Missions & Missionary Work Books - Page 2

The Parting (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 1)

Beverly, Lewis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Just OK 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is the second series of books that I am reading by Beverly Lewis. Abram's Daughters was my first series and that was FANTASTIC! This series starts off rather boring with The Parting. There isn't enough character development. With Abram's Daughters, you not only knew the main character, but you also go insight into the secondary characters. With this series, the Courtship of Nellie Fisher, you barely know Nellie, yet alone her sisters or her brothers. The brothers have pretty much zero role in the book and the sisters pretty much ignore Nellie. Caleb isn't described nearly well enough. I'm going to to on to Book 2 because I borrowed it at the library, but I'm not going to continue if things don't pick up.

Editorial Review:

The People themselves dare to challenge the Old Ways of their heritage...and each patriarch must choose a side. Nearly one hundred days have passed since the untimely death of Nellie Mae Fisher's beloved younger sister, Suzy, and Nellie dares again to dream of a future with handsome Caleb Yoder. But with rumors about Suzy still flying among the People, there are those who would keep the young courting couple apart...including Caleb's own father. Meanwhile, a growing number of Honeybrook's Amish farmers are demanding tractors and other forbidden modern conveniences. When a revival adds to the tensions, passions flare. With the Old Order community pushed to the breaking point, Nellie and Caleb find their families--and themselves--in the midst of what threatens to become an impossible divide. The Courtship of Nellie Fisher, Book 1.

Rebecca's Reward (Daughters of Blessing #4)

Lauraine, Snelling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very good for the most part 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

NOTE: The review on the Amazon webpage is clearly NOT about this book, there is no "Thomas Ollenburger" or any other Mennonite characters, nor does any part of the story take place in Kansas or Boston.

Now for the real plot: Rebecca Baard wants to start an ice cream/soda shop in the town of Blessing, but her brother thinks it's nothing but a foolish dream. She travels to Bismarck to visit her cousin Penny and has the chance to visit an ice cream parlor and learn how to run it, and meets a nice young man after a skating mishap - he encourages her to stay in Bismarck longer but she insists on returning to Blessing as planned. Upon her return to Blessing, she is shocked to learn that Mr. Jeffers, the despicable new owner of Penny's former store in Blessing, has been telling everyone that he and Rebecca are engaged because her brothers gave him permission to court her. The brothers refuse to take responsibility for their actions and force her to confront Mr. Jeffries to say she's not interested, but he turns on her (thankfully, a friend hears Rebecca scream and stops him in time). Most of her family and friends know it's not Rebecca's fault and are ready to defender her, but Mrs. Valders, the town gossip, tries to put all the blame on her.

My favorite parts of this story is are Mrs. Valders' adopted son Gerald, who dislikes confrontation, willingly stands up to his mother after she publicly declares falsehoods about Rebecca, and Gerald's brother Toby, previously the school bully, is instrumental in making everything work out right in the end.

Editorial Review:

Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Baard has experienced more than her share of sorrow, and now she is afraid to open her heart to love. Besides, no man has ever shown enough interest in her to come courting. So Rebecca's friends set out to remedy the situation, concocting social events to attract all the eligible bachelors in Blessing and advising her in the use of feminine wiles. When none of these efforts seem to work, Rebecca tries yet another tack, only to discover that even the best of intentions can't keep events from taking a surprising turn.

Will Rebecca overcome her fears, or will she settle for something less than love?

Jessie (Big Sky Dreams, Book 3)

Lori Wick

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Jessie 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am a huge Lori Wick fan, so pretty much if she writes it, I love it! She admits herself that this book kind of trickled for her and was rather difficult to write. I think in a way you can see that toward the end. I found myself a little frustrated with the main character's stubbornness and felt like the plot moved somewhat slower. However, I loved that she brought in a character from a previous series, and redeemed him so completely! I confess that I liked Seth Redding in the Yellow Rose trilogy, but I wished then that he'd come to Christ. So to have him appear in Jessie as that man made the book for me. A definite must-read for Lori Wick fans!

Editorial Review:

Jessie is book three in bestselling author Lori Wick’s popular new Big Sky Dreams series (more than 215,000 copies sold). Readers will be transported to the vast landscape of Montana Territory in the late 1800s where they meet Jessie Wheeler, whose husband, Seth, abandoned her before their second child was born. As a single mom and the sole proprietor of Token Creek’s general store, Jessie lives day to day with her hands full and her heart broken.

When Seth suddenly returns to town claiming he’s a man changed by faith, Jessie is reluctant to trust him or God with her family’s future. But Seth sets out to prove his commitment and his love. This is a timeless story of the transforming power of God’s love and forgiveness.

An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2)

Francine Rivers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 51 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

An Echo in the Darkness 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

An Echo in the Darkness is the second book in Francine River's Mark of the Lion triology. The book wastes little time recapping from the first book (A Voice in the Wind).

