The Devil in Pew Number Seven

Faith in God will get one through everything. I've been through a tragedy of sudden death and if it had not been for my faith and faithfilled friends I cannot imagine where I would be today. Parents are so important in a childs life which this book relates well. We have to be so alert to the devil and his workings every day of our life.

This is a great book, well written and very inspiring. It's a sad but true story about how horrible people can be, wanting their own way and not caring what they have to do or who they hurt along the way. I highly recommend this book. And if you have any doubts about faith, forgiveness and God's mercy, this is a must read!

"...Why does God allow horrible things to happen, especially to people who are his followers..." (4282) is one of the most popular questions alive today. If there is a God, would he really let good people suffer tragedies? The answer is yes and often times we don't know why, except that maybe a tortured person's story will help save a life and teach others. A prime example is displayed throughout Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's "The Devil in Pew Number Seven." Utilizing court transcripts, police records and accounts from witnesses, including herself, Rebecca tells the story how one man terrorized her family for years, thus eventually leaving her younger brother and her orphans.

While pregnant with Rebecca in 1969, her parents moved to Sellerstown, North Carolina, where her father, Robert, ran and ministered the local church. Immediately, the small, run-down church began blossoming with Robert's presence and with attendance growing, the church became a focal point of the town. People loved the Nichols and took them in as family members. That is, everyone except Mr Watts. With an abundance of wealth and power, Mr. Watts was used to controlling Sellertown, including the church. Until the Nichols arrived, Watts decided how the church was ran, where the money went, etc. and no, he was not the pastor but rather a wealthy tyrant who wasn't used to being questioned but rather feared. Robert Nichols didn't play into Watts' games and refused to give into the town bully. Instead, he took control of the church and made it a democratic committee. Angered at the fact that his power was decreasing, Watts began harassing and tormenting the Nichols. It began with late night phone calls and anonymous letters, that escalated to planting granades and pipe bombs outside the Nichols home. This began before Rebecca was born and continued throughout her and her younger brother, Daniel's childhood.

It was well known throughout town and with the authorities that Mr. Watts was behind the attacks; however, authorities were never able during that time to father enough evidence to incriminate him. Fact is, Mr. Watts never did the crimes himself, but instead paid others to do it. One question that is constantly brought up is why the Nichols' didn't move out of Sellerstown when they had two young children to protect. Refusing to back down to Mr. Watts, Robert repeatedly said that "when the Lord gets ready for [him] to leave this church, He won't send the message by the devil". Some may see it as selfishness and stupidity but Robert Nichols firmly believed that he wasn't meant to leave town...yet.

Due to a deadly and unfortunate incident, the Nichols eventually moved out of Sellerstown, but it was too late. Rebecca and her brother, Daniel had lost their mother and slowly, they were losing their father. It wasn't until a few years later that Mr. Watts was arrested and found guilty of attempted murder. With both parents dead, Rebecca had taken her parents cue and forgave Mr. Watts for everything he did. She forgave him for the years of terror and abuse he had inflicted on them and mostly, for her parents' death.

100% factual, it reads more like fiction with Rebecca's flawless imagery and narration. Furthermore, it's difficult to comprehend how someone could be so angry and hateful to this innocent family all because he couldn't control the church like he used to. But then again, people do worse things for even less. As a Christian reading this, I'm amazed and enamored with the Nichols' ability to display God's love and grace to a man so nasty, he makes the devil look sweet. It's a reminder how none of us deserve love and forgiveness, yet God continues to give it to us daily. We don't have to like that person nor keep them a part of our lives; however, as Rebecca says, "bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die", we are hurting ourselves, not the culprit of the crime. Constantly, people hurt us and we hurt others. No one is void of wrong-doing and because of that if we want others to forgive us, we first have to practice it ourselves.

"The Devil in Pew Number Seven" is a daunting but fulfilling read that everyone should read, regardless of your beliefs. In a society where we're quick to react and torture those who have hurt us, Rebecca's story shows that healing is harder to do than taking revenge but in the end, it saves rather than destroys us. Yes, she has forgiven him but he is not, nor ever will be a shining light in her life. Her honesty and openness with her struggles display her humanness while her strength and ability to forgive exemplifies God's love.

