Crossfire - by David J Bauer (Paperback)

About the Book

After almost getting involved with Al Capone's mob, Svoboda left for World War II just weeks after his marriage. Experiences in the war strengthened his faith in Jesus Christ. Educated at Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, Svoboda's dedicated his life to bringing the gospel message as a Bible study teacher and church planter.

Book Synopsis

Saved from the clutches of Al Capone's mob, Chuck Svoboda soon received salvation from Jesus Christ during open air meetings at Cicero Bible Church, IL. His marriage shortly afterwards was only eight weeks old when the orders to World War II came calling. Svoboda endured the torturous experience of Anzio Beach before heading to Rome and then France.

War experiences strengthened his faith in Christ, so much so that he entered Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music upon his return. His passion for Christ led him to conduct Bible studies in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles to the next study the following day. Many of these groups went on to become thriving Bible churches.

Gifted with a unique speaking style, given to humor, and possessing an impeccable discernment, Chuck Svoboda quickly became a resource to churches and other ministries who experienced difficutlies. He formed Bible Related Ministries and continued the work there past his retirement in 2011 until his death in 2014. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and love of God and man.

Review Quotes

Great job! This was a book I had a hard time putting down. I commend you for a job well done and a careful selection of materials that remind us of Chuck Svoboda! Thanks for allowing me the privilege of reading a book that every pastor, aspiring pastor, church planter, and missionary ought to read. Teachers in our Bible colleges would do well to see this side of ministry; this book should be a "must read" for them. -Dr. Elwood Chipchase Encouragement Ministries We often hear of what is called America's "greatest generation." We have a plethora of books that have been written to rightly honor this unique and particular generation of men and women who defended the freedom we so appreciate and inspired the prosperity we so enjoy. The church also had a "greatest generation" of men and women who pioneered the growth of evangelicalism in the post-WWII era. This book tells the story of such a man: one who defended freedom for America and declared freedom in Christ. He was a good friend of my grandfather's and has remained a friend of mine. This book, written by his closest colleague, will inspire you with the details of a story certainly worth telling. -Dr. Richard McCarrell Senior Pastor, Byron Center Bible Church, MI When it comes to church history and Christian biographies, the focus is usually on the outstanding, larger-than-life persons: the Spurgeons, Calvins, Luthers, and Wesleys. It is easy to forget that serving in the shadow of such giants have always been other dedicated believers, who through hard work, devotion, and simple faith have left their mark for the Lord. Crossfire is the important story of one such servant. Chuck Svoboda is a man who ministered for his Lord with all his might and the fruits of his labors are with us today. This story needed to be told, and it should serve as an encouragement to us all. -Rev. Gary Gilley Senior Pastor, Southern View Chapel, Springfield, IL Author of Is That You Lord?, This Little Church Stayed Home, and This Little Church Had None As I am reading the manuscript, 2 Timothy 2 keeps coming to my mind, particularly verses 1-10 and 23-26, which "bookend" this wonderful chapter. It speaks of the toughness required of servants of the Gospel, as well as the tenderness-I call it the "gentlemanliness" of the ministry. Chuck's life and ministry seem to exemplify this standard ... he was a tough soldier in military as well as ministry, but also a gentleman in spirit. -Rev. Daniel Fredericks Executive Director, UIM International