Activate

Seriously Funny ... Life, Love and God ...

2012-02-07T18:08:00.003Z

I am sure we all have some funny or /and embarrassing stories to tell. I certainly do. These are often stories about things that happen in my everyday life. Some of our stories may not seem funny to us at that point in time, but if we cast our minds back at them now we could find a humorous moment to laugh about.

Over Christmas 2011, the group read “Seriously Funny” by Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas. It consists of letters between the two friends. The letters were sometimes funny, embarrassing, sad, controversial and above all honest. Although light hearted reading, it touches on many thought-provoking discussions such as:- how Christians are perceived , church life, spiritual growth, God’s grace, kindness, hearing from God, doubt, Christian conferences etc..

Adrian and Jeff were open and honest in their correspondence. They did not pretend to be “super spiritual Christians”, but shared their love for Jesus and showed that they are just ordinary people like the rest of us who also have some bad times as well as good times.

A thoroughly good read that has a combination of humour and seriousness.

Happy 2012!

Ope

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Synopsis:

A little while ago, concerned that the next time they got together, one of them would be in a coffin, Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass decided to start exchanging letters - and this book is the result.

It was created spontaneously and uniquely; It isn't fictional nor is it predictable but what "Seriously Funny" does is combine thoughts, real life situations and express living moments of two honest Christians. It talks about serious issues, which also have funny endings and stories, hence the title "Seriously Funny". Breathtakingly honest, "Seriously Funny" is a celebration of 21st century Christianity - as well as a no-holds barred expose of its sillier side. And they are equally hard on themselves - their most embarrassing moments are a joy to read.

Amazing Grace

2012-01-14T18:20:00.006Z

Hi everyone,

In November, we finished reading the biography of John Newton the man who wrote the hymn - Amazing Grace. In this book you will learn more about his colourful life, his journey through slave trading, his conversion, his Christian life and his contribution to the abolition of slave trade. This book is worth reading.

Enjoy!

Love and blessings,

Ope

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John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken

Synopsis

In this book, Jonathan Aitken (a former MP and cabinet minister) discovers John Newton the man, his motivation and beliefs.

JOHN NEWTON is best known as the author of "Amazing Grace" but this brilliant new biography shows how he led one of the most colourful and influential lives of the 18th century.

Using a wealth of unpublished material, Jonathan Aitken charts Newton's journey through slave trading, best selling authorship, ordination, church leadership, abolitionist campaigning and the spiritual mentoring of William Wilberforce and William Cowper.

From Newton's rip-roaring adventures on the high seas to his emergence as a pivotal figure in the abolitionist and evangelical movements this is a life of amazing achievement as well as of Amazing Grace.

Just Wondering .......

2011-11-19T16:29:00.005Z

Over the summer, we read "Just wondering” by Philip Yancey. This is a thought provoking book of many questions set out in short chapters, which challenge us personally on various issues in life. Some of these issues are quite diverse and touch on topics such as religion, humans, ethics, church, Christian gospel, life with God etc.

This is a great book that leaves you feeling challenged.

It's worth reading.

Enjoy!

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"Just Wondering: A Book of Many Questions "
by Philip Yancey

Synopsis:

Best-selling author Philip Yancey writes on a diverse range of topics that touch on the fields of history, science, religion, ethics, and more in this new edition
of Just Wondering….

"Human beings, including myself, seem odd to me. Half ainimal, half angel, we keep surprising and disappointing ourselves and each other". As Yancey seeks to pin down this sense of oddness, he asks: why did God stay silent during the Holocaust; where did racial hatred come from; why do people show great interest in near-death experiences, but very little interest in Heaven; why is sex fun; and why is almost all religious art realistic, whereas much of God's creation excels at abstract design? Here are 44 "ruminations" chosen from Yancey's own awe at the world God made.
First published in 1989 as I Was Just Wondering. This revised and updated edition offers a level-headed, honest journey into questions that are just as important and challenging to readers today.

TOO SMALL TO IGNORE

2011-09-14T20:59:00.005+01:00

Hi all,

In July, we finished reading "Too small to ignore" by Wess Stafford, the leader of Compassion international.

In this book, not only does Wess share with us his incredible boyhood experiences when growing up in an African village, he also draws our attention to the suffering and tragic deprivation that children in the world today face. He calls us to open the eyes of our heart to see the strategic importance of the children around us and why they must be protected and cared for.

One thing we need to remember is that a small pebble in the pond of one child's life may send out ripples that eventually transform many others.

On a final note, the bible tells us that Jesus entrusted the little children to our care and we should not cause them to sin (Mat 18:6). We are called to provide safe, nurturing environments for them. It is our job to train a child in the way he should go (prov22:6).

… A must read

Kind regards,

Ope

Synopsis

The time has come, argues Dr. Wess Stafford, for a major paradigm shift: Children are too important and too intensely loved by God to be left behind or left to chance. Children belong to all of us and we are compelled to intervene on their behalf. We must invest in children–all across the world.
There are strategic, persuasive reasons–beyond love and kindness–to invest in children. Today they may snuggle into your lap, if you let them. But tomorrow you may not have access to them in the corridors of power they might occupy. Now is the time to shape the future.
Dr. Stafford issues an urgent call for change. His adventures as a boy raised in a West African village provide an often-humorous and always-captivating backdrop to his profound and inspiring challenges. Wess lived the reality of “it takes a village to raise a child” and calls us to “be that loving village for children everywhere.”
This book will encourage you to turn your good, loving intentions into strategic actions and empower you to help change the world–and the future–forever: one child at a time.

