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Extreme Devotion #2
More Than Conquerors
True love ignites their passionate pursuit of His call
With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution. Hector’s mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hector’s bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hector’s mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.
With violent crime on the rise and the political climate changing throughout certain parts of Mexico, the opportunity for open Christian witness, particularly in some areas of Chiapas State, is rapidly decreasing. Hector Rodriguez pastors a small church in the tourist-popular border town of Tijuana. He also routinely carries Bibles deeper into the hostile areas of Mexico, where he ministers despite increasing difficulty and persecution. Hector’s mother accompanied him on one of those trips and felt God called her to stay in the little village of San Juan Chamula, where she uses the Scriptures to teach reading to the families who are open to it. In retaliation for Hector’s bringing the Bibles into areas hostile to Christians and in an effort to dissuade him from continuing to expand his ministry there, Hector’s mother is murdered. Hector must decide if he will continue his work despite his worries about protecting his wife and children.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2010
58 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Macias
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About Kathi
0019 Kathi Macias - EDITED emailed (2)
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 15, 2024
Book 2 in this series...very good. Difficult to read at times but overall a beautiful story of God's redemption. A side romance but not the main story.
May 28, 2010
More like 3.75 stars...
There were a lot of things to like about this book, like different aspects of the Mexican culture and the spiritual thread in the story. Since I live in Arizona, I knew all of the phrases and words that the author used to add a bit of culture to the book. She also included many traditions. I learned a bit about the Mayan culture and their hatred for the people who they saw as destroying their ancient culture. That was interesting, as was how the Mayan people perceived Virginia. The love story between Marty and Susanna was sweet. I just wish it had started earlier in the book. However, it was a great example of waiting on the Lord to show you who He wants you to marry. The gang violence was believable and the conflict Roberto felt was poignant. The subplot regarding Alberto was touching, too. This book just didn't enthuse me like the other two in the series that I've read had. Then again, every book can't be a favorite, now can it? I found this one to be a bit repetitious in places, or it would've ranked higher on my list. Other than that, it was a good read.
There were a lot of things to like about this book, like different aspects of the Mexican culture and the spiritual thread in the story. Since I live in Arizona, I knew all of the phrases and words that the author used to add a bit of culture to the book. She also included many traditions. I learned a bit about the Mayan culture and their hatred for the people who they saw as destroying their ancient culture. That was interesting, as was how the Mayan people perceived Virginia. The love story between Marty and Susanna was sweet. I just wish it had started earlier in the book. However, it was a great example of waiting on the Lord to show you who He wants you to marry. The gang violence was believable and the conflict Roberto felt was poignant. The subplot regarding Alberto was touching, too. This book just didn't enthuse me like the other two in the series that I've read had. Then again, every book can't be a favorite, now can it? I found this one to be a bit repetitious in places, or it would've ranked higher on my list. Other than that, it was a good read.
May 14, 2010
The second book in the Extreme Devotion Series, "More than Conquerors" is an amazing book. It will transport you to Tijuana and San Juan Chamula, and make you realize how blessed you are to have freedom to worship in the manner you choose. This story is very realistic, heart warming, and at times heart-wrenching.
In this book, Kathi deals with the growing hostility of Mayans and others in Mexico. She is not shy with putting a realism. She includes not only the problem of Christians going into Mayan country, but she also deals with the trouble of the gangs and drugs in places like Tijuana.
Again, Kathi, has brought a beautiful story of faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and commitment to life. I love her writing style and her way with making these stories seem so real. Kathi has captured my attention, and I'm looking forward to "Red Ink" the next book in the series. I cannot praise this series enough!!
In this book, Kathi deals with the growing hostility of Mayans and others in Mexico. She is not shy with putting a realism. She includes not only the problem of Christians going into Mayan country, but she also deals with the trouble of the gangs and drugs in places like Tijuana.
Again, Kathi, has brought a beautiful story of faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and commitment to life. I love her writing style and her way with making these stories seem so real. Kathi has captured my attention, and I'm looking forward to "Red Ink" the next book in the series. I cannot praise this series enough!!
May 15, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!
As a Latina/Mexican it was amazing for me to be able to read a book based in my native country. Even though there are some misspellings in the Spanish words you are still able to understand the meaning.
I think that all of the characters were written really nice and made you really connect with each of them.
The worries, grief and need for control that Hector struggles with gives him doubts about God’s plans and His ability to protect His people but it’s amazing that at the end Hector comes to have peace that everything that happens is because it is God’s will.
