In the summer of 2009, while pastoring in the inner-city at Revival Tabernacle Church, Kevin was home alone when awakened by the sound of breaking glass and confronted by a man who had broken into his home. In the vicious fight that ensued, Kevin was stabbed 37 times and left for dead. His survival, God’s redeeming power, and Kevin’s journey to forgive his attacker is nothing short of miraculous. Kevin’s story has been shared with millions through Roma Downey’s “Answered Prayers” (The TLC Channel), “I Survived” (The Biography Channel), “The 700 Club,” and national and international newspapers, including numerous pieces written by New York Times best-selling author Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. Kevin has shared his message in pulpits such as at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church (Pastor Jim Cymbala), National Community Church (Pastor Mark Batterson), Times Square Church, NYC (Pastor Time Dilena)and Woodside Bible Church (Troy, MI). The miracle of God’s rescuing and restoring power in a completely broken life continues today. After 18 years pastoring in the inner city of Detroit, Kevin stepped away to devote a season to encouraging others in their struggle to move forward following wrongs and wounds at the hands of others. A Fight To Forgive is about what God has taught him about forgiveness using the Bible as his guide to begin moving forward and helping others chart a path for their own journey. A Fight to Forgive not only shares Kevin’s experiences, it also provides tools for others struggling to forgive “as Christ forgave.” With the book, Kevin hopes to help those who’ve been hurt transform those wrongs to be used for God’s greater purposes. Kevin continues to pray for his attacker, who is serving out a lengthy sentence; additionally, through God’s healing power, Kevin communicates with him. Kevin shares his message in churches, youth groups, men’s and marriage ministries, and has spoken in MLB chapels.
What Others "Thirty-seven stabs. A scar on his face. The man who had to hold his insides from the outside clearly has a heart too big for the average chest. And what he has surrendered may be one of the greatest gifts you’ll hear about." Mitch Albom (Detroit Free Press)
"Kevin puts a modern-day face to God's power and sovereignty that needs to be shared with the Church." PastorMark Batterson (National Community Church)
I knew of this mans story thru my pastor, lets call that level one. I had the privilege of hearing him speak at our men's breakfast some time later, then to our entire congregation not long ago, where I also was able to meet and chat briefly with his wife. Level two understanding.
And then I read his book. There is no level 3...or 4...or... The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual struggle experienced (and I'm talking AFTER the attack) is beyond anything I could have imagined. The depth of transparency and honesty with which Kevin shares is matched only by the blessings of God in his healing and restoration.
This book DEEPLY moved me and I cannot recommend it strongly enough - especially to the men! This traumatic event knocked the author off of this treadmill of "normal life" and resulted in him finding a life far from normal, but more closely aligned with what God would design and desire for him. My prayer would be that this book would be a gift to the reader (myself included), recognizing the importance of getting off the treadmill of life by default and getting on with an intentional life of impact, of purpose, of design - perhaps without the traumatic event.
I was literally brought to tears reading this book if you enjoy true stories based on God you will fall in love with this book, That must have been so hard telling your story I am so glad you lived to tell it because it opened my eyes up that is for sure. God Bless you Kevin Ramsby!!
Wow, grab Kleenex you will need it. This guy was almost killed and he lived to tell about it. He forgave his attacker, story on attack and road to forgiveness, it's a Wow God scenario.