Redeeming Love

2011-06-03T12:08:00.003+01:00

Another truly amazing book by Francine Rivers….

California's gold country, 1850. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. What she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance, her heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. So Angel runs. Back to the darkness...A powerful retelling of the book of Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. A page-turner…

Battlefield of the mind ...

2011-04-08T22:00:00.001+01:00

I absolutely enjoyed reading “The battlefield of the mind”. I found this book fruitful and thought provoking. The sections of the book that applied to me spoke volumes to me….indeed an eye opener. I found some of her comments and analogy enlightening, refreshing as well as challenging. I pray I will be able to apply what I have read and learnt to my daily walk with God with the help of the Holy Spirit. It was valuable listening to the thoughts and views of the other members of the book club during our meeting. It is amazing how the same book can speak to a group of people in different ways. On a closing note, I want to encourage every one of us to try and hold on to the truth and use the words of God as a weapon against the attacks from the enemy.

Stay blessed,

Ope

….And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. ….Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:32, 36)

Battlefield of the Mind

2011-04-08T20:24:00.008+01:00

Hi there,

We have just read "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read this book.

Kind regards,

Ope

Synopsis

A WAR IS RAGING.

Your Mind is the Battlefield.

Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation... all these are attacks on the mind. If you suffer from negative thoughts, take heart! Joyce Meyer has helped millions win these all-important battles – and she can help you, too. In this popular bestseller, Joyce Meyer shows you how to change your life by changing your mind. She teaches you how to deal with thousands of thoughts you have every day and focus your mind to think the way God thinks. She shares the trials, tragedies and ultimate victories from her own marriage, family and ministry that led her to a wondrous, life-transforming truth, and reveals her thoughts and feelings every step of the way.

Now it’s your turn to:

• Gain control over your mind and find freedom and peace

• Recognize damaging thoughts and stop them from influencing your life

• Be patient with yourself even when you make mistakes

• Arm yourself with the word of God, praise, prayer, and other powerful spiritual weapons

• Follow the light out of your mental “wilderness” – the bad attitudes and excuses people use that keep them from God – and find undreamed of happiness and fulfillment. Don’t surrender to misery another day.

Find out today how to guarantee your victory in your BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND!

The five people you meet in Heaven

2011-01-31T20:32:00.003Z

Hi there,

Our first meeting of 2011 was held on Saturday January 22 where we discussed "The five people you meet in heaven" by Mitch Albom.

I quite enjoyed this fiction and found it easy to read. I liked the way Mitch Albom switched the setting back and forth as well as the subtle suspense of wanting to find out if the main character saved the little girl’s life. This made the story more appealing and interesting to read.
Regardless of the fact that I found spiritual depth lacking, the book gave me a lot to think about life and how our actions – deliberate or accidental, can have an altering effect on others and vice versa.

I certainly recommend this book for reading!

Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read this book.

Regards,

Ope

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Synopsis

This is an enchanting and beautifully written novel that explores a mystery only heaven can unfold. Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in the toil of his father before him, fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. Then he dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. The author gives us an astoundingly original story that will change everything you've ever thought about the afterlife -- and the meaning of our lives here on earth.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-31T19:23:00.000Z

Sorry for the belated post here, ladies!

Happy 2011! It’s amazing how fast the days have gone by… it's already the end of January! I pray that 2011 will be a year of blessings and fulfilment for each of us.

Don’t you just love the variety of books we get to read in Activate? Well, I do and I have you ladies to thank for that.

Love,

Ope

What is God's Language?

2010-12-04T16:11:00.004Z

Hi there,

At our last meeting on November 20, 2010, we discussed “The Language of God” by Francis Collins.

In this interesting and well written book, Francis Collins puts forward his views on how science and belief in God are compatible. In it, he shares his personal conversion from agnosticism to theism and raises some arguments for the idea of God as well as responds to several objections to belief in God. He examines various issues such as moral law, the big bang, the origins of life, evolution and DNA, and concludes that DNA sequencing only shows us something of how God operates but doesn’t explain the source of things that make humanity special and the universe itself.
He finally considers theistic evolution, which he believes is ‘science and faith in harmony’ and encourages believers that science and faith are compatible and that faith makes sense.

I enjoyed reading "The Language of God" and found it packed with lots of information geared towards finding harmony between the existence of God and science, especially in our current world, where science and the existence of God are at war. In addition, I found parts of the main text and appendix to be a good resource of information in knowing more about the human genome and the science of embryonic and adult stem cell research and cloning. I therefore feel more equipped and comfortable in holding “the unavoidable” discussion of God vs. science which usually crops up during conversations with non-believers.

I think it is a good book to be read by all – Christians, theist, agnostics, atheist, creationists etc.

If you have read “The Language of God”, please share your comments with us.

