Book Reviewer Holding Contest for Free Book

What could be better than sitting down with a new book to dive into its story? Sitting down with a new FREE book to dive into its story. The blogger at This Mom's Delight perused Wade Akins' book Be a 24/7 Christian and offered her honest review today on her blog. She is hosting a two-week contest, at the end of which one lucky person will receive a free copy of Be a 24/7 Christian. Jump on over to her blog to read the review and put your name in for the drawing.

The Story of a Site Considered Small by People but Important to God

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" was the question Nathaniel asked when Philip told him about Jesus. For the uninitiated to God's agenda, the same might be said of those 16 acres, five miles east of Zachary, LA. But the ways of God are not discerned by people, and what might look like nothing more than ground and buildings is recorded in the annals of heaven as an address God has chosen to visit over the years--a "place of meeting" for thousands of hungry, thirsty souls. Read about this site in The Milldale Story--Its People, Its Mission, Its God by Ron Owens and Jodie Scoggins

Ron Owens--born in Canada, son of missionary parents to Europe--has multifaceted ministries. These include teaching, preaching, and music ministry in North America and beyond. He has authored other books and articles and has composed, recorded, and had published many songs in collaboration with his wife, Patricia. The Owens have one son, Jeff, a daughter-in-law, Jessica, and two grandsons, Ethan and Evan.

For One Couple, Retirement Means Short-Term Mission Service

Helen Spaulding's nest was being stirred again. Helen, home from a meaningful potpourri of overseas missions assignments, realized she and her husband, Roger, weren't fully content when sidelined for long from being active workers in God's missionary service.

Though now past retirement age, the Spauldings yearned again to do something of value to God and His needy children and to experience afresh the extravagant joy of being short-term missionaries.

This second book in Helen's three-part Go If You Must series covers the Spauldings' efforts to rebuild a church campground and to work on a church farm in Costa Rica, a stint in the Navajo Nation in the U.S., a return to Costa Rica for an evangelism mission, a work mission in Northern Finland, and a one-year missionary assignment to Khabarovsk, Far East Russia. Language challenges and frequent exhaustion accompany the Spauldings' rewards as they bridge cultural gaps and explain the love of Jesus in a way others can understand. As with her first book, Helen writes in hopes of raising up more workers to labor in Christ's overseas vineyards and to praise God for the wonderful opportunities He gives when people are willing to pack up and follow Him.

Helen Stephenson Spaulding is a writer who believes in sharing the vast experiences God has given her as a nurse, Peace Corps volunteer, church worker, teacher, musician, and missions volunteer. She has served in Liberia, Somalia, Costa Rica, Finland, the Navajo Nation, Peru, Far East Russia, and several Central American countries--most of these assignments alongside her husband, Roger. Her other interests are raising and showing Saddlebred colts, taxidermy, and crafts.

Portales News-Tribune: Couple Recalls Outreach Ministry in Brazil

Alisa Boswell with the Portales News-Tribune wonderfully told the story of Hannibal Book's authors Joe and Leona Tarry, who recently published the book, The Marvel of It All.

Raising three children and going to work every day was part of Joe and Leona Tarry’s everyday life, just like anybody else. But the routine was also adventures and miracles.

Leona, previously known as Leona Isbell, grew up in Portales where she attended Portales High School and met her husband, a Lovington native who studied history and religion at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. After Joe’s college graduation, the couple spent three years attending seminary school and pastoring a Baptist church in California then left for Brazil in 1965. (read more...)

More Christmas Gift Ideas--Only Two Weeks Left!

For the Intellectual
Created to be Spiritual and Jesus Restores True Spirituality by Joe Tarry
In a conversational tone, Joe takes readers through first the Old Testament and, in his second book in the series, the New Testament, showing how Satan tries to thwart God's plan for His people.

