The Sweet Taste of Providence

Christine Farenhorst is a master storyteller, always engaging and finding new ways of pressing a message home. This book of 74 short stories from history is no different. Not all the stories are about Christians, some are about obscure and little known places and people but all are thoughtfully told so that the reader is drawn to consider and clearly see God's providential workings.  Each short chapter begins with a scripture passage and ends with well crafted 'Food for thought' questions. These are not trite, repetitive questions but at times real mind benders!
For example, in one chapter where we read about the man whose technical skills developed the techniques that led to the creation of the Gutenberg Press - the printing press that began the mass printing of Bibles. The gentleman himself was not thought to be a Christian, and he died friendless and penniless, but what wonderful good has come from the development of his techniques! In this chapter, one of the 'food for thought' points is... 'We live in an age where technology has advanced much beyond Gutenberg.  How can we be accountable and use this technology to God's glory and honour and to the advance of his kingdom?'.
I think this book really fills a gap in the market for devotionals for teenagers. It could be used as a daily reading or adapted for group discussions, but however it is used it will provoke careful analysis of the situations that face us in our daily lives and will cause the reader to consider our sovereign God who has all times, situations, people and places in his hands for the furtherance of the gospel and his glory.
The Sweet Taste of Providence - 74 Devotional Episodes from History, by Christine Farenhorst, published by Joshua Press.

Afterwards I Knew by Christine Farenhorst #ChristianFocus

With the centenary of World War 1 there has been a lot of renewed interest in books on the war.  Here is a short review I wrote back in 2010 when this particular book first came out...

I enjoyed this book. A collection of short stories, fictional but based around historical events and facts, they are gripping and each carry a subtle spiritual message. Often the stories finish abruptly or on a cliffhanger leaving you to contemplate what might have been and leading you to reflect on the underlying spiritual implications. The book is aimed at 13+yr olds - I think I come into that category!

Afterwards I Knew: Short Stories from the First and Second World Wars by Christine Farenhorst, published by Christian Focus Publications, £5.99.

Lorna

International Short Story Day

There seems to be a 'day' for pretty much everything now, but I thought I should make the most of International Short Story Day today to highlight some great Christian short stories! 

I read these two books quite a while back but I was gripped by them.  Each book focuses on a different historical age & the short stories are all very different, some are spine tinglers, some are weepies, some cliff hangers, but all have a message to tell about eternal truths learnt & trusted.  Geoff Thomas writes a great recommendation...
"Christine Farenhorst writes short stories with a pace, characterization, dialogue and subtlety that is quite outstanding.  She is a true writer and restores a delight in the gift of reading.  Children can read these stories, but I think they might have to tear them from the hands of their parents."
To which I say 'hear, hear!'
'Afterwards I Knew - Stories from the first and second world wars' and 'The Merciful Eye - stories from the Middle Ages' are both in our 11+ age category, and both cost £5.99
Lorna