Readings and Reflections

Grace in Thine Eyes - Liz Curtis Higgs

2008-10-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

This novel is set in the summer of 1808, in parts of south west Scotland and the Isle of Arran. The main character is seventeen-year-old Davina McKie; the only daughter of a gentry family who is exceptionally gifted musically, but has been unable to speak since childhood. Her protective younger brothers hold the secret to her silence, which is slowly revealed in a story, loosely based on the biblical story of Dinah, the only daughter of Leah and Jacob.

Through some shocking and powerfully-told events, on midsummer’s eve, Davina’s innocence and carefree childhood disappear forever, to be replaced by impossible decisions and difficult secrets, which are gradually uncovered by unexpected subplots.

Throughout this sensitively crafted tale Davina extends forgiveness through huge measures of grace to those who have hurt and betrayed her, longing to see her loved ones walking the same path of self-sacrifice.

Each of the book’s eighty-two, short chapters commences with an intriguing epigraph, hinting at its direction, and ends on a precipice, which as the reader will discover, is more than just a metaphor.

Grace in Thine Eyes is the sequel to a trilogy of historical novels, which develop some of its characters. Nevertheless it can be read alone, with the reader catching glimpses of earlier events in their lives. As one of those readers, I look forward to enjoying further novels by Liz Curtis Higgs.

Additions to the story are hand drawn maps of the areas, author’s notes, questions for group or personal study and a Scottish glossary – which I wish I’d discovered earlier.

A beautiful, if harrowing story, which has much to commend it.

Bad Girls of the Bible - Liz Curtis Higgs

2008-10-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this book by a prolific writer, of fiction, nonfiction and children’s literature. Bad Girls of the Bible is part of a series, including Really Bad Girls of the Bible and Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible. Liz Curtis Higgs’ purpose in writing this series is given in her subtitle – And What We Can Learn From Them.

Each chapter starts with a contemporary fictional story, which introduces a female Biblical character with whom there are similarities. Each made a bad choice in some way. The author grades ‘bad’ in terms of ‘Bad for a moment’; ‘Bad for a season, but not forever’; and ‘Bad to the Bone’. Each girl, both fictional and real, erred from God’s high standard for their lives, and that is what we all can identify with: none of us is righteous, without Christ’s forgiveness.

There are ten stories: seven from the Old Testament and three from the New Testament, interspersed and not in chronological order. Although the contents page lists the Biblical women whose stories are told, each chapter title allows for a little intrigue, enabling the reader to become absorbed in the fictional character, who slowly reveals her similar character traits. I found this a really clever and exciting writing ploy and was caught out more than once, failing to identify her until well into the story. I also liked the way the fictional story often ended on a cliff-hanger, leaving the reader to imagine what happened next.

Following the fictional story, each chapter then continues with a comprehensive Bible study and commentary on the real character. The author has drawn on a wide range of material and Biblical translations to illustrate her thought-provoking and lively narrative. The final two short sections look at the lessons we can learn from the character and a series of questions entitled Good Girl Thoughts Worth Considering, which can be used for group or personal study.

So, each chapter, plus a Study Guide at the end of the book, can be used as resources for small groups to explore together. The final section is an interview with the author called A Chat with Liz, where she shares her own story, how she identifies with her characters and how she came to write the series. Liz Curtis Higgs maintains that there is no substitute to researching the Bible for yourself, but hopes that her novel approach will encourage more people to learn valuable lessons from these ten women.

I certainly learned a lot and am now keen to read other books by this author. Highly recommended.

Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers

2008-09-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

This is the first book I have read by this author, who specialises in writing for women, about women. Francine Rivers has written five novellas about five different women in the Bible: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.

The subtitle, Five unlikely women who changed eternity, explains the theme of the separate and complete narratives which are chronologically arranged to demonstrate the progression of those women who are specifically mentioned in the Biblical record of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Each woman had a significant role to perform, which she was often unaware of. We have the advantage of history, of reading their stories and of recognising how God chose ordinary and sometimes sinful or broken women to fulfil his purposes. The Grace of the Lord shines through every story, emphasising the book's title throughout.

Each novella has the Biblical record weaved into it, but as fiction it expands what are often brief or missing details: curious gaps in the story, which Rivers readily admits are her interpretation of what could or might have happened. As such the reader must bear that in mind when reading, recognising that this embellishment of the Scriptural record is just one way of looking at the events.

The little known story of Tamar, with its disturbing story of betrayal and abuse, touched me deeply, providing an insight into early Jewish culture. Both this story and the second, about Rahab, were really sensitively written, but retained the shocking element, which I have often missed or have not been impacted by, when reading the story in the Bible.

Ruth is a beautiful story which was very familiar to me, but this retelling brought fresh understanding of the relationship between Naomi and Ruth, especially of how difficult their everyday lives were. I enjoyed the first part of the story about Bathsheba, but then felt that the story diverted away from Bathsheba, onto David and contained too much historical detail about his later reign, before completing the story with Solomon’s accession to the throne.

Almost everyone has heard of Mary the mother of Jesus, but Francine Rivers’ portrayal of her was full of fascinating detail and very believable. I liked the way Mary retained her ordinariness throughout and how the enemy was represented tempting her mind. Another lovely embellishment was her growing relationship with disciple John, to the point where he accepts her as his mother, following Jesus’ final instruction from the Cross.

A six-part Bible study is included with each woman’s story, compiled by Peggy Lynch, inviting the reader to ‘seek and find’ through exploring the Biblical text. Thought provoking questions are included, which are suitable for individual or group study, and provide extra opportunity to reflect on the story just read.

I shall definitely read more of Francine Rivers' books. Thoroughly recommended!

Making It Happen - Jonathan Mantle

2008-06-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

This hard-backed, glossy colour-photographed, book, is The I.M. Group Story, and the chronicle of how Bob Edmiston transformed himself from financial controller for the ailing Jensen company, in 1974, into a self-made millionaire, who was top of the UK charities giving list recently. Bob Edmiston is also the chairman of Christian Vision, the charity he started in 1988, and with which I have personal connections: my husband, Andy, working there since 1991. But this book is not the story of Christian Vision, although it is mentioned twice within Making it Happen. I.M. Group is the company name for a wide variety of business interests, including International Motors, from whom the name derives.

Starting from Bob’s birth, in India, and following the British family’s move to England, then Kenya and back to England again, it is not difficult to see how his entrepreneurial roots grew early in life. Including photographs of his grandparents and parents before his birth, this is a historical account of his working life, up to the 25th anniversary of I.M. Group in 2001.

Throughout the book, photographs of the people, cars and premises which form an integral part of the narrative are beautifully displayed in relevant places, making it easy to browse, using the photographic record as a guide. It is an ideal ‘coffee table’ book.

Bob’s Christian faith plays an important part in all his business dealings, and right from the point when he applied for the job at Jensen, he knew that God had big plans for his involvement with the company. Faced with the job of making the personnel, including himself, redundant, Bob saw an opportunity to start a company called Jensen Parts and Service Ltd, by buying 15% of its shares with his redundancy money. So, in May 1976, Bob and sixty-eight members of the previous Jensen workforce moved into small premises in West Bromwich. A testament of the loyalty he gave and received during those early tough times, can be seen in the many original staff remaining with the fledgling company over the twenty-five years. By the end of its first year, it had turned over £1 million.

