Review of Tom Collins of Kenya

Tom Collins of Kenya

Son of Valour

By: Kenneth N. Phillips (Retold by Malcolm B. Collins)

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This book is a telling, and retelling in some instances, of the life of one who has to have been one of the most loved and devoted missionaries to have ever brought the gospel to one of the wildest areas of Africa.  Mr. Collins’ parents had been missionaries in Kenya, and when Tom was saved, the Lord put in his mind to bring the Word to the tribes in a very remote part of the country:  the territory of East Pokot.

Tom Collins was sickly as a child and suffered from a number of conditions throughout his life.  He had cataracts in both eyes as a mere tot, having to have his eyes needled since this was the only treatment that early in the twentieth century.  He became ill with rheumatic fever at age ten, followed by heart complications and a nervous system disease called Chorea.

This wonderful follower of Christ devoted himself over the years to learning all he would need to be a competent missionary in an area of not only physical danger but of detriment to his physical disabilities.  However, Mr. Collins felt very strong in his faith and determined he would not be denied what he felt was his God-given life’s task. 

This worthy Christian was turned down by the AIC (African Inland Church) several times before he finally decided to go it alone.  He became a nomadic missionary.  Working in conjunction with the AIM (African Inland Mission), Tom was eventually able to gain their respect and receive their backing.

The determined child of God spent many years on safaris, not only to East Pokot, but also to other nearby African territories.  He had any number of bouts with his physical disabilities and other illnesses.  However, over the years, he brought the influence of Christ and the Word to a large number of Kenyans and gained influence and recognition in many theretofore-unreached regions of that great nation.

Tom Collins was advised often that, because of his declining health, he should step down from his strenuous work for others.  However, he was so devoted to Christ, he would not stop for any reason, even his own physical well being.  He died as an active missionary of God, on the job for his Savior, and will be remembered from now on by the believers in Christ in Kenya.

This was an excellent book that can serve as a primer for missionaries of all kinds.  It demonstrates how to survive and flourish as a Christian in the most adverse of circumstances.  Because he was British, the language was not as easy to follow as some of the books I have reviewed in the past, but it was still an engaging read and will be well worth your time.

Previous book reviews can be read at:  http://patbeaty.blogspot.com/

Review of Billy Graham's Nearing Home

Nearing Home (Life, Faith, and Finishing Well)

By:  Billy Graham

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

This is an absorbing book.  Written in a clear, easy to read and understandable manner, it reflects the thoughts of a Christian who is nearing his ninety-third birthday.  He wants to share his feelings and God-given wisdom with other believers, with whom he seems to feel a strong kinship – you and me.

            Reverend Graham pens this work at times with a humorous undertone.  “Old age is not for sissies,” he says.  But this does not detract from the serious issues he addresses, not only for those in the latter part of life, but younger “children of God” who need to be planning for this time of life.  He invites the reader to explore with him “not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover his strength to sustain us every day.”

            In the chapter, “Running for Home,” the evangelist recounts the dreams of his youth and tells of his feelings about growing old.  He quotes from the Bible and tells some of his numerous examples of men and women who were used by God in their old age.  In the section, “Nearing Home with Triumphant Expectations,” the author urges us to “pass on foundational truths of God’s Word so that younger generations will be as Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom.”

            In the part, “Don’t Retire from Life,” the writer points out our responsibility to others and he again points to his own life as well as others.  “The Impact of Hope” is perhaps my favorite chapter in this wonderful work.  In it are found numerous Biblical references and the author’s feelings on what our attitude should be during this time in life.  Reverend Graham also points to other experiences people have had and points out one of the Bible's central truths: “Every day – without exception – is a gift from God.”

            In “Consider the Golden Years,” the author discusses practical as well as personal matters, speaking to topics such as finances, wills, and the impact your leaving will have on adult children and others.

