Day: 16 March 2018

The Life of David Brainerd
By: Jesse Page

“Why did John Wesley say “Let every preacher read carefully over the life of David Brainerd”? The reader of this addition to the Classic Biography Series will quickly discover the answer to this question.

David Brainerd was often depressed and downcast, and seldom, if ever, happy with his own spiritual state. He constantly battled severe ill health and loneliness. It was among the Indians of Crossweeksung (now Crosswicks, New Jersey) that he first saw his prayers answered in a way that simply amazed him. He was astounded to find that the “hearts of these Indians were melted by the love of Jesus” rather than the terrors of judgment. Converts were gathered to form a local church of which he said “I know of no assembly of Christians where there seems to be so much of the presence of God, where brotherly love so much prevails, and where I should so much delight in the public worship of God, in general, as in my own congregation; although not more than nine months ago, they were worshipping devils and dumb idols under the power of pagan darkness and superstition. Amazing change this! Effected by nothing less than divine power and grace!” By the end of 1747, 29 years of age and less than four years after his life’s work began, David Brainerd was called Home, a victim of tuberculosis. His last words were “I shall soon be in glory, I shall soon glorify God with the angels!”

Every Christian who, conscious of weakness, desires to serve God more effectively, should heed John Wesley’s counsel.”

~ Book review originally published by Believer’s Bookshelf (June 2017) and written by Alan Wilson

Escape from the Island of Occupation
By: Robert Plant

Set in the island of Jersey during the early days of World War II, the story centres around a plot to capture Hitler on his first visit to the island after the German occupation. A young lad called Jerry, and his female accomplice, learn of this and decide to inform the British authorities 100 miles away across the Channel in the hope of ending the misery of the war and its effects on the island – but how? Some older people are enlisted to help with a boat and its equipment, there is an old outboard motor involved which eventually fails, a shipwreck, and a near-fatal landing on a mined beach, followed by a journey to Whitehall to brief the top brass, then an anticlimax! At times it is breathtaking, and you want to read on!

The story is well written in a style suitable for 7-11 year olds, but perhaps it matches better the interests of early teens; indeed, adults too will find it an absorbing and enjoyable read. The author makes good use of his knowledge of the geography of Jersey and its people, but the best thing about this book, from a Christian viewpoint, is how the Gospel message is so effectively woven into the story, seamlessly and gradually. Starting from a base of unfamiliarity with the Bible and no awareness of God, the storyline introduces the need for salvation and how it can be found through faith in Christ alone.

~ Book review Originally Published by Believer’s Bookshelf (June 2017) and written by Bert Cargill

** Also available: Return to the Island of Occupation