Palau: A Life on Fire: The Spiritual Memoir of Luis Palau

Reviewed by: G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title: Palau: A Life on Fire: The Spiritual Memoir of Luis Palau

Author: Luis Palau with Paul J. Pastor

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: June 4, 2019

Format: Hardcover

Length: 240 pages

OVERVIEW

People call him “the Billy Graham of Latin America,” although he insists he’d never call himself that. In fact, Luis Palau devotes a whole chapter to how Graham mentored and influenced him.

Rather than doing what most readers would expect and covering all the highlight moments of Palau’s exemplary evangelism career – his impact on world leaders, the number of people saved, and so forth – Palau and Paul J. Pastor focus on the people who’ve influenced his spiritual life. Readers get to know Palau’s family and team, the pastors who influenced his spiritual journey and evangelism approach, and his thoughts following his cancer diagnosis about death and the future.

In a world where so many biographies (even by Christian leaders) become lists of the famous people they met and their most successful career moments, this book’s approach is deeply refreshing. The stories Palau shares give insights into his ministry but mostly reflect on what he’s learned, not what he’s accomplished. As a result, readers end up with a series of powerful lessons about letting God guide their lives and careers, even when it’s difficult and counterintuitive. As Palau moves into the book’s last section, reflecting on the Church’s role in evangelism and how Christians can better work together, he creates a compelling image of how the Church can still accomplish great things today. A truly excellent book.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Intended Audience

Luis Palau listeners, Christians interested in the history of Luis Palau’s career and evangelism style.

Christian Impact

This book will give people fascinating insights into Palau’s life, while also helping them understand the power of Christ and the church on a person’s life on a whole new level.