Stay blessed,

Ope

The language of God
by Francis S. Collins

Synopsis

Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is one of the world's leading scientists. He works at the cutting edge of the study of DNA, the code of life. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God and scripture.
Dr. Collins believes that faith in God and faith in science can coexist within a person and be harmonious.
In The Language of God he makes his case for God and for science. He has heard every argument against faith from scientists, and he can refute them. He has also heard the needless rejection of scientific truths by some people of faith, and he can counter that, too. He explains his own journey from atheism to faith, and then takes readers for a stunning tour of modern science to show that physics, chemistry, and biology can all fit together with belief in God and the Bible.
The Language of God is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the deepest questions of faith: Why are we here? How did we get here? What does life mean?

Comments on "Gladys Aylward:The Little Woman"

2010-08-02T16:19:00.002+01:00

I was moved by Gladys’s level of faith, humility, obedience and determination to serve God at any cost. She was convinced that God had called her to go to China to preach the Gospel and was undeterred by the criticism and contrary advice of others.

Believing that it was her calling from God, she was determined to make it to China by all means, trusting that God will meet all her needs. Her journey was filled with every kind of obstacle you can imagine, but these did not deter her. It was a testimony of God making a way where there seems to be no way.

She was humble and obedient and never once doubted that God was not there with her all the way. Her Life truly shined as an amazing example of being willing to submit and give it all for her Saviour. How amazing!

Kind regards,

Ope

"Gladys Aylward"

2010-08-02T15:32:00.005+01:00

Hi there,

I just love the fact that we get to read a variety of inspirational books in Activate. This has given me the opportunity to read books I would not readily pick up to read and broaden my horizon. Having said that, we have just finished reading yet another fantastic book, “Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman”. What an amazing woman!

Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read this book.

Thanks.

Kind regards,

Ope

Synopsis:

A solitary woman. A foreign country. An unknown language. An impossible dream? No, God's call on the life of Gladys Aylward. With no mission board to support or guide her and less than ten dollars in her pocket, Gladys Aylward left her home in England to answer God's call to take the message of the gospel to China. With the Sino-Japanese War waging around her, she struggled to bring the basics of life and the fullness of God to orphaned children.
Time after time, God triumphed over impossible situations, and drew people to Himself.
The Little Woman tells the story of one woman's determination to serve God at any cost. With God all things are possible!

The Prodigal God

2010-05-08T16:55:00.003+01:00

Hello,

We have just finished reading "The Prodigal God". This is a short book structured around Jesus' parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and explains how to adapt ourselves to live in relationship with the Father.

If you have read “The Prodigal God”, you are welcome to share your thoughts. Please leave a comment.

Kind regards,

Ope

Synopsis

In THE PRODIGAL GOD, New York pastor Timothy Keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: the gospel of grace, hope and salvation.

Keller argues that the parable of the prodigal son, while Jesus’ best-known parable, is also his least understood. He introduces the reader to all the characters in this timeless story, showing that it concerns not just a wayward son, but also a judgemental older brother and, most importantly, a loving father.

This short but powerful book is a reminder to the faithful, an explanation to the seeker, and finally an invitation to all – both older and younger brothers – to enter in to the ‘unique, radical nature of the gospel’: the reckless, spendthrift love of God.

The Shack

2010-03-25T05:55:00.005Z

Hello,

There was a lot of hype about “The Shack” when it was first published that it caught my attention. I didn’t get round to reading it then and therefore was quite glad when it was chosen as our reading title. A very thought provoking book. Please share your comments and thoughts with us if you have read "The Shack".

Kind regards,

Ope

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Synopsis.

The Shack is a fictional story that seeks to provide answers to the age-old question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?” Mack, the main character, has lived under the burden of The Great Sadness since the abduction and murder of his daughter four years previous. He then receives a note from God (”Papa”), inviting him to return to the shack — the scene of his daughter’s murder — for a time together. When he returns to the scene, Mack is treated to a weekend encounter with the Godhead. Each member of the Trinity is present: “Papa” – a large African-American woman (representing the Father); ”Sarayu” – an ethereal woman of Asian descent (representing the Holy Spirit); and “Jesus” – a Middle Eastern man with carpentry skills. Most of the book is Mack’s dialogue with these characters from this point on. They discuss many topics, but ultimately help Mack to deal with The Great Sadness. By the time the weekend is over, Mack is a changed man.

Left Behind?

2010-01-27T22:32:00.002Z

Hello!

Happy New Year to you all.

We have just finished reading “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.
This is a novel of the earth’s last days. The story is built around the “end times” in a fictional context around the theme of the “Rapture”.

I need to stress that Left Behind is a “Fiction Story”. However, the subject of this book really makes you stop and ask yourself where you are in your walk with God.

A must read for all Christians or for anyone who has any questions concerning Christianity.

Love and blessings,

Ope

Totally Forgiving Ourselves

2009-11-24T06:02:00.004Z

Hello,

So sorry it's been a while, just lots of "life and doings" happening all at once. However, that did not mean that we haven't been reading. We recently finished reading "Totally Forgiving Ourselves" by R T Kendall.

What a book!

Initially, I struggled to break into this book, and found the first couple of chapters a bit dry. However, I focused and pressed on and I sure am glad I did. I started enjoying the book and there was a lot of advice and information to take in page after page.

Totally Forgiving Ourselves (TFO) gave me a fresh insight about forgiveness, guilt (false and real), self pity, self righteousness and judging others and myself. God spoke to me through this book and now, when I think about some of the challenges I am currently going through, I feel I might be able to make decisions without feeling guilty. It made me reflect on past trials and tribulations and how I handled them.
TFO made me reflect on past trials and tribulations and how I handled them. As I cannot do much about the past but to ask God for forgiveness, I certainly will be applying what I learnt from reading it to certain areas of my life.

