Reviewing dc Talk and VOMs' Jesus Freaks

Jesus Freaks is a book that I've recommended to my sixth graders for many years. The nearly 400-page book was published in 1999 and was reprinted two years ago. A second volume was published in 2002. Although Jesus Freaks has a low readability and is targeted to American teenagers, new adult believers might want to consider using the Gold Medallion-nominated book as a devotional. Perhaps some will consider the topic of persecuted Christians as an odd choice for a devotional; however, I believe reading the historical accounts of those who have been martyred can be powerfully encouraging.

Jesus Freaks starts with introductions from the members of dc Talk, a super popular Christian band in the 90s. An introduction from the former director of the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is also provided. Approximately 150 personal testimonies and moving quotes were taken from VOM archives and dozens of profiles of martyred figures are presented. Reading these summaries of Christian persecutions can show us how easy we often have it and stir us to unashamedly live out our faith. We need more books that tell young people how hard life can be, but that we have a life-giving Savior that provides all our needs.

40 pages of Jesus Freaks is dedicated to explaining where persecution is taking place today - restricted nations as wells as hostile areas. Each country has a brief prayer request and another four pages explain what we can do. The thick paperback ends with endnotes, a list of resources about martyrs, alphabetical and chronological indexes, and information about dc Talk and VOM. If you're looking for a book for teens that contains gripping stories of truth with Scripture sprinkled throughout (several versions are quoted), I recommend Jesus Freaks. 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 5:11