An inspiring account of Christian faith that should appeal to readers hoping to learn more about how ministries can support...
A devout Christian recounts how she ended up founding a ministry in Ohio.
Debut author Matthews knew from a young age that she was called by God to become “a missionary in the inner city.” Her faith was extremely strong and, through prayer, she decided to stay in her hometown of Akron to teach children in urban communities. This formed the first step in Matthews’ journey to founding Urban Vision in 1992, a ministry that she now leads with her husband, Rodney, where she works with “brothers and sisters of different cultures, to walk the path of ministry together.” The ministry began with Kids Clubs, run by Matthews, where as many as 20 children came to her house for “homework assistance.” She hoped that helping them to succeed academically would begin to break the cycle of poverty. Often, Matthews questioned her ability to spread the Word of God, thinking that she was “just ordinary Jodi,” yet she felt confident that God had “given me a voice to declare the Word of the Lord to the next generation in our little corner of the world.” Matthews’ experience has taught her that, “working with children in the city…so many of them just needed love, attention, and the Truth of God spoken into their lives.” This work deftly shows how the author’s unshakable faith has guided her on an admirable path of helping people—especially children—who need guidance, support, and a safe space to learn and pray if they wish. Though it’s clear that Matthews is deeply religious, this absorbing and heartfelt book focuses on the worthy programs she has founded in her ministry, such as a Bible study for mothers and literacy programs for non-English-speaking children. Whether or not readers share the author’s belief system, they should appreciate how deeply committed she has been to her community for more than 25 years. Furthermore, Matthews has managed to deliver a richly detailed, eye-opening look at how Christian ministries can positively impact communities without attempting to convert readers to her religion.
An inspiring account of Christian faith that should appeal to readers hoping to learn more about how ministries can support children and families economically and academically.Pub Date: Aug. 18, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-5127-9904-0
Page Count: 278
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 28, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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