The storyline between Marty and Susana was also beautiful to read as it is the perfect example of how God plans for certain people to marry and serve Him in missions together.
I look forward to reading the next two books in this series.
As a Latina/Mexican it was amazing for me to be able to read a book based in my native country. Even though there are some misspellings in the Spanish words you are still able to understand the meaning.
I think that all of the characters were written really nice and made you really connect with each of them.
The worries, grief and need for control that Hector struggles with gives him doubts about God’s plans and His ability to protect His people but it’s amazing that at the end Hector comes to have peace that everything that happens is because it is God’s will.
The storyline between Marty and Susana was also beautiful to read as it is the perfect example of how God plans for certain people to marry and serve Him in missions together.
I look forward to reading the next two books in this series.
June 29, 2025
Christ above all
Very good book about those who serve God in other countries. Is faith triumphant. Second book in the series and it’s good. Recommend it.
Barbara
Very good book about those who serve God in other countries. Is faith triumphant. Second book in the series and it’s good. Recommend it.
Barbara
January 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book...the faith shown through the characters is amazing!
May 20, 2010
From My Blog...[return][return]More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias is the second in her Extreme Devotion Series; this novel takes the reader to Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego, and San Juan Chamula. While the book is beautiful and can easily stand on its own, I have read the first in the series No Greater Love and plan to read the third, Red Ink when it is released. More Than Conquerors is a beautiful and at times suspenseful novel of love, family, sorrow, and faith. Pastor Hector Manolo Rodriguez' s life is most definitely not dull. He has his loving wife Marianna and three children Lupita, Manolo, and Hector Jr., who fill each other's days with unconditional love, as does their friend Marty from San Diego, who recently finished Bible school and is waiting for God to direct his life. He has decided to leave San Diego and stay with the Rodriguez's for as long as it takes to figure out his next calling, much to the delight of the family and the confusion of his mother. While Hector is rich in faith, love, family and friends he has many concerns. His mother, Virginia, was called to spread the word of God to anyone willing to listen in San Juan Chamula, a remote Mayan village that does not take to outsiders interfering with their way of life. While Hector is proud of his mother, he is also worried for her safety; it is not unheard of for Christians to disappear in the area where she is living. Then there is Javier, Hector's father who walked out on his wife and nine children to move to San Diego. He is dying alone in a hospice center; except for the visits Hector makes from Tijuana to San Diego to visit his father in hopes of his father turning his life over to God. Closer to home, in Hector's small parish of Casa de Dios, trouble is brewing amongst one of his flock. Senora Antonia Mesa has confided that she worries for her grandson Roberto's soul, she made certain he was raised in a loving and Christian home, yet he has turned away from his family and found a new family in a gang and has been murdering people. More Than Conquerors is a pure and beautiful novel about family, faith and hope. The reader will discover all sorts of families in this novel, estranged, bitter, happy, longing, struggling, and curious. Macias weaves together several cultures into her novel as well as several types of family units; creating the foundation of a masterfully written story filled with characters the reader will not only care about but also want to know. More Than Conquerors will capture the reader's heart and attention and I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a beautifully pure, Christian novel.
June 8, 2010
Hector Rodriguez is a dedicated man of God who is the pastor on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico. His very small church nestles in this touristy border town where crime and gangs are running rampant. Hector not only tries to minister to his little flock, but takes many trips deep into Mexico delivering Bibles into hostile Mayan areas. On one such trip, his mother accompanies him into the village of San Juan Chamula and feels called to stay to serve. Using the Scriptures, she teaches reading to people who are willing to learn. Although she feels peace with her decision, Hector is more than concerned. Evil and darkness are prevalent in the village and outsiders are not welcome. His worry is founded when one day she disappears. His faith is shaken to its very core. Can he continue to pastor and give counsel to his parishioners when he doubts and questions his own faith? How can he give sound advice to others when he can’t believe it himself? What will happen in his neighborhood as one of their own is sucked into the gang world of hatred and evil?
Hector’s friend, Marty, comes to stay with him and his family seeking God’s will for his future. How will Hector take the news of what God has ordained for Marty and his soon-to-be future bride?
Through all the trials and turmoil, will God’s message penetrate Hector’s hardened heart? Will he be able to make peace with the past and accept God’s plan for the future? The future that is in God’s hands and not his own?
I loved this book! I literally traveled to Mexico, walked the street on the outskirts of Tijuana with the characters in this book. It was as if I prayed with them. I felt their despair and joy. I met these people, and quite frankly, I want to spend more time with them. The characters were so well introduced and interesting that more books could be shared about this community. I’d love to visit again to live more in the lives of these people.
