January 2007

1. The Reluctant Saint by Patrick Streiff

This is a theological biography of my hero, John Fletcher., the early Methodist, and friend of John Wesley. I found this work informative, but a bit cumbersome with too many details.

2. Helps to Holiness by Samuel Brengle

A powerful little book about the deeper walk. Sometimes dated and old fashioned, but the message comes through crystal clear.

3. Escape from Iraq by Thomas Hamill

Hamill was a civilian truck driver who was taken hostage by the Iraqi insurgents. I couldn't put the book down, as it detailed this courageous man's experiences during his weeks of captivity. It is an inspiring read, and helpful in seeing the war from a broader perspective.

4. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis

This was the final book in the Chronicles of Narnia that I read aloud to my sons, Luke and Wes. All three of us were sad to see it end.

I started a myriad of other books during January, but these are the only ones I finished.

5. The Cry of the World by Oswald Smith

This book, written almost a century ago, is an impassioned plea for churches to see the whole world as their mission field. Smith, who pastored the People's Church in Toronto, is one of my favorite writers. Whenever I talk about him, my pastor friends often correct me and say, "No, you mean Oswald Chambers."