I am re-reading this whole series again after one decade, and im reminded once again why I love reading this testimony! It always inspires me to want to know God at a deeper level, crazy how He has orchestrated all of this - all in His plan :)

Very heartfelt and touching! Many thanks for sharing your stories. I am not a Christian but I understand and respect your words and I do hope that at present, all the characters are living their best lives. Would love to get an update!

AHHHH I finished this yesterday (as you can probably tell by the date on my PM). We need an update! Did you have kids? What are you doing now? Are you alive? Did Reyni ever find Jesus? Did Brooke and Caden end up having 16 kids? (Because I was kind of getting that vibe from them.) How is your church back home in the states? Did Nate and his father ever make up? I have so many questions!

I have to say, of all the amazing and moving parts of this book, one of my favorites was when Ahmed kissed Kaveen. I could tell that he had good in him, and I was so happy when he showed up and that happened! I hope they are doing well today. Kaveen has an amazing and sweet spirit. Feel free to e-mail me at if you ever get this (or PM me on here or whatever!) I know God led me to this story, because I'm not sure how else I would have been led to a story that is 10 years old on this website.

Just want to comment to say that I've started reading this one :) I'm so looking forward to it, even though I'm sure it'll be so suspenseful! I hope you log in one day and see my comments/message so that we can talk a little, or so you can at least see that this story is still being used to bless others and bring them closer to God. Thank you for sharing!

I lost count of how many times I've reread this and The Boy Who Talks To God. Yesterday, I was finishing this up again after work and something overcame me and I just started crying. Your testimony is such an incredible testament of faith and the overwhelming grace and love of God. We are so wholly undeserving and yet He has lavished His love upon us again and again. Thank you so much for sharing this with us - it's still one of the most powerful things I have read, 6 years later. It makes known my own reality and awakens a hunger in my soul for the Lord. Aside from encountering Him myself, nothing else has given me such an acute feeling.

Something that has really stuck with me is the part where you said we have to live as if Jesus is real in our lives, and if we don't believe that and live like that, how will others ever know who Jesus really is, other than a "great teacher/prophet"? That really challenged the way I've been living, and the way I view things. Sometimes I forget the cornerstone of the Gospel and it scares me. This (along with so much of your testimony) was so convicting.

I could go on and on, but I do want to talk about this in terms of writing. I'm not normally a fan of first person writing, but your writing is so effortless and genuine. The authenticity of every character rings through, and I feel as if I know them personally. Even the characters that are mentioned in passing feel as alive to me as the people I pass by every day. What a gift He has given you, and I rejoice that you've shared that with us.

I wish you and Nate and your team all the best - I am very curious as to where you are right now, and very excited to know what incredible things He's done in your lives in the past 7 years. I may not know now, but I look forward to meeting you one day. What an honour to call you sister in Christ.

I cried all through the last couple of chapters. I was riveted, unable to stop reading this amazing story. Now that I've finished I don't even want to pick up another book. I want this story to continue playing in my head. It was well-written and revealed the journey of a Christian woman with its positive sides (God always being there for her) and negatives (Christian life isn't always what we want it to be or 100% only happiness). There are hardships, moments when you want to give up, say to God this is enough, but He is with you through it all. That's the most amazing thing about the ending of this story: God is good, and we can't, by any means, forget that. As dark and hopeless a situation looks, God is always good in the end. He wouldn't be God if he weren't good. Those are the words that I've pondered throughout the story and after reading it.
I wrote these words a couple of days ago when I finished reading "The Boy Who Talks to God" and I put them here for you: Reading a story so deep and heartbreaking that the feel of it colors the way you look at life in that instant.
Thank you for sharing your heart through this story. I rejoice in what God has done through you and Nate through this testimony. God bless you.

It's been 5 years. Please let us know how you guys are doing.

This is so amazing. This touched my heart in many ways. I cried so much since I wasn't sure his fate yet (though your way of writing tells me the end will always full of joy). The many sacrifices, the strong faith, the people you've changed, and the overall moral of the story (in general). Amazing. You're amazing you know that? :)

Recently re-read your story and it's still heart stopping. There is so much of your voice in it, I feel like you have shared so much through your story that when we meet in heaven, perhaps I would be able to recognise you and say hi. I wonder sometimes, with all the turmoil in the world, if you & nate are still ok (in a physical way more than anything for I'm sure you are safe in God wherever you are). Please post something to let us know that you're still alive? Will keep praying..

I don't know whether to believe everything you've written in your stories. I'm not a Christian, so it's hard for me to actually believe that all this happened. But I just want you to know that if this is all true, the work you and Nate are doing is amazing, and both of you deserve happiness. You both are incredible people.

What a beautiful story! It reverberates in my heart, the many giving ups and letting goes.. to grow, to make Christ our First love. Your story is a testimony, a way to share the gospel in itself. It shows, rather than tell, how our lives and thoughts can be so integrated with God through different situations, cultures, joys and hardships. Thanks for sharing so openly, it has been a blessing to me.

So many things I could identify with, it's encouraging to see the verses you included for different occasions. One thing that struck me, the many times I have seen stillbirths turn from red, blue and then grey. Never easy. I worked in a place where the superstition is that to increase the chances of the baby having a better afterlife, families ask for a photograph with a foreigner and the baby for good luck. It never fails to be a ghastly photo, but it is hard to refuse in such a situation. The verse you gave in 1 Samuel really is true, and comforted me. We cannot fight death, for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's. We can only humbly accept His timing.

Just as God has given you His greatest blessing in your relationship, may both of you always be steadfast in being a blessing to those around you through His grace and love. I did pray today, for you & "Nate" and all the missionaries in the field for your safety, for God's guiding hand in times of trials and confusion, for God's grace and strength to give lots of energy and passion each day.

I cannot adequately put to words how much this story means to me.. At least not without telling a story of my own. This is definitely not the kind of reading that I normally do, and I'm not sure exactly how I found it, but I'm glad I did. I just finished reading through the first and second book.
It was both exciting and encouraging to see God at work in this story, so much so that I stayed up till 3:40am to finish it. :) I hope you are both well, and I'll be praying the both of you. Thank you for sharing your story, and what God has done in your lives. It brings hope.
God Bless,
- Nathan Wiering

I love the sequel, thank you for posting it

That is, honestly, the most amazing, awesome, perfect way to end 3 I love how both of you are so much in love with each other and even more with God. I honestly wish I could give you a huge hug right now, you deserve a pat (or even more :P) for writing this beautiful story. God bless!

I am a Muslim. And after reading your story, I am so sorry for what you have seen at the hands of these so called Muslims. This is not what Islam teaches us to do, nor is it what the Prophet Muhammad PBUH practiced. This is a clear distortion of the teachings of the Quran and these people are misguided and acting on their own agendas. As Muslims it is our reponsibility to protect minoritites living in our lands, and to treat prisoners with the highest levels of respect. We are told to respect others' beliefs and not to force our religion on anyone. On behalf of the ignorant Muslims you have encountered, I deeply apologize. May your situation become better, and persecution for those who are suffering end in all parts of the world.