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More Precious Than Gold: The Fiery Trial of a Family's Faith
With faith refined by this fiery trial and restored by God's grace, the Vaughns are later able to see gold come from the ashes of their former life. Their marriage develops a 'priceless oneness' as John and Brenda cling to each other as never before, John's ministry grows from a small church of 35 people to a church 1,000 members strong.
228 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1994
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 30, 2023
Wow. This gave me chills.
October 1, 2018
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
If this was only a book about the sufferings of a mother and daughter, it would be an incredibly sad book; but it isn’t. It’s the story of God’s love, grace, and power. It’s also the story of a broken family turning toward God, surrendering to His will, and ultimately glorifying Him in everything.
The vast majority of this book is about the deep personal struggles that accompanied the horrible burning of Brenda and Becky Vaughn in an accidental house fire. It combines the story of their accident with the stories of their childhood, early marriage, and salvation. They are very open about their failures in following the Lord and the pain that that caused. They want everyone to see that they aren’t special Christians, but Christians who have allowed God to mold them. It’s the story of their spiritual journey as well as a physical one.
It’s really the story of God breaking a couple so that he could use them for His glory. That wasn’t an easy process. They are very open about it. They want us to see that God wasn’t punishing them, through this accident. He was using it so they could bring glory to Himself. He was breaking them of their pride and self-confidence and showing them that He is what they needed. They want us to see that He was drawing them to Himself for their good and his glory.
I would recommend it to everyone. It is an encouragement to see God’s sustaining grace through the toughest of trials. It’s also a challenge to yield our wills to His so that we can fully glorify Him.
If this was only a book about the sufferings of a mother and daughter, it would be an incredibly sad book; but it isn’t. It’s the story of God’s love, grace, and power. It’s also the story of a broken family turning toward God, surrendering to His will, and ultimately glorifying Him in everything.
The vast majority of this book is about the deep personal struggles that accompanied the horrible burning of Brenda and Becky Vaughn in an accidental house fire. It combines the story of their accident with the stories of their childhood, early marriage, and salvation. They are very open about their failures in following the Lord and the pain that that caused. They want everyone to see that they aren’t special Christians, but Christians who have allowed God to mold them. It’s the story of their spiritual journey as well as a physical one.
It’s really the story of God breaking a couple so that he could use them for His glory. That wasn’t an easy process. They are very open about it. They want us to see that God wasn’t punishing them, through this accident. He was using it so they could bring glory to Himself. He was breaking them of their pride and self-confidence and showing them that He is what they needed. They want us to see that He was drawing them to Himself for their good and his glory.
I would recommend it to everyone. It is an encouragement to see God’s sustaining grace through the toughest of trials. It’s also a challenge to yield our wills to His so that we can fully glorify Him.
April 12, 2009
I enjoyed reading this book that told of how a great trial was used of God in these people's lives to help them grow spiritually and be a blessing to those they came in contact with. Truly, God can use everything for good in our lives, if we allow Him.
October 9, 2021
An incredible story of suffering, survival, and sanctification. I was captivated by the experiences that the Vaughn family endured primarily following a sudden and devastating fire that seriously injured Brenda and their 2-year old daughter, Becky. The writing alternated between John and Brenda and felt somewhat disjointed due in part to that approach, but also to a clumsy bouncing back and forth between the story and the various lessons the Vaughns felt like God was teaching them along the way. An inspiring story, to be sure; I just struggled with the writing style.
February 24, 2020
My mom made me read this for a book report in homeschool a year or two ago. I consequently enjoyed it enough to finish it off. A lot of the book is background and unnecessarily rambling off about old family friends and church people that had helped out in this family's trial.
March 15, 2023
This book is great.
Everyone should read this book. What a great read! So meaningful. Really makes you appreciate everything you have and how quickly circumstances can change. BUT God is always there.
Everyone should read this book. What a great read! So meaningful. Really makes you appreciate everything you have and how quickly circumstances can change. BUT God is always there.
April 7, 2018
Recommended read! The writing is honest and heartfelt and the lessons are good.
December 30, 2023
Un excelente libro
Valioso y de gran bendición
Un gran libro para todos
Todos absolutamente todos debemos leerlo
Gracias a DIOS por testimonios tan edificantes
Valioso y de gran bendición
Un gran libro para todos
Todos absolutamente todos debemos leerlo
Gracias a DIOS por testimonios tan edificantes
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April 23, 2025Excellent! Highly Recommend!
November 13, 2021
More Precious than Gold
What an amazing testimony! This book was hard to put down. What a glorious testimony of how God can make beauty out of ashes ... literally! And what a blessing that so many have come to know the Lord through Brenda and Becky's story.
What an amazing testimony! This book was hard to put down. What a glorious testimony of how God can make beauty out of ashes ... literally! And what a blessing that so many have come to know the Lord through Brenda and Becky's story.
October 8, 2016
This family experienced a tragic fire in the midst of several other major life changes! The transparency and humility of the authors is a beautiful testimony of God's working in their lives. An excellent read for all ages. Although the medical details can be challenging, I think even a middle schooler could read this, if not too sensitive.
April 7, 2020
Blessed Book
I like that they told it how it is. They were not perfect but learned to lean on God and depend on him. I'm thankful for Hidden Treasure School. My daughter attended 2 years and they taught her to read!
I like that they told it how it is. They were not perfect but learned to lean on God and depend on him. I'm thankful for Hidden Treasure School. My daughter attended 2 years and they taught her to read!
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August 21, 20120028
March 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews