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Home / Resources / Book
Review / Biography & Autobiography
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90 Minutes in Heaven
Author: Don Piper
ISBN: 0800759494
Reviewer: Alice Ewers
Returning home after a Southern Baptist conference meeting, Pastor Don Piper had a terrible head-on accident with a semi-truck. He was so mangled in the accident that he was pronounced dead at the scene. Also returning home was another Pastor who came upon the accident, and although he was told that Rev. Piper was dead, the pastor said that he wanted to pray for him. He crawled in through the back of the SUV and began to pray. The Lord answered that prayer and Don came back to life.
While he was dead, he actually went to Heaven and saw its Glories. And glorious they were. There is much more to this account; the pain and suffering that Don went through, his longing to be back in Heaven again and finally his understanding of why God had spared his life. It is a thrilling story and makes Heaven seem nearer as you read it.
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Letters and Reflections to My Adopted Daughters
Author: Jody Moreen, penned by John Newton, 1700's
ISBN: 141410264X
Reviewer: Sylvia Cochran
Jody Moreen's compilation of John Newton's "Letters and
Reflections To My Adopted Daughters."is a book that should be required reading for any Christian parent, but epecially for one considering adoption.
The name John Newton may ring a bell for some...actually, anyone whose eyes ever strayed to the bottom of the page of the church hymnal while singing the unforgettable moving hymn "Amazing Grace," should recognize it. Mr. Newton (1725-1807) penned it in 1779. Lest anyone thinks of him as a "milquetoast" kind of minister who hasn't seen a hard day in his life, please remember that this John Newton
—lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his non-Christian father,
—went to sea when he was only eleven years of age, after only a couple of years of formal education
—deserted from the British Navy and was captured and flogged
—lived as a slave for 15 months in Africa
—engaged in the slave trade
—suffered epileptic seizures
—struggled to educate himself while at sea
These facts are readily available . Yet, another fact that seems to be left out of most biographies, and in others only receives a passing mention, is Mr. Newton's decision to adopt his nieces (by marriage)Elizabeth Catlett and Eliza Cunningham (who died at the age of 14) who became orphaned in 1774. Elizabeth took care of him after he lost his wife to cancer in 1790.
One might think the story ends there. Not so! His devotion to Elizabeth never wavered; not when she suffered from "melancholy"(what today we would probably refer to as severe depression); not when she had to be hospitalized for this ailment in 1802. It is recorded history that Mr. Newton, who now suffered from blindness, visited her every day and stood under her hospital window, repeatedly asking the person who served as his guide whether she had seen him and perhaps waved to him.
Ms. Moreen, herself adopted, compiled some of the letters John Newton wrote to his adopted daughters. The letters offer the readers a glimpse into the heart of a man who not only loved God with his entire being, but -- more importantly -- who sought to pass on this love in word and
deed to his daughters. The letters offer encouragement, spiritual guidance, yet also fatherly counsel, dealing gently but firmly with such things as "irritable attitudes."
These letters serve as a shining example how a one-time uneducated slave trader was transformed by God's grace into a disciple of Christ, walking the walk, and taking on the challenge of parenting adopted children, even though his own upbringing was less than ideal. The letters further
show the heart and mind of a man who is determined to involve God in every aspect of his life and does not shrink back from new challenges, not even from parenting.
So, if you are a Christian who is wrestling with the idea of adoption, please pick up this book and be inspired! If you are a parent who is somewhat flustered with the day to day challenges that parenting children may bring, please pick up this book and learn from someone who put his faith in God into practice and allowed it to permeate every
aspect of his parenting.
