Outrageous Grace: A Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness

by Grace L. Fabian

My husband, a missionary translator in Papua New Guinea, was murdered while sitting at his desk translating the love chapter into the Nabak language. As the first witness on the scene, I soon learned that the murderer was a Nabak man. We had grown to love the Nabak-speaking people and were endeavoring to translate the scriptures into their language. This memoir tells the story of my four children and me wrestling with grief and disorientation. It speaks of our quest for spiritual answers and of the difficulty of meshing two different worlds the culture of the Nabak people on the island nation of Papua New Guinea and of my Christian heritage from the United States. We faced the challenges of forgiving the murderer, rocks thrown onto our roof and through the windows, eviction notices, and twenty months later a court case. Then we discovered that God is orchestrating an amazing story of redemption. I, even in my most creative and spiritual moments, never could have conjured up the story that came from this tragedy and our family s forgiveness.

Genres: Christian, Memoir, Biography

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

She along with her husband, Edmund, lived in an isolated Nabak-speaking village in Papua New Guinea, learned the language, devised an alphabet, produced literacy materials and translated the Scripture for the 25,000 people speaking this language. God’s kindness was poured out on this family, and after Edmund’s death, Grace, along with dedicated Nabak men and women completed the translation. In 1998 the Nabak New Testament was dedicated to the glory of God.

Now Grace resides in Pennsylvania where she speaks, teaches and writes, hoping that others will be inspired to join in the work of reaching Bibleless people groups around the world.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Outrageous Grace" is a memoir by a Wycliffe Bible translator about her and her husband's work translating the Bible for the Nabak people in Papua New Guinea. Grace talked briefly about their childhoods and why they choose to be translators, the challenges of translating the Bible and how they did it, and about her husband's death and the troubles and forgiveness that happened afterward. There were some black and white photos of the people mentioned in the story.

Overall, the story was very interesting and well-written. I'd recommend this book.

I mainly read it because I was interested in learning more about the Bible translation process, and this book did answer many of my questions. However, Grace also talked about her husband's murder and where the path of forgiveness led her, her family, and the Nabak people. If you've ever questioned why God would allow His workers to die doing His work, the events that happened after her husband's death help to show that God wasn't caught off guard. God knew the impact her husband's death and her forgiveness would have on the Nabak people and used it to bring people to Him.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

[Julia Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD. Wow. I was anticipating being blown away by God's outrageous grace (and that's definitely the main reason why this read was so good), but I didn't expect to learn so much about the Bible translation process. So fascinating. I've never known what it looks like to take a spoken language, painstakingly learn the language, create a written language out of it, then somehow translate Biblical concepts that "don't exist" into that language, teach the people to read their own language, cross-culturally appropriate these Biblical concepts, etc. What a wild ride.

Ex: (if you want to save all details for yourself don't read this part): "covenant" not being a concept in the Nabak language, but observing tying knots as a sacred tradition with a similar concept, therefore often substituting the word "covenant" with "knot" and watching that concept really hit home with the people. Fascinating.

[Alberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Grace and Edmund Fabian were serving as Wycliffe Bible translators in Papua New Guinea, Grace’s husband Edmund was brutally murdered. This memoir tells the story of how Grace walks through the shock and terrible grief to come to a place of forgiveness and continued ministry. This is not a feel-good book with easy answers – Grace struggles to deal not only with the heartbreaking circumstances of the murder, but also with the actions of an inadequate criminal justice system. Tragedy leads to further tragedy. Yet even in her sorrow, Grace seeks to make Christ-like decisions.

While the book largely focuses on the aftermath of Edmund’s death, the wide-ranging narrative also deals with the Fabians’ previous years of work as translators in PNG, as well as the moving story of Grace’s childhood growing up in a Christian family that had been profoundly affected by loss and forgiveness.

Grace’s inspiring story can speak not only to readers interested in Christian missions, but I would also recommend it as an encouragement to those dealing with grief.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing story - inspiring and hopeful. I found it comforting to read how God comforted Grace in the midst of her grief, and how He graciously revealed to her the reason for her husband's tragic death. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the writing is not great (and the editing left much to be desired!). The individual stories were a bit choppy, and I found it a little difficult to connect the dots. I would love to hear her speak in person, however, and I would definitely recommend this book to those seeking to read a modern-day missionary biography.

[Rachel Holtzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea with the author but knew very few details of the family tragedy that happened in Ukarumpa because I was a little girl when it happened. I wanted to find out more about the author's struggle and incredible forgiveness. She is a legend in the Ukarumpa community. Tears came to my eyes so many times as I pondered the overwhelming feelings Grace Fabian describes in the book. Well worth the read!

[Kolleen Lucariello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so blessed by this book and Grace's story. I was moved many times throughout the book by the trust Grace had in God, even when threatened by those around her. The grace of God was all over her and those God placed in her path. Thank you, Grace, for sharing your story and for allowing God to use you, even when you might have felt He had forgotten you. I loved your book.