Evolution: How a Theory Made a Monkey Out of Man by Sam McCormick
After years of believing evolution fit into his biblical views, Sam was introduced to surprising information that sparked a three-year exhaustive study of the theories of evolution and six-day creation. He has compiled his findings in this easy-to-read book.

My Professor Says the Bible is a Myth by Thomas B. Tribelhorn
This explosive book exposes the claims against the Bible as a gross distortion of the evidence. Dr. Tribelhorn brings a lifetime of experience and intensive study in Israel to bring the reader face-to-face with the real facts.

For the History Buff
Historical Atlas of Texas Methodism by William Carson Hardt and John Wesley Hardt
This is a superb exposition of how the Methodist faith came to Texas and how that faith shaped—and was shaped by—historic movements in the Lone State State and nation.

Manley Beasley: Man of Faith -- Instrument of Power by Ron Owens
From intensive care units to the pulpits of America and beyond, Brother Manley, as he was known to the thousands of lives he touched, goes on living through the testimonies and teachings found in this book that some are saying is destined to become a classic.

For the Fiction Fanatic
The Daughter of No One by Viola Palmer
This story is the rapidly moving fiction book of a young girl living on the border of Nicaragua and Honduras.

When the Heart Soars Free by Kay Moore
A storybook romance blooms when two ski experts meet in a picturesque mountain wonderland.

A Father's Betrayal by Ashley Williams
He used to call me his son. Now he calls me his prisoner. Alone . . . Betrayed . . . Forgotten . . . But faith in God never can be broken. Follow this fictional story.



For the Poetry-Lover
So by Martha Bible Smith
Even at 93 years of age Martha Bible Smith is not afraid to delve into "the life of the mind". In this volume-her second book of poetry to be published-Smith poignantly and profoundly explores themes of family, friends, memories, aging, and even current events.

For the Mission-Minded
On the Go for the Lord by William D. Bailey
Dr. Bailey's travels have taken him literally around the world. In this, his third volume, Dr. Bailey brings his travels up to date as of late 2010.

Misadventures in Travel: A Missionary's Experience in Brazil by Paula Edwards
Assigned as itinerant mappers, Van and Paula were to travel the Brazilian coastline and identify fishing villages that needed churches planted there. Nothing could have prepared them for the adventure that followed.

No Retreat--No Regrets by Jamie and Lea Peters
For Jamie and Lea Peters the overwhelming passion that seizes them day-in and day-out is for the continent of Africa and the souls there that do not know Jesus as Savior.


Still looking for other ideas? Check these out here.

Blog Tour for The Marvel of It All

Thanks to a wonderful group of bloggers, Joe and Leona Tarry's book The Marvel of It All, was reviewed and discussed earlier this week in a blog tour. Here are links to a few of these blogs--more to come soon! Please check out these links and let them know what you think of the book!

Abundantly Blessed
Vic's Media Room
Growing for Christ
The Legacy of a Writer
Farming on Faith
Mocha with Linda
Adventures in Unsell Land
Blah Blah Reviews

In The Marvel of It All, Joe and Leona Tarry look back on 36 years of experiences that have included broken-down cars, near-fatal traffic accidents, serious illnesses, the near-death of a child, prolonged separation from loved ones, and rebuffed efforts at presenting the gospel. As astounding as it seems, their end conclusion is to truly marvel at God’s goodness because of His provision for them during more than three-and-a-half decades of serving God as career missionaries in Brazil.

Grace Transforms Ex-Con, Former Prostitute into Mission Service Corps Volunteer

Iris Urrey was raised in a middle-class Christian home, but she was rebellious almost from the start. Running away at the age of thirteen, she became involved with drugs and prostitution, and at seventeen was arrested for armed robbery. Once released from prison, she continued down a path of self-destruction. From numerous abortions to using heroin, to managing a topless bar, Iris turned from God's calling again and again.

But God, who in eternity past had devised a plan for this "incorrigible" rebel, didn't give up on Iris. He had work for her to do, and would one day turn this "incorrigible" rebel into one of His beautiful trophies of grace.