Looking for ways to diversify, in 1977 Bob signed the first of many contracts to distribute foreign vehicles in the UK. Japanese, Subaru, followed by Korean, Hyundai, launched International Motors, in 1982, which then became I.M. Group in 1986. The company invested heavily in property, which was to prove itself time and again in the following years.

By the company’s 20th anniversary, Bob was the richest man in the UK’s, West Midlands, and the richest man in the motor industry, but retirement did not appeal to him in the slightest. This is where Christian Vision comes in and it is what keeps him motivated. The demand for charitable work will never be satisfied and as such will keep him busy for the rest of his life. Ten per cent of I.M.Group’s pre-tax profits are invested into Christian Vision, through two main branches, ‘Touch a Billion’, a network of radio stations throughout the world, and ‘Impact a Nation’, a unique method of making a significant difference in needy nations.

Bob started grooming his son, Andrew, for leadership within the company, and by its 30th anniversary in 2006, Andrew had already been involved for fourteen years, and was ready to take the company into its fourth decade (This event took place five years after Making It Happen was written).

This limited edition makes very interesting reading, especially for car enthusiasts. It is well worth it – if you can find one!

I am not but I know I AM - Louie Giglio

2008-05-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

This intriguing title, has the subtitle 'My Small Story and God's Big Story'. Written by a man who is passionate about our insignificance compared to God's indescribable universe, this small book challenges our constant striving to make ourselves the centre of everything. In some ways it is a teaching manual for a meaningful lifestyle, being small, but presented in an unusual format.

Each chapter is set in a particular location, with a story involving that location; I particularly enjoyed the chapter set on the Zambezi River. But what sets it apart from other books is Giglio's use of font size and highlight, to contrast the largeness of God and the smallness of the reader. In places it's difficult to see the words referring to 'me', and this is a deliberate choice to demonstrate his message throughout the text. It's a clever ploy, which works, once you have got used to it.

Another clever aspect is the constant use of God's name, 'I AM' relating it to the verb, 'to be'. He has invented what he calls, the one-word Bible Study Method, where he encourages the reader to take a short passage of Scripture, and meditate on it, one word at a time. He provides several examples, which are fascinating, and encouraged me to try it for myself. It was an exciting exercise which I will continue.

The repeated use of the prefix 'be', as in become, belong, beloved, etc is another clever literary tool, which readers whose first language is not English may find difficult to follow. Nevertheless, he explains his reasoning very clearly with practical examples. His honesty throughout, applying the principles to himself first and then encouraging the reader to join him on his quest, is refreshing and endearing.

This is a book that is very diffcult to describe - you just have to read it and discover it hidden secrets for yourself.

Enjoy!

Dream Stories - Russ Parker

2008-04-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Subtitled, ‘A Journey into the Bible’s Dreams and Visions’, Dream Stories explores a topic which tends to polarize people: either dismissing or accepting that dreams can have meaning for our lives.

The author has a long history of research into dreams. He has published several books and believes that understanding our dreams can help bring healing and wholeness into our lives. He is also a poet, demonstrating his creative talent throughout Dream Stories. Each chapter closes with a poem based on the final section entitled, ‘Making it Personal’. Here, Russ applies the message of that particular dream, helping the reader to see how the principles revealed can be applied in practical situations.

The book follows the chronological order of dreams and visions in Scripture, from Jacob’s dream at Bethel, to Paul’s vision of the Macedonian. Each chapter follows a similar format, with a Scripture quotation of the dream or vision, using a range of Bible versions throughout. A full explanation of the circumstances and context then follows, with the message of the dream or vision, what happens as a result of it, the application for the reader, and finally a prayer in the form of a poem.

This is not an exhaustive study of dreams and visions in Scripture, as the author points out, but nevertheless it is an excellent introduction to the topic, as sixteen of the major dreams or visions, that many people are familiar with, are covered in this 160 page volume.

I particularly enjoyed the two chapters on Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, from the Old Testament and Joseph’s dreams, in the New Testament. There were many aspects of the context of the dream or vision that were new to me, and I found many of the dream applications helpful, being able to apply several of them to myself. The poem prayers provided a reflection and helped to sum up the main points brought out within the chapter just covered.

Although I have never received a dream which I felt was from God, I have had visions and pictures. Some of these have been related to areas of ministry which, in time, have actually begun emerge. As a result of reading this book, I will now pay more attention to my dreams and ask the Lord to speak to me when I sleep. Dream Stories has stimulated my interest in dreams and visions. I hope it does for you too.

The Desert will Rejoice - Christine Parkinson

2008-04-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting book with a local connection, published by Authors OnLine. Christine Parkinson moved to Birmingham in 1984 because she believed God spoke to her through these words from Isaiah 35,

‘The desert will rejoice and blossom as the rose.’

Even though she had no family roots there and knew nothing about the city, she accepted a job and moved from West London. Three years later, whilst driving her usual route to a church meeting, her attention was drawn to a derelict building, together with the words ‘That’s the place!’, which she heard as an audible voice. She knew that God had plans for this dilapidated row of three former shops on a busy high street and set about finding other like-minded people to work with.

In the same year a Dutch woman living in Birmingham, received a revelatory picture of a large house with three roofs. After sketching a picture of her vision, she and her husband went searching for it, finding the same property that Christine, a short time later, was also drawn to. It then became clear to her that the name for this ministry was to become GILGAL, taken from Joshua 4-5, and meaning ‘New Beginnings’. At the same time God revealed the names of two other places, JERICHO – a place of blessing for people in need, and BETHEL – a place for the presence of God.

The Desert will Rejoice is the fulfilment of these revelations: of three separate projects, which over the next 20 years, multiplied into no less than sixteen different urban mission initiatives. The journey that Christine Parkinson, Maria Blom and a few others travelled was full of bureaucratic potholes, which drove them to the brink of despair and exhaustion more than once, but is nevertheless, a fascinating account of how God used ordinary people to have an extraordinary impact on a disadvantaged community of England’s second city.

There are photographs of the property restoration process, personal testimonies from people whose lives were transformed, examples from booklets used to explain particular projects and a chart detailing their proliferation.

This is a story of great courage, stalwart determination and miraculous interventions, which has parallels to the nation of Israel’s dramatic occupation of their Promised Land. The names of these foundation ministries were clearly given to mirror the Israelites experiences in taking land from their enemies and establishing God’s rule and reign among his people.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in inner city restoration together with others who long to illuminate the Light of Christ in their own communities.

God's Story - Anne Graham Lotz

2008-03-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

Subtitled, Finding Meaning for Your Life in Genesis, this introduction to the creation of the Earth and the history of mankind, as told in the first eleven chapters of the Bible, is written by the daughter of world evangelist Billy Graham. Her previous book, The Vision of His Glory, based on Revelation, the last book of the Bible forms a companion to this book, but God’s story can be enjoyed for itself. I am now interested in finding a copy of the companion book to complete the series.