Kathi is an amazing story-teller with the written word. Her heart, love for the Lord, and devotion to prayer is evident. She glorifies God, while at the same time shows the humanness of those strong in faith. This book is about life and death, love and hate, light and darkness, doubt and obedience, and hope and faith. She shows people living out their faith in circumstances that make it difficult. There was a lot going on in this book, but it all blended together marvelously. Kathi’s writing is a ministry. Congratulations, Kathi. My heart was touched by your story-telling and love of God through the marvelous gift of which he has blessed you.
Hector’s friend, Marty, comes to stay with him and his family seeking God’s will for his future. How will Hector take the news of what God has ordained for Marty and his soon-to-be future bride?
Through all the trials and turmoil, will God’s message penetrate Hector’s hardened heart? Will he be able to make peace with the past and accept God’s plan for the future? The future that is in God’s hands and not his own?
I loved this book! I literally traveled to Mexico, walked the street on the outskirts of Tijuana with the characters in this book. It was as if I prayed with them. I felt their despair and joy. I met these people, and quite frankly, I want to spend more time with them. The characters were so well introduced and interesting that more books could be shared about this community. I’d love to visit again to live more in the lives of these people.
Kathi is an amazing story-teller with the written word. Her heart, love for the Lord, and devotion to prayer is evident. She glorifies God, while at the same time shows the humanness of those strong in faith. This book is about life and death, love and hate, light and darkness, doubt and obedience, and hope and faith. She shows people living out their faith in circumstances that make it difficult. There was a lot going on in this book, but it all blended together marvelously. Kathi’s writing is a ministry. Congratulations, Kathi. My heart was touched by your story-telling and love of God through the marvelous gift of which he has blessed you.
August 14, 2011
My Review:
Virginia lives away from her family in the village of San Juan Chamula, which is located in the middle of Mayan difficulties and hostile situations. Her son Hector wishes Virginia would move back home closer to her family, but she is confident that the village is where God wants her, even though it is difficult and dangerous to witness to anyone.
As the family continues to worry about Virginia, she continues to witness to anyone who will listen to her until one day she disappears. This frightens Hector and the family even more, and causes him to worry about the safety of his own family. Even having help with his ministry from family friend Marty from California, safety is still an issue.
Author Kathi Macais writes another masterpiece with this story set in Mexico. With a cast of characters that are unique and so wonderfully blend together with one another, this story takes you to a location where it is dangerous to talk about God and the Bible freely. You will be able to feel the fear and hurt with these families as well as feel the love, joy and peace of knowing that God will carry them through whatever difficulties they face. You will get to know the lifestyles, food and the area where these families live. But more importantly, you will see their passion for the God they so love.
Sometimes when a book has several different stories going on, it is difficult to read and understand, but not with Kathi’s books. Her writing is so awesome and professional you will have no problems with confusion or understanding where the plot is going. She blends the stories together so well it is just like living in the story right along with the characters.
I like the heavy scriptural content of the book, and I especially like Virginia’s verse throughout the book, Romans 8:37, “Now, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” After reading this book, you will have a different attitude about missionaries and what they face when on the mission field. This book is a Must Read! I would highly encourage you to buy a copy of book, read it and pass it along! It will change your life, just as it did mine.
I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Virginia lives away from her family in the village of San Juan Chamula, which is located in the middle of Mayan difficulties and hostile situations. Her son Hector wishes Virginia would move back home closer to her family, but she is confident that the village is where God wants her, even though it is difficult and dangerous to witness to anyone.
As the family continues to worry about Virginia, she continues to witness to anyone who will listen to her until one day she disappears. This frightens Hector and the family even more, and causes him to worry about the safety of his own family. Even having help with his ministry from family friend Marty from California, safety is still an issue.
Author Kathi Macais writes another masterpiece with this story set in Mexico. With a cast of characters that are unique and so wonderfully blend together with one another, this story takes you to a location where it is dangerous to talk about God and the Bible freely. You will be able to feel the fear and hurt with these families as well as feel the love, joy and peace of knowing that God will carry them through whatever difficulties they face. You will get to know the lifestyles, food and the area where these families live. But more importantly, you will see their passion for the God they so love.
Sometimes when a book has several different stories going on, it is difficult to read and understand, but not with Kathi’s books. Her writing is so awesome and professional you will have no problems with confusion or understanding where the plot is going. She blends the stories together so well it is just like living in the story right along with the characters.
