lack of organization & "flow," the typos (I wasn't even looking for them and I found 3-4), and generally poor editing. Honestly, the story is so amazing, it's surprising how easy it is to overlook those things.
I like to rate books on how long they stay in my mind. Some are totally forgettable; some stick with you. This is one that I wake up thinking about. I can't wait till my husband reads it so we can discuss it.
If not for the terrible editing, I would have given it 5 stars.
February 24, 2017
This is a fantastic book which I highly recommend. If you read it with an open mind it will resonate more as an inspiration to allow God complete rule over your life decisions and to completely trust Him no matter what He asks. If you're reading it for just a "good story" then you will get a good story, but I honestly don't think it will be an inspiration to you and you most likely will be perplexed as to its accuracy. I enjoyed this book because I seriously don't doubt the possibility of any of these circumstances happening in the life of someone that completely trusts God with their money, time, efforts, and safety such as Sam Childers did.
October 14, 2025
One of the most unforgettable people I’ve encountered is Sam Childers, known around the world as The Machine Gun Preacher.
I spent a summer in Africa, but met him at Celebration Church (Gateway City Church) in Las Vegas. He was touring across America, sharing stories of Mission Impossible danger, and redemption from his ministry in war-torn Sudan.
Sam Childers would look around the church and said humorously:
“That Hollywood movie is a total lie... I’m way more handsome than Gerard Butler!”
I just finished listening to his audiobook, "Another Man’s War," about the Machine Gun Preacher, starring the actor who played King Leonidas in the movie 300, Gerard Butler.
Sam describes himself to the congregation as a “1% drug dealer, gangster, biker, and no-good scumbag thug whom God got hold of, and radically changed.”
Then God sent this reformed outlaw straight into the center of a bloody civil war—filled with unspeakable horror.
(Currently, as I'm swiping on my Galaxy phone, the latest news is over 100,000 Christians in Nigeria wth no main stream media have been killed.)
spoiler alert:
"When I first started driving around in Southern Sudan, my soldiers and I got ambushed all the time. To any normal person that would be a bad thing. But I thought that was great. I went around hoping the L.R.A. would ambush us."
The only thing the LRA understands is an AK-47. That's how you speak their language.
When I listen to this audiobook it reminds me of the Old Testament war stories of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.
"Pastor, you can not go any further!"
"Why not?" Asks Sam
"The LRA is attacking a village just ahead. You must wait until there are enough soldiers to go with you."
"Come on. That's non-sense... We are soldiers we don't need to wait for anybody."
The guard with a serious expression, looked at his 5 soldiers. Then he looked at Sam Childers with an Ak-47 resting on his lap.
"Pastor, there's over 200 LRA out there."
Sam Childers, conveyed, "I like the odds. 40 against 1. Those are good odds. I'm going."
Sam sensed God giving battle plans and he obeyed, stationing a soldier on the roof of both vehicles with their 30 Cal machine guns.
Sam Childers then led the charge, driving with one hand on the wheel and the other hand clutching his AK-47.
Sam felt God was saying, "Drive faster! Faster!"
"Ok, God if you say so!"
Sam put the petal to the mettle and drove like a mad man, faster and faster, like Jehu.
The land cruiser on a dirt road, pounded into a massive pothole and all 4 tires went airborne.
The soldier on the roof was hanging onto the .30 Cal with one arm and inside the window of the Land Cruiser with the other arm. Holding on for dear life, he was hollering, "pastor, pastor, I can't hang on any longer!"
Looking ahead, the 5 soldiers and Sam could see the village burning, flames were spreading, smoke was everywhere, villagers running for their lives from the merciless machetes and guns of the Lords Resistance Army. There was chaos, commotion and screaming.
Sam felt God speak and instructed his soldiers on the roof of the 2 vehicles, "Shoooooot, start shooting!!"
The guns were spitting and blazing fire. The cars rushing to the aid of the village, caused a furious dust storm behind them as far as the eye could see. The dust looked like an army was descending upon the village.
Sam could see the Lord's Resistance Army run away.
Like the 4 lepers in the Old Testament who approached an enemy army. Everyone ran away and many villagers were saved from being butchered to death.
"God protects me in Africa in amazing ways!"