Spoiler alert: Since the last book, we discover that life has changed for the characters in 1st century AD. Hadassah is surviving with disfiguring injuries, Marcus is seeking to make sense of the world as he knows it, his sister suffers from an unidentified and dangerous illness and his mother Phoebe has turned to Christianity and does good works in the community.

To make sense of the tragedy and abominations of the people, Marcus travels to the holy land to find this "God" to whom Hadassah prayed. His journey, is a good metaphor for many people's journey into Christianity. Through his journey, as well as Hadassah's into forgiveness and Julia's into redemption we get a good picture of life in Rome, Ephesus and Israel in the 1st century AD. However, my overall issue with the book was that the talk of God and faith was quite heavy handed. I much preferred a Voice in the Wind because there was a better combination of history, faith and humanity. I know this is probably an unpopular sentiment, but there was so much talk of God in this book that it became overbearing at times. For me, it was to much, for others, if you enjoy a substantial focus on God in a book besides the Bible, then this book is for you.

Editorial Review:

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#2 An Echo in the Darkness: Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul.

The Weight of Glory

C. S. Lewis

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 39 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Classic Perceptive Lewis 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is actually a collection of essays. Lewis addresses various things such as, the glory of man as being a reflection of the glory of God, why he is not a pacifist (where he gives some pretty strong moral, biblical, and sensible arguments), speaking in tongues and various spiritual gifts (moreso on their implication, not on the technicality of each or what exactly each gift is), what he calls "is theology poetry" (or in other words, do we believe in theology just because the idea of a cosmic drama appeals to us), the affects of peer pressure and the gradual degradation of one's inner principles and also its positive affects when one surrounds him/herself with Christians, and forgiveness.

Overall a very enlightening read, in which many issues that are not commonly talked about are given attention. Not very long either, but packed full of insight.

Editorial Review:

Selected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses offer guidance and inspiration in a time of great doubt.These are ardent and lucid sermons that provide a compassionate vision of Christianity.

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)

Francine Rivers

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3) 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Great Book. I hated to finish it because it is the last of the series. I recommend it to everyone.

As Sure As The Dawn - Review 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I read all three Mark of the Lion series in order. All three were very enjoyable. The amount of research Francine Rivers has done is incredible and I felt I was back in ancient times. The Christian message was very strong. However, due to the violence and promiscuity - the violence can be graphic but the promiscuity is not - some readers might not find this their cup of tea.

I found As Sure As The Dawn to be very enjoyable, although I thought it ended rather abruptly. I would recommend the whole series with the caveat of violence and promiscuity as noted above.

Editorial Review:

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#3 As Sure As the Dawn: Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . but his life is about to change forever.

When the Morning Comes (Sisters of the Quilt, Book 2)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Her relationship with fiancé Paul Waddell in tatters, Hannah Lapp has fled her secluded Old Order Amish community in hopes of finding a new home in Ohio with her shunned aunt. Hampered by limited education and hiding her true identity, Hannah struggles to navigate the confusing world of the Englischers.

Back in Owl’s Perch, Pennsylvania, Paul is wracked with regret over his treatment of Hannah. Fearing for her safety, he tries to convince Hannah’s remaining allies–brother Luke, best friend Mary, and loyal Matthew Esh–to help search for his love. Hannah’s father, however, remains steadfastly convinced of her sinful behavior. His blindness to his family’s pain extends to her sister, Sarah, who shows signs of increasing instability.

Convinced her former life is irreparably destroyed, Hannah finds purpose and solace in life with her aunt and in a growing friendship with Englischer Martin Palmer. Will the countless opportunities in her new life persuade Hannah that her place is amongst the Englischers — or will she give in to her heart’s call to return home and face her past?

Love's Unending Legacy/Love's Unfolding Dream/Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Love Comes Softly Series 5-8)

Janette, Oke

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 88 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Sigh! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have no qaulms about admitting that I am a hopeless romantic. I'm also the type of person that likes pretty landscapes, good old fashioned values, and all the light and love inbetween. These books really hit the spot, and the first few of this collection are divine.

The story begins with two unlucky partners who wed for convenience: a pregnant widow and a widower trying to raise a daughter on his own. They're out in the plains struggling to survive, so why not get married for the security?

But alas, in comes the romance and this little family grows closer and closer.

The series continues as the family grows, with a variety of well-rounded characters and plots that get at that slightly dramatic spot I can't help but love.

They're quietly written with beautiful, simple descriptions and lots of reference to God, faith, and spirituality.

Editorial Review:

The first series from the pen of Janette Oke, follows the lives of one family through three generations. Lets the reader see the impact that Christian love has on relationships despite adversity and hardship.

Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication

Andy Stanley, Lane Jones

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 60 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

When You Talk, Are People Changed?