I like the heavy scriptural content of the book, and I especially like Virginia’s verse throughout the book, Romans 8:37, “Now, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” After reading this book, you will have a different attitude about missionaries and what they face when on the mission field. This book is a Must Read! I would highly encourage you to buy a copy of book, read it and pass it along! It will change your life, just as it did mine.
I received this book from the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
December 11, 2010
The second book in the Extreme Devotion Series , Kathi Macias continues her wonderful talent in this story that will touch your heart. Once again she has woven together a wonderful message and a touching story that you won’t soon forget.
The story begins with Virginia in her small shack in the village of San Juan Chamula - located right in the middle of Mayan hostilities. Confident that the Lord has placed her there, far from her family and the comforts of Tijuana, she ministers to the people who will listen. But when she ruffles a few Mayan feathers by reading the verse Romans 8:37, her life becomes even more dangerous.
Filled with a large, varying cast of characters, this book takes you from one person’s personal life to the next. Kathi writes so well and clearly that I never felt confused for a moment. I really enjoyed reading a book that had so many different stories that, in the end, often intersected together.
While the first book in this series, No Greater Love, is still my favorite (so far!), More Than Conquerors was a wonderful read that really got you thinking about using your life purposefully for Christ and committing it to telling others the gospel. It was sobering, and heartwarming, to read of these characters read to lay down their life for Christ. Yet it wasn’t unbelievable – the characters themselves struggled with placing their complete trust in God when things got rough. Kathi did a wonderful job making her characters real and believable. I felt Hector���s pain. I understood La Abuela heartache. I rejoiced in Marty’s newfound love. It was all so personal.
More Than Conquerors is a book that will touch your heart and make you seriously think about the missionaries in our world today who give up so much earthly comfort and ease to spread the gospel to hard-hearted people across the border. Their lives are never easy, and many are ended swiftly, but do it all for Christ with joy in their heart. This is a book that will make you think!
Thanks to the author, Kathi Macias, for sending me this review copy.
The story begins with Virginia in her small shack in the village of San Juan Chamula - located right in the middle of Mayan hostilities. Confident that the Lord has placed her there, far from her family and the comforts of Tijuana, she ministers to the people who will listen. But when she ruffles a few Mayan feathers by reading the verse Romans 8:37, her life becomes even more dangerous.
Filled with a large, varying cast of characters, this book takes you from one person’s personal life to the next. Kathi writes so well and clearly that I never felt confused for a moment. I really enjoyed reading a book that had so many different stories that, in the end, often intersected together.
While the first book in this series, No Greater Love, is still my favorite (so far!), More Than Conquerors was a wonderful read that really got you thinking about using your life purposefully for Christ and committing it to telling others the gospel. It was sobering, and heartwarming, to read of these characters read to lay down their life for Christ. Yet it wasn’t unbelievable – the characters themselves struggled with placing their complete trust in God when things got rough. Kathi did a wonderful job making her characters real and believable. I felt Hector���s pain. I understood La Abuela heartache. I rejoiced in Marty’s newfound love. It was all so personal.
More Than Conquerors is a book that will touch your heart and make you seriously think about the missionaries in our world today who give up so much earthly comfort and ease to spread the gospel to hard-hearted people across the border. Their lives are never easy, and many are ended swiftly, but do it all for Christ with joy in their heart. This is a book that will make you think!
Thanks to the author, Kathi Macias, for sending me this review copy.
October 9, 2013
With this, the second book in her Extreme Devotion series, Macias once again weaves a tale of sacrifice and passionate devotion to God and His plan. Hector’s struggles are down to Earth, real and filled with touchpoints that will bring the reader into the plotline as surely as if they were a part of it. Victoria’s faith as she stays where God placed her and Hector’s father’s final moments are all powerful, emotional and incredibly detailed. Kathi weaves together the separate stories with a deft hand, pulling strings from one story to tug them into an intricate design with the other, much the way God calls each of us. The plot moves quickly and decisively. It plays out much like life, often leaving you to catch your breath and wonder where the time flew.
With vivid descriptions and beautiful characters, this second outing in the Extreme Devotion series continues the power packed tradition begun in No Greater Love. Though the read went quickly for me, it was by no means easy or light. Macias does not mince words or make things easy for the reader to ignore. Reading her books is more than just entertaining – it’s life changing. You’ll look at the world around you in a completely new way and the news will suddenly be not so black and white.
*Review copy provided by Kathi Macias.
With vivid descriptions and beautiful characters, this second outing in the Extreme Devotion series continues the power packed tradition begun in No Greater Love. Though the read went quickly for me, it was by no means easy or light. Macias does not mince words or make things easy for the reader to ignore. Reading her books is more than just entertaining – it’s life changing. You’ll look at the world around you in a completely new way and the news will suddenly be not so black and white.
