This book was loaned to me by a friend who told me it is a book that will challenge you in your spiritual life. It has a great message. There is much in this book that is life-changing when taken seriously and then lived out. The intercessor, Rees Howells, lived a life of deep devotion to God. As an intercessor, he chose to follow God in every possible way, often denying himself ordinary creature comforts. He prayed hours on end, fasted, and followed whatever God gave him to do. . .all for the spiritual benefit of the person or organization for whom/which he was interceding on their behalf.

Many times Howells would know the date of a healing for a person before the actual healing occurred. God would show him the need and then he would devote himself to prayer and intercession on behalf of that person’s soul or need, or group of people’s need, like those in great spiritual darkness. Areas of town were cleaned up as people’s lives changed as a result of intercessory prayer, their brand new belief in Christ, and daily fellowship meetings at a rescue mission. This story will challenge you to begin intercessory prayer on behalf of people you know who need the Lord to transform and enliven their life.

Apparently when we get serious, God gets serious. God honors prayer. Parts of this book remind me of old testament prophets called to do unusual things according to what God led them to do. My late maternal grandmother was a great believer in intercessory prayer and lived a life of great gain spiritually. She would have liked this book.

This book is a must read for all Christ followers, and I mean that. My Enemy … My Brother was loaned to me by my sister who heard the author speak at a church in North Dakota. Hanna Shahin’s story reads well. It is a poverty to triumph story, yet it is the message between its pages that speaks to the heart in ways one can’t ignore.

Near the end of the book we find the following statement. “One thing I have learned, and learned well, is never to argue with someone from another faith. Christ is not about religions; I am convinced He could not care less. Christ is not about safeguarding Christianity as a religious system. What Christ is all about is giving new life to people, regardless of their religion, faith or denomination. . . .Christianity cannot change people. Religion can only create religious people, and that is not Christ’s purpose. He is concerned about changing human nature to be as best an imitation of Him as possible.” Those words are bold but they are backed by story after story of true life examples where Christ was the answer to the person’s soul need.

This book is easy to read and the storyline is interesting. The reader is transported into different cultures and given a glimpse into life in the Middle East as it fares for Christians, Muslims, and Christ-followers (those who live for Christ without the label). Through the medium of radio airwaves, the author demonstrates to his listeners and to us a life that is lived for the love of Christ. I will buy this book to share with family and friends. It’s that good.