This is more than a tale of grace and redemption, however. God has used Iris's experiences to reach countless people, from top military personnel at NATO to German prostitutes. Along the way, well-meaning fellow believers have had trouble accepting some of the unconventional approaches of this Southern Baptist North American Mission Board's longest-serving Mission Service Corps volunteer.

"Don't you get angry with me and try to prove you're a tough guy," she tells the ex-prisoner on the other end of the phone line--who later received Jesus as his Savior and becomes her husband. "If you can tell me that you're retarded, you can memorize a scripture verse," she says on another occasion to the escaped sanatorium inmate who insists she is too mentally disabled to learn, but finds new confidence when she is saved. Learn about Iris's remarkable walk with God as she continues to minister to people all over the world. But be ready: This book may compel you to take action yourself.

Ron Owens--born in Canada, son of missionary parents to Europe--has multifaceted ministries. These include teaching, preaching, and music ministry in North America and beyond. He has authored other books and articles and has composed, recorded, and had published many songs in collaboration with his wife, Patricia. The Owens have one son, Jeff, a daughter-in-law, Jessica, and two grandson, Ethan and Evan.

Oh, how I love this woman--her story, her faith, are such a testimony of God's thorough work of redemption. You'll want to read and pass on Iris: Trophy of Grace, then have her come and personally share her story. --Kay Arthur, Precept Ministries International

Iris Blue's life is the most inspiring story that could be told. Ron Owens has captured the drama of this miracle in compelling style.--Jimmy Draper, President Emeritus, LifeWay Christian Resources

Missionary Couple Follows God Even in Difficult Circumstances

Watching your child nearly die in your arms, experiencing illness before even arriving at your destination, and facing the difficulties of learning a new language would be enough for most people to question whether God really had called them to serve in a foreign country.

But not Joe and Leona Tarry. They knew that moving with three young children to Brazil to serve as career missionaries was exactly what they were supposed to do. In The Marvel of It All: God’s faithfulness as one couple serves Christ for more than three decades in Brazil, the Tarrys expound on their daily activities and inner thoughts of living in the states of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo in southern Brazil.

Through the difficulties of starting new churches, longing for friends and family back home, learning about a new culture, dealing with customs officials, and enduring car trouble, Joe and Leona saw the protection and encouragement that only God can give. Woven among Satan’s attempts to thwart God’s work in Brazil, the Tarrys in their new book humbly document time after time when God provided just what they needed. Their conversational tone and side-by-side commentary on the harrowing situations allow the reader unique insight into the challenging, but rewarding lives of missionaries.

“This book never is boring. Well-documented and told with courage, the story of the Tarry family is sublime. Their lives, their children, and their labor have been blessings to countless souls that only eternity can measure,” write Jesse and Wilma Kidd, emeritus Southern Baptist Convention missionaries to Brazil.

Joe E. Tarry was born near Lovington, NM, and his wife, Leona, was born in Fort Sumner, NM, but considers Portales, NM, to be her hometown. Joe graduated with a double major and received a bachelor of arts in religion and history from Eastern New Mexico University and a master of divinity from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Leona also attended Eastern New Mexico University, during which she worked at the Portales Daily News; she then received a certificate from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

Joe and Leona are retired missionaries and live in Ruidoso, NM. Joe has written numerous books, including, Did Paul Approve of the Tongues Spoken in Corinth?, Created to be Spiritual: Understanding God’s daily battle with Satan for the hearts and minds of His people, and Jesus Restores True Spirituality: Understanding Satan’s Subtle Schemes to Hamper the Testimony of Christ’s People. This new book, The Marvel of It All, is Joe and Leona’s first co-authored book.

Chicago Tribune Tells Missionary Kid's Story

Mary Anne Phemister grew up in China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam as the daughter of a missionary couple. While she applauds her parents efforts in following Christ's leading to spread the Gospel, she did experience times in her life that were difficult and left her with a need to forgive. In her book, Lessons from a Broken Chopstick, Mary Anne details her childhood and how she has learned to deal with various issues she's experienced.