If you have read “Totally Forgiving Ourselves”, you are welcome to share your views. Leave a comment.

God bless.

Ope

and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

2009-08-20T00:48:00.003+01:00

Hello,

It's summer time and lots of you are on holiday or plan on having a holiday.
A "must have" for the holiday is a good book to read. Look no further as our next read is guaranteed to stir your heart and make you remember the need to put God first in every moment of your life...

Happy reading

Ope

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Synopsis

When Paul Hudson eagerly accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. He only hoped he could please the Lord with his plans and hard work. Together, Paul, his wife Eunice, and their son Tim packed up and moved halfway across the country to do the Lord’s work.
It didn’t take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up–way up. People came to hear the charismatic Paul Hudson preach. The choir added members, and the children’s program was at an all-time high. A building program was in the works. Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it his way. Still, he tried not to let her quiet presence disturb him.

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..... So what is a Shofar?

Shofar, the Hebrew word for trumpet is mentioned over 70 times in the bible. It is an ancient musical instrument made from the horn of a Ram.

The shofar was used in biblical times for various occasions ranging from calling the armies together, calling people to Worship and spiritual awakening. It is specially used for the call to repentance.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

2009-07-20T00:10:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

Hope you are all well and in good health. I should have posted this a while back.

I am sure you have all heard the saying........."Variety, is the spice of life"!

In Activate, the idea of members choosing the reading books gives us all the opportunity to read a “variety” of books and hence broaden our horizons. Our next read is interesting and challenging in lots of ways.

So enjoy!

Yours,

Ope

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Synopsis

"The Screwtape Letters" is fiction. But only fiction in the sense that the characters and the dialogue sprang from the imagination of one of the greatest modern Christian writers. Yet in our terrestrial reality the issues confronted in this book play out in our lives every day.
The book contains thirty-one letters from Screwtape (an experienced devil) to his nephew, Wormwood, just beginning his demonic career and has been assigned to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian.
We get the letters only from one side of the correspondence (Screwtape's), yet the story of the meanderings of the Christian "patient's" soul is clearly read between the lines. The letters begin with Wormwood's failure to keep his subject from becoming a Christian. The urbane Screwtape informs him that, although this is an alarming development, his patient is by no means lost to the dark forces of evil.
Each letter addresses various aspects of the travails of the human soul and how the devil tempts that soul away from goodness and toward evil - not evil on a grand scale, but evil on a petty scale. They show how evil can seep into a Christian's relationships with friends and family, in his views on the church, even in his practice of prayer.
Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life.
"The Screwtape Letters" is a book that entertains while it instructs. It is a book to be treasured and studied.

Velvet Elvis - Share your thoughts.....

2009-07-08T00:50:00.008+01:00

I found Velvet Elvis very thought provoking. It’s given me the boldness to ask questions and dig deeper into certain areas of Christianity that I do not understand.

I commend Rob on some areas of Velvet Elvis, his honesty and the research he carried out to back up his views. I liked how he brought abstract to life in the early chapters of the book.

However, there are some areas where I do question and challenge his views and opinion, especially where he doesn't have a scripture or fact to back up his views. One thing for sure is that everyone’s opinion of the bible is essentially his or her own opinion. The Holy Spirit brings about revelation and understanding of the scriptures we read in the bible.

I think we would all agree that Christianity is a journey, not a destination and the bible is not just about historical events but is true of how we live our lives today. The stories in the bible are our stories, as we can identify with them to date.

One thing Rob said is 'As a Christian--we are free to claim the good, true and holy whenever we find it...because the world is God's and everything in it.’
I found this comment full of meaning. It applies to everything but can also be easily misinterpreted. For guidance, in 1 peter 2 vs. 16, we are told to "live as free men BUT we should not use our freedom as a cover up for evil; we should live as servants of the living God."
We must be careful at what we claim as good, true and holy.

On a closing note, I felt there were some words of wisdom and discernment in Rob’s Velvet Elvis. However, there were parts of the book that I didn’t quite agree with.

God bless.

Ope

Activates BBM and VE

2009-06-16T00:36:00.002+01:00

Activates’ BBM was the place to be on Saturday night (13/06/09) . We gathered together to discuss Velvet Elvis (VE); we shared our views on how it ministered to us and what we gained from reading it.

As we did not get the opportunity to celebrate our one year anniversary in February 2009, we shared a big celebration cake together and had a great time socializing.

So far we have read a variety of inspirational and uplifting books in Activate. These books have certainly broadened my knowledge and horizon. They have helped to increase my level of faith, increase my spiritual growth and expanded my knowledge of God. We can never know too much about God. Knowledge is power, so get reading.....

Activate is open to all women.

Stay blessed!

Ope

"VELVET ELVIS"

2009-05-07T23:24:00.007+01:00

Our current read, chosen by one of Activates member is:

"VELVET ELVIS" by ROB BELL.

I bet you are thinking, what a title! Well, rest assured, the book is not about Elvis.

Velvet Elvis is a thought provoking book on Christianity. What is Christianity really about? What do YOU think Christianity is about? Be warned, you will either like this book or dislike it. It has had lots of mixed reviews. I will let you decide for yourself.

