The Devil Called Collect: The Exorcism of Jessica Leek [Paperback]

J. Conn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 2007

At two o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, March 11, 1980, Pastor J. Stephen Conn received a long distance, collect telephone call from a young woman desperately pleading for help. Afraid, alone, and deeply involved in witchcraft, all Jessica Leek knew about the man she was calling was that his number had been given to her by a stranger while she was hitch-hiking. As Jessica spoke, numerous demonic voices unexpectedly came from her lips—blaspheming, threatening, and identifying themselves by name.

The unsuspecting pastor had little practical knowledge of demons and no experience in casting them out. Yet, overwhelmed by compassion, he seized this as an opportunity to help a tormented young woman find deliverance and, at the same time, put the reality of God’s power to the test.

The story of Jessica’s liberation from multiple evil spirits is unlike any other account of an exorcism ever written. The accounts of the hellish manifestations of malevolent spirits through their tortured victim are chilling. Yet, the spiritual warfare ends in victory and leaves the reader with a triumphant affirmation of faith and hope.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

J. Stephen Conn, a Protestant minister for more than 45 years, has been ordained by three major denominations: Church of God, Assemblies of God, and Southern Baptist. He is an award-winning author of six books, has written more than 300 magazine articles, and was a syndicated newspaper columnist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (December 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 059547909X
• ISBN-13: 978-0595479092
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,071,628 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, January 9, 2008

By 

Christina Elliston (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Devil Called Collect: The Exorcism of Jessica Leek (Paperback)

In the Foreword to this book Grady Mosley writes, "The Devil Called Collect is a gift to today's Christian culture that often ignores, if not denies, the reality of demonic holds on peoples lives." I agree completely. Although I was not privileged to be an eyewitness to this exorcism, as was Rev. Mosley - a United Methodist Pastor - I agree with him in saying, "I am thankful that Stephen has recorded this memoir in such detail."

Having read several different accounts of demonic possession and exorcism, this one stands out from the rest on several counts. It is told in the first person by the exorcist himself, J. Stephen Conn and was verified by several credible witnesses. It is a contemporary, true story which took place in our "enlightened" United States. The author does not brag about his experience in casting out demons, but shows due humility and awe at being used of God in such a miraculous way. The result is a book that is at once incredible and yet believable.

This account of a successful exorcism takes place in an Evangelical, Protestant setting. Lasting over several days, the casting out of multiple demons is performed with reliance only upon the power of Jesus' name and the authority of the Bible.

The Devil Called Collect is a relatively short book that can be read in a single evening, but one what will stay in your memory for a very long time. I highly recommend it.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, March 4, 2008

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Devil Called Collect: The Exorcism of Jessica Leek (Paperback)

Perhaps some would recoil when asked to review a book that tells the story of an exorcism. Like it or not, there is good and evil in our world and often the evil takes souls captive, and they are lost forever. This is the story of one young woman's soul, trapped in the world of the dark Occult, and crying out to be free, battling against forces that would chill even the seasoned worker for the Lord.

Our author, J. Stephen Conn, is a true man of God. One who did not turn his back to the cries of another human being. One who opened his heart,and called upon his God to help free this soul. In this book you will read the story of Jessica. You will travel with her as she battles the forces of darkness that have kept her captive for most of her life. You will see the power and leading of a loving God through Pastor Conn and his friend, Paul, as they refused to lose this precious soul to the dark force within her.
Many read stories like this that are fiction, not realizing that this does indeed happen in our world everyday. It is the story of a battle between light and dark, death and life, winner take all. It is not a pretty story, but is one that has a beautiful ending.
I, for one, know that there are many in our society that face the dark side every day of their lives and often don't know where to turn to for help to escape their bondage. Perhaps this book will be placed in their hands and give them the courage and hope they need to be free. That is my prayer.
This is a sensitive subject, but Pastor Conn has told it with honesty and integrity. Very well done, a book all Christians should read to understand, indeed we do have an enemy, but our God is greater.
"The Devil Called Collect," is the story of a young woman, a woman who was overcome by the dark side of the spiritual world, one who desperately wanted to be free, and her quest at achieving that freedom.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the grace of God, April 8, 2008

By 

Tom Jones (R.I.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Devil Called Collect: The Exorcism of Jessica Leek (Paperback)

This book is a fascinating account of the victorious power of God over the kingdom of darkness. Especially noteworthy is that love is the motivating force during the struggle to liberate "Jessica". Continued trust in the reliablility and power of God's love delivered the exorcist from fear. It is encouraging to see how far God's love and grace reaches. It builds faith. I'm glad the author chose not to analyze the events but simply to report them as they occured. His non denominational approach is also refreshing. Those interested in reading further should pick up a copy of Freed from Witchcraft by Doreen Irvine. She was a very powerful British witch who became a strong Christian and wrote the book herself.