            The remainder of this enlightening book is filled with information the readers would do well to know and refers liberally to the Holy Bible.  You will enjoy “What is Heaven Like?”  He ends with a verse we all should know: “Behold, now is the accepted time; Behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

www.patbeaty.blogspot.com

Review of Rumors of Another World

Rumors of Another World:  What on Earth Are We Missing

By Phillip Yancey

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

It has become the Christian Readers habit it seems, to expect more food for thought when beginning a book by this author, than one can possibly ingest, let alone spare time to contemplate.  This wonderful work is certainly no different.  However, you will find the contents so absorbing, so riveting, that you will truly enjoy every thought, every revelation, from this writer’s mind.

            From the first chapter, “Life in Part,” to his last chapter “Stereoscopic Vision,” Yancey includes the reader in his story of how he views God’s creation with gratitude and bemoans the vast amount of God’s grace that we are missing, living in a “Reductionist” world, as we must do.  He states “no society in history has attempted to live without a belief in the sacred, not until the modern west.”

            The author states that he “began to listen to his own longings as rumors of another world, a bright clue to the nature of the Creator.”  He states that “nature and supernature are not two separate worlds but different expressions of the same reality.”

            “Paying attention” is a particularly fascinating chapter. It is interwoven with stories of people he encountered over the years. As in every chapter of this book, it is interlaced with references to many other works including the Holy Bible.

            In “Stereoscopic Vision” the reader will find some contrasts that will remain in his mind, I am sure.  The story of Clarence Jordan and his beliefs during the Civil Rights struggle is engrossing as well as moving.

            Finally, the two statements below by the author in his chapter, “Paying Attention” might sum up what meaning he wanted his words to convey in this work.  “I need only read the Psalms to realize that God wants us to love and honor Him, through the creation, not apart from it.” And, “one day I realized with a start that God sees all the wonders of the earth at all times.  Not only does God see them, God is their source, and each reveals something of the Creator. “

            There is so much more in this treatise than this reviewer can tell. Suffice it to say, you will enjoy and be blessed by reading it. And, don’t overlook the explanation of “Reductionism” in the early pages. 

Review of Levi's Will

Levi’s Will

By: W. Dale Cramer

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

“God is love, love is the proof of God, and forgiveness is the proof of love.”

            “Levi’s Will” is fiction. It is a Christian novel by a writer with considerable skill and depth of feeling.  The story actually begins with Will, Levi’s son, running away from his Amish farm and his strong-willed father.  In subsequent passages, the author explains the reasons for Will’s unhappiness, not only with his father but also with the constraint of Amish life.

            Our main character and a younger brother, Tobe, who accompanies him, have some exciting adventures out in the “English” world; and when World War II begins, Will finds himself in the middle of Belgium repairing tanks for the U.S. Army.

            This intriguing story carries our hero into a marriage with a Georgia woman and through the lives of his sons and the lives of his many Amish relatives.  He does not return home to his Amish roots in Ohio for many years.  When he does, he finds that his father has not forgiven him.  He visits his father’s home a number of times over the years, never receiving the forgiveness of his father. 

            There are many moving episodes in the story, leading up to a dramatic understanding by Will regarding love and forgiveness and his relationship with God.  This book is a learning experience and the reader will find it spell-binding.  You may wonder – does the title refer to Levi’s son Will, his strong will in controlling his children, or his last will and testament?  You’ll have to read it to find out.

Review of Every Day Deserves a Chance

Every Day Deserves a Chance

(Wake Up to the Gift of 24 Hours)

by Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Max Lucado is a cheerleader.  He spurs us on to greater service to others…and to the Lord and makes us happy while we do it.  I must admit that his enthusiasm rapidly became mine as I eagerly read each page of this inspiring book.

He begins this work with a humorous, and messy, incident he had with a seagull and refers back to this experience in the ensuing pages.  In a tongue-in-cheek effort to differentiate between good days and bad days, he ends up admitting that, as proclaimed in Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Mr. Lucado then attempts to separate yesterday, today, and tomorrow for us and explains God’s role in providing a formula for our happiness as we face each day.