Book Description:

"God never changes, nor do the central truths of Christianity. But our understanding of those truths is in constant flux. Christians will always be exploring and discovering what it means to live in harmony with God and each other. Velvet Elvis offers original and refreshingly personal perspectives on what Christianity is really about."

If you haven't yet got your copy, please do so and get reading. The book is available at kerith bookshop.

Happy reading!

Ope

Get Out Of That Pit - My Review...

2009-05-05T04:03:00.003+01:00

Hello there,

I should have posted this a while back.

I was a little bit disappointed with "Get out of that pit".
The title sounded so WOW! and the synopsis was quite impressive. I was expecting a great deal out of the book but instead I found it just ok. I was hoping to get more out of it than I actually did.
I felt Beth Moore “beat around the bush” a lot before getting to the point she was trying to make. Some of the points she made were basically known things, but having said that, there were some encouraging and uplifting words to reflect on. There were a couple of situations she mentioned that I could identify with.
One thing though I admired about this book was the fact that Beth Moore had done her homework well and had all the helpful scriptures to back up her points.

Psalm 40 was brought to life in this book, which has given me a deeper insight to this psalm.

We must therefore be responsible for our own life, but also help other people to carry their burdens.
In a nutshell, there are several ways of getting into a pit, but ultimately it is God that can totally and completely get us out.

Regards,

Ope

Blood and Fire Revisited

2009-02-11T12:51:00.003Z

Hello everyone. Well I have to hold my hand up and say that I chose the last book, and I had not read it so sorry to give you all a very long and slightly academic read-but then a reading group does expand our horizons and enable us to travel together along new pathways.

I chose this book because I wanted to read about the Booth family who started the Salvation Army. I feel that they were one of the first modern church movements that demonstrated the need to be inclusive in an age where there was a huge divide between rich and poor, educated and uneducated, men and women. We can watch Dickens' adaptation on the TV and see what a work house may have been like and read of a rags to riches story but I found that a new light was shed on the conditions of the working and lower classes of Victorian England and also the prejudice and values of those who were Christians or even slightly more privileged.

William Booth was painted warts and all, and although I felt he accomplished so much-I could also see his foibles and limitations on every page. Catherine Booth also came through strongly as a woman of great courage, determination and one who ruled her family with a little kindness but mostly with a great need for discipline and devotion to the cause.

They were a whirlwind and raised a movement that is still active today-if you go to Oxford Street in London there are Salvation Army people serving-they run the biggest agency in the world for finding missing persons, and are an example of how evangelism and social action can be combined to change lives from the inside out.

I was very encouraged too by their work of raising public awareness to the slum conditions, the terrible abuses of cheap labour and the everyday lives of those caught in poverty without the means to escape it. This family changed the face of Christian service a hundred years ago without much money, by using the printing press, by mobilising believers to live a life of devotion and worship and by giving people the opportunity to find dignity and spiritual, economic and social well being.

That inspires me that if God could use them at that time and place then he can use you and me to also help people to encounter Jesus in a way that will make an impact on their own lives and our communities that may well be remarked upon in a hundred years time. Let's believe that this could be true as perhaps one of the biggest challenges for us in the UK and developed world is the crisis in the banking world, and how debt is making slaves again of free people. I see those who are working in CAP as modern day examples of how practical and spiritual help can make a difference to families and restoration can begin.

Get out of that pit

2009-02-10T14:41:00.011Z

Our current read, chosen by Rosely Powell is "Get out of that pit" by Beth Moore.

In this book, Beth Moore talks about what she learned in being delivered by God from the pit of muck and darkness and about the healing to be found in Jesus.
This is a great book and there are lessons for us to learn from it. Rest assured, it is nothing like "Blood and Fire". So if you haven't yet got your copy, please do so and get reading. The book is not available at kerith bookshop. You can purchase this online from Amazon.

Happy Reading! Ope

Synopsis
For everyone who has ever been in a pit-or is in one now, Beth Moore urges readers of this book not to believe for one second that God has forgotten them. It was a truth she could pass to them from her years of pit-dwelling.

Beth Moore wants readers to know if God could lift her out of the pit, He can get ANYONE out! She admits she wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller had to be delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt, bone-chilling darkness, spirit-deadening anger, heart-breaking desperation and mind-numbing confusion. The permanent lessons she learned in her desperation-shared in this very personal book-are lessons of hope for all of us. While she deeply empathizes with the hows and whys of life in the "pit," she continually points readers to the deliverance that awaits. Deliverance is for everyone, she proclaims-no matter how you got stuck, no matter how long you've been down, whether you think you deserve it or not. And in her straight-talking but loving style, she reminds readers that deliverance can begin for them this very day.

Review of “Blood and Fire”

2009-02-09T15:01:00.006Z

Hello Everyone,

I am very curious to know just how many finished reading "Blood and Fire".

In my group, three of us finished reading the book. We had ample time for a thorough discussion and we were also able to chat about other things. It turned out to be a very pleasant and relaxing evening.

Looking back with hindsight, I must have really enjoyed the book. I certainly remembered everything during the discussions, which in itself was quite amazing, considering it was a real sweat to finish. It was pleasing to hear from those who were neither able to read or complete the book they felt that they benefited immensely from the discussions we had.