One person in the congregation would ask The Machine Gun Preacher, "Do you really think you can make a difference?"
The question stunned Sam into silence.
"I want to know," the guy said, "because I think it's stupid!
It's crazy for you to be wasting your time in Africa. One person. How can you make a difference?"
Sam would go home and have an argument with God, "You know what God. This is stupid, Lord. I'm not going to make a difference!"
Some time later, after Sam straightened God out. He was back in Africa when a stranger came rushing to Sam. It was an African lady.
Pastor do you remember who i am?
"No. I don't really remember you."
"I'm that lady who was in the village when the LRA raided it. They were cutting my breast off. You and your men saved me."
Instantly, it was like God said to me, "One man can make a difference."
Since that day there is nothing anyone could ever say to convince me that one person cannot change a nation. One person can do unbelievable things.
All it takes is that one person who is willing to risk everything to make it happen."
With nothing but faith, grit, and an AK-47, he built an orphanage in the middle of a war zone—rescuing children before they were enslaved by the LRA.
Over two decades, he founded 7 orphanages, 7 schools, and drilled 40 wells across Africa—bringing hope where there once was none.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18
I spent a summer in Africa, but met him at Celebration Church (Gateway City Church) in Las Vegas. He was touring across America, sharing stories of Mission Impossible danger, and redemption from his ministry in war-torn Sudan.
Sam Childers would look around the church and said humorously:
“That Hollywood movie is a total lie... I’m way more handsome than Gerard Butler!”
I just finished listening to his audiobook, "Another Man’s War," about the Machine Gun Preacher, starring the actor who played King Leonidas in the movie 300, Gerard Butler.
Sam describes himself to the congregation as a “1% drug dealer, gangster, biker, and no-good scumbag thug whom God got hold of, and radically changed.”
Then God sent this reformed outlaw straight into the center of a bloody civil war—filled with unspeakable horror.
(Currently, as I'm swiping on my Galaxy phone, the latest news is over 100,000 Christians in Nigeria wth no main stream media have been killed.)
spoiler alert:
"When I first started driving around in Southern Sudan, my soldiers and I got ambushed all the time. To any normal person that would be a bad thing. But I thought that was great. I went around hoping the L.R.A. would ambush us."
The only thing the LRA understands is an AK-47. That's how you speak their language.
When I listen to this audiobook it reminds me of the Old Testament war stories of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.
"Pastor, you can not go any further!"
"Why not?" Asks Sam
"The LRA is attacking a village just ahead. You must wait until there are enough soldiers to go with you."
"Come on. That's non-sense... We are soldiers we don't need to wait for anybody."
The guard with a serious expression, looked at his 5 soldiers. Then he looked at Sam Childers with an Ak-47 resting on his lap.
"Pastor, there's over 200 LRA out there."
Sam Childers, conveyed, "I like the odds. 40 against 1. Those are good odds. I'm going."
Sam sensed God giving battle plans and he obeyed, stationing a soldier on the roof of both vehicles with their 30 Cal machine guns.
Sam Childers then led the charge, driving with one hand on the wheel and the other hand clutching his AK-47.
Sam felt God was saying, "Drive faster! Faster!"
"Ok, God if you say so!"
Sam put the petal to the mettle and drove like a mad man, faster and faster, like Jehu.
The land cruiser on a dirt road, pounded into a massive pothole and all 4 tires went airborne.
The soldier on the roof was hanging onto the .30 Cal with one arm and inside the window of the Land Cruiser with the other arm. Holding on for dear life, he was hollering, "pastor, pastor, I can't hang on any longer!"
Looking ahead, the 5 soldiers and Sam could see the village burning, flames were spreading, smoke was everywhere, villagers running for their lives from the merciless machetes and guns of the Lords Resistance Army. There was chaos, commotion and screaming.
Sam felt God speak and instructed his soldiers on the roof of the 2 vehicles, "Shoooooot, start shooting!!"
The guns were spitting and blazing fire. The cars rushing to the aid of the village, caused a furious dust storm behind them as far as the eye could see. The dust looked like an army was descending upon the village.
Sam could see the Lord's Resistance Army run away.
Like the 4 lepers in the Old Testament who approached an enemy army. Everyone ran away and many villagers were saved from being butchered to death.