Published in 1997, God’s Story is a chronological meditation of the Scriptures revealing Him through four sections as, Your Creator, Your Father, Your Saviour and Your Redeemer. Her introduction poses the question ‘Who was the eyewitness to Creation?’ answering this by saying God Himself. The prologue, based on Genesis 1:1-3, sets the scene for what follows and is invitingly entitled, The God You Can Know. Concluding the book, notes to the Scripture references and other published works referred to, plus comprehensive explanations of theories about Earth history, provide additional reading material. I found this section extremely helpful, often referring to it as I progressed through the chapters and then again on completion.

But this is not a book focussing on scientific creationism; it is an invitation on a journey through the history of mankind and our relationship with Almighty God. Anne Lotz uses many personal and contemporary examples to illustrate her points. Her teaching is rooted in everyday living covering the full spectrum of the state of the human heart and our capacity to know, or ignore, the living God. Throughout, she challenges the reader with numerous questions, elongated sentences and multiple statements around the same topic, often presented on the page in creative layouts, breaking up the solid text to use diagonal indentation and drawing the eye across, down and back over the page. Generally, I found this technique helpful, but there were times when this was repeated, sometimes twice on one page, which I found slightly inhibited the fluency of the text. However, this is not a book to be read quickly, it is to be pondered over, allowing the Holy Spirit to highlight areas where the reader recognises the need to deepen their relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Anne Lotz skilfully draws together parallel topics and similar themes running throughout the Bible, leading the reader gently from emptiness to completion, revealing the purpose and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her extensive understanding and knowledge of the Bible’s teachings, reveals Jesus’ presence before the foundation of the Earth, His involvement with the Godhead at Creation and His function as Saviour and Redeemer, right through the history of mankind on the Earth. She repeatedly encourages the reader to assess their spiritual state, by reflecting on fruitfulness in different areas of life, thereby provoking a peeling back of the layers of self centeredness and allowing more of the riches of Christ to penetrate and build a strong foundation.

I found this a great read, full of insights and perspectives which both challenged and comforted, causing me to deepen my communion with the Lord.

Highly recommended.

Heroes of the Faith - D L Moody, by Bonnie C Harvey

2008-02-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

This is the second book I have read in the series Heroes of the Faith; the first being the life story of Eric Liddell. Dwight L Moody is most remembered now for pioneering the Bible Institute, bearing his name, in Chicago. This was in 1889, ten years before he died, but his previous 55 years were also filled with extraordinary endeavours on two continents, preparing the way for his legacy as the “father of the evangelical movement”.

This little book retells his fascinating story, from childhood and his acceptance of Christ at age seventeen, to his life’s work. It commences with these words, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him”, said in Moody’s hearing in Britain in 1872, by lay preacher Henry Varley. Challenged and envisioned, Moody vowed to be that man, and from that point his already energetic and sometimes hectic lifestyle, gained new purpose and direction.

His early life, as the youngest of seven children, brought up in a farming community in Northfield, Massachusetts, was very humble and difficult, but those early trials enabled him always to identify with those at the very bottom of the social structure. Right throughout his life, although he spoke to crowds of thousands and received acclaim from Royals, he retained a desire to see the poor and needy given the opportunities to receive salvation and be trained for the work of Christian mission.

Moody’s first Christian venture was to set up Sunday Schools for ragamuffin children, becoming known around Chicago as a “children’s missionary”. He then preached to the troops during the American Civil War and later developed the nickname “Crazy Moody”, because of his frenetic schedule, which left his assistants exhausted. His vow to not allow a single day to pass without speaking to someone about Christ set the tone for his life’s ministry.

Expanding his horizons, his first trip to Britain, in 1867, came about because his English-born wife Emma suffered from Asthma, but he desired to meet three people whom he greatly admired: George Williams, founder of the YMCA; George Muller, founder of an orphanage and missionary organization; and Charles Spurgeon, Baptist minister whose sermons were becoming known worldwide. During this short trip he also met Henry Varley, a man of prayer who made a deep and lasting impression on Moody.

His introduction to singer songwriter Ira Sankey in 1869 forged a lasting friendship and partnership, the legacy of which was the publication of Moody and Sankey hymnals, still used throughout the world. Then in 1871, came a turning point in his almost ceaseless activity, which had grown more and more complicated. An Englishwoman, Sarah Cooke, who became convinced that Moody needed the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry, along with her friend Mrs Hawxhurst, sat on the front row at every meeting praying for him. God began to speak to him about going to all the land to preach the Gospel, but he resisted. Through a ferocious fire which destroyed much of Chicago, including everything he had built, he realized where his future ministry lay and finally submitted to the fire of the Holy Spirit to transform him from “Crazy Moody” to “Moody, the man of God”.

His energy never depleted as he embarked on an itinerant ministry in America and Britain, which resulted in extended revivals in Northern England, London and Scotland. Returning to New York after two years, Moody and Sankey were now international celebrities, and Dwight finally had a platform from which to reach out to his home town of Northfield. By 1880 he had set up a Christian girls’ school in the town, designed for those in ‘the humbler walks of life’. A boys’ school along the same lines, quickly followed. This later became a seminary, with minimal fees and manual labour as a character-building part of the course.

Although Moody was never ordained as a Christian Minister, could not read Greek Testament and was self-taught, he could explain Scripture in a down-to-earth manner, which everybody understood. In all, Moody travelled to the British Isles seven times. He became adept at coercing money for building projects from wealthy Christians and his entrepreneurial ways continued, as he longed to set up a school in Chicago to train Christian laymen for the church. His Bible Institute dream was finally realized when he bought thee large houses in Chicago Avenue. He continued to preach to the end of his life, and finally died peacefully at home in Northfield, after seeing a vision of heaven.

There is obviously much more to Moody's story, which is beautifully retold in 200 pages. His passion to fulfill the great commission helped to birth the great missionary thrusts which followed. His was a truly inspiring life and I would recommend this version of Moody’s biography.

The First Judgement: Messiah - Wendy Alec

2008-02-15T01:33:00.001-08:00

This is the second novel in the series Chronicles of Brothers, based loosely of what we know of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and (fallen) Lucifer, from the Bible. The prequel, Book One, The Fall of Lucifer, sets the scene, vividly describing the events from the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and up to the Fall of the ‘Race of Men’.

Book Two, The First Judgement, covers a period of 2025 years from 4BC to 2021AD. It embellishes the events surrounding the coming of Christ to the Earth, up to His death on the Cross, His Resurrection and Ascension back to the First Heaven, to sit alongside His Father, in the Godhead. But running alongside these events the scene is being set for a sequel novel set in the future, linking into what is described in the Bible as the Tribulation period. I felt that the text does not pervert Scripture, but fundamentalists may consider that she is trying to add to the historical record.

Wendy Alec is the co-founder of GOD TV and has a strong prophetic ministry. But she is adamant that her novels are works of fiction. I find it intriguing and at times challenging to wear a prophetic hat whilst reading them!