I found the book very enlightening and I felt it gave me a good background and mental picture of the Victorian era. Some of the challenges they faced in taking the gospel to people in those days haven't particularly changed today. One thing I admired about William Booth was that he had a fighting spirit. He didn't give up despite the challenges and stumbling blocks he constantly had to face. There was a lot of poverty around back then and he seem determined to eradicate it. He persevered and fought for good causes, some of which we still enjoy today. It's amazing to discover that the Salvation Army has been around for over a century. I was a little disappointed that nothing was mentioned about the modern day Salvation Army and how different it has become.

After I finished the book, I was curious to find more current information about the Salvation Army, this lead me to their website where I found the mission statement below.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

In addition, the Salvation Army has moved away from autocracy to democracy, and now elect their General. The first female general was William Booth's daughter, the dynamic Evangeline Booth, who served from 1934 to 1939.

On a closing note, if you are interested in history then you will find it to be a very good book. However, Roy Hattersley's writing style makes it quite difficult to read. Getting past that hurdle, I think there is a lot to be gained from reading "Blood and Fire".

Best Regards,
Ope

Exciting times ahead

2008-11-18T22:02:00.002Z

God gave me the idea of starting a book club, 10 months before I actually did anything about it. I am glad I eventually did. When I finally launched “Activate” on the 9th of February 2008, 14 ladies signed up. Since then, “Activate” has been growing in size. My husband once said to me, “where there is God, there is always growth”. Currently, there are 35 ladies signed up.

In order to create room for growth, “Activate” Book Club has now split into three groups. There is only One “Activate” Book Club, which is made up of three small groups. Apart from creating room for growth, the small group will have a cosier atmosphere and will be easier to coordinate. There will be more time for each member to be heard and more time to socialise. However, group members will need to be committed to keep the meetings lively.

Remember, book clubs are meant to be fun. We certainly want “Activate” to be fun. "Activate" isn’t just about reading and discussing the chosen book, it is also about meeting other ladies, developing friendships, learning from each other and strengthening ourselves spiritually.

In order to keep “Activate” exciting, we have opted for a dynamic split. With the dynamic split, the group members are not permanently attached to a group.

The split process is as follows:

· There will be two “big bang” meetings annually where all members of “Activate” will meet.
· These “big bang” meetings will take place every six months, where the groups will re-shuffle so that all groups will hopefully have new members.
· Re-shuffling will be done by balloting (hence some people may end up in the same group as before).
· Apart from the two “big bang” meetings, there will be 4 small group meetings. Every big bang meeting will be followed by two small group meetings.
· In total, we will have six meetings in a year - 4 small group meetings and 2 big bang meetings. Therefore, we will read 6 books annually and will aspire to meet bi-monthly.
· For now, starting from this first split and to avoid any further complexity, all groups will read the same book. Reading the same book will make the “big bang” meetings (where all members of “Activate” meet) easier to organize and handle. As we won’t have to break up into three groups during the meeting to discuss each groups current reading book.
· For “big bang” meetings, we will have the following venues available – K2, Oakwood and Costa Café in Bracknell town centre.
· Group meetings will take place as usual, in member’s houses. Group members will volunteer to host group meetings (we do not impose hosting on members). Where no member of the group volunteers, then the group leader will host the group meeting.
· Ideally, all groups (A, B, C) will meet on the same day (for consistency and time scale) at their various venues. Where not possible, the meetings should be within a week of the other groups meeting. Ideally we want everyone to have the same timescale for reading. This will also be helpful when we have to meet up for the “big bang” meetings.

The dates for our next 3 meetings are as follows:
17th January 2009 – group meeting;
28th March 2009 – group meeting;
13th June 2009 – big bang meeting;
On 17th January 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our current reading book: “BLOOD & FIRE” by Roy Hattersley.
On 28th March 2009, we will meet at our various venues to discuss our next book: “GET OUT OF THAT PIT” By Beth Moore

You can now subscribe to the "Activate" blog by email and receive an email whenever someone posts a comment on the blog.
For those of you who may not want to be active members of “Activate”, but want to read along side us, please feel free to subscribe to the “Activate” blog.
The link below will take you to the “Activate” blog. You can then subscribe to the blog. Please follow the instructions on the screen to complete your subscription.

http://uniqueactivate.blogspot.com/

If you want more information on "Blood & Fire" by Roy Hattersley, a synopsis of this has been posted on the "Activate" blog.

Happy reading!

God Bless.

Ope

Blood and Fire

2008-11-18T08:29:00.003Z

Many years ago I read a biography (no longer in print)of Catherine Booth and was deeply affected by the passion and purpose that this woman had in an age where most women were powerless in a world led by men. I felt that she was a woman of courage and action who lived out the gospel and tirelessly managed to keep the two principles of bold evangelism and selfless social action evident in all that she and her husband did.

Catherine Booth led an exemplary life but also started a movement that we still know today as the Salvation Army. This movement has centres in major cities all over the world ministering to people who are vulnerable. The Sally Army gives practical support, shelter and is a major agency acting to relocate the "lost" both spiritually and those who have run away from home.

This reminds me of the vision and remit of our CAP ministry. We do not live in a world of child labour, work houses, or slums but we do see people enslaved to payment plans that they cannot meet. This book has been written by Roy Hattersley who is a labour peer and was for many years a labour MP. He clearly draws many of his political ideals from these forefathers and I hope that this book will demonstrate that the true source of all compassion and mercy comes from Christ and the compelling call of the gospel.

