Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy: The Forgotten Women of the Persecuted Church

by Anneke Companjen

These are the stories of twenty women from around the world--all wives of men who are Christian martyrs or have been imprisoned for their faith. The women are from such places as Vietnam, China, and Iran. These amazing and inspiring stories will help readers focus their prayers and raise awareness of this often hidden subject.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Womens, Christian Non Fiction, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is humbling to read the circumstances of these women who suffer for their faith - sometimes raising their children alone because their husbands are imprisoned, sometimes isolated from fellow believers because of persecution, many times with their lives also endangered. It makes me think of all the blessings that I take for granted and which these women may not even be aware are available in some parts of the world - freedom to meet and worship in safety with other believers, books, music, websites, emails to support and challenge me in my faith, a Christian radio station to do the same, stores filled with food which I can reach in a matter of minutes, the ability to earn a living without doing back-breaking labour, and so on.

This book is certainly a challenge to which aspects of my life I prioritise. 3.5 stars

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

The emphasis on persecution's effect on the wives/children was very impactful. The stories were very honest about the successes and failures of the families due to persecution. A steady diet of these stories would serve us well.

The book also made me think a bit more about the role of foreign missionaries versus indigenous elders, as well as the limits on how one person (as opposed to the congregations) can impact a nation that openly persecutes.

[Deevena Jemima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought tears to my eyes reading about the difficulties our brothers and sisters in Christ face in many countries. May God grant them his grace as they serve him.

[Alison Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book drawing attention to the plight of the wives of church leaders when their husbands are imprisoned, martyred or in hiding because of the faith. A real prompt to prayer.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently reviewed another book concerning the worldwide persecuted church. This one was better written. Communists/Marxists again play a big role. The chapter one Israelis "persecuting" Palestinian Christians was a little off. It sounded a false note compared to the rest of the book.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

heart breaking, inspiring, faith building stories. informed my prayer life for the worldwide church.