The Devil in Pew Number Seven

A True Story

By: Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, Bob DeMoss

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 familys 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.

©2010 Rebecca Nichols Alonzo (P)2011 christianaudio.com

Compelling

Would you listen to The Devil in Pew Number Seven again? Why?

Actually yes I would. Not only did it have a great story, but it also taught me alot about forgiveness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would have to say it was Becky. She was an absolute rock through everything that she had endured.

Which scene was your favorite?

Gosh, there were so many. I think it would have to be when Mr. Watts called Becky after his release from prison to ask for forgiveness.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Having trouble forgiving?

What an amazing story!

What a roller coaster ride of emotions I felt reading this book! This is a book that you cannot read in one sitting because it can be very overwhelming emotionally and there is so much that goes on throughout this book that it takes time to process. The author does an incredible job of painting the picture of her life in Sellerstown, NC that you feel like you are truly right there with her viewing everything through her eyes!

Rebecca kind of Tarantino's the story by starting off with a snippet of the chaotic scene of one of the biggest things to happen to her. She then describes the story of how her parents met and lived their life before she and her brother arrived.

After Rebecca was born, her parents decided to settle down in Sellerstown, NC. Her daddy found a church there that he could be the pastor of and he started to make some much needed changes. One man, Mr. Watts, was not happy about this because he ran the town as well as the church. He is referred to as the Devil in Pew Number Seven.

Rebecca and her family live through bombings, malicious phone calls, threatening letters, and vandalism of their home for 5 years! A few days before Easter 1978, Rebecca's life is changed forever when a man comes into their home with a gun and an intent to kill! Her and her family have to learn how to pick up the pieces and heal from this tragedy. They have to learn the biggest lesson of all....to FORGIVE!

Evil in the Sanctuary

Would you consider the audio edition of The Devil in Pew Number Seven to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

A true story of an evil parishioner that seems hell bent on destroying a church congregation ,it's Godly Leader and young family.
Reminded the reader that there is literally a constant war going on between good and evil.

What about Pam Ward’s performance did you like?

The narrator seem to enjoy the telling of the tale.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

This book is a good incentive to delve deeper into the study of spiritual warfare.

Inspirational

If you could sum up The Devil in Pew Number Seven in three words, what would they be?

The power of forgiveness...WOW

Any additional comments?

I saw this story on the Dr. Phil show and was so impressed by the level of composure and confidence in the guests. I did not realize that the book was not about the killer, but more about the manipulator. This story was truly inspiring. I will not soon forget the lessons taught in The Devil in Pew Number Seven. I have recommended it to everyone I know!

Wow

All I can say is this book snuck up on me. As I read it I was awed by all this family endured. Throughout I had thoughts of- Geez- how did you maintain your faith throughout these events? Then the final chapter came. It left me on my knees and hand in hand with my own children, praying a prayer of forgiveness and love. I felt this book was written specifically for me so that I might hear God's word and truly UNDERSTAND his message for my own life. Thank you for writing this book. I am so thankful my book club chose it as I otherwise would probably have never picked it up. I imagine I will return to that final chapter time and again. Wow.

Next-level kinda crazy!

Crazy! Crazy, but awesome! I listened to the whole book while taking a trip from Ohio to Alabama.
As a 5th generation Pentecostal minister, I could closely identify with many of the spiritual elements found within the pages. The TRUE accounts in this book will blow your mind! I commend the tenacity of the Nichols family. My heart was challenged in areas of personal forgiveness. I can’t recommend this book enough!

A great story of forgiveness and victory.

I loved this book. It shows that forgiveness can set you free. God love is great.

A nine hour story that should have been told in three

I give up. I’ve still got six hours to go in this book, but I just can’t take it any more.

I’m sure it’s a good story, but drama for the sake of drama drives me insane. Tapping out here before I waste any more time.

Interesting

The story was interesting but the narration was annoying. The last chapter has lots of food for thought and is especially good as it is told by someone who actually had to practice what she was preaching. The story is particularly helpful to clergy families like mine who've suffered at the hands of devils in the pews from the perspective that other clergy suffer in the same way.

TOO LONG

Would you listen to The Devil in Pew Number Seven again? Why?

NO, its was ok the first time. The story is good but it could have been told in less time.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

This injustice would not happen today, again its too long

What about Pam Ward’s performance did you like?

She did ok, no she did better than ok but there are parts that i got boared in.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When ________ gets shot