cover image God's Double Agent: The True Story of a Chinese Christian's Fight for Freedom

God's Double Agent: The True Story of a Chinese Christian's Fight for Freedom

Bob Fu, with Nancy French. Baker, $19.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-8010-1572-4

Fu was raised by a mother who begged for food in Chinese country villages during Mao Zedong's "Great Leap Forward." He became a Christian while he was in university, participating in both civil and religious revolts, including the Tiananmen Square student movement. He taught Communist government leaders even while also operating an underground house church movement. Fu and his wife Heidi conceived a child without a pregnancy permit%E2%80%94he calls it an act of "civil disobedience in the bedroom"%E2%80%94but having a child and being harassed for evangelism (proselytizing is unlawful in China, although Christianity is not) eventually caused the couple to flee to Hong Kong. From there, President Bill Clinton granted political and religious asylum and a visa to the United States, where they now live. Fu continues to help Chinese dissidents; he details dramatic rescues, including that of his father from Bangkok International Airport that's straight out of a spy novel. For understanding the dramatic and courageous role of underground Christian movements in China, this is a must-read. (Oct.)