The Devil in Pew Number Seven

“The Devil in Pew Number Seven” by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss was published in 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers.

“2011 Retailers Choice Award winner!
Rebecca never felt safe as a child. In 1969, her father, Robert Nichols, moved to Sellerstown, North Carolina, to serve as a pastor. There he found a small community eager to welcome him—with one exception. Glaring at him from pew number seven was a man obsessed with controlling the church. Determined to get rid of anyone who stood in his way, he unleashed a plan of terror that was more devastating and violent than the Nichols family could have ever imagined. Refusing to be driven away by acts of intimidation, Rebecca’s father stood his ground until one night when an armed man walked into the family’s kitchen . . . And Rebecca’s life was shattered. If anyone had a reason to harbor hatred and seek personal revenge, it would be Rebecca. Yet The Devil in Pew Number Seven tells a different story. It is the amazing true saga of relentless persecution, one family’s faith and courage in the face of it, and a daughter whose parents taught her the power of forgiveness.”

Once I started reading Rebecca Alonzo’s story, I couldn’t put it down. It is mesmerizing. I am amazed at the trauma this family endured.

The author has shown a forgiveness that few of us will ever have to show. – Thank God for that. And I’m so very thankful she has been healed from the trauma of her childhood. God truly is able to accomplish anything.

One of the quotes from the book from her Daddy during a newspaper interview. “During the interview, Mr. Cheek learned about Daddy’s days playing football, his four years in the Navy, and his reputation as a former brawler. I am quite sure Daddy wasn’t kidding when he said, ‘Those boys – I know who they are and they know who I’m talking about – just better pray to the good Lord that I don’t backslide. Because I have never met a man I couldn’t whip.” 

Rebecca’s Momma was teaching her that :

“Forgiveness is close to the heart of God.

Forgiveness is the language of heaven. 

Forgiveness should be a way of life. 

Even when it was humanly inconceivable to do so.”

This is a book that will keep your interest and show you that forgiveness is attainable. – no matter what. I hope you will pick up a copy and read Rebecca’s story.

Rebecca Nichols Alonzo is a speaker on betrayal and the power of forgiveness. She has been involved in ministry for over a decade. If you Google her name, you can be busy for hours reading about this amazing woman’s life!

Bob DeMoss is a New York Times best-selling writer and has collaborated with numerous authors.

This book is well worth your time.

Please consider reading “The Devil in Pew Number Seven.”