Called for Life Kent and Amber Brantly with David Thomas

One rarely has the opportunity to get the facts and reality behind a worldwide news event. Kent and Amber Brantly’s book Called for Life was eye opening and very informational. Though I rarely watch television, the story of the two American doctors coming into Atlanta infected with Ebola piqued my interest. My sister is a RN and through the care of our aged parents we were skilled at germ control and sanitation. I will admit that the paranoia chatter was swirling around, but I knew very little of Ebola.

In the fall of 2013 Kent and Amber traveled with their two young children to combat-ridden country of Liberia to be medical missionaries for Samaritan’s Purse which is based in my home state of NC. Called to serve God through the ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) led them into an Ebola epidemic. Blazing a trail for the discovery, isolation, and treatment of Ebola, Kent Brantly came close to death. For their own safely, Kent’s family had flown out of the country three days before Kent became infected. All alone sequestered in his home Kent’s fellow medical team had to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) and talk to him through his bedroom window when he was too weak to answer the door.  “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Known for his humanitarian efforts all over the world, Frank Graham is a trusted figure around Charlotte, NC. By volunteering at the Billy Graham library every Christmas, I have become acquainted with the events held there. Recently this spring two of my close friend attended a Ladies Tea with Amber Brantly as the main inspirational speaker. Welcoming the chance to review the advance copy, I read it in a few days. Once the drama of Kent getting Ebola unfolded it was hard to put it down. In fact at the end of the book I could not believe it all happened in months not years. Detailed instances of uncontrolled diarrhea and sky rocketing temperatures, made Kent’s life touch and go. The rate of recovery was very low. In fact Kent only had one survivor during his time of fighting Ebola in Liberia. The young boy played a remarkable role in Kent’s recovery by donating his blood built up with antibodies. The safety procedures which were established were cutting edge and medical discoveries for treating the Ebola were uncharted. What a remarkable story and a glorious example of Christian faith and hope in a crisis. Indeed God was in control. This advanced copy was given to me by Waterbrook Press for my unbiased review.

Lazarus Awakening by Joanne Weaver

What an amazing gift! Author Joanna Weaver sent me a copy of Lazarus Awakening: the DVD Bible Study. (Finding Your Place in the Heart of God) Packaged with the 3 DVD’s filmed on location in the Holy Land is a 133 page paperback Study Guide for personal or group study and a separate book for a 10-week Companion Bible Study. Included on the third DVD are resources for publicizing your small group study or retreat: colorful banners, bulletin insert, bookmarks, and postcards. Also on this DVD is a printable PDF Leader’s Guide, a participant Retreat Guide, and a Retreat Journaling Guide for pondering the scripture and answering personal questions during this 8-week series. The Study Guide is filled with one page lessons, such as Dethroning Lies and Shedding Graveclothes. Included are fill-in-the-blank sentences to connect members to the DVD sessions and pages to take notes. One resource in the Leader’s Guide is a page with tips for leading small groups. It mirrors the instructions I receive from Community Bible Study where I am a teaching director for a women’s evening class. My favorite teaching lesson was number 4-Shaped in the Quarry. I plan on using this 20 minutes video as a team building resource during my summer CBS leadership training. We can be living stones made ready inside and out by the shaping by the Holy Spirit through our responses to the circumstances of our lives. Weaver’s quote, “What feels like destruction is actually construction,” is a perfect illustration of

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Each DVD has bonus videos of Israel Moments, which by themselves could be a stand-alone study. Modern day Jerusalem showing the Western Wall and recently uncovered southern steps of the temple are meaningful spots for residents of Israel and visitors. The continuing study of archeology in Israel uncovers pieces of history which prove the accuracy of the Bible. The beautiful landscape of the Holy Land gives us a glimpse into the life of Jesus as he climbed the rocky landscape and walked the streets of Jerusalem. Amy Turnage, from the Center for Holy Lands Studies is an expert in archeology and shares her wealth of knowledge. She is currently excavating a small plot of land near the Sea of Galilee.

Joanna Weaver, author of the familiar Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, filmed the entire series in Israel. I was given the privilege of viewing rugged hillsides of the Kidron Valley, the landscape of the Holy City, and the Garden of Gethsemane and the beautiful scenery near the Sea of Galilee. Onscreen scripture verses help to bring us into God’s Word for our source of healing and strength. Passionate and personal in her dialogue with viewers makes the DVD lessons interesting and encouraging. As a teacher of Bible Studies, I am so excited to plan an 8-week Study of Lazarus Awakening. Women in my circles desperately need a study which will teach them who they are in Christ and how they can personally live in the light of eternity. The gentleness of Jesus’ teaching of mercy and grace never grows old. This exciting series has many valuable lessons for Christians as we live in a world where we are tempted daily by the enemy. It points us to return to the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus. Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah and Joanna Weaver for sharing this valuable gift for my unbiased review.

Ann Sanger
Teaching Director
Gastonia Women’s Evening Class
Community Bible Study

Esther pamphlet

Although the story of Esther is seems like a fairy tale, it is one of the favorite stories for little girls in the Bible, the book contains danger, intrigue, and greed for power and prestige. For students of Israel history and their time spent in captivity, the story of Esther gives hope and salvation to the people of God. Though not specifically addressed in the book, God is called the unseen character. The actions of Esther and Mordecai show their faith in the God of the Jews.
This pamphlet gives needed information about the undisputable power of King Xerxes as well as the danger and fragility of favor within the palace. Rose Publications are consistently artful and appealing to the eye. The genealogy of the main characters and the actions that actually occurred in history are displayed in an easy to read table. The detailed map in color was helpful by showing the extension of the Persian Empire. Interesting facts about King Xerxes and the dates when he ruled as well as historical date about King Cyrus and as an instrument of God the role he played in the Jews return to Jerusalem. Eye-catching charts are used throughout the pamphlets especially What’s in a Name? on page 4. Colorful insert boxes of green and purple contain factoids and historical tidbits. We get a glimpse into the Persian courts and the elaborate beauty treatments the women underwent to be presentable to the king. The relationship between Mordecia and Esther is one of faithfulness and trust. God's sovereignty reigns as Esther prepares for a fast together with her people. The treacherous Haman tries to destroy all of the Jews but God had Esther in the palace “for such a time as this.”  We learn much about Purim celebrations honoring Esther occurring today. This is a concise and easy to use resource. The PDF file was given to me from Rose Publishing without cost for my unbiased opinion.

Seven Church in Revelation pamphlet

Many resist studying Revelation because of the symbolism is John's book. But learning is simple using this resource. Colorful, bright and concise this pamphlet from Rose Publishing is loaded with facts and information regarding letters to the seven churches. While teaching these chapters in Revelation last fall I had to search through many resources to compile the information found in this neat package. The charts are easy to read with sections on the strengths of each church as well as their faults and their individual promise from God. Each church is presented on its own page with topics of background, praise, and challenge in bold colored font. Shaded inserts presenting pertinent facts or interesting information on bible characters are sprinkled throughout the pages. Full color photos and images makes it a delight for the eyes. The cover is very smart. My favorite section is the presence of Jesus in each of the seven churches. As we study these letters to the churches in the Revelation of Jesus Christ through the eyes of John we may be convicted of some of the same faults present back then and definitely we can rise to the challenge given here. I am reviewing the pdf and can enlarge the text for easy reading. The pamphlet can be opened on my tablet and saved for future use during the next bible study I teach. Thank you for such a fine product. This pamphlet was given to me  by Rose Publishing free for my unbiased review.