Against All Odds - Wendy Alec

Against All Odds is subtitled 'The story of GOD TV's visionary pioneers Roy and Wendy Alec'

It is the autobiographical account of GOD TV, which was Europe’s first daily Christian Television network. This is the third edition of the book, which was originally published in 1996.

I had read the first book some years ago, but recently borrowed this updated version. I re-read from the beginning, as I wanted to refresh my memory and see any additions or changes that had been made to the rewrite.

I have watched GOD TV in the past from the UK, but not in recent years, as we have lived in other countries, where either GOD TV was not broadcasting or we have not had satellite TV. So, although I had picked up various parts of their story along the way, this edition presents a complete history, up to 2006. As a rewrite there are several pages of explanation before the story unfolds, including selected prophesies given publicly to Wendy and her husband Rory.

The story of how the Alec family came from South Africa to the UK in 1991, having lost everything materially, was re-read with renewed interest, having lived in Cape Town for the past 10 months. Their vision for transforming the media has great resonance with our own, and although the circumstances were totally different, I identified with their struggles and passion to fulfill the call on their lives.

The events are retold in a dramatic style, which at times make it hard to believe. I wondered if there was exaggeration as each story seemed to be set at a slightly higher level than the one before. However, by the end of the book I realised that the drama is part of the telling. There are many miraculous accounts of provision, which do deserve being dramatically told. Equally, there are many desperate situations which help to place the miracles in context. As such the reader feels like they are on a roller coaster, being part of the scary ride with them.

As the GOD TV ministry expands and grows, steadily at first and then expotentially as they move the broadcasting headquarters to Jerusalem, the pace of this roller coaster story increases. At times, the book was hard to put down, and Wendy’s deeply personal style of writing draws you into their marriage and family. You cannot help but feel similar emotions to those she is describing.

The part where they moved to USA to launch GOD TV was very moving. I didn't know any of the story previously. I admired them for responding to the call to move back to UK, and felt excited for my own nation when I read the prophesies about the UK at the end of the book.

But, I also found the book rather preachy, as Wendy uses their personal experience to speak to people going through similar circumstances. I can understand her motives, but I felt those parts of the book didn’t work so well. Rather than letting the message speak for itself, she interprets it for others, whose circumstances cannot be the same as theirs.

Fans of GOD TV will love this book. Those who hate the idea of televangelists, or even of so-called, Christian television, should read it, just to understand where GOD TV fits on that scale and draw their own conclusions. Whatever your viewpoint, Against All Odds is a compelling read.