"God protects me in Africa in amazing ways!"
One person in the congregation would ask The Machine Gun Preacher, "Do you really think you can make a difference?"
The question stunned Sam into silence.
"I want to know," the guy said, "because I think it's stupid!
It's crazy for you to be wasting your time in Africa. One person. How can you make a difference?"
Sam would go home and have an argument with God, "You know what God. This is stupid, Lord. I'm not going to make a difference!"
Some time later, after Sam straightened God out. He was back in Africa when a stranger came rushing to Sam. It was an African lady.
Pastor do you remember who i am?
"No. I don't really remember you."
"I'm that lady who was in the village when the LRA raided it. They were cutting my breast off. You and your men saved me."
Instantly, it was like God said to me, "One man can make a difference."
Since that day there is nothing anyone could ever say to convince me that one person cannot change a nation. One person can do unbelievable things.
All it takes is that one person who is willing to risk everything to make it happen."
With nothing but faith, grit, and an AK-47, he built an orphanage in the middle of a war zone—rescuing children before they were enslaved by the LRA.
Over two decades, he founded 7 orphanages, 7 schools, and drilled 40 wells across Africa—bringing hope where there once was none.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18
May 23, 2022
Spiders don’t lay eggs in people. It’s a common urban legend that Sam swears really happened to him in Sudan. If he is lying about something stupid like spiders laying eggs in his arm, what else is he lying about? Now I feel like I can’t believe a word coming out of his mouth. The book is extremely self-serving but he is helping hundreds of people (unless he is lying about that too). Sam is a religious nutter. We’re supposed to believe he rubbed oil on a girl & her flesh eating bacteria disease fell off instantly. What????? Between magical oil, flesh eating bacteria falling off on a whim, & supernatural spiders laying eggs in our narrator’s arm this book is way too far out there for me to believe a word of. Stick to facts next time.
March 29, 2021
Sam Childers journey was interesting , I feel that the book was a bit haphazard and could have benefitted greatly from an experienced editor. The delivery was a bit lacking and at times the book really gave off the impression that rather than being repentant on his earlier wrong doings he treated them like bragging points.
I also found the miracles and stories about the devil a little theatrical for my personal taste. I am however not the target market for this book I believe that the stories may better serve a modern day Christian audience better.
I also found the miracles and stories about the devil a little theatrical for my personal taste. I am however not the target market for this book I believe that the stories may better serve a modern day Christian audience better.
February 17, 2018
Sam Childers is an example of what happens when you mix a hardcore guy destined for an early death with the extremely powerful and amazing work that Jesus Christ likes to bring into our lives.
Without giving too much detail, this story is absolutely marvelous in how bold and triumphant a powerful relationship with God can go.
Without giving too much detail, this story is absolutely marvelous in how bold and triumphant a powerful relationship with God can go.
November 6, 2018
The book Another Man's war was a well in depth written book accounting events that had happened that Sam has experienced plus how he was before he became a fighter in South Sudan. The problem with the book is how much he thinks that God is a cause in events that happen. From him being able to not be shot or his doubt in god being relinquished.
January 23, 2020
Outrageous love and commitment! I am humbled and inspired. Thank you Sam Childers, may the Lord use you and as many as possible to save as many as possible.
This book is hard to put down. It is gritty and tough to handle. The pain of Sam, his family and the children is palpable. I am so thankful to have read this.
This book is hard to put down. It is gritty and tough to handle. The pain of Sam, his family and the children is palpable. I am so thankful to have read this.
June 21, 2020
I met him at an event held at a church in my hometown. His past sent chills down my spine as someone who had done so much wrong. However, he has turned his life around and has inspired to help so many more people by choice. He was so friendly answering questions during QandA and after the presentation of the evening. Bringing people together this was a night I will never forget.
August 12, 2023
How this man succeeds against such evil is testament only to his God and the strength of his character.
I could not put it down. Sam Childers let’s us in to his strengths, failings and anxieties…he is a hero and yet struggles to keep his world together in his undying declaration of love for the abandoned children he saves!
Go Sam, bless you heaps.
I could not put it down. Sam Childers let’s us in to his strengths, failings and anxieties…he is a hero and yet struggles to keep his world together in his undying declaration of love for the abandoned children he saves!