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A Table in the Presence
Author: Lt. Carey H. Cash
ISBN: 0849918235
Reviewer: Pauline Morgan
This is the dramatic account of how a U.S. Marine battalion experienced God’s presence amidst the chaos of the war in Iraq. Lt. Cash was a Chaplain to the thousand-plus men of the “Fightin’ Fifth,” the first ground force to cross Iraqi borders in April of 2003. One of their leaders was the first American casualty. This story of his experiences in Iraq tells of the many times God miraculously protected hundreds of troops from certain injury or death from the enemy ambush of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), gunfire and sure defeat. A rocket slicing through an armored vehicle packed with Marines hit no one; a Marine found a bullet’s entrance and exit hole in his helmet, yet he was not injured; a squad of Marines were amazed as their enemies were preparing to fire at them at point-blank range but stopped, dropped their weapons, and ran away in terror; an RPG fired from only a few yards away inexplicably swerved and missed its target. Not one Marine could deny God’s protection, not only this day but in the months leading up to this time. From a spiritual revival in the desert of Northern Kuwait, to miraculous escapes from death, to baptizing a Marine in Saddam Hussein’s palace, Lt Cash tells of the remarkable events of this powerful story of God’s faithfulness.
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The Life and Ministry of William J. Seymour
Author: Larry Martin
ISBN: 0964628945
Reviewer: Jeff Stehlik
When Florence Crawford visited the Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, one "Hallelujah", believed to be spoken by William J. Seymour, captured her heart. She said, "It just went through my soul as she thought, 'God, I have heard a voice from Heaven.'" It was there at the Mission that she knelt and prayed, and received her sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
William J. Seymour was the pastor at the Azusa Street revival, yet until now most information about this man who was a key figure in the spread of Pentecostalism, has been scattered and difficult to find. The author, Larry Martin, has gone to great lengths to secure and put together information about this obscure life that had a major impact on my life and those of the Apostolic Faith Church.
In this "must have" historical book, the author explores the origins of the Azusa Street Revival and its affect on people such as Florence Crawford. It explores how God used a humble, black preacher, who was the lowest member on the socio-economic scale during the turn of the century, to change the religious world.
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Wings to Serve
Author: Janet and Geoff Benge
ISBN: 1576581527
Reviewer: Alice Ewers
Betty Greene loved flying from the time that she was just a young child. With encouragement from her parents, she took flying lessons and earned her pilots license by the time she was sixteen years old. Her dream for her life was to engage in flying for missionaries needs wherever they were stationed throughout the world. On her way to achieving this goal, she enlisted in the United States WASPS program during World War II. She learned to fly many different types of planes and when the program was disbanded, she was well qualified for the work that she wanted to do.
In late 1944, Betty helped to found the Christian Airmen's Missionary Fellowship. She worked faithfully on this project and eventually was able to use her talents to fulfill her dream. She flew for many years in many parts of the world and provided much help to missionaries and their families.
This is an interesting and inspiring book about the life of a dedicated Christian.
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Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime
Author: Janet and Geoff Benge
ISBN: 1576580199
Reviewer: Rachel Lambert
This is a wonderful book about a woman who gave everything she had to become a missionary in China. In spite of many setbacks and barriers, she followed God's call and won many hearts for him. Glady’s life shows how God can do great things through a submitted and willing servant.
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Jonathan Goforth
Author: Rosalind Goforth
ISBN: 087123842X
Reviewer: Rachel Lambert
Jonathan Goforth and his wife, Rosalind, were called to be missionaries in China. Just before the turn of the 20th century, they left their home in Canada to begin a lifetime of service to God. They lived in China through the Boxer Rebellion, wars with Japan, and the communist takeover. The book details their adventures, sacrifices, losses, consecrations and victories. It brings home very strongly the connection between prayer and evangelism, and the need for Christians to be fully consecrated to God.
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A Man Called Peter
Author: Catherine Marshall
ISBN: 0800793110
Reviewer: Roy Frymire
Peter Marshall, born in Scotland, wanted to be a seaman from his youth. Little by little, God directed him away from the sea toward being a minister. Through a series of miracles, and by immigrating to the United States, this was accomplished. Peter became well known and much loved. Eventually, he was elected as Chaplain of the United States Senate. A very interesting book, one that is hard to put down once you begin reading.
