Outrageous Courage by Kris & Jason Vallotton

This book shares the testimony and adventures of Tracy Evans, a physician assistant who is serving as a missionary in Mozambique, Africa.  Her story is a powerful account of how God can and does work in the world today.  She has ministered to the homeless in LA and to the poor in various other countries.  She has seen miracles, such as God raising a women from the dead.  She has nurtured babies, tended to the sick, and led prisoners to the Lord.  Yet while she shares her acts of courage and compassion, I liked that she also is authentic in sharing her mistakes along the way.

What made Tracy so bold and courageous?  This quote may be a clue..."I am forever grateful that God led me in my early years with Him to places where, instead of being confused and trapped by powerless religion, I saw people set free and transformed by the real power of the Gospel.  Those years established an unshakable confidence in me that what Jesus did on the cross was real and powerful - powerful enough to take the most broken, bound sinners and turn them into whole, righteous saints.  Not only that, but I also came to understand that seeing such transformation was why I was on the planet."

I liked this book because it is another witness to God's power and love.  However, it was hard to relate to because Tracy's personality and experiences are radically different than mine.  I could not even imagine walking in her footsteps...but then again, I haven't been called to.  What I did find was a challenge to a deeper faith, obedience, and love...right where I am.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review.