In his section on “Shame-filled Days”, the author captivates the reader with his description of the captives, the deep feelings, and the walk to the Cross; and he movingly highlights God’s gift of grace.  The writer then describes, in order, his answers for ungrateful days, bitter days, anxious days, catastrophic days, depleted days, and fear-filled days, along with a host of intriguing experiences as illustrations.

In the section, “Service for the Fork in the Road Days”, Mr. Lucado discusses the “Society of the Second Mile,” which, if you have never heard of it, you will find fascinating.

The author concludes this very readable work with “The Blades of Uncommon Color” (no, not about sword fighting), and refers the reader to some very useful words from a “very useful” book.  “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground…Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ…see things from his perspective,” Colossians 3:2 (Author’s translation).

Penned in Mr. Lucado’s own irrepressible writing style, this book is a “must read”.

October 14, 2011

Review of "Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them"

Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them

By John Ortberg

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

            This is a delightful but soul-searching book.  In his first chapter, the author states, “From the time of Adam in the Garden of Eden, sin and hiding have been as inevitable as death and taxes.  Some people are pretty good at hiding.  But the weirdness is still there.  Get close enough to anyone, and you will see it.  Everyone’s normal till you get to know them.”

            The writer goes on to explain, in a humorous, easy-to-read manner, how all of us are in, and in need of, community and he speaks to the subject of what God’s dream for community is.  “Our need for community with people and the God who made us is to the human spirit what food and water is to the human body.” Reverend Ortberg goes on to state, “God’s ultimate desire for the world is SHALOM – the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight.” He asks, “what is one step you could take to contribute to shalom in your little world?”

            The author discusses loneliness, which Mother Teresa said was, “the leprosy of modern society,” and he concluded that, “no one wants anybody to know they’re a leper.”

            In a wonderful and thought-provoking statement, the author says that “God exists as Father, Son and Spirit in a community of greater humility, servanthood, mutual submission, and delight than you and I can imagine,” and “you and I have been welcomed to the inner circle, to be held in the heart of Father, Son, and Spirit, at enormous cost to every member of the trinity.”

            Reverend Ortberg discusses at length the story from the Bible of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof to meet Jesus.  He relates this to our own lives and points out how we are members of the “Fellowship of the Mat.” He tells of his own belief that more than anything else, God uses people to heal people.

            In part two of this remarkable work, the author discusses “how to get close without getting hurt.”  He refers often to the scriptures as he explains his thoughts about living in a community.  A notable chapter in this regard is “Spiritual Surgery: Forgiveness.”

            One of the most noteworthy statements the author made in this work is “Ultimately, the choice everyone faces is the choice between hope and despair.  Jesus says, Choose Hope.”

            One of this reviewer’s favorite sections of this book was the author’s description of the “messed up families” in Genesis.  He is obviously a sincere Christian and tells it like it is in his own fascinating style of writing.

            In the section - Normal at Last: Heaven, Reverend Ortberg discusses the world beyond, our misunderstanding of it, the hope we have of going there, and states: “the loss of community is not God’s intent.  He is building a community of blessed life, and He will be its primary sustainer and most glorious inhabitant.”

           

           

Do You Know Who Lives Next Door to You?

Do you know who lives next door to you?
Does it matter more or less to you,
If your neighbor's older,
If her house is colder?

Have you thought about,
How her health is when she's out,

Or do you really care,
How these folks really fare,
If her rooms are really bare?
Are you sure you're unaware?

Don't you care if she's all alone?
Could you not just pick up the phone
Ev'ry once in a while?
Since it might bring a smile.

They say it does bring satisfaction,
As does all sincere interaction.

Ask if she has enough to eat.
Ask about her small house's heat.
See if she can pay her bills.
See what warmth your chat instills???!

You might really get to know her.
Or, at least, you sure can show her,
That you're only a door away,
And you would simply like to say:

"I'm here if you need me."

(May is older American's month).

by William P. (Pat) Beaty