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Dorie, The Girl Nobody Loved
Author: Doris Van Stone with Erwin W. Lutzer
ISBN: 0802422756
Reviewer: Cheryl Paulsen
This book is the profound story of a woman who suffered extreme child abuse. While still a girl, she heard a little of the Gospel message. She clung to the knowledge that God loved her, and she made a choice to forgive and not be bitter. As an adult, God made the way for she and her husband to be pioneer missionaries in New Guinea. An easy-read, this narrative challenges readers to count their blessings, forgive others, and spread the Gospel message.
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Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness
Author: Elizabeth Prentiss
ISBN: 1577483421
Reviewer: Trina Paulsen
The diary of Elizabeth Prentiss, a nineteenth century girl, is a narrative on growing in grace as well as simply growing up. In a delightful down-to-earth style, Prentiss expresses the emotions of a young woman striving for spiritual perfection but facing human weakness. Although Prentiss comes from a Calvinistic background, her references to "sin" in her life are, for the most part, simply definitional differences and what we in the Apostolic Faith Church would consider "mistakes." An easy read, but filled with profound thoughts and applications, this book is of particular interest to young women, although the concepts are universal to all Christians.
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Let's Roll: Ordinary People, Extrodinary Courage
Author: Lisa Beamer
ISBN: 0842374183
Reviewer: Shirley Johnson
Current, relevant, and inspiring. A remarkable book that shows how important it is to have a firm, Bible based foundation. God holds the future and at times, crisis can shake a person's beliefs. This young mother, and wife of Todd Beamer, a Flight 93 hero on September 11, 2001, clings to the only hope that is possible: her faith.
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Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther
Author: Roland H. Bainton
ISBN: 0687168953
Reviewer: Dan Barker
Martin Luther played a pivotal role in church history as one of the central leaders of the Reformation. His willingness to suffer intense and sustained persecution from the established church of his day, so that the truth of the Word of God might be taught to the masses, is a testimony to the power of Christ at work in an honest heart. Bainton's treatment of his subject opens a window into the depths of Luther's life that illuminates the whole man for his readers, not just the heroic deeds and moments of triumph. We see Luther in his humanity and times of doubting his mission, we stand beside him as he faces Satan's direct assaults, and we feel along with him the growing convictions that propelled him into his place in history. Plan to have a dictionary at your side to deal with the immense vocabulary of this erudite author, but also plan to be inspired to a closer walk with Christ through exposure to the thrilling life story of this singular man of God.
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Praying Hyde
Author: Basil Miller
ISBN: 1840300760
Reviewer: Amy Scholes
John Hyde was an unusual and amazing man of God, an American missionary to India at the turn of the 20th century. He experienced the outpouring of the Holy Ghost while working in India, an experience which transformed this ordinary missionary into a praying giant, responsible for the conversion of hundreds of souls.
Read how nights of prevailing prayer changed the effectiveness of his ministry and personal relationship to God. This book will inspire you to prevail in prayer for the salvation of souls.
Favorite quote: "Revivals have never been the product of the spontaneous combustion of spiritual forces; rather they have been paid for by prayer."
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Oswald Chambers
Author: David W. Lambert
ISBN: 1556619421
Reviewer: Amy Scholes
Most Christians are familiar with Oswald Chambers as the author of "My Utmost for His Highest," but have you read the story of the man who spoke these deep and inspiring truths?
This ardent preacher and teacher was not only poet, artist, and philosopher, but also suffered several years in a trial of spiritual dryness and darkness. His victory resulted in a deeper consecration and an utter dependence on God that was to be the distinguishing mark upon his life and ministry.
This book will reveal to you a very human and humble side of Oswald Chambers and stimulate you to seek a life of total abandonment to God.
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When the Pieces Don't Fit
Author: Glaphre Gilliland
ISBN: 0310453410
Reviewer: Rachel Lambert
This is the amazing story of one woman's walk of faith. Glaphre was settled in her life as a teacher, when God asked her for a rather unusual consecration. This was the beginning of a very interesting adventure. God helped Glaphre to step out in faith and follow him into many situations. He used her mightily and taught her to live His way.
If you are interested in reading about modern people who live out their faith in real-life ways, this is the book for you. It is easy to read, funny, poignant, adventuresome, and inspiring!