This book is available on line through a number of sources. I am currently enthralled by the BBC's Little Dorrit written by Charles Dickens. The heroes of this tale use their influence and finance to bring hope and reform for one or two people. The imagery of this programme can help us to know that the Booths were working at the same time to bring hope, health and salvation not just to the privileged who had fallen on hard times but to the least of the brethren.

Enjoy! Jacqui Webber-Gant

Activate meeting update and split

2008-11-17T22:25:00.001Z

Hello ladies,

Thank you for very much for attending the last “Activate” meeting on Saturday 15th November 2008. It was a wonderful meeting. It was nice to be able to come together once again to share our journey, learn from each other, socialize and discuss “Dangerous Surrender”. You ladies were so real and open, and I believe that sharing together like we do will surely help us all in our spiritual growth, especially at times when we feel we are struggling with our faith.

Thank you Heather for hosting us.

We thank God for the growth of “Activate” which has now led to the book club splitting up into 3 groups.

Overview

There is one book club - “Activate”
“Activate” will consist of 3 groups

Group A – Lead by: Ope O
Group B – Lead by: Ly P
Group C – Lead by: Paula R

All 3 groups will read the same book and will meet on the same day at their various venues.
An email will be sent out notifying you of the group you belong and more detailed information about the split.

Our current reading book, chosen by Jacqui is “BLOOD & FIRE” By Roy Hattersley.

A synopsis of the book will be posted up shortly.

Jacqui has kindly amended the “Activate” blog, so you can now subscribe to the blog by email and receive an email whenever someone posts a comment on the blog.

The date for our next meeting, where we will be discussing Blood & Fire is 17th January 2009.

Happy reading!

God Bless.

Ope

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

2008-09-09T16:12:00.002+01:00

Hi girls

Little did I know what I was letting myself and you into when I chose the book (I liked the title)and I am really sorry to have missed the book club meeting. I found the book both challenging, encouraging and inspiring. I am sure that there are many Martha's out there and a few Mary's.
I always felt guilty that I was a Martha and in some ways still am but encouraged to know even in the business and seasons of life that we can have a Mary heart.

I found the picture of the hoola hoops very apt in my particular season and trying to endeavour to be closer to God - not easy - but thats because I need to sit at his feet!!!

Glynne

Our Next Book

2008-09-07T15:54:00.007+01:00

Our next book has been chosen by Heather West and is Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. This book is subtitled "What happens when you say yes to God" and it traces Kay's journey to discover a new area of work by helping to make a difference to people with HIV/AIDS. This book has a study at the back which helps you to think through your own response to each chapter. Kay also has a range of other resources to help you enter her world on her own website including more study resources.

We have just had the privilege of hearing Lynne Hybels speak this morning about her involvement with HIV/AIDS relief work in Zambia and as I was buying my copy of Dangerous Surrender I also bought a copy of Lynne's book "Nice girl's don't change the world." I have already read this as it is a very slim volume, and was pleased to see that money from sales goes to the HIV ministry. This book is a perfect sandwich to transition from Being a Mary in a Martha World to Kay's book.

It tells how Lynne has her own breakthrough from God from a world of surrender to serving everyone else's ministry and deep depression that results from being buried alive to an awakening in to the real self that she alone can be, which gave her the courage and energy to start fresh. Lynne was a Mary barricaded into a kitchen and is now a Mary/Martha set free to live out her own calling in her own way. It is a deeply inspiring story demonstrating how Jesus loves and woos us and will never stop trying to reach us with his undeserved love and grace. So I have the book if you need to borrow it, but if you can invest in Lynne's ministry and buy a copy yourself!

Having Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

2008-09-06T23:23:00.003+01:00

This is a thought provoking book that one can return to at different stages of one's life and find new nuggets of truth relevant to the ever changing needs that each season of our life brings. I took some time to get into the flow of the book because I am essentially not a Martha or "kitchen" type of person. I am far more comfortable with Mary in the "living room" and welcome the service that the Martha's around me offer!

I found the section in chapter 6 about kitchen service most helpful, and in particular this quote, "Service without spirituality is exhausting and hopeless. But in the same respect, spirituality without service is barren and selfish." This captures the whole issue of balancing the two as if they were two sides of a coin and must always be together in our lives.

I discovered the study at the end of the book when I had finished it (der????)-so perhaps you might like to use it as you read through it and really let the book work through you like yeast in dough. Jacqui

Reminder for the next "ACTIVATE" meeting

2008-09-02T22:05:00.003+01:00

The details of the next meeting are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 6th September 2008.
Hostess: Ly P
Venue: ......
Time: 7.30pm

Val Cottee will be joining us at this meeting to share briefly with us some of her teachings on "Having a Mary heart in a Martha world". At this meeting, Heather West will be disclosing the next reading book. I’m sure she has something interesting in mind for us.

Thank you Ly for offering to host us.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

God Bless.

Ope

Hadassah

2008-08-20T10:21:00.002+01:00

Dear All,

Having heard about the book and not having read it, I have now done so in two nights. I really enjoyed it and it made me want to read Esther again with a new perspective, that I am in process of doing.

I am not yet started the new book and if anyone has already read it I would love to borrow their copy please. I am away for the next few days but back home Monday.