A wonderful article in the Chicago Tribune by Vicky Edwards gives a glimpse into the book and Mary Anne's life.

No Turning Back for These Servants

Many American couples today might define their all-consuming passion as the acquisition of things, the pursuit of the good life, the desire to possess more and more. For Jamie and Lea Peters the overwhelming passion that seizes them day-in and day-out is for the continent of Africa and the souls there that do not know Jesus as Savior. The "good life" the Peters pursue is the vision of 1,000 churches to be established on the continent.

As missionaries for nearly two-and-a-half decades the Peters have given themselves without reservation, even when their call has required them and their young children to live through violence that ultimately would kill 300,000 Burundians. When times were tough and even the U.S. embassy was strongly recommending that they evacuate, the Peters clung tight to their "no-exit strategy"-a strategy that reflected their deep sense of calling and desire to do God's will.

In No Retreat-No Regrets, Jamie and Lea share their story-an infectious, well-told account of their time in Africa. In their back-and-forth style that is both transparent and entertaining, the Peters openly relate the challenges of daily life in Africa, the difficult tasks of church planting and caring for the poor, as well as their personal struggles with illness, homesickness, and rearing American children overseas. Yet instead of counting the cost, Jamie and Lea believe they are the privileged ones-blessed to live at the front line of what God is doing on the earth. As Jamie says, "A life lived outside the will of God is a life not lived at all."

Let Jamie and Lea's captivating description of their journey-not just written but lived-motivate you to do God's will in whatever harvest field you are planted and to follow their example and live your life without retreat and without regret.

Imperfect People CAN Serve God

A yearning that could not be denied--a yearning to answer God's call . . .

An earlier call to missions never was far from Helen Spaulding's thoughts, but life-her longtime service as a professional nurse, marriage, and childrearing-had put Helen's call on hold for a season. Ultimately empty-nested but believing she had many good years left, Helen, alongside husband Roger, found that her passion to serve God overseas was as fresh as it had been in her youth. But would these retirees know what to do when they reached foreign shores?
Go If You Must-Even If You Are Not Perfect demonstrates how God can use imperfect humans-many who feel led to pursue such a career yet believe they might not "qualify"-and enables those He calls to do His work in His power. By tracing Helen's service-all of which occurred after she was 52 years of age-the book illustrates the joys and sorrows, successes and failures, frustrations and "Wow!" moments in daily missions work.
This book, the first of three in Helen's Go If You Must series, traces her years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, a nurse in a Somali refugee camp, and a worker on short-term mission trips to Honduras and Guatemala. Written in the third person so that it reads like a novel, Helen's absorbing, informative account pulls the reader into the life of a missionary in hopes of drawing those the Lord is touching to respond to His call.

Blogger Says "Misadventures in Travel" 'Changes the Trend' of Missions Books

Many thanks to these bloggers (and the ones with links in this post from Monday) for posting their honest reviews of Misadventures in Travel by Paula Edwards.

Reflections in the Window
Our Family's Adventures
Adventures in McQuill-Land
Christy's Book Blog
A Book Lover
Growing for Christ
Blogs of Books

"Misadventures in Travel" Featured on Numerous Blogs

Paula Edwards' new book, Misadventures in Travel: A Missionary's Experience in Brazil, is featured on numerous blogs today. Start out browsing these posts and watch for another list later!

Creative Madness Mama
Adventures in Unsell Land
Bookfoolery and Babble
ElCloud Homeschool
Window to My World
Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot

Late-in-Life Couple Left Comforts of Home for Adventures in Brazil

Most people in their 50s wouldn’t even think of moving to a remote area of a foreign country with only minimal language skills. Retirement, relaxation, and enjoying grandchildren would be on most people’s minds.

