I got this book for my dad on his birthday.  I was in the middle of writing a massive research paper on global missions, so I confess that the gift was a little more for my benefit than his. 
 
I've only read the first couple chapters, but that is because of a lack of time... not interest.  I ended up quoting almost the entire first chapter in my paper.  It's incredible.  And if you have any interest in missions I would beg you to read it because it has changed the way I think about missions and opened my eyes to see the bigger picture: it's all about the glory of God. 


Here is a sample. 


I hope to finish the book soon- partly because it is fascinating, and partly because my dad hasn't had a chance to look at it yet.  Poor guy. 

My Master has called me to live for him, but he has also called me to die for him. Jesus says, "Come to me and die", and it was this realization that sparked my interest in this book. 

By now I am about a third of the way through the book and have read the stories of hundreds of early Christians who died horrible -yet incredibly glorious- deaths.  These stories have convinced me that there is no greater way to die than to lay down my life for the One who did the same for me. 

Martyrdom is a scary concept for many, but as Christians I think it is one we need to consider. Every one of the disciples and thousands of the early Christians were persecuted terribly and many were killed.  The same thing is going on today in many countries around the world.  Why should I think that my calling will be any different?  I need to be prepared to die for my Lord.  Joyfully!