The First Judgement is set in Heaven and Hell with the host of Angelic and Demonic creatures dwelling there. The interaction between the physical Earth and the unseen spiritual realm, which stretches right across the cosmos and beyond, is told in a way that draws the reader into fantastical images of the different characters and the confrontations and ensuing battles between the forces of Good and Evil.

The triumphant section where Jesus takes back the Keys of Death and Hades was one of the best chapters, in my opinion, encouraging the reader to enlarge their vision of where, how and why this event could have occurred.

Throughout the book there are constant time shifts and also dimension shifts, from the physical realm to the spiritual realm. Some of the sections are very short, barely a page, giving just a tiny glimpse of a character or event. I found this quite difficult, and I lost track of some of the characters, which are drawn out gradually. At times I couldn’t see how they fitted into the overall story. It would benefit from being read over a shorter space of time and in fewer chunks than I was able to give it. I also wanted more development of the real people in the story, as the focus tends to be on the supernatural creatures. Two real characters have the name, Jotapa, and they are linked through history, but I didn’t feel that the link went far enough to connect them within the time frame. Also, the analogy between the three heavenly brothers and the three earthly brothers, set in the 21st Century, is rather weak, but this may be a deliberate way of the author setting the scene for the sequel novel.

Nevertheless, the story is fast-paced and gripping, using rich, vivid descriptive language and it has some clever sub plots. It is a compelling narrative and I would recommend this to anyone who reflects on Heaven and Hell, and how the coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth fits into the bigger picture, giving it focus and relevance for each one of us.

Where Will I Find the Time? - Sally McClung

2008-02-03T03:02:00.000-08:00

The subtitle for this little book is Making Time Work for You. It is basically a time management study based on Biblical principles. Sally McClung, wife of Floyd McClung, takes the passage from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, which begins “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven” (NIV), and draws out guidelines and practical suggestions and hints for each area of our lives.

Her study covers topics such as marriage, family, friendship, work, leisure, and renewal, and is based upon her own life experience as a wife and mother of two children, working within an active ministry (Youth with a Mission). The book was written in the late eighties, when her children were teenagers and the family lived in the heart of the ‘red-light’ district of Amsterdam. But the teaching is relevant to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

The nine chapters each focus on one aspect of life. For example, Chapter 1, ‘A Time to Organize’ is based on Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away”. This is quite a difficult chapter to start the book with, as her personality type leans towards organizing in a particular way. The following chapter ‘A Time to Build’ focuses on building our relationship with God, and personally I would have preferred that chapter first. The verse order of Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes in not rigidly adhered to, but the topics covered do flow naturally and allow for progression, through to ‘A Time for Healing’.

Her question ‘Are you busy but barren?’ cautions us against the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ which will squeeze out planned time for refreshment and restoration in our body, mind and spirit, and necessary building of relationships within marriage and family, and with friends. I was relieved to reach ‘A Time for Fun’, as I was beginning to feel that I would never meet her very high standards of organization in all areas.

For me, there was nothing really new in her open and frank discussion, but it served as a timely reminder to keep vigilant about maintaining balance in all things, and being prepared to make small adjustments to constantly improve in the time-management arena. I could relate quite well to the McClung family anecdotes, which really helped to carry the book along.

Where will I find the Time? is a quick and easy read, which could also make an interesting discussion starter or group Bible study.

An Introduction to The OLD TESTAMENT TEMPLATE - Landa Cope

2007-12-14T05:04:00.001-08:00

Landa Cope has worked with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for over 30 years, preparing young people to become missionaries: to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to disciple the nations. So it was rather a bombshell for her to discover around 10 years ago, that some of the most evangelized and Christianised nations of the world were now amongst the most corrupt, poorest, crime-ridden, war-torn, socially-deprived nations too. How could this happen? That was the question she sought to answer, and the outcome is expanded in this book, subtitled Rediscovering God’s principles for discipling all nations.

How she came to this realization and her extensive research around the globe sets the scene for the mandate revealed in Scripture that she is now passionate about all believers seeing, understanding and being part of its fulfillment. She explains how God revealed to her that “the devastation you see is the fruit of preaching salvation alone, without the rest of the biblical message.” (p19) and her quest took her to prominent church leaders, who were also coming to this realization but at the time no one had any real solutions to offer.

Landa, therefore decided to delve into Scripture to unearth the principles for herself. This has not been a ‘quick fix’ discovery, but a decade of life transforming revelation, renewing her thinking and sharing the strategies and principles she found and is still finding. She readily admits that this book is but an introduction to the topic and encourages her readers to explore for themselves, applying the principles to their own lives and searching for answers which will radically change the way we view every aspect of our lives

Her method was simple but ingenious: to colour-code passages, dealing with the eight domains of life that she discovered, starting with the Torah, or the books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible, then confirming her findings by studying what Jesus said about these domains in the New Testament. To date, she has completed the Old Testament, and found that the more she studies the Bible in this way, the more God confirms the truth that He has laid out a mandate for discipling any and every nation.

I was introduced to Landa’s message, when she came to speak at a local church in Cape Town. As a result I bought some DVD’s of her teaching YWAM students in 2000 and have recently read this book, detailing her journey up to 2006. It is compelling viewing and reading; each component complements the other, but each are complete in themselves.

This is not a book for those who are comfortable with their lives, or for those who are insecure about change. But it would provide a wealth of material for discussion starters, in almost any setting, the breadth of her findings cover every area of society. They are far reaching and provoking.

I would recommend this book to anyone involved in missions, anyone who runs a church, anyone involved in government, business or education, and anyone involved in communication, science or the arts. In fact everyone should read this, especially every Christian

Fasting - Lynne M Baab

2007-12-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

The subtitle to Fasting is Spiritual Freedom beyond our Appetites. The book deals with many different types of fasting, not just fasting from food. Lynne Baab draws on much material by other established authors in this field, including several research projects conducted by students. She also draws on her own experiences, in an open, honest account of her struggles with fasting, particularly as someone whose weight has see-sawed and for whom dieting has been a life-time preoccupation.

Her opening metaphor for Biblical fasting is the Statue of Liberty in New York, whose face is stern and austere, compared with its smaller version in Seattle, having a soft almost fleshy face. She contrasts the two faces, drawing parallels between costly freedom and indulgent benevolence, drawing the reader to the challenges of sacrifice and commitment in a culture that has become self-absorbed and pleasure-seeking. Her claim is that in our quest for freedom we actually burden ourselves and have forgotten what lack and true liberty feel like.

Using numerous examples from biblical and church history, and testimonies from people today, her study takes the reader through current attitudes towards food and fasting; a brief history of fasting in Christian history; an excellent chapter which she calls ‘A photo album of biblical stories’; abstaining from food and an introduction to the vocabulary of fasting, including a useful table of definitions; other fasts, including TV and entertainment fasts, and fasting for those with eating disorders; and communal fasting with others.

Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection or discussion and a short prayer focus. On almost every page, quotes by other writers or succinct testimonies by people who have fasted are highlighted, breaking up the block of text. The use of an empty bowl, from the cover photo, punctuates each chapter and quotation, creating a frequent visual reminder of the book’s topic. Two short appendices are included: one, on further sources of reading about fasting, and the other, on the challenge of finding fasting in the Bible, reminding the reader that fasting was implied in many of the biblical texts referring to prayer, as it was part of Jewish culture and background.

Baab’s style is easy to read and she presents her findings in a down-to-earth way, filled with practical examples and hints to encourage the novice faster. She is not preachy or superior, readily admitting her own difficulties with fasting, but nevertheless urging the reader to explore this much misunderstood and largely ignored discipline by Christians today. Her challenge is for her readers to broaden their understanding, to see fasting as something attainable and to rediscover the spiritual benefits of fasting within a 21st century western lifestyle.

Lynne Baab's other books include Sabbath Keeping and A Renewed Spirituality. Fasting is the first book of her's that I have been introduced to. Having read it fairly quickly, I now need to reread unhurriedly, pausing at the end of each chapter for serious reflection and subsequent action. Fasting is a topic which I have read briefly about, dabbled a little with, but never really uncovered its hidden treasures.

I would recommend this book to anyone else in a similar position.

Against All Odds - Wendy Alec

2007-11-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Revolution in World Missions - K.P.Yohannan

2007-10-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

This book is a challenge to Western Christians to rethink their missionary strategies, particularly in relation to giving towards the work of mission in the ‘two-thirds world’, a term related to population density rather than land mass, and previously known a the ‘third world’.

Dr. Yohannan tells his own story of how his mother’s prayer “O God, let one of my boys preach” looked to be unanswered, as each of her six sons chose alternative life paths. However, the youngest, who despite showing no leadership skills and being rather shy, responded to a visiting Gospel team from Operation Mobilization, in their home in South India. Their presentation of the desperate need for missionaries in the north of India, to give their lives to tell others about Jesus Christ in the face of severe hardship and persecution, tugged at K.P.’s heart. So, in 1966 at age 16, his mother handed him enough money for his train ticket and he set off on his life-time adventure.

For the next seven years he travelled with mobile evangelistic teams all over North India, climbing a very steep learning curve as he ventured to share the Gospel, using few resources and living a peasant life-style. His eyes were opened to the poverty and entrapment to false religions and he began to grasp the reality of the spiritual battle he was in.

Then, he was invited for two years of study in the United States and even more culture shock ensued, as he struggled to understand the overwhelming abundance and wealth of the North American church, compared with the stark deprivation of his Asian brothers. He became convinced that the Western plan for sending missionaries, incurring great expense and bearing little fruit, could be transformed into the Western church providing the finance for native missionary evangelists in Asia.

The remainder of the book then tells the story of Gospel for Asia, the organization he founded in 1980 with the idea of encouraging people to put aside $1 a day for native missionary work. This is the amount that most native missionaries have to live on and providing that amount, from the Western economy, would double their income and enable many more to respond to the call to go to their countrymen. Today Dr Yohannan still continues to administer the funds. He has carried out a great deal of research, presenting this in an interesting way; interweaving true life stories and statistical evidence together to demonstrate his conviction that sponsoring native missionaries is the only viable option open in the 21st century.

He communicates his case very well, explaining the difficulties and successes he has experienced, and devoting a whole chapter to answering the most frequently asked questions of people about his ministry.

A few statistics taken from the book are that, up to 2004, Gospel for Asia has more than 14,000 national missionaries in the heart of the 10/40 Window (This is a geographical area bordered by the line of latitude, 10 degrees north, and the line of longitude, 40 degrees west. Researchers have identified that this area contains the most un-reached people groups for the Gospel, throughout the world). Gospel for Asia operates 54 Bible colleges with more than 8,000 students and heads up a church-planting movement that pioneers an average of 12 new fellowships every day. (www.gfa.org)

Christian Vision’s ‘Impact a Nation’ project uses slightly different methods, but the end goal is the same, to train up nationals to take over the church-planting and discipling in the nations of Mozambique, Angola, East Timor and Zambia. (www.christianvision.org)

I found Revolution in World Missions interesting, informative and very thought provoking, and I would recommend it for those who have a heart for world missions.

Heroes of the Faith - Eric Liddell, by Ellen Caughey

2007-10-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

The story of Eric Liddell is well known, especially since the wonderful 1981 film, Chariots of Fire, which focuses on the events surrounding his triumph in the 1924 Olympic Games, held in Paris. However, in this little book, which is part of the Heroes of the Faith series, only one chapter is devoted to this episode in his life. The other fourteen chapters retell the rest of his life, both before and after those exciting days which made him famous.

I was familiar with some of the story, but didn’t know the details of his life in China. Eric Henry Liddell was born to Scottish missionary parents, in Tiensin, China, in 1902 and died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, in Weihsien, China, in 1945. Of his 43 years on this earth, he spent 27 of them in China, the remainder, at school, university and missionary college, in Britain. His death, from what was thought to be a brain tumor, was tragic, especially for his young family, who were sent to Canada, when his third child was expected, in 1941, just before the attack on Pearl Harbour and subsequent invasion of China. He only saw this youngest daughter in photographs and his wife knew about his death only two months after the event.

His was a life lived with great purpose: his passion to return to China had dominated his thoughts and been his motivation throughout all the athletic training and meets. Even when he won Scotland’s first Olympic Gold Medal in the 400m race he did not seek or accept personal glory and accolade, but used his prominence to preach the Gospel to thousands of men and boys, urging them onto a higher goal. He left the fame of England for the obscurity of China in 1925, to fulfill his life’s calling to teach and train a generation of boys, who would impact their nation for God. He died persuing that dream, determined to stay with the other missionaries who had given their all trying to transform a nation.

Although Eric is largely known for swapping his track shoes for hiking boots, he continued to both race and train other runners in China. His physical fitness was one of his hallmarks, enabling him to cycle great distances, encouraging local pastors.

Told largely chronologically, but starting with a race meeting in 1923, I liked the way the author included several extracts from letters and journals written by Eric, which provided more insight into him as a person. I found the background history of China, especially as it concerned the Liddell family, most helpful for setting it in the context of the great missionary thrust of the last century and then, of the Japanese invasion of China. The story is told sensitively and with great detail, building a picture of each family member, his wife and several friends who were significant throughout his life and who were greatly impacted through his friendship and example.

Smaller than A5 in size, this tiny book was useful for taking about, to read in spare moments.

A great quick read and highly recommended.

Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper

2007-09-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

I guess I must have heard of John Piper, but I hadn't read any of his books - until now. From the attention-grabbing title and dedication to Louie Giglio (whose DVD's called Indescribable and How Great is our God, have enthralled us recently), to the final chapter, which is a prayer, Don't Waste Your Life was a book that I could hardly put down.

This is his personal quest to discover and challenge a generation, preoccupied with living a life of comfort and pleasure, not to get caught up in living a life that counts for nothing. His challenge is not to live so that we are "made much of, but to make much of him (Jesus) in every part of our lives". To live with a single passion: the glory of God in all things, is presented in a style and format that draws the reader away from their own selfish ambition to consider the time when we will all one day stand before Christ and give an account of our life.

