Pastor’s June Book Selection
Fire Road by Kim Phuc Phan Thi
After a hiatus from doing book reviews, I am happy to suggest “Fire Road” as a possible read on your summer vacation. Having recently listened to an interview with the author, I was moved to purchase her memoir. Kim Phuc was a happy 9 year old girl, living in a relatively safe part of South Vietnam even though war continued to rage throughout the country. Her life was changed dramatically on June 8, 1972, when South Vietnamese troops dropped napalm on her village to stem the flow of communist forces. The tragedy that entered her life was captured in a Pulitzer prize-winning photograph, showing her running naked and burning down Highway Route 1 along with her brothers.
What that picture could not depict would be the years of pain, emotional suffering, manipulation by a victorious communist government, and the anger and bitterness that consumed her. Her biography tells the story of how Jesus Christ entered into her life, brought peace into her heart, and put her on a road of forgiveness, healing, and sanctification. I highly recommend this book as one that encourages faith and demonstrates the hope of the Lord even in the most trying of circumstances. Read this work, it will be a blessing to your soul.
Pastor’s January Book Selection
Augustine on the Christian Life by Gerald Bray
Throughout the years I have recommended a number of works by or about Saint Augustine. “Augustine on the Christian life” is one volume in a series of works about various Christians throughout the ages. If you’ve never read a biography about Augustine or his famous “Confessions”, this is a work that not only offers an overview of his life, but discusses his ministry as a teacher, pastor, and his significance for us today.
When I first began reading, I wasn’t impressed because much of the material was covered elsewhere in greater detail. However, the section on Augustine as a teacher, which is a synopsis of some of his most important ideas, and the chapter on Augustine as a pastor made the book well worth the read. Therefore, I would recommend Bray’s work for those who are not familiar with the life of this important figure, as well as those who would like to become more familiar with his theology and pastoral ministry without trying to wade through an entire volume of his own writings.
BOOK SUGGESTIONS
Pastor’s June Book Selection
Fire Road by Kim Phuc Phan Thi After a hiatus from doing book reviews, I am happy to suggest “Fire Road” as a possible read on your summer vacation. Having recently listened to an interview with … Read More
Pastor’s January Book Selection
Augustine on the Christian Life by Gerald Bray Throughout the years I have recommended a number of works by or about Saint Augustine. “Augustine on the Christian life” is one volume in a series of … Read More
Pastor’s December Book Selection
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges Difficulties, especially those that are unexpected or inexplicable, can leave us questioning God and even doubting his care for us. “Trusting God” is a work that is … Read More