Whether you speak from the pulpit, podium, or the front of a classroom, you don’t need much more than blank stares and faraway looks to tell you you’re not connecting. Take heart before your audience takes leave! You can convey your message in the powerful, life-changing way it deserves to be told. An insightful, entertaining parable that’s an excellent guide for any speaker, Communicating for a Change takes a simple approach to delivering effectively. Join Pastor Ray as he discovers that the secrets to successful speaking are parallel to the lessons a trucker learns on the road. By knowing your destination before you leave (identifying the one basic premise of your message), using your blinkers (making transitions obvious), and implementing five other practical points, you’ll drive your message home every time!

“Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

“Once upon a time…”

“In the beginning…”

Great stories capture and hold an audience’s attention from start to finish. Why should it be any different when you stand up to speak?

In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley and Lane Jones offer a unique strategy for communicators seeking to deliver captivating and practical messages. In this highly creative presentation, the authors unpack seven concepts that will empower you to engage and impact your audience in a way that leaves them wanting more.

“Whether you are a senior pastor with weekly teaching responsibilities or a student pastor who has bern charged with engaging the hearts and minds of high school students, this book is a must-read.”

Bill Hybels

Senior pastor, Willow Creak Community Church



“A very practical resource for every biblical communicator who wants to go from good to great.”

Ed Young

Senior pastor, Fellowship Church, Grapevine, Texas

“To communicate effectively, you have to connect. Andy has been connecting with people for years, and now he’s sharing his insights with the rest of us.”

Jeff Foxworthy

Comedian

INSIDE LEFT FLAP

In Communicating for a Change, Andy Stanley shares the seven imperatives that define his approach to challenging people’s minds in order to change their lives: Determine Your Goal Pick a Point Create a Map Internalize the Message Engage Your Audience Find Your Voice Start All Over

These seven concepts will simplify your approach to communication and transform your sermons, lessons, and presentations into powerful life-changing experiences for your listeners.



Story Behind the Book

Andy Stanley and Lane Jones are on staff at one of America ’s largest churches, North Point Community. Leaders of thousands of people, they regularly speak in front of large groups. They also listen to numerous speakers and know the disastrous effects of a poorly delivered message. This book is the result of their efforts to make public speaking—one of the most common fear-inducing activities known to mankind—simple, easy, and even enjoyable, so that God’s messages will readily produce the life-changing results they should.

Forgotten Ways, The: Reactivating the Missional Church

Alan Hirsch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Retooling the Church 1 out of 5 stars.
8 of 23 people found this review helpful.

Tom Griner said...
I hear a desire similar to what I heard years before from the church growth folks...a desire to reach the world for Jesus by retooling Christianity. And they have had some success yet as Hirsch says, Christianity in the west continues a downward spiral. So now we have a new generation who also wants to retool Christianity. The thought is, if only we can be real and get down to where people really are... if only we can be free from the old baggage and have a new view, we can recover the declination. Yet, I believe this new analyses is just more of the same. It too will leave the church empty and void. So what is the answer to this intuitive since that something is wrong? Without sounding to simplistic, I do not believe it is a new view of relevance that is needed; I believe we simply need to be real Christians. What I mean by real Christian is not one who is a Christian in name or who attends church religiously. I mean one who is born of God and who is filled with the very Spirit of God. I mean one who is incarnating Christ. There is a problem, but it is not with how we relate to society. The problem is what we are. Much of Christianity is plastic and religious. Only a Christianity that is an expression of the Word of God in power will be a Christianity that changes the world. And when that kind of Church arises, there is always persecution. If the Church continues to try and find some new prescription that will make it fulfill its great calling, it will continue to go around the mountain. When the Apostle Peter came out of the upper room, he and his fellow brethren turned their world upside down within thirty years. When they preached, thousands were converted, when they prayed the place was shaken, when they laid hands on the sick they recovered. This is the kind of Christianity that is the source of the hunger that people are searching for but don't know what it is. This is the missing link. And this is were risk and faith turn a dull Christianity into a living and breathing expression of God that is worth living and dying for. This kind of Church cannot be engineered by some new set of tools or paradigm. Only a Church filled with God will answer the need of the hour. This is the true Apostolic Genius given by God. Tom Griner

Editorial Review:

Alan Hirsch is convinced that the inherited formulas for growing the Body of Christ do not work anymore. And rather than relying on slightly revised solutions from the past, he sees a vision of the future growth of the church coming about by harnessing the power of the early church, which grew from as few as 25,000 adherents in AD 100 to up to 20 million in AD 310. Such incredible growth is also being experienced today in the church in China and other parts of the world. How do they do it? The Forgotten Ways explores the concept of Apostolic Genius as a way to understand what caused the church to expand at various times in history, interpreting it for use in our own time and place. From the theological underpinnings to the practical application, Hirsch takes the reader through this dynamic mixture of passion, prayer, and incarnational practice to rediscover the dormant potential of the modern church in the West.