Through personal anecdotes and stories gathered from history John Piper presents the case of those who have demonstrated, like the Apostle Paul, that "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) and those who have wasted the one opportunity we have to live life with a passion for God.

He is the master of the superlative in describing the potential of our lives. The purpose of every chapter is to confront our cozy lifestyles and make us stand up and be counted among those heroes of the faith, those martyrs of yesterday and increasingly of today. Titles like 'Boasting Only in the Cross, The Blazing Center of the Glory of God' and 'Making Much of Christ from 8 to 5' show that what we think and dream and plan and work can all be encompassed in that single passion.

His plea to not waste you life is presented in a balanced practical way. He is not cavalier, on the contrary, he exudes humility and fervour, but his obsession is to joyfully display God's "supreme excellence in all the spheres of life".

I would strongly recommend this book to everyone. You will either love it or hate it, but you shouldn't ignore it.

Treasures of Darkness - Miriam Ruth Malachi

2007-09-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

This book was lent to me by a South African friend who home-schools her two teenage children. Currently they are studying the Jewish festivals and feasts, and she invited me to read it, after I expressed an interest in the Jewish calendar. I have to confess to not having read the entire book, but rather skim-reading it, making use of the many enboldened and underlined sections, which are highlighted for emphasis and often summarize large chunks of the text.

However, I did read one chapter in its entirety, entitled The Tabernacle, and found it captivating. I even made notes in my journal about the descriptions of the seven pieces of furniture, each representing and revealing aspects of Jesus, or Yeshua, the Messiah, as He is referred to throughout.

The instructions for building The Tabernacle were given to Moses and were very specific, in dimension, colours and positioning of the furniture. Every detail speaks about some aspect of the life of Jesus and describes how we are ushered into the presence of God. They can be seen as seven stages of worship, which the believer is encouraged into, each one taking you deeper and closer to the Mercy Seat. All other pieces of furniture point to the place from where grace can flow.

It is highly symbolic, but I find symbolism fascinating. I was raised in a church where the only symbol used to depict Jesus was a simple wooden cross. We didn't have candles, pictures or an altar. It was a multi-purpose building and the chairs were often deliberately rearranged to emphasise the inclusive, 'priesthood of all believers' doctrine. I'm thankful for that upbringing as I came easily to faith in Jesus Christ, recognising that the empty Cross is central to the relationship I have with God. However, I have come to see that Scripture is full of pictures and imagery of Jesus, and that almost everything in life can be seen as an illustration of the life that Jesus wants me to live in Him. Jesus spoke in parables, using everyday objects and situations to explain Himself. In fact, the whole Bible, right from Genesis to Revelation reveals Jesus to the reader, as I am slowly discovering.

So, how does the exciting chapter fit into Treasures of Darkness? The book is written to inspire prayer. It is really a prayer guide for intercessors who have a burden for the Ultra-Orthodox Jew. The author is a Jew who was raised as a Catholic, but never heard that God loved or cared for her in a personal way until, as a college student and on the brink of suicide, she responded to a knock on her dormitory door. Two Christian girls had responded to God's voice to visit the room below and bring the love of Christ to someone who desperately needed it. She was born again and a love for Israel quickly developed.

This book is the fruit of her life's mission: a burning passion for the salvation of the Jewish people, in particular the Ultra-Orthodox. She lives in Jerusalem and has come to realise that one of the 'treasures of darkness...in secret places' from Isaiah 45:3 are the Ultra-Orthodox - a closed system, which it is almost impossible to find out about, let alone break into.

Perhaps I will return to this book in the future. For now, it has opened my eyes just a crack to the wealth of treasures and secrets which are hidden in the Bible, and of which I want to discover more.

Hard to Believe - John MacArthur

2007-09-20T02:13:00.000-07:00

'The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus', is the subtitle to this hard hitting and demanding book by John MacArthur, whose motto is 'Unleashing God's Truth, One Verse at a Time'. Given fifteen seconds to make his point MacArthur would say two things: to affirm 'the absolute and single authority of Scripture, and the absolute exclusivity of Jesus Christ'.

In this book he presents the case for there being no 'user-friendly' or 'seeker-sensitive' gospel, just the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, based on the unfallible Word of God, as given in the Bible.

I came to this book, thinking that it would confirm what I have believed and lived out throughout my life as a Christian - and I was not disappointed. MacArthur places the Cross of Jesus Christ central to every belief and every motivation. He destroys the myths that have infiltrated the church and led to a 'watered-down' message which invites people to commit their lives to God without fully understanding the need for repentence - turning away from sin, and truly surrendering their lives to him. He questions whether much of the church, particularly in America, is truly 'born again', whether they are truly Christians - followers of Christ.

I was greatly reassured by this book, but I was also deeply challenged about the outworking of my relationship with Jesus on a daily basis and with the call to self-sacrifice, the hallmark of every true Christian. It certainly gets you out of your comfort-zone!

This is not a light read or an easy read. As the title suggests, Hard to Believe, confirms what true Christians from the time of Christ have discovered, that there is a narrow path that leads to Heaven and few find it. Many take the broad path that leads to destruction, but think they are on the narrow path. He refutes all other gospels and makes no apology for doing so. He reiterates the great commission - to go into all the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ, emphasising that they are doomed if we do not go and tell them. Throughout the book he bases everything he says on the Bible, the only foundation of our faith and everything we do must be based on and grounded in it's Truth.

The image that came to mind, as I was reading, was of a snow-plough pushing back the freshly fallen soft snow to reveal the hard compacted snow and ice beneath. A snow plough goes out before the traffic making the road clear and passable. It is brutal and unyielding to anything obstructing its path. For me, this book cleared the clutter out of the way and revealed our purpose here on Earth. It takes you back to the foundations of the Christian Faith, to inspect them for yourself, to make sure they are solid and firm, and having done that to recommit yourself to making disciples - learners, people with passion for the Truth which will transform their lives.

You Can't Take it With You - Jane and Mike Tomlinson

2007-09-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

I read this book and wrote a review for an assignment a few months ago. So I was saddened to learn recently that Jane passed away on 3rd September.

You Can’t Take It With You, the second book by Jane and Mike Tomlinson, describes the courageous and adventurous fund raising activities for their own charity ‘jane’s appeal’. Diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2000, Jane was determined to demonstrate how not to give in to a six-month prognosis.

In their first book, The Luxury of Time, the Tomlinson’s from Leeds, retell the years between Jane’s initial diagnosis at age 26, to celebrating her 40th birthday early. Between them Jane and Mike, in alternate chapters, give an honest account of her treatments and remission of the disease, through to the devastating news of her terminal status being told to their three children. At that point Jane and Mike were determined to demonstrate that 'death does not arrive with the prognosis'. Jane's running and cycling achievements from 2001 to 2004 are retold to raise awareness, raise funds and raise hopes for cancer patients and their relatives.