Thank you Paula for a lovely evening of laughter and fun at your house. I quite enjoyed the film although it was very sentimental and a bit naff in places!!

Nicky

Hello.......

2008-08-18T13:10:00.003+01:00

Hello Ladies,

I hope you are all making the best out of this year's summer.

I just thought to see how everyone is doing and how the current reading book "Having a mary heart in a martha world has touched us individually.

I hope to see you all at the next meeting on Saturday the 6th of September at 7.30pm. It will be taking place at Ly's house. I will send out a reminder closer to the date.

Enjoy the week ahead and God bless you all.

Love,

Ope

Hello Ladies,

2008-08-18T13:10:00.000+01:00

Ladies movie night on Friday 1st August 2008

2008-07-29T22:26:00.000+01:00

Hello ladies,

I hope you are all in good health. Wish I could say the same for myself as I have been off work the past couple of days with cold, cough, migraine and fatigue. Hopefully, I should be back at work tomorrow.

This is just a reminder that we will be having our ladies movie night this Friday, 1st August 2008 at Paula Ridgway’s house to watch Hadassah – ‘One night with the king’. Time is 7pm prompt.

It will be nice if you can make it. Please let both myself and Paula know if you won’t be able to make it.

By the way, have we all picked up our copies of our current reading book – ‘Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world’ by Joanna Weaver. If you haven’t, I’ll like to encourage you to pick it up as soon as possible, as our discussion meeting for this book will be Saturday, 6th September. If you have any questions for discussion on this book, can you please post these on the blog, so as to kick start the brain storm session we will be having at the next meeting. Val Cottee will be joining us at the next meeting to share with us on her teaching on this topic.

See you all on Friday.

Stay blessed.

Ope

Preparation for our meeting to discuss Hadassah

2008-07-11T09:05:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone.

This blog has really not been utilised very much, so my next entry will have some suggestions. as to how we can change that.

Hadassah by Tommy Tenney

I hope that everyone has had the opportunity to read this book in preparation for the meeting. I thought I would just ask a few questions to stir some responses.

Did you find that you went to the source and read Esther alongside the book?
How do you feel about the fiction aspects of the story?
Tommy uses the swastika as a device to suggest a parallel with the Holocaust-did you find that this made you consider recent history in a different light?
There is hardly any direct mention of God in the book of Esther- Does this validate a life spent as a faithful wife and servant of God?
Do you feel there were parallels with Song of Songs?
What did God say to you through reading the book?
Have you read/listened to other Tommy Tenney materials? What is the one message that he preaches and comes through this book?
Would you recommend this book to anyone else?

Please do share your thoughts, responses here or in person. Jacqui

Joni brief review...

2008-05-12T10:14:00.000+01:00

OK, I've finished the book and found it quite readable. I remember hearing about 'Joni' some years ago and the story seemed frightning then tbh..I didn't really like the idea of a young girl being paralysed etc.. so failed to grasp the other lessons back then. Reading it now years later I am able to see how God used this incident for His glory and the stength of her faith is overwhelming and challenging. Also seeing life from her perspective and the things that now held importance to her after the accident, her fervency to practically apply the word of God was also an eye opener for me... Anyway I've been reveiwing a few books as I'm choosing the material next for the club and I'm torn btwn two very diff books. One is quite readable and I guess more light hearted and a familiar story to us, the other covers deep issues for us christians to face up to... hm I pray God leads me to choose the right book he wants us to learn something from.xx E

JONI - Update

2008-04-30T19:31:00.002+01:00

Hello Ladies,

Just keeping in touch with you all. I hope by now you have all purchased your copies of JONI and are well into reading the moving story. In an instant, her life changed from an active, full of life teenager, to being totally paralysed.....

I better say no more so that I don't spoil it for those of you who have just started reading it.

So far, I am amazed at the faith shown by Joni as a young girl, the way she holds on to God's words and promises on healing . It makes me think of scripture about the "mustard seed" faith.

On a closing note, let me encourae us all to have total faith in the Almighty Lord in whatever trials we face.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 17th of May.

By the way, no one seems to be using the blog! Please let's use it to keep in touch, or if you prefer emails, by all means send emails.

God Bless.

Love,

Ope

Keeping in touch

2008-04-18T22:22:00.000+01:00

Hello Ladies,

I hope you are all well and in good health. By now, I hope we have all bought our copies of “Joni”. If not, you can order a copy from Amazon.com or from Play.com.
Can I remind you that we will be meeting in a month’s time on Saturday, 17th May 2008, at Paula Ridgway’s house, starting at 7.30 pm. I encourage you all to get reading. It will be great if we can all participate fully during the discussions at the next meeting.

Danielle Seidu will be chairing the meeting as she chose the reading material.

A big thank you to Jacqui for setting up the blog. Ladies, let us make the best use of this blog to share and encourage each other.

May the Almighty Lord Bless you all.

Happy reading.

Love,

Ope

Welcome to Activate

2008-04-09T14:49:00.004+01:00

Over the last month we have been reading "The Confident Woman" by Joyce Meyer. Please briefly share here any insights that you have discovered as a result of reading this book. Keep your comments to one or two paragraphs. Please encourage each other by replying to each other's comments. Joyce has a daily podcast and an excellent website where you can watch online videos of her practical teaching.

The next book that we will be reading is Jonie which is a testimony book. We will discuss this book after the next meeting.