Christian Credibility in a Global Crisis - The Missing Key by Donald C B Cameron; published 2009 by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 96 pages; price £6.99.
It would be true to say that most folk are interested in the future, so much so that many have sadly turned to dark and doubtful sources for their information. However, it is to the Word of God we turn as the great authority on such matters. Many Christians, it seems, avoid this because of the great morass of differing views and so-called interpretations.
As stated on the back cover of this book the author has been interested in Bible prophecy from his early days, and has obviously applied himself to it.
As the title of the book suggests, "Christian Credibility" has been eroded by the many views that are held, and so the author faces some of these, such as Millennialism, etc showing how bankrupt they are. Because of blurred thinking, a spirit has been born among us which has damaged our effectiveness. This book is, as a result, a wake-up call to evangelical Christians. Ironically, "some false religions use their own brand of ‘twisted prophecy’ to good effect" as the book states.
Throughout the chapters the author seeks to trace events in sequence from the rapture to heaven of the church to the golden age of a literal Millennium here on earth. These have been presented with clarity in a straightforward manner, dealing with the differing views at the relevant parts of the book, and focusing upon the future restoration of Israel for which the disciples were instructed to pray.
Apart from a few minor considerations, the reviewer concurs with the broad presentation of the book and with most of the details found within it. Due to the brevity of the volume the author has been selective in the depth of the treatment of some areas, yet on the other hand has given a comprehensive overview of prophecy.
In exalting our Lord Jesus Christ, this book cheers the heart and challenges our lifestyle.
WMHB
An Unknown Road, by Douglas and Marjorie Howell; published by and available from John Ritchie Ltd; 335 pages. Was £9.95, Now £5.95.
The subtitle of this fascinating book is A Record of the Faithfulness of God, and so it is. During World War II and in very different circumstances, the authors heard the clear call of the Lord to serve Him among the Arabic, Islamic peoples of the Middle East. They obeyed, and for over 50 years through changing and turbulent situations followed where He led along the unknown road which He opened up to them. It is a record which brings glory to God.
By a series of graphic pen pictures and fast moving narrative, we are taken from wartime Britain to Abadan and India on a crowded troopship, then to follow the Howells’ missionary service as it began in Jerusalem in the momentous days of 1946 just prior to the creation of the state of Israel. Along with thousands of Arab refugees displaced from land occupied by immigrant Jews on partition of Palestine, they moved into the country of Jordan in 1948. Living in very primitive conditions they reached out with the gospel for many years in a hostile Islamic culture, seeing many come to faith in the Saviour and work in assemblies begun and continued. This work was done in spite of much hardship and personal trial which is faithfully and humbly described. The Suez crisis of 1956 prompted another move, this time to Lebanon where they commenced and expanded a very effective literature ministry serving Arabic speaking peoples in many countries. When in 1976 the Lebanese civil war began in earnest, they moved to France to continue this work, in fellowship with others, amongst North African Arabs. Eventually health problems caused a return to England where their service for many more years addressed the needs of Moslems and other similar groups.
The landscape and the atmosphere of many different places are skilfully brought to life, so that the reader can feel more than a spectator of distant events. Indeed the narrative brings a clear call first to be sympathetic to the needs of Arabic peoples (often neglected through the more generous feelings many believers have for the Jewish nation because of its place in the purposes of God), then to be more involved through prayer and outreach to those under the power of Islam. The book contains several evocative original photographs, and it closes with an interesting appendix which very perceptively analyses the background to the problems of the Middle East, and the hope for peace. It is all very worth while reading, for it is an inspiring record of the faithfulness of God through every endeavour.
RWC