You Can’t Take It With You continues their story, including a mammoth John O'Groats to Lands End cycle ride on a tandam with her brother, Luke. Following that length of Britain ride, they embarked on, from ‘Rome to Home’, travelling through Italy and France, fulfilling one of Jane's ambitions to cycle up the slopes of Mount Ventoux, one of the hardest climbs on the Tour de France. Arriving in Paris they indulged in the luxury of the ambassador's residence, depite their unconventional appearance in cycling attire. Crossing the Channel they still had the long haul back up to Leeds to complete, but their tumultuous welcome outside Leeds City Hall quickly swept away emotions of the two-month grueling experience.

Jane announced her intention to take part in a full ironman triathlon, in Florida on completion of a British triathlon with her two daughters. This event, combines swimming, cycling and running, but during training for the full ironman she had a distastrous time in a half ironman in France and almost withdrew from the challenge. The final event readers get to share with them is a staggering 3700-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride across the USA in summer 2006.

Written in a similar style to their first book, Jane and Mike now alternate their personal narratives within each chapter, sometimes giving separate and different perspectives of the same event. Some of the dialogues include strong language, which I found hard to read, but it does add realism and reinforce the severe pain Jane experienced, particularly towards the end of the book.

The descriptive sections of the long cycle rides in UK, Italy, France and USA made enjoyable reading, and together with the colour photographs in the centre of the book, provide light relief to its serious subject matter. The funny and sometimes heart-rending accounts involving their children were helpful in understanding what it must be like to live with cancer on a day-to-day basis.

The title, You Can't Take it With You, is an poignant pun on Jane’s predicament, but actually relates to a Tomlinson family expression in reply to the question “May I leave the table?”

The Tomlinson family have my great admiration. Although Jane retired from competition at the end of 2006, she planned and organised the Leeds 10k 'Run For All' event in June this year. Her many sporting awards and public recognition, including a CBE from the Queen, together with the lasting legacy of the annual 'Run For All' event, will ensure that her achievements and bravery continue to inspire and motivate future generations. Their story was a personal reminder to improve to my own personal fitness. Their charity has raised around 1.5 million pounds and supported the work of numerous cancer related charities.

90 Minutes in Heaven - Don Piper and Cecil Murphey

2007-08-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

On 18th January 1989 Don Piper’s car was sandwiched between the railing of Trinity River Bridge and an eighteen-wheeler truck driven by a prison inmate, in Texas USA. Medics said he was instantly killed, but while his battered body lay inside the ruins of his car, he had a glimpse of Heaven.

In the earthly realm, during the ninety minutes it took to cut him free from the wreckage, a minister caught up in the subsequent tail-back of traffic felt compelled to pray for him, convinced that God was doing something miraculous with his life-less body. In the heavenly realm, that ninety minutes was for Don a glimpse of the glory and splendour of paradise. He miraculously returned to life on earth with uncontainable memories of a place of awe and joyful delight, convinced of its reality.

As a minister himself, his long and painful recovery was an ordeal almost too much to bear at times, but one that changed his life and deepened his faith in a loving, caring God. Don now shares his story with thousands of people every year, bringing comfort and hope to those recovering from serious injuries or dealing with the loss of a loved one.

I found this story in the bargain box, at a local bookstore, and was immediately drawn to the title. I cannot remember a time I have not thought about Heaven: What will it be like? Who will be there? Will my body be the same? What will I do there? And so on…

The title conveys a very small portion of Don Piper’s story; in fact his time in heaven covers only two chapters of the book. Told chronologically, I wondered initially if the author was perhaps trying to sensationalise his accident and long recovery by including an ‘out of body’ encounter. However, I came to see that his life’s work of being able to praise God through his suffering was a process that was rooted in the ninety-minute heavenly experience and expressed through his down-to-earth existence. The few black and white photos included in relevant places help to illustrate the horrendous accident and torturing bone growth device he wore, known as an Ilizarov frame.

90 Minutes in Heaven confirmed a lot for me. I read it as a believer and not as a sceptic and found his descriptions credible and encouraging. As a Christian I have read many of the scriptures about Heaven, given in the Bible. I have an assurance that, when this life is over, Jesus has prepared a place for me in Heaven. I even preached about it once, many years ago, and I found the tape of that message quite recently, listening to it again. I enjoy talking to others, hearing their thoughts about what they think Heaven will be like. It’s a subject which has actually featured quite highly in my life over the past few months, through conversations, books and DVD’s. 90 Minutes in Heaven has not answered all my questions, but has contributed to my understanding of this fascinating topic.

I would heartily recommend Don Piper’s contribution to this field.

All Things Wild and Wonderful - Kobie Kruger

2007-08-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

This sequel to Mahlengeni, by Kobie Kruger continues the true story of her family's adventures living in Kruger National Park, in South Africa. I actually read this book first and felt the story was complete in itself, not requiring Mahlengeni to be read first.

All things Wild and Wonderful, retells the events from 1991 onwards, when the family moved from their beloved Mahlengeni south to Crocodile Bridge and then to Pretorius Kop. For the author this was a traumatic episode as they left the largely deserted bush for a more populated area complete with neighbours and tourists. The shock at meeting strangers on the road, or being watched whilst out walking, took several months to absorb but she finally recognises the value that occasional visits with her neighbours can bring to their rather insular existence.

In this new home, where from her perspective, the sun is always setting in the wrong place, Kobie continues to foster many orphan animals, returning most of them successfully to the wild. However, when her ranger husband, Kobus brings home an orphan lion cub her role as foster parent takes on new meaning. Kobie and her three daughters' devotion to Leo, their 'Foundling Prince'; how he becomes part of the family, unaware that he is a royal beast, form a large part of this book. The way she explains the relationships between Leo and the dogs is fascinating.

Despite the park rules of not domesticating wild animals, the family realise that Leo will never be able to return to the wild and so start the difficult and painful process of finding a permanent home for him. Eventually, a suitable location is found in Pamuzinda, Zimbabwe and the story of transporting and settling him there, retains all the excitment of earlier chapters.

In common with Mahlengeni, All Things Wild and Wonderful is delightfully descriptive and draws the reader into the locations and circumstances being depicted. Each family member's story is told with passion: detailing their exploits along with accompanying physical pain or emotional heartache, but always with courageous spirit.

Delicate sketches of wildlife accompany the text and colour photos of Leo with various family members form the centre fold.

Well worth reading and enjoying!

God's Golden Acre

2007-08-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

God's Golden Acre is the biography of Heather Reynolds, by Dale le Vack. It is the inspiring story of a South African Woman, from the KwaZulu-Natal province, who has spent much of her adult life caring for thousands of orphan children - victims of the AIDS pandemic of south eastern Africa.

This is a heroic story, of Heather's determination to be a mother to those who no longer have an able parent to care for them. The need is great, the situation desperate and the task daunting, but there are few obstacles which Heather has not removed by sheer hard work and her indomitable spirit, in her quest to provide a haven, now known as God's Golden Acre.