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God's Smuggler
Author: Brother Andrew
ISBN: 0800793013
Reviewer: Amy Scholes
In this exciting biography you will read the story of a Dutch man of humble beginnings who, after a rebellious youth, receives salvation and dedicates his life to God. After a series of "faith lessons," God puts him to work smuggling Bibles into Communist countries where true believers have been driven underground or badgered into submission to the godless government.
What can one person do? Read this book and find out!
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Alone in My Kayak
Author: Agnes Rodli
ISBN: 1560437685
Reviewer: Alice Ewers
This book is a very interesting biography/testimony of an Eskimo man. As I began to read it, I realized that it was "Brother Paul" Patkotak from Point Barrow, Alaska, who was saved in Seattle in 1913 at the Apostolic Faith Mission there. Brother Paul had a very hard start in life and many times faced difficult situations and hungry seasons, but he had heard about God and wanted to learn more about Him. In spite of jeers from friends and relatives, he persevered and succeeded in finding the Lord. He lived a victorious life for many years, until he passed away in 1980.
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Mimosa
Author: Amy Carmichael
ISBN: 087508074X
Reviewer: Avis Engle
Mimosa was a child of a Hindu family who lived in an East Indian village. One afternoon she heard that God loved her. She accepted this by faith and lived a Christian life through much hardship in her home and no encouragement from anyone but God himself. She even had the roof burned off her home because of her Christian witness.
This is a story to encourage one and renew faith in God who can see the heart.
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When God Says Go
Author: Lorry Lutz
ISBN: 1572930985
Reviewer: Avis Engle
This is an uplifting story of a slave's daughter who wanted to return to Africa as a missionary. She felt God's call and, when her own ministers told her they would stand between her and the congregation to keep her from getting the funds to go, she said in her heart that they did not stand between her and her God.
She endured many hardships, including bites on her legs which turned into sores, as she traveled through the jungles of Liberia to carry the Gospel to people who had never heard of Jesus. She used what she called the "ankle express," meaning that she walked. She spent many hours on her knees (or standing up) praying and at times she fasted.
This is a book to encourage faith in God and how He will provide for our needs.
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Mountain Rain: The Biography of James O. Fraser
Author: Eileen Fraser Crossman
ISBN: 1929122055
Reviewer: Rachel Lambert
James Fraser was a missionary and a man of prayer. At the age of 22, he went to spread the Gospel in Yunan province, China. This book, written by his daughter, tells of his life and his adventures as a missionary. What I found most interesting was his prayer life. His belief in the absolute necesity of prayer to Christian ministry and his perseverence in prayer are what make this book a valuable lesson for Christians today.
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John Wesley, The Great Methodist
Author: Sam Wellman
ISBN: 1557489785
Reviewer: Brian Cole
This book is a good introduction to the life of a fine Christian man. John Wesley was thoroughly trained for the ministry. It is what his life was all about. He was a tireless worker who spent decades ministering to thousands throughout the 18th century United Kingdom. He preached some 40,000 sermons in his life, always in the language of the common people.
Wesley had his cross to bear. Sometimes crowds would jeer at him during his sermons. He married late in life, and it became a miserable marriage. His wife was not dedicated to the faith as Wesley was. She eventually separated from him, but he persevered.
When he died, he had little in the way of worldly possessions. His "conversation (or, 'citizenship') was in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). Reading this introduction to the life of John Wesley helped me have an enhanced appreciation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel Wesley tirelessly championed.
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Memoir & Remains of Robert Murray McCheyne
Author: Andrew Bonar
ISBN: 0851510841
Reviewer: Amy Scholes
Robert Murray McCheyne was a holiness preacher in 19th century Scotland. He died at the age of 29—an age at which many today have not yet begun their ministry—yet he made a mark for God. Hundreds of souls were his reward before he left this earth. What was the secret of his success? He spent nights and days in ceaseless pursuit of holiness and intercession for the lost. His life and ministry will impress you with how much God can use one person who will press further into the presence of God and speak more boldly for Christ.
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