[Sarah Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book full of faith and hope. It shares the account of the Fabian family's missionary work, but it's much more than a story. It reaches into the every day lives of people like me. My favorite quote: "I knew whatever happened, it was God who had the final say. Prayers ascended. It's okay to be in the dark with God. His presence makes all the difference."

[Rebecca Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moving testimony of tragedy and forgiveness by Grace Fabian, missionary to Papua New Guinea. The writing and editing are not the best, but I do recommend the book because of the touching story. I was blessed by getting to meet Mrs. Fabian in person. The Lord has and is using her mightily.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual story and the way that God worked was wonderful to read - He is true to all His promises. The style of writing, and way in which events were described weren't to my preference, making it a little bland to read in parts, but the story was interesting.

[Carmel Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book about the grace of God and the importance of forgiveness. The author does ramble a bit at times, but it is written with a very personal perspective, and full of inspiring verses and relating quotes. Definitely worth my time.

[Billiejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible view of grace. One of the most moving accounts I've ever read...and Mrs. Fabian is every bit as gracious in person. A lady who simply radiates grace.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A startling & beautiful story of God's faithfulness. I love that Mrs. Fabin kept a journal of her talks with God.

[Dede Till · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great testimony, Great book...

[PMiddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

[Jjfoster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters 21-22 were the very best part of the book! Our God is so amazing, and so is His grace.

[Pearl Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martyrdom in my own country Papua New Guinea (PNG) - I’ve never heard of this story until I came across this book and I had to read it.

I was moved at Graces story of forgiveness after losing her husband to the hands of the very tribe they dedicated their lives to translating the Bible for. I so happened to be on vacation at SIL a Bible Translation transit lodge and it was fitting when I read this book. It made the work of Bible translators so much more meaningful for me in PNG. The Fabians arrived in my country long before we got independence during a time where many of our people never saw a white men and their beliefs were still very much primitive and steeped in animism.

The general feeling I felt throughout the book was somber 😔 for in the very beginning Grace described the horrific killing of her husband and throughout the book she makes references back to it coupling it with accounts of their life in PNG and it was so real to me. It was vivid, descriptive and heartbreaking. A book I could not put down until I finished it. The book was better than I expected. It was well written and the authors voice was prominent and powerful. She did not shield her emotions, she was honest and that was what made this story all the more emotional.

[Marybeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers, great story but less than stellar editing. The biggest less learned, for me, forgiveness looks like acts of kindness. Before she even thought about what she was doing, Ms. Fabian was sending the person who had murdered her husband a piece of cake. My prayer is that I can forgive like that! God help me!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible true story of tragedy and forgiveness.
After 24 years working with the Nabak people in New Guinea, Bible translator Edmund Fabian is murdered by one of his helpers. The story begins with the ax murder in their home while Grace was in the next room. The book is the story of amazing grace and forgiveness and perseverance.
Well written and compelling.

[Kaethe Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing gem of a book I found while on vacation on the "left behind book shelves". Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in missionaries, especially bible translators. Truly an inspiring and encouraging story of the power of God's word!

[Michelle Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written missionary autobiography which highlights themes of forgiveness and incarnational ministry. A missionary to frontier locations will often become the gospel illustration. Convicting and encouraging, with each easy to assimilate chapter.

[Ann Moore]

One of the best missionary biographies I have read! So inspiring! Lifts the spirit and challenges me to be more like Christ! Truly a wonderful story of being the light and forgiving and remaining dedicated to the calling placed on our lives. Well worth reading.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t out this book down, i loved how it was written … the terrible tragedy and then the working through of the grief and the author’s journey of forgiveness as she leaned on God and the Word You will be inspired, encouraged and challenged in your walk with our Lord. Read it soon

[Stacy Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story about a people group in Papua New Guinea & an American couple that translated the New Testament into their native language for them. Was a little hard to keep my interest at times. I’ll give it a 2.5/5 🌟.

[Dawn Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring read.

[Hannah Hancock]

See my review here. http://oldoriginalthoughts.blogspot.c...

[Jan Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Encouraging! Real!
"As I touched the softness of the chestnut brown kambun, I marveled at its construction. Dots of the sticky substance still remained along the edges. I couldn't help but wonder how those little larvae chose the three who would stay on the outside and die. Who knew that Kondo would die ...that Edmond would die ... and that God's own Son would die? Wasn't it all part of a sovereign, incomprehensible, loving plan?"

[Bernard L. Windmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faith challenge to obedience

Grace's honesty in sharing her real struggles spiritually impacted me in not fearing to tell God exactly how I am experiencing him, needing his words of presence and assurance. I have been through the struggle to forgive and the truth of finding peace.









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[Diane Stevens]

Remember that Grace is also the author's first name. This is a touching and lovely story about overcoming many things in life. God is so good.

[Barbara Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go God!!!!!

This is a wonderful book of God's care of us. Forgiveness is key. This is a true story that taught me how blessed we are when we forgive.

[Marsha Hubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This testimonial is an excellent read for those struggling with hatred and bitterness. Grace found her husband's body minutes after he had been hatcheted to death by a native in Papua New Guinea. Her journal accounts God's grace in her life, which enabled her to forgive instead of seek revenge.