Go Sam, bless you heaps.
May 31, 2017
Powerful story
Sam Is a no nonsense guy that I could really relate too. As a Green Beret, I have seen many of the atrocities Sam speaks of in his book. As a Christian, it ha empowered my faith and left me with the question, who can I do more?
Sam Is a no nonsense guy that I could really relate too. As a Green Beret, I have seen many of the atrocities Sam speaks of in his book. As a Christian, it ha empowered my faith and left me with the question, who can I do more?
May 18, 2020
a very nice read. It tells the story about a troubled past kid change his life to help out the world. The stories were incredible. I didn’t like how it was in chronological order. I would recommend it
September 9, 2025
Read when I was much younger after having watched the film adaptation. On my list to revisit but even then I remember it being a pretty consuming read, I couldn’t put it down. Very interesting story and insight into this part of the world
Read
August 18, 2019Machine Gun Preacher portrayed by Gerard Butler.
January 4, 2020
amazing
sam childers is an amazing human being and he is an inspiration. Groups like the LRA need to be wiped off of this planet.
sam childers is an amazing human being and he is an inspiration. Groups like the LRA need to be wiped off of this planet.
January 31, 2020
My heart goes out to the children in Africa. I'm not religious but I will still say a prayer for them. We all could do a little more to help each other.
July 8, 2021
People who think that they have it rough living in America need to read this book. Americans and Christians in general these days are lazy and selfish.
January 10, 2023
Excellent read! Very inspiring and heart wrenching. Can’t wait to see the movie!
September 16, 2023
Such an amazing testament of one man’s faith and the power of Jesus Christ.
March 10, 2017
Good read. Most Christians don't think of Christ grabbing a weapon and going after people even though that is exactly what the Bible tells us he did in John.
June 17, 2019
Powerful man, story and faith
I had heard of Sam years ago and seen the documentary and movie of his life. After meeting and talking with Sam at a detergent I have even more respect for him and his ministry. May God continue to bless him and his ministry!!!
I had heard of Sam years ago and seen the documentary and movie of his life. After meeting and talking with Sam at a detergent I have even more respect for him and his ministry. May God continue to bless him and his ministry!!!
February 9, 2017
Should I support a loud-mouthed gun-toting American preacher whose first words in public are 'I'm going to be asking you for money'? Sam Childers became involved in a mission to rescue kids from the lawless militia groups in southern Sudan after converting to Christianity from a life of sex, drugs and general thuggery. To get the job done, he has hooked up with the official army of southern Sudan, who provide additional protection to the personal weapons he carries himself. I don't think there is any doubt that he is working in an area with significant need, and even greater personal danger. This alone makes the book worth reading (or the movie, although there is apparently some license taken that Sam begrudgingly allowed): it is a stark reminder that there are many in the world whose lives are far from what I am used to calling good.
But does this justify my monetary support? Even if the intent is justified, are the means? I was particularly interested in finding out how Childers rationalized being a machine gun preacher. I resolved personally that to take up a weapon with the intent Ito kill was not something I could do in good conscience, and did not join the army reserve at university as a result. Philosophically, I can understand that a Christian could be part of the military, especially where national defense is involved. Voluntarily joining a quasi-Guerilla army with a willingness to kill opposition rebels seems another notch up in terms of ethical dilemmas. (Unfortunately, many of the rebels are also child soldiers, kidnapped and brainwashed at a young age with little understanding of what they are truly doing).
In neither his talk, or his book, we are never really given an answer to this question, or at least we never know whether he has personally killed others in the course of his mission. The best we get seems to be that the rebel's leader is evil and he along with many of his followers more or less deserve death, and given the chance, Childers is willing to carry this out.
This said, the book is not meant to address my questions, and the intention to tell in a simple manner, who he is and what his mission involves. A direct question in his talk along the lines of my interest was not directly answered. I am open to agreeing and somewhat more persuaded after reading the book than I was beforehand. Sam Childers is a rough and ready guy with a big heart and well intended and outspoken convictions. No doubt it is the actions that result from this that matter more to Sudanese kids than any opinion I have either way!
