Out of a Far Country by Christopher and Angela Yuan...Includes a Giveaway

I have a copy of this book to give away. Details at the end of the blog post.

Coming Out, Then Coming Home



Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control—and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her.


Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God’s desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality.


God calls all who are lost to come home to him. Casting a compelling vision for holy sexuality, Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community.


“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” - Luke 15:20


Includes a discussion guide for personal reflection and group use.

My review:
I usually don't review biographical type books, but this one sounded interesting, so I decided to go ahead and review it, and am glad I did.

This book is two stories. One is the story of Christopher, a young man who lived the gay lifestyle and a life of drugs, and how God reached him. The other story is about his mother, Angela. Of how she was about to kill herself to get out of a bad marriage and away from the knowledge that her youngest son was gay.

I tend to read suspense novels that are gripping.... this book is gripping in a totally different way. It is amazing to read how God worked in this family. It is more than the story of how a young man came out of homosexuality to serve God. It is how God changed an entire family. I found myself with tears in my eyes at times, and rejoicing at others.

The gay issue is becoming more and more prevalent, and all too many people have friends and/or relatives in that lifestyle. It does us good to read a book like this, but the issue of homosexuality aside, this is a great encouraging book to read of what God can do, and how he can change anyone - even when it seems impossible.

I am not one to grade books I read with stars, but if I did that, this would get 5 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth reading. Interesting, gripping, and very encouraging.

About the authors:

A passionate minister with a heart for those working through issues of sexuality and those living with HIV/AIDS, Christopher Yuan who teaches at Moody Bible Institute, speaks locally and internationally to youth, on college campuses, in churches and in prisons. His speaking ministry - where he testifies about how God has changed his life from that of a drug dealer and a homosexual to a sought out speaker and bible teacher - has reached four continents worldwide. Christopher has spoken at both Saddleback Church and Willow Creek Community Church in America and at many conferences including InterVarsity's Urbana and the Moody Pastors' Conference and Men's Conference. He is featured in the award-winning documentary, "HOPE Positive: Surviving the Sentence of AIDS" and has co-authored with his mother, Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God, A Broken Mother's Search for Hope (forthcoming May 3, 2011 by WaterBrook Multnomah a division of Random House). Christopher graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and Wheaton College Graduate School in 2007 with a Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis and is currently pursuing a doctorate of ministry at Bethel Seminary.

Angela Yuan is the mother of Christohpher Yuan. She has co-authored a book with Christopher, Out of a Far Land. She travels around the country speaking, often with her son.




Out of a Far Country is available from Watrerbrook/Multnomah Publishing.

Thanks to Waterbook/Multnomah for the review copy.

Read the first chapter here.



Giveaway:
I was sent two copies of this book by mistake, so I am offering one as a giveaway. Just comment on this blog post, and you will be entered. I will pick a winner on June 30.

Rate my review here.