The book is written in three parts. Part 1 retells some of the key events that have become the milestones in Heather's journey; they set the scene for the other sections. Part 2 recounts her childhood, early adult life and her roller-coaster spiritual journey, leading up to her first encounter with AIDS orphans in Uganda in 1973 and the life-changing realization that God was calling her to be involved in caring for these most vulnerable members of any society. Part 3 is the establishment of her ministry God's Golden Acre, in its various locations to the place where it is now, looking out over beautiful rural Africa. Many miracles take place, both in the raising of finance and in rescuing children from intolerable conditions. She eventually sets up a network for international volunteers to participate in her project and many of them retell their own stories in the book.

Heather is now an ambassador for her foster care system throughout Africa and is a well respected and much loved South African. God's Golden Acre has now received much media attention and the American chat show host Oprah Winfrey recently became one of its main financial contributors, raising the charity to international status.

Much of Heather's story is told by herself, as first person narratives from the interviews that Dale recorded as a preparation to writing the book. Twenty-four full-colour pages of photographs are inserted into the book's centre and the cover has photos of Heather with some of her children.

I thoroughly enjoyed this true story. It is challenging and heartrending in places and definitely shifts you out of your comfort zone, but also helps to dispell cynicism against some charity work.

Tutu as I Know Him

2007-08-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is a tribute to Desmond Mpilo Tutu, complied by Lavinia Crawford-Browne, for the occasion of his 75th birthday, in 2006. Each chapter, or piece, is written by a different person who has known Desmond Tutu, in a variety of settings and countries, right throughout his life.

It follows roughly the chronology of his life, starting with reflections from childhood by his two sisters and ending with a letter by Years 3 and 4 pupils of Fellview Primary School in Cumbria. The proceeds of the book will go to the Tygerberg Children's Hospital, in Cape Town, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2006, of which Desmond and Leah are the patrons.

Most pieces conclude with a relevant photograph, helping to demonstrate the multifaceted personality which makes up Desmond Tutu. He is a man of huge compassion and strong faith, persuing justice with a passion unequalled. His influence is enormous ranging from audiences with Heads of State to Hollywood filmstars. He strikes me as a man who always has time for people, listening with interest or concern, despite a pressing schedule. But he is also fun to be with, often surprising his visitors with his informality, telling jokes and laughing at himself, putting the most nervous at their ease with his often irreverent humour. His affectionate relationships with his wife and children are much in evidence and you can't help liking and admiring him.

It isn't a biography, but the writings give you a very good grasp of the breadth of his life's work and by the end you feel that you know so much about him.

The front cover illustration is taken from a patchwork embroidery depicting Desmond in his Red Archbishop's cassock talking to a group of children, with a typical South African township, the skyline of Cape Town and Table Mountain in the background. This typically sums up the man who manages to make everyone he meets feel like a 'Very Important Person'.

I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into his life and am now keen to read his full biography.

Mahlangeni - Stories of a Game Ranger's Family, by Kobie Kruger

2007-07-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Mahlangeni, is the first of two books by Kobie Kruger, about her life in the Kruger National Park, with her game ranger, husband Kobus and three daughters, Hettie, Sandra and Karin.

Written in a delightful desciptive style, Mahlangeni, the name of an area in the northern expanses of the Kruger Park, which also means 'meeting place' in Tsonga, follows the first eleven years, from 1980 -1991, of the family's exploits and mishaps in that remote location, where two rivers meet.

Every chapter recounts the tale of encounters with wild animals and living things, large and small, of how they survived and the lessons they learnt through some hair-raising and hilarious episodes. Her obvious love of the bush and its constantly changing features with the seasons, provides a colourful backdrop for their many escapades, which are just part of existence in an untamed environment. Each story is told with vulnerability and wit, drawing the reader into the adventure also. she takes on the role of foster mother to numerous abandoned creatures and struggles to let them return to the wild, having embraced their adoption so completely.

During this time she also made a documentary film following the life of a troop of baboons, living nearby. This entailed her living alone in a caravan, carrying all her filming equipment on her shoulders and sitting for hours waiting for the perfect shot. But she was rewarded with unique footage of these captivating and mischievous primates, who eventually endeared her to themselves, believing she was one of them.

Kobie is sometimes daunted by the task of equipping her young daughters with adequate survival skills, needing to conquer her own fears in the process, but the outcome speaks for itself, as all of them overcome some amazing calamities, honing their endurance skills in the process.

Illustrations of many of the creatures, by Julie Davidson, complement and enhance the stories further. A recommended read for anyone who loves stories of natural history intertwined with family life.

Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela

2007-07-26T04:16:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be appropriate to talk about this book, for the first posting, as Nelson Mandela's lasting influence here in South Africa is tangible.

Until I came to Cape Town I knew very little about both the author and the circumstances of the book's title, but I have gradually started to piece together the complicated history of this nation. Long Walk to Freedom is more than the story of one man, but rather a synopsis of the recent history of South Africa, told from his perspective and experiences. So far I have only managed to read the abridged version, which is an excellent starting point with 151 pages including a few photographs. However, there were several parts of the story which were quickly skimmed over and much of the detail, particularly about his two marriages and his family life were inevitably cut out, which I wanted to know. So now I must read the complete autobiography.

As you would expect the Long Road to Freedom is told chronologically, from Mandela's birth on 18th July 1918, to him being sworn in as the country's first democratically elected President, on 10th May 1994.

It is said that a person's name can influence their life. Born into the Thembu royal family; in the Mandiba clan of the Thembu tribe, he was given the name Rolihlanhla, which means "pulling the branch of a tree", or more simply "trouble-maker". Mandiba was a Thembu chief and today Mandela is often called Mandiba, especially here in South Africa, referring to his royal roots.
However, at seven years of age he not only was given his first pair of trousers, but as a black child, he was given a white name at school - Nelson, possibly named after the great British admiral, Lord Nelson.

His mother was a Christian and his father believed in Qamata, the God of his fathers, or ancestral worship, but Mandela was baptised into the methodist church and was greatly influenced by Christian friends, who encouraged his education. Mandela's passion for lifelong learning no doubt dawned during those early days, as he persued a career in law, which was to both equip him and encourage him into becoming a freedom fighter. His first brush with the law, as a defendant, was violating the Aparteid laws by travelling on a tram, which only white people were allowed to do. Not long after this, as a feisty 25-year-old, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), and so his long struggle to transform South Africa's racist policies began.

I bought the book after I had visited Robben Island and so reading the chapters about his 18 years on the island, I remembered the guided talk given by one of Mandela's fellow prisoner's, and the emotions it stirred within me, seeing the harsh conditions that the political prisoners were subjected to.

Of course, this is a book with a happy ending, even more sweet because of the manner in which the victories were achieved, despite enormous difficulties and tragic episodes. It should be read by every South African and every visitor to this land, as a minimum to understanding the present political situation. A visit to Robben Island is also necessary to grasp more fully the price that was paid for the freedom that millions enjoy now. That is not to say that black South Africans are not still discriminated against today. As in all democracies there is always much work to be done to create a society which values every person and encouages each one to achieve their highest potential. Some would say that the pendulum has swung a little too far and produced the oxymoron 'positive discrimination'.

Whatever your political persuasion and personal views about Apartheid, the story told in Long Walk to Freedom must surely become one of the benchmarks for future historical reading.