No Greater Love [Paperback]

Levi Benkert (Author), Candy Chand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2012

Levi Benkert was playing with his children in the park when he received an urgent phone call from a friend asking him to drop everything and fly to Ethiopia to help organize an orphanage for children destined to be murdered as part of a tribal superstition known as "mingi killings." Moved by his friend's story, Levi packed his bags and left for what he thought would be a two-week trip. But upon meeting the children, Levi knew there was no turning back. Six weeks later, Levi, his wife, Jessie, and their three young children sold their home and all their belongings and relocated to Ethiopia indefinitely. 

No Greater Love documents Levi's journey-from the challenges he faced establishing and running the orphanage and finding adoptive homes for the children.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you've ever heard an inspirational story about someone who goes overseas to work in an orphanage and it simply warms your heart, this book is not that book.  No, this book shows you the nitty-gritty of what it means to physically go and make a difference in the world of someone you don't even know."

The Hungry Freelancer

"this book has touched my heart so much and I couldn't put it down I read this amazing story in 2 days."

Growing Roots

This is a book that will tug at your adoption heartstrings. Not only was this an orphanage they were creating, but they were saving these children from death as part of tribal religious ceremonies.

Steps Book Reviews

"No Greater Love is a book that will change your life."

Kitty's Roar

"It's a wonderful book about the great things that God can do through people who are simply willing to allow themselves to be poured out."

For Love of Books

About the Author

Levi Benkert cares for orphans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with his wife, Jessie, and their four children, Nickoli, Luella, Ruth, and Everly. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Books (June 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414363087
• ISBN-13: 978-1414363080
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons in saying Yes, Lord. July 24, 2012

By JerryShannon

Format:Paperback

This is one of those books that challenges you to consider saying Yes to God and then follow it up through simple obedience. I love Levi's chronicle of the messiness of that kind of journey when a family says Yes and steps out into the incredible joy and the sheer terror of Kingdom living. He gives a raw and authentic look at what it means to serve Jesus in an overseas situation that is a sea of unknown cultures that one tries to engage along the way - sometimes successfully and at other times painfully wrong. This book will challenge you through the Benkert's journey to say Yes to God, persevere through the unknown and come out the other side better understanding yourself as well as how God redeems all things for His glory.

Levi and Jesse are great friends whom we get the privilege of sharing life with. They are the real deal and this book gives a glimpse inside their lives and the transformation that God has used this journey to bring about in the them as well as the renewed calling He has brought to the surface in serving the orphan and the widow.

Whether you have thought about moving to Africa or have prayed that God would never send you there - you will enjoy this read and be challenged to say Yes to whatever God places in front of you.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down~ June 25, 2012

By S. Rasmussen

Format:Paperback

I knew I would love this book as soon as I saw the synopsis. My brother-in-law Ken and his wife Laurette have two little girls from China, and my nephew Nate and his wife Pam are currently waiting for their referral call for a child(ren) from Ethiopia. We also have several friends who either have, or are in the process of, adopting children from various corners of the globe. I thought it would be interesting to read about a couple who took it one step further and actually moved from the United States to a foreign country with the specific goal of helping orphans.
In the forward of the book, Levi states, "'this book does not end well." Quite frankly, I think it ends great! He wasn't afraid to put the highs as well as the lows of their journey in this book, and that is one of the main reasons why it is so amazing. As a reader, one can get tired of the perfectly predictable storybook endings, especially in non-fiction. Life is not pretty, and is more often than not, quite messy. I have learned to be suspect of an author's honestly when everything appears to tie up into a nice, perfect bow. Yes, God is behind the scenes, weaving together the tapestry of our lives, but it is normally only in hindsight that we can catch a glimpse of His intricate handiwork. When we are in the middle of the complicated situations of life, we often can't see a foot in front of our face. That openness is what Levi has given us in this book. The honest and at times heartrending story of his decision to move his family to Ethiopia.
Be prepared to learn some disturbing things you probably didn't know about the (hopefully) past culture of Ethiopia. You may need a box of tissue, especially if you are a mother. This book is well written, but be warned, once you pick it up you will have a hard time putting it down! If you have a heart for children, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Levi's story.

(I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review, but was not required to give a positive review.)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING June 21, 2012

By Kristinreads

Format:Paperback

I LOVED this book. Levi is relatable, genuine, flawed and inspiring. I read the whole book in one day, devouring the stories. Laughing and crying and feeling the intensity of every situation. At the end of the book I felt Africa Slapped, myself. :) Levi is so honest about his "motivation" to move to Africa that at times you feel like you are reading his journal. To me the real hero was Levi's wife Jessie who is supportive even when most people would run away. She inspired me to be a better wife and to trust God in every situation. She is amazing. You will love this book. Wonderfully written and heartfelt. My only problem with this book is I wanted more! I wanted to go to Africa. I wanted to hear more stories. I hope Levi and Candy keep writing. I would read the phone book if they wrote it.