A Love For The Lost

Having previously read published accounts of David Brainerd's life, including that edited by Jonathan Edwards, I was familiar with Brainerd's compelling life story. The chance to review this Kindle formatted work made availble courtesy of Christian Focus 4 Kids and Brian H. Cosby's rendition, published as part of their tremendous Trailblazer Series of Christian biographies, provided the opportunity to share his life story with our children (ages 8 and 9). Both are avid readers and enjoyed the digital format of this publication. While our oldest was certainly able to dig into the book on his own, both he and his younger sister preferred to sit down in the quiet time before bed and have Dad read a portion to them. Supplementing our discussions were topics for further thinking provided at the back of the book, broken down by chapter in a topical format. These offered points of discussion during devotional time or as starters for discussing a chapter we were either reading or had just finished.

The difficulties young Brainerd faced offered opportunities to talk as a family about God's sovereign plans for each person and the fact that as Christians we are not to expect a life of ease and comfort, but rather a life of faithfulness and obedience that will ultimately glorify our Creator, even through times of trial and suffering. The life and ministry of David Brainerd was short and often filled with physical pain and self-doubt about his own worth and abilities. Despite this however, in his short life David exhibited the fullness of God's grace, mercy, and a Spirit-filled life that accomplished much for the kingdom of God through sharing the Word with the natives living in mid-18th century colonial America. Pillars of the Christian faith such as John Wesley, William Carey, Robert Murray McCheyne, and Jim Elliot all acknowledge the personal effect David Brainerd's life story had on them, and it's doubtless that countless others have likewise been drawn to his life witness.

The chance to review this work is timely. Some 265 years ago this week, David Brainerd passed into eternity (October 9, 1747) at the age of 29. His witness however is as strong today as it ever has been, calling on this generation, as those who came before and those to come, to remain faithful to God's call and persevere through any circumstance in the service of our King.

The John Stott: The Humble Leader

This past year John R. W. Stott, "old and full of days", entered his final rest and eternal reward. His lifelong ministry and personal relationships with folks young and old alike promises to continue to yield good fruit, ushering future generations into the Kingdom by taking people to the foot of the Cross.

Over the past couple of weeks I've had the chance to learn more about this great man of God while reading the book, John Stott- The Humble Leader, with our young ones (ages 7 & 9). Affectionately known as "Uncle John" to his friends, John Stott is known world-wide for his ministry and written works such as The Cross of Christ and Basic Christianity among over 50 others.

This offering from the Trailblazers series at Christian Focus Publications weaves a brilliant tapestry depicting John's life from his early years as a perfect little heathen while attending All Souls church with his family where he was banned from Sunday School, to his turning point at university where he encountered the Living God and eventually answered his calling that led him back to All Souls as curate and rector among other Godly endeavors over a long and fruitful life. Each chapter ends with "Fact Files", short side-bar commentaries about topics or events mentioned in the chapter. We found these particularly good for focusing in on specific events of Uncle John's life and ministry. Sections titled "Thinking Further" and "Ideas For Things To Do" at the end of the book can help parents engage their young ones in Parts of Stott's life, preaching, and places he worked and visited and ultimately to better know, as I think Uncle John would want, "Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Thank you to Christian Focus 4 Kids for sending me a free copy of this book to review:)