Devil was alive, well and active in this book. Even though it is a book about the evil people do, it's really about forgiveness and love. I lived near this community and recently travelled Sellerstown Rd. The landmarks are still present and the Church is beautiful. Hard to believe such evil existed in such a pleasant community. A must read!

I chose this rating because Rebecca demonstrated a remarkable Christian love in the face and aftermath of the tragedy she suffered from Mr. Watts and Mr. Harris. Even though the story was horrific, it was true; so to be able to take away from what happened - forgiveness and redemption - was very inspiring to me.

This is a very well written book. The author tells this story in a way that keeps your attention and makes it very hard to put down. Because I grew up and was living in the nearby Whiteville during the time these events were taking place made the book a little more interesting to me than maybe someone not familiar with the area, but the author describes the scenes with such detail, the mental pictures become so clear I think even people unfamiliar with the area will agree it is a very good book. The characters too are described exactly as I remember them (I do know some of them personally). The characters are real with no embellishment whatsoever. Enjoy.

This book was hard to put down. The ministers family had so much faith in the Lord and such a commitment to the ministry. They were truly an inspiration to all who knew them. Such a wonderful family who went through so much turmoil, but yet, never became bitter or unforgiving. I bought this book used, from the store at a little cheaper price. It arrived looking like a new book. Very satisfied with it.

This story is both a living nightmare and inspiration on forgiveness, showing how the really difficult things in our lives do not have to destroy us but make us into the person we are, stronger and wiser, more empathetic and forgiving.

As I have already stated in the title, this truly is one of the most amazing stories of forgiveness and redemption. The story is very heart-rending. The author's home is bombed, more than once, their family threatened and their lives disrupted by a power hungry person who attended the church the author's father pastored. If anyone on earth has a "right" to be angry and hold a grudge, it would be this family. However, through the modeling of the mother and father, living a life of forgiveness, this family chose a better path. I love the statement from the book, "When you forgive a person who wronged you, you set a prisoner free, and then you discover that the prisoner you set free is you." This true story is about the real meaning of forgiveness. This is definitely worth your time to read, especially if you have ever been hurt or struggle to forgive someone else.

This book was absolutely gut wrenching. It was positive, negative, compassionate, inspiring, but most of all, it will tear you up reading it. I am so glad I read it, but needed a couple of lighter, "happier" books afterward to give time to re-charge my emotions!

Words cannot describe how much my husband and I loved this book! Truthfully it sends a simple message of the power of forgiveness. However, this story really is full of messages on how living by the example of Christ can help us to overcome and how NOT living by His example can leave us lost, miserable, and feeling hopeless. I could go on and on, and would love to see this book read by every believer and NON-believer!

A lot of the other reviewers said it already better than I can. It is an awesome book & one that everyone should read! What incredible powers of forgiveness this family had/has! What an example for the rest of us! What an inspirational story. Thank you Rebecca Nichols Alonzo for telling your story!

Just a wonderful read! To love and trust the Lord so completely and without faltering. What wonderful, beautiful and yet difficult lessons to be learned. It should be in everyone’s personal library.

Unbelievably tragic and inspiring story of a woman's life. The Bible tells us to expect persecution for Jesus' sake. However, how many of us really experience that? This true story is about persecution and forgiveness and describes exactly how to 'walk the talk'.

I love the author's homespun style. I could also relate to some of her story. This is a wonderful book - there were times I didn't want to put it down! She really helps to drive home one of God's most important lessons - forgiveness, although few could be as forgiving as those in her family, I think.

i love reading true stories especially when written by someone who was in the experience and can share the intimate details. Rebecca Alonzo did this with amazing clarity and passion. Her love for her parents comes through along with their love for God and the work they were doing. We don't understand why things like this happen to good people, but we can definitely see God taking a bad situation and making something good come out of it. Rebecca's willingness to overcome her anger and seek forgiveness in her heart is nothing short of a miracle, the kind only God can create. This book is a "must read" for anyone who feels that they were ever wronged in any way and are struggling to forgive. This is a wonderful book, well written and impossible to put down!

