Reading how God saved someone is usually encouraging. This book is particularly so because, in the words of Rev. Phil Hair, it is ‘a wonderfully moving, emotionally stirring, brutally honest, and sometimes hilariously funny life story, of God’s saving mercy’ (p.9).
It also leaves you in no doubt of the reality of God’s salvation of David Murray. Each stage of his life is covered, from childhood, through conversion at 44, to service with SASRA and a part-time pastorate.
The book helpfully shows the impact which being bereaved, moving, witnessing sobering things, or changing career can have on people. It illustrates God’s sovereignty in people’s lives before they are saved, and in using pre-conversion sins to prepare them to be merciful and equip them for later service. Christian readers are encouraged not to give up on people, whether wayward Christians or seemingly unconvertible sinners, nor to lose hope in the gospel’s power.
Operation Salvation could readily be used evangelistically, as many non-Christians could identify with David’s life and be challenged by it. The gospel is clearly and faithfully presented in the testimony, though the closing presentation could be better. A page explaining SASRA’s work and appealing for funds spoils the book slightly, but I recommend this book.
Tim Burden
Eastbourne