However, Van and Paula Edwards left the comforts of their home, their church, and their culture and set out on a missionary adventure in Brazil, as described in the new book, Misadventures in Travel: A Misadventures in Travel.

The book, by Paula Edwards, is a collection of stories from her and her husband’s three years in Brazil, during which they studied the language, traveled the coastline in search of villages that needed a Baptist church, and helped plant churches in Minas Gerais.

Misadventures in Travel describes an intriguing journey as the Edwardses attempt to be God’s ambassadors in a foreign country with only a rudimentary understanding of the language and a lone map book as their guide. Naturally, the experience is one of adventure, misadventure, and a few laughs along the way. From numerous bureaucratic snafus to hair-raising traffic to countless scary vehicle breakdowns, Paula and Van press on to fulfill what God had called them to do.

Their escapades weren’t always challenging. They encountered numerous gracious Brazilians whose hospitality knew no bounds. Often, Van and Paula stumbled upon surprisingly pleasant pousadas (lodging) and came across fellow believers whose unbridled joy in the Lord motivated this American couple to push on so all Brazilians in these remote areas might know Jesus.

Paula’s warm humor and unrelenting optimism will amuse readers, while her candid honesty will give a glimpse into real missionary life.

Paula Edwards, a native of the piney hills of north Louisiana, received her bachelor's and master's degrees in music from Louisiana Tech University. Besides having served God on the mission field, Paula also has been a schoolteacher and enjoys riding and training horses. She and her husband, Van, are parents of two grown daughters. The Edwardses live in North Louisiana, in which Van serves as pastor.

Recommendations for the National Day of Prayer

Many people throughout the nation have specifically focused on prayer today, we wanted to offer a couple suggestions of books that can help deepen a relationship with Christ. Hope these are helpful!

Perhaps you need some encouragement in your spiritual life? Check out Living in His Presence: Experience the Reality of God by Gina Moroney. Read what others are saying about this book:

Gina reveals her deepest reflections as she pulls back the curtain to give us a glimpse of her spiritual life. Truly, it is her witness to the touch of the Master’s Hand. Sit back, relax, and enjoy; let the story of Living in His Presence unfold page by page
~ Senior Pastor Charles E. Green, Message of Life Ministries, Loveland, Colorado

Living in His Presence is a gentle encouragement to go deeper with God and experience His presence on a daily basis. In a tender and gracious manner, Gina draws the reader in with practical, attainable steps for growing in intimacy with God.
~ Doug and Becky McKenna, Know Him Christian Sportswear

Living in His Presence reveals the heart of God through Gina, in whom He has obviously placed His heart. How does God become the satisfaction and delight of your life, moment by moment? Ask through the pages of this book, and you will see.
~ Tim and Terri Hayes, Division Director, Marketplace Chaplains USA

Gina points the way to a vibrant life in God’s presence, using a powerful combination of biblical truth and personal experience. Discover fresh insights from Gina’s story. Join her in this rewarding journey filled with incomprehensible joy.
~ Gail Horstman, Pastoral Care, New Community Christian Church

**Or, maybe you need a plan in how to put your faith into action? Anne Fortenberry's Faith that Works can help.

Anne explains what difference faith should make in our lives? If works don't insure our salvation, what's the purpose of right Christian behavior? If we have transformed lives in Christ, what specific works represent an outgrowth of our belief? Anne Fortenberry tackles all these questions in her nine-week interactive Bible study, Faith that Works. In a warmhearted, personal approach, Anne reveals fresh insights into the Book of James that will strengthen participants' faith, enrich their walk with the Lord, and challenge them to apply well-known scriptural principles.

Kids Can Learn About Missions with New Book

In a new book by Tara Rye, Kids Can Do Missions, Too!, a young girl learns that short-term mission trips aren't just for adults. The story includes pictures from a real mission trip to Guatemala. This can be used as a wonderful resource for those teaching kids about missions.