But does this justify my monetary support? Even if the intent is justified, are the means? I was particularly interested in finding out how Childers rationalized being a machine gun preacher. I resolved personally that to take up a weapon with the intent Ito kill was not something I could do in good conscience, and did not join the army reserve at university as a result. Philosophically, I can understand that a Christian could be part of the military, especially where national defense is involved. Voluntarily joining a quasi-Guerilla army with a willingness to kill opposition rebels seems another notch up in terms of ethical dilemmas. (Unfortunately, many of the rebels are also child soldiers, kidnapped and brainwashed at a young age with little understanding of what they are truly doing).
In neither his talk, or his book, we are never really given an answer to this question, or at least we never know whether he has personally killed others in the course of his mission. The best we get seems to be that the rebel's leader is evil and he along with many of his followers more or less deserve death, and given the chance, Childers is willing to carry this out.
This said, the book is not meant to address my questions, and the intention to tell in a simple manner, who he is and what his mission involves. A direct question in his talk along the lines of my interest was not directly answered. I am open to agreeing and somewhat more persuaded after reading the book than I was beforehand. Sam Childers is a rough and ready guy with a big heart and well intended and outspoken convictions. No doubt it is the actions that result from this that matter more to Sudanese kids than any opinion I have either way!
January 25, 2023
A different way to do "missions".
Read
August 3, 2011Another Man's War is pastor Sam Childers's account of his ministry in the battle-scarred regions of Southern Sudan. Childers, a former drug-dealer and criminal, recounts his own journey from his violent past to his current ministry with abused and orphaned children in Sudan. He and a group of Sudanese soldiers rescue children who have been caught in the battles between rebel and government forces, often in very dangerous conditions. I enjoyed and was challenged by Childers's story, but I must admit I was also dismayed by it. It's appalling to hear of the conditions faced by the people of Southern Sudan, with rebel militias murdering villagers and kidnapping children, and it is heartening to hear that people are stepping in to side with the abused and oppressed, but at the same time, it is also distressing to hear the comfort and confidence Childers has in guns and force. He and his group go in fully armed and guns blazing, proud of the impact they are making and of the fight they are bringing to the rebels. I am sure this is at least in some ways fitting to the context of his ministry, but it is distressing none the less to hear his bravado come through in the pages of the book. I am greatful for the children he saves, but hope and pray that there is a better way, and that he finds it.
October 8, 2012
Sam Childers does not mince words. You will always know what he's thinking...my guess might be whether you like it or not. He lead a crazy first half of his life, involved in drugs, drinking, fighting and everything else that goes with those things. He honestly was no man I would've wanted anything to do with. But he turned himself around and now, with the skills he picked up in his former life, he protects the children of Uganda and Sudan. He is alive when he should probably not be, due to the amount of times people have tried to kill him and the danger he is constantly in while over in Africa.
I am impressed by all he has done. He relies on his love of fighting and lack of fear a bit more than I would like, but he lives a compeletly different life than mine, so I can't really judge that. He is doing good work and I know that this book and the movie made about him will help him continue that work by spreading the word of his ministry to save the children he so dearly loves and fights for in Africa.
I am impressed by all he has done. He relies on his love of fighting and lack of fear a bit more than I would like, but he lives a compeletly different life than mine, so I can't really judge that. He is doing good work and I know that this book and the movie made about him will help him continue that work by spreading the word of his ministry to save the children he so dearly loves and fights for in Africa.
April 18, 2009
Another Man’s War: The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan is an amazing book. I really don’t know where to begin – other than this is a Must read. I picked up the book after a friend pointed it out to me. The book was and wasn’t what I expected it to be. It was actually way more. I expected to read about the horrors and what he had done to help the children of Sudan, but what I didn’t expect was the story of how his life was shaped and guided to where he is now. What I mean is you see how God can use what we go through in life to prepare us for what is to come.
This book is not for the faint of heart – it will cause you to rethink things and it will shock you no matter how hardcore you are. This book will not leave you unchanged. All the news reports will not prepare you. Sam Childers does an amazing job bring it all alive.
I read this book in one day.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
This book is not for the faint of heart – it will cause you to rethink things and it will shock you no matter how hardcore you are. This book will not leave you unchanged. All the news reports will not prepare you. Sam Childers does an amazing job bring it all alive.
I read this book in one day.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews