My rating: 5/5
This is by far, one of the best works of Christian fiction that I have ever read. Phenomenally written, Safely Home by Randy Alcorn is an inspiring story that illuminates the glory of God. This book led me on an encouraging journey that impassioned me to examine my own personal relationship with Christ and emboldened me to become a better servant of the Lord.
Safely Home follows two protagonists, Li Quan and Ben Fielding, old friends who met while students at Harvard University. Although numerous years have passed since Ben and Quan communicated, their paths will cross once again during a pivotal point in each of their lives. Ben is an elite businessman who was assigned to spend six weeks in China, living amongst the citizens, for the goal of further propelling potential business opportunities for his company. Upon receiving the assignment, Ben remembers his old college friend Li Quan resides in China and decides to contact Quan to inquire about staying with him and his family during the duration of his trip. Although Ben has reservations about contacting Quan, he successfully reaches him, and makes plans to stay with him. Upon his arrival, Ben quickly realizes that Quan, who was an inspiring university professor and author, lives a menial lifestyle and earns a meager salary as an assistant locksmith. Li Quan soon realizes that Ben, who introduced him to the Christian faith in college and led him to become a believer in Christ, is now a wealthy businessman who has turned away from the Christian faith. During his stay in China, Ben’s life will be transformed by his interaction with believers in China as well as witnessing Li Quan’s unrelenting faith in God as he endures unspeakable suffering. Readers witness the beautiful restoration of Ben’s relationship with Christ, as well as Li Quan’s inspiring love of Jesus and his relentless faith in Christ, throughout a grueling ordeal.
What does it profit a man, Ben Fielding, to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or even if a man’s soul is saved, what does it profit him to gain the world and lose his eternal reward? (Li Quan, Safely Home).
Safely Home distinctly depicts the calamity of Christian persecution. Readers will get an impressive lesson on the history of Christianity in China and the martyrs that helped spread the gospel of Christ in an anti-God society. With poignant descriptive writing and impactful characters, this story will leave an inspiring imprint upon the heart of the believer who reads this novel. The unimaginable and detestable treatment that Christians experience internationally, is a solemn reminder of the religious freedom that believers have in the US that is often taken for granted. Furthermore, this story is also a reminder of the blessing of suffering for Christ that is indicated in 1 Peter 4:12-16. This novel highlights the importance of not building treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven. For believers and servants of Jesus, this world is not our home, but a temporary residence, as we place our hope in Christ alone and live a life on a path to eternal life with the Lord. Along with the Word of God, this book will take your faith in Christ to a higher level. I highly recommend this book to others.
“One moment after men die”, Li Tong said, “they know exactly how they should have lived. But then it is too late to go back and live their lives over again. Too late for the unbeliever, in the jaws of hell. But also too late for the believer, who cannot relive his life, remake his choices, this time following his King more faithfully” (Li Tong, Safely Home).