This book is simply awesome! Being a young pastor (less than 4 years) I can relate to the writer. I could not put the book down and I would gladly re-read it. Anyone that is determine to live for God and lead HIS people should have a copy of this book in their library.

Books overall theme is forgiveness. Without forgiveness you really cant be saved. I could relate to a lot things in this book as my grandfather was a preacher. I hope the message will be well recieved by others.

The Devil In Pew Number Seven gives an unbelievable account of one family's story. The author relives the horror of seeing her family brutally attacked and her mother murdered as a seven year old little girl. It's a story if faith, courage, forgiveness and healing, a story sure not to disappoint. YouTube the title about half way through the book and Dr. Phil will help bring the book to life with pictures of the town, the church, and the parsonage where it all happened.

The faith & love of God & humans that the parents showed, were beyond any I've ever heard..it took unheard of strength & belief in God's Word to forgive then face the man that terrorized their family for years, on national television....how amazing...just as God's s love & grace is beyond amazing.

This book is life changing. It reads like a novel but is a true story of a preacher and his family who face incredible harassment, cruelty and violence at the hand of a church member who wants them gone. A MUST READ!

I believe that everyone needs to read this book. I could not put it down once I started. It is the best illustration of forgiveness I have ever seen! It helped me tremendously with a forgiveness situation I had. That family especially the 2 children went through more than any christian family should go through. God bless you Rebecca and Daniel for your strength and most of all your sincere forgiveness to others. I have donated the book to my church library hoping as many people as possible could read it and be blessed by it. Thank you the store for making it possible to purchase this wonderful book. Jackie Heaston

This story sheds light on forgiveness. No matter what the reader is experiencing in life this moving story proves that forgiveness is linked to love. I loved this story and would love to meet the author.

Based on a true story of a religious family being physically attacked, how they whethered through the abuse even though it took the life of the mother and wore down the health of the father. I was amazed of how the daughter was able to forgive the people who attacked her family.

Many folks go through life carrying petty grudges and never really understand the Biblical forgiveness that God requires for our own good. This book is a powerful example of true Biblical forgiveness.

A compelling story of forgiveness triumphing over evil. This family experienced so much violence at the hands of an angry neighbor. Their love of God and trusting in His Word and promises brought them to a place of forgiveness for the most horrible things. There is no sin so great that God cannot forgive.

This pastor puts Christ as the most important thing in his life. Wow the devil was out to destroy him and his family because of their love for Christ. He & his family will receive rewards in Heaven.

I have really struggled about how to review this book. Although the story was fascinating and deserves to be told, I didn't enjoy the way in which it was put into print.

First of all, the title, "The Devil In Pew Number Seven", is focused mainly on the man who terrorized them while their dad was the pastor of a small town church but the climax of the story had nothing to do with him at all. I kept reading thinking there would be a connection between the two but there was none. They were two totally unrelated although equally as horrifying stories that occured in her childhood. I feel the book should have been titled with something more general about her childhood rather than an inference to a specific person in this case.

Second, there were details in the book that were confusing and/or unrelated to the story. For example, the story of the gas station attendant who shot a customer in the beginning of the book. It was included so I thought this man would reappear in the story somewhere but again, it never happened. Also, the author explains at one point why they decided to move back to their home from the safe, secluded trailer that they were staying in. There had been no attacks while they were there and everyone began to feel safe. She explains that they decided to move back to their home because their mom wanted to entertain during the Christmas season. What?!? If I knew there were bombs blowing up at my house which endangered my children, I would certainly not move them back there so I could do some entertaining! There had to be more to it than that but it was not explained unless I totally missed it.

Also, a few details were left out at the end of the story which would have been nice. Did Mr. Watts ever follow through with the promise of a car for her and Daniel? It stated that she never heard from him again so I assumed they didn't receive the cars but it would have been nice to know.

Would I recommend this book to a friend...yes but with the disclaimer that it was not written as well as it could have been. The way Rebecca went on to forgive Mr. Watts and move on to a life that was still honoring to God is very inspiring and makes the book worth the read.