Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope by Christopher and Angela Yuan

Level of difficulty: Easy read but challenging content.

This book is about two “prodigals,” Christopher Yuan and his mother Angela Yuan, who share their journey of faith. It is primarily about Christopher Yuan, the “prodigal” who got caught up in the fast life of college parties, gay clubs, casual sexual relations, drugs, and finally, becoming a drug dealer. At one of the lowest points in his life when he was in a prison cell in Atlanta, Georgia, he tells the story of his journey of faith—it is remarkable. Without giving away the storyline, this book will stir your heart and cause you to thank God. The subplot of the story is Christopher’s mother Angela, who also comes to faith. Her story is remarkable too, especially her commitment to pray for her son. I’ve given this book to parents in our church who are struggling with their own prodigal kids. Angela’s prayer closet is challenging and inspiring. There’s a great ending about the role of prayer in the Christian community too, which I will leave you to read. The book gives parents hope and it encourages all of us to persevere in prayer for our kids. This is a remarkable testimony to our missionary God who comes to seek and save the lost. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

If you google Christopher Yuan, you’ll find that he’s done several podcasts and he speaks at conferences. If you’re interested in learning more about current issues related to gender and sexuality from a biblical perspective, you’ll find his podcasts and videos very informative.  

Publisher Description:

Coming Out, Then Coming Home
 
Christopher Yuan, the son of Chinese immigrants, discovered at an early age that he was different. He was attracted to other boys. As he grew into adulthood, his mother, Angela, hoped to control the situation. Instead, she found that her son and her life were spiraling out of control—and her own personal demons were determined to defeat her.
 
Years of heartbreak, confusion, and prayer followed before the Yuans found a place of complete surrender, which is God’s desire for all families. Their amazing story, told from the perspectives of both mother and son, offers hope for anyone affected by homosexuality.
 
God calls all who are lost to come home to him. Casting a compelling vision for holy sexuality, Out of a Far Country speaks to prodigals, parents of prodigals, and those wanting to minister to the gay community.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”  - Luke 15:20