A unique and captivating novel by a member of the Xtreme Team, who risk their lives and endure unthinkable physical deprivation while assisting native people in the most remote areas of the world. This novel has been written out of the rich background of that experience. It is evident the author has been there! He unlocks the secret of how to begin life anew, as the book s central character moves from a depressing, directionless life to a rewarding and incomparable adventure, discovering the ultimate meaning in life through trials and tragedy. One warning: do not start reading until you have some time because you won’t put it down.
Jonathan Williams served as a missionary with the International Mission Board’s Xtreme Team in the jungles of Peru for two years. It was there, lying under a mosquito net in a hut in the middle of the Amazon Jungle, that Williams began to write his first novel, Jungle Sunrise.
Living with a previously unreached indigenous tribe, the Amarakaeri, Williams experienced first-hand the beauty and danger of native life as he had the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, hunt with bows and arrows, fish with spears, navigate the rivers, and encounter every aspect of the tribe’s culture. This breathtaking scene of the Amazon serves as the backdrop for Jungle Sunrise.
Williams, 30, writes and lives in North Texas with his beautiful wife, Jessica, where he pastors Body Life church and serves as the Campus Pastor for Trinity Christian Academy as he pursues a Masters of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His passion and desire is to inspire readers with creativity and truth.
My Impressions:
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
How many of us know this verse and proclaim to believe it, yet have no idea what living and dying really entail. In Williams’ debut novel, Jungle Sunrise, Memphis Jones, a larger-than-life missionary, knows how to truly live — fearlessly with faith. Jonah Frost a washed-up author from New York is never the same following his encounter with Memphis and neither will you.
I am excited by the new talent in Christian fiction that seems to be popping up everywhere. Books that are not only relevant, but have a depth of scriptural truth not always found in the genre. In June I discovered Matt Mikalatos and Imaginary Jesus. Now, this month I have found Jonathan Williams and his action-packed first novel. Jungle Sunrise tells the story of Jonah Frost, a man who has forgotten how to live (if he ever knew), but is terrified to die. Along with a very eclectic assortment of people, Jonah travels to the Amazon jungle of Peru to pursue the elusive act of living. What Jonah encounters terrifies and electrifies him. Among the wonders of the jungle is Memphis Jones, the first truly alive person Jonah has ever met.
I really liked Jungle Sunrise. It did what any good book should — made me think. And I have been thinking ever since. This book spoke to me about real life and real living. Check out a copy of Jungle Sunrise today. You’ll be glad you did.
Highly Recommended
(I received this book from the author and Pump Up Your Book in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thanks for the wonderful review of Jonathan’s book. I’m glad you enjoyed it. The premise behind this book sounds very intriguing, especially since I’m a writer.
I agree with you, some of the Christian fiction I’ve read over the past year or so is absolutely amazing. These stories deal with real issues readers face on a regular basis.
Thanks again for the great review.
Cheryl
Thanks so much for the review and for posting it here on your site! Glad you enjoyed the book. If you have time, I’d love for you to post this review on Amazon.com. Thanks again!
you’re welcome and done!
Hey – just hoppin’ by! I started the hop on Friday, but had to leave, just now getting back to it. Hope you had a great weekend! Stop by The Wormhole and say hi!