*Review copy provided by Kathi Macias.
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May 12, 2010More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias is the second book in the Extreme Devotion series that began with No Greater Love. Hector is pastoring a small church in Tijuana while his mother, Victoria, evangelizes to a much smaller group deep in the Mexican countryside where Mayan superstition still rules and any teaching different is viewed with suspicion and even in danger for their lives. Marty has finished Bible college and is working to help Hector while trying to figure out God's plan for him in the mission field. Macias takes these different strands and weaves them all together in a story of how God is working all over the world. An aura of danger emanates from the very first page, and the reader can't help but turn pages faster and faster as the quiet action picks up and hearts are broken. Macias has really hit her stride as an author with this series. It is filled with realistic characters and powerful stories. It almost feels like the reader is looking in on real people as they struggle with faith, hope, loss, and love.
April 21, 2010
Pastor Hector Rodriguez has his hands full. His small church in Tijuana is not immune to the violent crime spreading throughout Mexico. His mother is ministering in San Juan Chamula, in the state of Chiapas, to people of Mayan descent who are hostile to evangelists, and his father is dying in a San Diego convalescent home. His faith is being stretched; he can’t be everywhere and protect everyone he loves. In San Diego Marty, a young “gringo” Bible College student and friend of the pastor’s family, has just graduated and is praying about direction for his life. He can’t look to his family for wisdom, because his father is dead and his wealthy mother can’t understand why he’d waste his life being a missionary. The only thing Marty feels led to do with any certainty, is to visit Pastor Rodriguez and his family for the summer to wait for God’s guidance.
Kathi Macias brings these characters together to show them, and us, that with God we are “More than Conquerors”. This book set in 2010, is one in the Extreme Devotion Series. I’m looking forward to reading another.
Kathi Macias brings these characters together to show them, and us, that with God we are “More than Conquerors”. This book set in 2010, is one in the Extreme Devotion Series. I’m looking forward to reading another.
May 9, 2012
More Than Conquerors is #2 in Macias' Extreme Devotion series. Once again tension builds almost immediately as the readers encounter the several plot lines which all converge at the end: Pastor Hector Manolo Rodriguez serves as pastor to a small church in Tijuana; His mother, Virginia, has responded to the needs of a few Christians in San Juan Chamula; Marty, 22-years-old, is seeking direction for his life after college--he longs for a word from God--and decides to visit his friends the Rodriguezes. Readers see these lives intertwined not by chance, but by divine appointment Spiritual warfare, set in the Mayan culture, permeates the book. This book definitely presents the hardships and tensions committed Christians face in a world marked by violence, despair, fear and hatred. Each of the characters must wrestle with the reality of their relationship with God in the face of evil. Repeatedly the faith of each character is challenged--yet they are "more than conquerors" in every situation. Fast-paced, with well-developed characters, realistic conflicts.
July 24, 2016
In this explosive second installment of Macias's Extreme Devotion series, readers follow the journeys of three families whose lives intersect. With this book, Macias has created a beautiful, heartrending story which you'll want to read again the moment you're finished.
Proving what a masterful storyteller she is, Macias weaves the stories of her characters' lives in such a way that you can't help but care for them--even those who aren't always likable. You sympathize with these people, you understand their conflicts, and you want to see God's plan revealed in all its glory as much as these characters need to see it.
A contemporary thriller that will remain on your mind long after you've turned the last page, More Than Conquerors is one of the best books I've read this year.
Proving what a masterful storyteller she is, Macias weaves the stories of her characters' lives in such a way that you can't help but care for them--even those who aren't always likable. You sympathize with these people, you understand their conflicts, and you want to see God's plan revealed in all its glory as much as these characters need to see it.
A contemporary thriller that will remain on your mind long after you've turned the last page, More Than Conquerors is one of the best books I've read this year.
October 9, 2011
This book about Christians who witness in a pervasively Mayan area of Mexico will hold your attention throughout, and it does an amazing job of showing how things we grieve about, and that might cause us to question God a bit, may fit perfectly into God's plan in the long run. God is always on time with His answers, never too early or too late. It is an amazing story from a talented author.
April 20, 2014
Kathi transports you into the dangerous world of the Chiapas State of Mexico where the Christian witness can lead to persecution and even death. Faith, family, and determination make for an intriguing and educational story. Couldn't put it down!
Want to read
April 28, 2010*Thanks to CFBA and New Hope Publishers for providing a copy for review.*
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews