Johnson Books

This is a beautiful, easy to read story with a sober, yet sweet crasp of reality. The characters in the book, especially the heroine were written well enough that I could identify with them and their feelings. It is a delightful account of a young girl growing into a mature woman, how she overcomes the obstacles of life and makes the best of them. Mrs Johnson made the story more attractive for a history buff like me with some insight to life of a poor family in early Oklahoma. I definitely recommend the story.

I really liked this book. I hope there will be a sequel. Some books are hard to put down even after you get to the end. This is one of those.

I bought this book at a signing to support a local artist. After reading it, I ordered copies for Christmas for my daughters-in-law who are strong, Oklahoma women. The characters are alive - half I've been and the other half I've known!

One of the advantages of the online book review service provided by Amazon.com is that lesser known authors are provided a forum in which their works can be brought to the readers attention without having to spend large amounts of money usually only available to better known authors and those with contacts at the large publishing houses. It has been my experience that there are a large number of very good authors that are unable to generate the required reader attention due to financial restraints. Many are so-called regional or local authors that are first rate writers who can, given the opportunity, compete with the "big name" writers.This is such an author and book.
I was reminded of Fred Harris and his wonderful novels of early 20th Century Oklahoma while reading this book. The book is set in the mid 1940s to the 1970s and involves what Rilla Askew calls "...a veritable mid-20th Century Everywoman." The woman, Vada Priddy, has more than her fair share of adversity but,in a manner that ultimately will make you proud, manages to overcome life's inevitable hardships and not only survive but endure. While not a new theme for writers, what really sets this book apart is the authors ability to combine a highly readable style with believable dialogue in such a manner that the reader almost feels like they have been sitting on the porch with the author and been treated to a personal reading. It's that good. A beautiful effort by a first rate author. Highly recommended.

I read 'Everlasting' in a single day, and although I am an avid reader, that is unusual even for me. I loved this novel. Carol Johnson is an important new writer, with many wonderful qualities.

First, she's a natural storyteller, and what a story she has to tell! From the moment we meet Vada, the brave protagonist, in 1940s rural Oklahoma, we are held in suspense by the knowledge that she must undergo great suffering, and her life is portrayed in such detail that we feel as if we are sharing it.

Times are tough, of course, particularly for women, and yet Johnson creates her characters so skillfully that all are highly complex, from Harmon, who at first sight seems to be nothing but a villain, but later turns out to have redeeming qualities and earns his wife's affection, to Vada's parents, who both betray her, though for reasons we come to understand; and even Vada herself, self-sacrificing and devoted as she is, turns out to have some of her mother's insensitivity.

A great plot and unforgettable characters are the stuff of most great novels, but few contemporary writers that I know have such a distinctive voice as Carol Johnson, in addition. She writes with a kind of spare lyricism that evokes the grittiness of her characters' lives and the hardships of mid-century rural America; there is a quiet dignity and nobility in her style that has considerable beauty and power. Furthermore, she writes with wit and wisdom, and her dialogue is as sharp as a whetted scythe.

What more can I say? If you like realistic literary fiction, with no gimmicks, you won't read a better novel this year---at least I haven't. It isn't a very long book, but it's a big one, which tells us how we lived not so long ago, and thus, who we are now. Carol Johnson is one of the most authentic voices of the American heartland. So give yourself a treat: read 'Everlasting' soon.

You'd expect the director of Kanakuk Kamps to know a little something about kids, and this book by Joe White doesn't disappoint. White shares the lessons he's learned from years of interaction with tens of thousands of other kids as well as raising four of his own, and some lessons he's had to learn the hard way. The book is solidly founded on Scripture as the foundation upon which to build a family and Joe clearly communicates that his number one goal as a father is to pass a legacy of faith in Christ to his children. The practical steps to accomplish this goal make up the various chapters in the book and over half the book is just practical resources and material for parents to use with their own children. Nothing earth-shattering in this book, but you won't be unaffected either. Joe White is serious about training young people and serious about grounding them in God's Word - your parenting will be challenged by Joe's commitment to this great cause of being a father.

My wife and i have read this book and tried to apply it to the raising of our five kids. It was a great guide for us and we have bought numerous copies to give to friends. Buy it, read it, apply it, give it away. Great job Joe.

This book is amazing! I've been using it for 7 years now and it is chalked with fantastic relational tips, as well as incredibly practical ways to train your child and give them a firm faith based on the Bible. Very easy to use. Joe White has done all the hard work of creating devotions, and choosing age appropriate passages of the Bible for your children to memorize. Our three year old memorized Psalm 23 in it's entirety, and we were shocked. I never would have even attempted to teach her had it not been for this book! Don't go on without it!

I am now buying several more copies of this book to give away. I was so excited when I finished reading this book that I wanted everyone else I knew to have it too! It is so down-to-earth and practical that I feel like I may actually be able to integrate some of the ideas into our busy lives with our two young sons.

I picked up this book because I've had the pleasure of knowing the author and his family. I've recommended it to every parent I know because it proved to be such a invaluable resource.

Having seen first hand the success that the Whites have had raising thier family, I was dying to see how much advice he could get into a practical form in this book. I was so thrilled to see that Joe was incredibly successful in putting together a priceless tool for parents of kids of all ages.

As a full time youth worker, I talk to tons of parents that have, for the most part, given up on their dream of raising Godly kids in the world that we live in. It is possible, we are called by God to do it, and you can never start too early!

This book gives you practical advice on how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task from a man who has done it! Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there is practical advice for you that you can begin to put into practice today.

Buy it, today, read it, tomorrow, and be prepared to reap the rewards for years to come!

This book gives practical advice and guidance to caregivers of both the elderly and others requiring on-going care. In addition, the book gives positive encouragement and uplifiting thoughts. It would have helped me in the past and I know it will help me in the future. Every family seems to be facing caregiving situations these days. This book will help!

A superior book to help all ages deal with the feelings associated with caregiving to aging parents. It is a guide to help deal with the non-system of healthcare, healthcare financing, and disjointed services. The key contribution of the book is the interactive format which encourages recording of vital information prior to the time that it is needed in crisis. The 14 friends have made a great contribution of their own experiences and honestly shared emotions to help guide others through tough times. The book is be a must read for all people facing the care of parents. After you read it you will be comforted by the clear understanding that you are not alone and there are sources of help!

The correct title of the book isFourteen Friends' Guide to Eldercarin

The book is basic in its approach to elder caring. Because the book is written by fourteen different people it is repedative in areas. This book completely ignores the wonderful counsel of daily Bible reading and prayer in elder care giving. My Mother suffering with Alzheimer's, loves to have the Bible read to her. "What a friend we have in Jesus".

This book gives advice on both practical aspects of caring forthe eldery and the more emotional aspect of understanding theiractions. I found that I made quite a few realizations about the behavior of my grandparents (any one of which would have made the book worth my time). The section for recording information such as "Grocery stores that deliver" gave me great ideas about ways to improve their access to things they need. There are so many little things that make a huge impact on our elderly loved ones. This book gives great suggestions. I highly recommend it.

I've worked in high schools for the past several years, and now am trying to get a job as a teacher. This book will be on my shelf to assist me with dealing with my class. Her methods are great! Too many teachers are so uptight that they are the cause of their own classroom problems. This author shows that great results can be had with compassion, a sprinkle of humor and a true love of her students.

What a wonderful book, for teachers, students, parents, anyone who might need to be reminded of how much we have to give, if we just "will". The author shows her love for her students in every passage, and it was well written, witty, and a wonderful read.

Highly recommended as an entertaining, and insightful, book on teaching children who need love desperately.

I had the wonderful chance of reading this book. This book made me laugh and cry and jump in suspense. Ms. Johnson is a wonderful teacher who deserves awards beyong awards. The book taught me to see other parts of education. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who is going into the education field

This should be required reading for every education major. I teach in an urban school; Ms. Johnson had something some of my young colleagues who quit teaching after a year do not have--resolve, persistance, and determination. There are no "bad" kids, there are kids who do "bad" things or come from "bad" environments, but as Ms. Johnson writes, it is possible to save the kids by giving a lot of ourselves.

I'm also an English teacher who have been teaching teen-agers for 10 years. Teaching teenagers is hard work, very stressful, depressed by themselves and the surrounding of them. I don't have such energy of love to my students as Louanne Johnson. But I can feel her pain in heart because I myself love my students. They are devils and angels at the same time. If they were devils, I could ignore them. If they were angels, I could just smile, do nothing, and just ignore them. But they are irresistable.

I agree with Hal, her master teacher. He said to her, "Teenagers are supposed to be ungrateful little brutes. They're supposed to trample your tender feelings, break your heart. It's their job." He is always right. I wish he would be with me!!!

As soon as I opened "Give God The Glory! Called To Be Light In The Workplace" by Kevin Wayne Johnson, I knew that this was going to be one of the most inspirational book reads of my life. Kevin Wayne Johnson sums up all of a worker's desires, and wants as one takes on responsibilities in the workplace. However, this book is told with the kind of clarity, spiritualism and focus that will lead readers to carry the book around like a bible in the workplace for all to see.

Kevin Wayne Johnson's book heralds what a modern day worker should aspire to be, from the moment one walks through the workplace door, takes on the role of being a leader for the well being of all, and of course serving God as one's only source of inspiration, hope and guidance who embodies all that is precious and good.

Then and only then, will a worker be able to displace negativity with growth, stamina, will power and the determination to succeed. I was inspired by the cartoon depictions, and powerful quotes in this professional and spiritual book of guidance, such as " I missed more than 9000 shots in my career, I've lost almost 300 games, 26 times, I've been trusted to take the winning shot, and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life, And that is why I succeed," as quoted from the legendary Michael Jordan himself.

The care and authorial symbolism constructed in this treasure is a journey every person on their way to success should take and keep in mind like Attorney Johnny Cochran, Jr. has mentioned as well, "People are successful not because of what they say, but because of what they ask." You will ask many questions as you read Give God The Glory: Called To Be Light In The Workplace, but of yourself and place in society along with God.

There are also, spiritual quotes from the bible and soul-filled messages by Kevin Wayne Johnson himself, who is not only on his way to completing 9 books for The Give God The Glory Series, but helping folks from around the nation to develop a personal relationship with God to find inner peace, success, and the will power to enhance one's life with daily prayer. I am a believer in this man's work, and like T.D. Jakes and others who have taken a leading role to use the written word to influence a nation, I believe that Kevin Wayne Johnson is on his way to being a leader of our time. "Give God The Glory: Called To Be Light In The Workplace" is a powerful message YOU must not miss.

There is a song I remember from childhood, with the words 'rise shine give God glory', and this book brought this memory to mind, but I digress. GIVE GOD THE GLORY is much more than a song or a memory. It is a wake up message about family.

GIVE GOD THE GLORY: The Godly Family Life is Johnson's teachings on the family unit according to the dictates of God. He believes there is a formula for living and it starts with family. He focuses first on the persons who make up the family base; fathers. The father is the foundation of the family, family is the foundation of the church and the church is the foundation of the Body of Christ.

But GIVE GOD THE GLORY talks about every component of the family unit. It is sectioned in three distinct parts 'The Significance and Role of the Father', 'The Impact and Role of the Mother', and 'The Phases and Role of the Child'. With the use of scriptural men, biblical scriptures, his own life experiences and indisputable statistics, he substantiates his beliefs. Johnson envisions this book will change lives.

This is the fourth book, of his Give God the Glory series, and he believes this may be his most compelling. He forecasts that if the principals taught in this book are applied, they will strengthen existing families and serve as a guide to those who want to start successful families. Along with his messages he has included worksheets at the end of each chapter for personal accountability. This is a thoroughly inspirational read.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Deacon Johnson has used his own walk with the Lord and scriptures from the Bible to assist in teaching us how we should Glorify the Lord.
This book can be enjoyed by the seasoned Christian reader as well as the novice. All of the scriptures have been so eloquently broken down in language that we can all understand. "Give God The Glory", will put a fire under you to get out and spread the Word.
The scriptures tell us that we each are given spiritual gifts. This book expounded on those gifts and helps us to identify our spiritual gift or gifts. Also, how we can use them in our everyday life.
References to the scriptures, the men in the Bible and what steps we all need to take to become stronger Christians are all included.
The thought provoking questions provided at the end of the chapter helped to reinforce the learning process.
Pick up a copy of this book and grab your Bible. This book is an excellent study guide to add to your library.

Kevin Wayne Johnson's Give God the Glory is a wonderful instructional book broken up into two parts: KNOW GOD and DO THE WILL OF GOD. In Part One, he teaches readers how to glorify God at all times, comprehend that they are "called" whether they realize it or not, and learn how to recognize and utilize their personal spiritual gifts. In Part Two, he teaches readers to spread the gospel, stand tall, and be a blessing to others.

While those may seem like simple requests, most people do not act upon them daily and Give God the Glory shows us how we can make it a habitual part of our lives. Each chapter ends with a list of questions to consider, which enables readers to analyze what they have just read and fully acclimate it into their souls.

For those searching for an easy-to-read guide on spiritual enhancement, Give God the Glory is a wonderful selection. It is extremely positive to see a young African American male pen such a book because our male youth need more mentors to look to for assistance in their spiritual growth.

Reviewed by Zane

Have you ever asked yourself what it means to be a Christian and how can you
glorify God and do his will? These are the questions that Kevin Wayne Johnson
tackles in his first book, Give God the Glory.

The language used in the book is descriptive, understandable and clear. For
each topic that is discussed, the reader is provided with Old and New Testament
Biblical references. In addition, the author provides contextual information,
references and lots of easy to understand definitions. The book provides a
blueprint of how to strengthen your Christian walk.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the section that covered spiritual
gifts. In this section, different types of gifts were identified and
explained. This section led me to ask myself, "What are the gifts that God has
given me and am I using them or letting them go to waste?"

This book will have you grabbing pen and paper so that you can take notes. It
is thorough and inspiring. The book raises a lot of tough questions that need
to be addressed by Christians. You will find yourself searching your soul as
you try to answer the questions he raises. Most important, reading this book
can help put you on a path that will help you strengthen and further develop
your relationship with God. I am sure that if you read this book with an open
heart and answer the questions to consider that the author has listed at the
end of each chapter, you will be touched. This was an excellent book and I
hope that Mr. Johnson continues his writing for the Lord.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

The first and best of a family saga during the mid 1800s in England, when industry changes everyone's lives.

I can think of few better authors to take along on a long plane ride than Delderfield. God Is an Englishman is the first of a trilogy that runs a little out of gas by the end of the third book, but not in the first. To Serve Them All My Days got me hooked on Delderfield, and this series continued it. I can also recommend his book Diana. Alot of his works are out of print, although you can find them at liabraries, or Amazon's auction site -- or bookfinder.com

I am 15 and I loved God is an Englishman. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and the hours I spent on the 816 pages flew by. I found myself trying to finish my homework as early as possible so that I could get to the book before bed. It was also wonderful because it gave me so much to relate to in my Modern European History Class, where we are studying the same time period. I understand the events that we are learning about much more clearly because of Adam and Henrietta Swann. Everyone should read this book, I can't wait to read the other two!

This book has apparently stood the test of time. While I read it, I had no idea that it had been written 30 years ago. The historic details are magnificent, as is Delderfield's sense of English geography. The story is rather simple and predictable however. And the characters are too perfect. No character is this book is ever in danger of knowing failure, and to me, that detracts from their depth.

This book is a must read for any Anglophile. The story traces the development of a haulage firm that serves all of Enland and Wales and part of Scotland. While that is the major focus, the family life of the founder of "Swan on Wheels" is very much a part of it. In fact, all the characters involved are well presented with divergent and believable personalities.

This book is just about the most inspiring and amazing books I have ever read. The very first chapter completely forced me to look at how I view God and how it affects every part of my life. EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.

I rarely get real excited about devotional books. However, this has become one of my favorite books. It balances well the use of Scripture and the use of anecdotes. I shy away from books that rely strictly on stories to convey their message. This relies a lot on Scripture, but not so much as to be overwhelming or hard to read. It truly helped me to see God in a different way. I highly recommend this book!

We all have times of doubt about who God is and if His character is consistent with who He claims to be. Chip Ingram brings the one true God, the God Almighty, before you and gives you a clear understanding of who God is and why He is Lord of All. Chip Ingram is one of my favorite authors, there is no question he is led completely by the Holy Spirit and his style of writing is so personal that you are moved from the moment you begin reading his books. This book is no different from his others in that they are powerful, inspirational, and filled with a message straight from God. You will find yourself face to face with God throughout this book and you are sure to draw even nearer to Him. I would highly recommend this as well to anyone who is questioning their beliefs in God, a friend or relative who does not know God, or someone just struggling in life who needs to know God is with them. I HIGHLY recommend, "God As He Longs for You to See Him!"

This is one of the most influential books I have ever read. I recommend it to everyone, especially to anyone who struggles with their concept of God and how He sees us. Simply wonderful!

This book has given me a much deeper insight to God's character.Very much unlike ours.I would highly recommend this book to anyone.I bought several to give to members of my family.

A wonderful compilation and reading of the words and works of Jesus. At first I was a bit hesitant to purchase a reading of the Gospel by the dramatic voice and personality of Mr. Keillor. I was very pleasantly surprised and grateful, however, to find that he completely allows the story to speak for itself. The pacing is perfect and gives one time to think about the spiritual significance of the words. I have listened over and over and will continue to do so for years to come. The perfect gift for one who has everything, and a great bargain, even if one pays full-price!

This is great: I borrowed this from the library and now I'm buying it. Very understandable and easy to listen to. He draws you into the story and makes you feel as if you are there, as he always does. Wish he would do the old testament, too!

I wasn't sure what to expect. I feared that inventing a "Gospel of Jesus" would trivialize the message, yet, this is wonderful! I found it almost meditative, prayerful. I do so appreciate that it "tells the old, old story that I have loved the best."

I liked it quite a bit. Garrison Keillor's style of reading helps to bring out the peaceful nature of Jesus. I did wish at times that he would emote a bit more, however. I also wished he wouldn't have put quite so many pauses in the sentences. But other than that, I was quite inspired by his reading.

Garrison Keillor has the perfect voice for reading the Gospel of Jesus. it is a pleasure to listen to and easy to follow, and would be a perfect introduction for someone wanting to find out what the Gospels actually say. there is no pretension or 'religiosity'; it is just a simple narrative. excellent!

I was dubious about buying this book, but I decided to go ahead and get it since I'm familiar with the author. I knew it wasn't something I would like myself, but figured my boyfriend would so it wouldn't be a waste.
After I got it I flipped through a few pages before my giving it to my boyfriend. Well why did I do that! I was hooked from the very first page.
This is really and truly one of the best books I've ever read.
It tells the story of Bumpy Johnson, the gangster who ran Harlem after fighting it out with the Mafia in the thirties. I had seen the movie Hoodlum, so I knew Bumpy was a colorful character, but the movie didn't tell the half of it. This books tells Bumpy's early life, how he turned to a life of crime, and the principles he had while in the life. He wasn't like the thugs they have out here now. He was tougher than any alive, for one. But also, as tough as he was (and he was tough!) he still was a good man in a lot of ways. That's why he was so loved.
The book tells about Bumpy's childhood in Charleston, his arrival in Harlem in 1919, and how he got started as a gangster. We also learn about a lot of the other colorful characters he ran with like Bub Hewlett and Madame Queen who were also portrayed in the movie Hoodlum, and also what eventually happened to them.
It also tells about Bumpy's time in prison, and how he raised so much hell there the wardens were trying to figure out how to get him the heck out of prison. Can you imagine that?
The book also tells about other Harlem characters who've never been written about. Like Dickie Wells, who was a gigilo who romanced white movie stars and got rich doing so, and then spent all his money uptown in Harlem, treating black women to a good time. He was a gigilo who never took a dime from a black woman but bilked white ones for all they had.
And the book also talks about Red Dillard Morrison, who was almost (but only almost) as colorful as Bumpy.
And the book gives an interesting history of Harlem that I never knew, and how the black people had to hire people like Bub Hewlett and Bumpy Johnson (they called them the Harlem Bad Men) to protect them from the whites who would come up from Hells Kitchen and try to break black heads. Bub really put a stop to that!
There's also great stories about Bill Bojangles Robinson, Lena Horne and others. And I didn't know that Bumpy was godfather to Sydney Poitier's oldest daughter. But with all that, Bumpy was still a bad man, and a colorful one that you can't help taking a liking too. He didn't smoke or curse around women he didn't know, but he would still shoot or cut a man in a minute.
Like another reviewer already said, the book reads like a novel, and a really good one. Even though it's more than 200 pages I flew through it and then was mad when I was finished because it was so good I didn't want to stop reading it.
I can't say enough about this book. Like I already said, it's one of the best I've ever read. I really, really, really recommend it to everyone!

This book is GREAT!. I love the way Bumpy Johnson's story is told from his wife's point of view without the book being all about her. Ms. Quinones-Miller is such an excellent writer that you forget while reading it that it is a non-fiction book. I read this book from the moment I got it until I finnished and I was not dissapointed at all. I suggest this book to anybody who loves BIOGRAPHIES AND URBAN FICTION. It is the best!!!

I really loved this Book.. After spending years searching for any information on Bumpy Johnson, I was excited to find that this book would be published. When I recieved my copy I read it in two days, and was very happy to learn about the "Real Bumpy Johnson". He was some man... The movie couldn't get it right, but this book certainly has... Congratulations to the author on a job well done...

Imagine sitting around on the living room floor in your grandmother's house, listening carefully as your grandmother recaps your family history. That is the feeling I got while reading Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson by Mayme Johnson and Karen E Quinones Miller.

Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was already making a name for himself. His parents, worrying about his safety, send him to live with his older sister, Mabel, in Harlem. This was the beginning of a new sheriff in town, and he meant business.

If loyalty is what you wanted; Bumpy was the man to find. Anything happening in Harlem had to be approved by him as well, and he never ever backed downed. Especially when he knew he was right. Though his main business was numbers running and protection, he was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, on a drug trafficking charge. Something he did not see coming, for all of Harlem knew the type of man he was.

Mayme Johnson wanted to set the record straight about the type of man, her husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson, was. The type of people he kept company with and how he dealt with those who thought they could bring him down. At 93 years-old her memories of the things which took place, from the time Bumpy was young all the way up until the day of his death, was impressive. Though she met Bumpy in 1948, he along with his true friends shared the events of his earlier days with her, as well as things that took place when she was not there.

Mayme Johnson and Karen E Quinones Miller cleared up a lot of falsified information in Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson. Sometimes they flipped back and forth within the timeline, but it was not hard to keep up with. The main thing I had a concern about was the lack of proper editing. There were numerous errors of all sorts. The binding was also an issue for me. I found it hard to hold the book comfortably. All and all I still recommend Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson to anyone wanting to know the truth about the real American gangster.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Thank You Mrs. Johnson for sharing this true to heart story about Bumpy Johnson with alot of history intertwined. I looked at American Gangster and Hollywood have it all wrong. From reading this book about Bumpy's life, I feel that he helped pave the way and made Harlem what it is to this day, and his legend still lives thru Harlem. This story was told from his childhood years until his last days. I felt I truly knew Bumpy Johnson when I read the book, but while reading, I wished I had not only knew Mr. Johnson, but I wished only for a glimpse of The Harlem Godfather. This book is told thru his wife's voice, and it was no fairy tale, but it was told from the heart of a woman who loved him the most. I not only learned about Bumpy, but I learned about others such as Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles", Lucky Luciano, Flash Walker (who Frank Lucas so wanted his life to be) and Billie Holiday. I was the most amazed at how a young little boy from the south that came to Harlem and took over. I also have to give Bumpy his credit whatever he went thru or did, he still loved his people and did his time like a true man and snitching wasn't even in his vocabulary.

Thanks Mrs. Mayme Johnson and Karen E. Quinones from setting the record straight for all of America. Thanks for educating me on a part of American History of Bumpy Johnson, and telling me a story that I will will always know who the real Bumpy Johnson really was from his start until that last tear from my eyes to the end of the book!! Bumpy Johnson, Harlem's and America's True Gangster R.I.P. !!

It was not long after a group of friends laughed in my face over my life-changing conversion to from atheism to Christianity that I picked up this book, billed as "the classic guide on evangelism." Not only did it turn out to be a big help for sharing my faith; just as important, it gave this baby Christian a better handle on the teachings of Christianity, and answered many of my most pressing questions - including why simply leading a good and moral life won't get anyone to heaven.

I was always curious about how my discussions of Christ would be understood by non-christians, so when I discovered this book I thought it might shed some light onto this. This book was first published in 1966, and when you start to read it, its age is very apparent. Once I got by how dated some of the context appeared, I was able to pull many useful ideas out of it. The part I without doubt will be going back to is a chapter where he discusses some of the most common questions non-christians ask about our religion. The authors answers are very well thought out, and in my mind, simply brilliant.

Picture it as an 'energy-drink' kind of book. It makes me so excited about my Jesus and my faith. Mr. Little gives some hard-core suggestions on sharing your faith, and at the same time he doesn't forget to teach you to stay connected with the ultimate Power. Now I have real facts about my faith. I feel more confident that I can tell my friends about what I believe in. I use his suggestions in my Bible studies, and they're drawing me closer to my God.
I can't wait to let my friends know!

Paul Little's classic work, How to Give Away Your Faith, offers a simple yet often times profound look at one of the "hardest" tasks of the Christian life: evangelism. Witnessing is hard. Most Christians try to stay away from it and those who do evangelize often prove to be more of an embarrassment to the faith than a witness. How are we to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Christ to a world in need? How do broken clay jars carry an eternal message of hope and life to the thirsty and starving? In seeking to answer such questions, Little charts a helpful course for those who seek to be Christ's ambassadors to the world.

Be Real! The world's need for Christ is real and his help is a necessity. Christ and Christianity are the only real answers to the world's need. We must be aware of this need and we must sincerely and truthfully proclaim the wonders of his name. It is our duty to live a life of genuine faith and sincerity of mission because superficial Christianity is empty and meaningless. Our focus should be ultimately placed on things eternal while seeking to remedy things material. Our goal is to have others not just assent to the facts of Christianity but to believe in the Christ of Christianity.

How then are we to witness? First, Little highlights the necessity of evangelism for our own personal spiritual growth. It is necessary to witness the power of the gospel. Then we must obey. Evangelism is a matter of obedience. Obedience to Christ brings forth proclamation of his truth. Little proceeds to list seven steps toward active evangelism. First, we must have contact with others in a social context. Secondly, we must seek to establish a common interest with the purpose of bridging communication. Then we must provoke an interest in spiritual things. Fourthly, we must recognize when we should stop and when we should continue on sharing. We also must not condemn those whom we are witnessing too for their various sins. Sixthly, we must not become sidetracked. We must stick to the main message. Lastly, we must call them to repentance. We must call them to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that they might be saved.

How do we handle those "ticklish" awkward situations? Our desire is to have the unbelievers with whom we are in contact to begin to respect us even though we are different. As they begin to respect us so they will also begin to listen to us instead of viewing us as weird or insane. But awkward moments will come and the best thing we can do is to be prepared for them. We should anticipate difficult situations and have alternatives to comfortably work through them.

As ambassadors of Christ it is our duty to proclaim his message. The messenger must know and understand the message for the purpose of being a faithful and knowledgeable ambassador. Little sums up the gospel message in Jesus Christ himself - "who He is, what He has done, and how He can be known in personal experience" (56). He suggests following the pattern of problem, diagnosis, cure for setting forth the message of the gospel.

Further, ambassadors cannot just know the message but they must also believe it and live it. We don't have all the answers, but we nonetheless must be ready to give a reason for the hope within us. There are many questions, which non-believers have, but their basic problem is one of moral unbelief. They have rejected their creator and traded his truth in for a lie.
Christ is the answer to those questions, which are asked. However, he has left it as our duty to show the helpless and lost the importance and relevance of Christ in answering those questions. Christianity is true because Jesus is the truth. He is the relevant truth the world needs.

So how are Christians to witness to a corrupted world without compromising our holiness? It is our duty to reach out to the world, but we must not succumb to worldliness. We must recognize that all of our life is God's and we are to live as unto him and for his purposes. We should live all of life cognizant of being stewards of God's time and we must strive to live a life of constant witness to the truth.

The gospel is not just for a one-time salvation event; the gospel is for life. Faith in Christ, the object of our salvation, must continue throughout the Christian life. We are in a daily battle but with Christ it is a victorious battle. We battle against our secret self; against sins both external and internal. This battle must be fought with the Sword of the Spirit and it must be waged through the power of prayer. We also battle over time and priorities, which must be aligned with God's prerogative. In doing so we will have fought a victorious battle.

Witnessing is not optional for the Christian. In fact, as Little has shown, it is vital to the Christian life. It is a matter of obedience to our Creator and Redeemer. Little, offers a helpful guide toward developing better witnesses. While he offers various witnessing helps he goes beyond the task of evangelism and hits the witness himself. This is where Little is most valuable and while this work will be used for some years to come.

The book had many positive and negative aspects. In one example Little says that a Christian may allow a roommate to leave pornographic magazines around the shared area but he or she should put his or her "foot down" when the roommate invites someone of the opposite sex to sleep over (82); however both circumstances should not be tolerated. A few pages prior, Little mentions, "Do not condemn the other persons and do not compromise your own convictions" (75)-tolerating pornographic magazines to be left out in the open is a compromise and a possible source of temptation. Christians are called to be holy, and to say nothing about the porn magazines is the same as condoning it. The Bible exhorts that Christians are to "take no part in the worthless deed of evil and darkness (Eph. 5:11 NLT)." The Christian should ask that the roommate keep porn magazines in his or her own personal living space.

Little mentions that there is an "absence of an explicit biblical standard" regarding alcohol consumption. He states that French Christians often drink wine because it is part of their culture (149). There is a certain people group in the United States who was infamous for making "moon shine" and would probably consider alcohol consumption as part of their culture. Just because one is accustomed to certain practices does not mean that the act is acceptable. Christians are called to put an end to selfish desires that impede on a relationship with God (Galatians 5:24 and Romans 21:1).

Little asserts that praying over a meal before eating is not a "witness vehicle" so he suggests that Christians ought to pray with eyes wide open so as not to offend anyone (79). Jesus states, however, "For whoever is ashamed of Me...of him the son of Man also will be ashamed (Mark 8:38 NKJV)." Praying in public may not be a witnessing tool, but Christians should not be afraid of what others would think if he or she prays silently before a meal.

On a positive note, the inclusion of study questions and the suggestions for group leaders would be helpful for a church evangelism class. The questions evoke a response from the student, forcing him or her to make practical applications of the chapter's content. For instance, one of the questions in chapter five, "What is Our Message," asks, "What would you reply to a person who said, `I'm glad Christ will forgive my sins but I haven't got anything to repent of. I'm as good as the next guy'? (103)." Another from the same chapter asks a question but also poses a challenge, "Prepared with new insights from this chapter, would you like to contact someone in order to explain or clarify the gospel or to help the person continue in Christ? Consider doing so this week (103)."

Little explains that sometimes non-Christians refute or seriously doubt the reliability of the Bible. To this, Little counters by asking for specific examples, which he observes very few people ever give (121). In fact Little insists, "We don't have to be answering questions all the time. We can pose a few questions for him, too" (114). For example, Little's question for those who deny Jesus Christ as the only way to God is "Since you don't believe Jesus Christ was the Truth, which of the other three possibilities about Jesus Christ do you believe? He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend or the Truth" (114).

The first edition of Paul Little's book was published in 1966 and was updated by his widow, Marie Little, who republished it as a second edition in 1988. It is amazing how the examples are still relevant. Little's quest to help people present the good news in a "relevant" way and to communicate the gospel effectively to those who find it strange or foreign was achieved (13). Not only does Little equip people with the purpose, method and challenge of evangelism, but also devotes several chapters on strengthening the inner spiritual qualities of Christians. Two reflective questions he posed were, "Are we convinced that our behavior is giving glory to God?" (153), and "Am I doing this and not doing that because of love for Jesus Christ and a desire to honor and glorify Him? Or is the real reason a cultural bias that won't hold if I move from one social or cultural group to another?" (158). Little believed that an "inner spiritual reality" of spending time with God in prayer, worship and fellowship is crucial for becoming an useful witness (190). Little's book prompts the reader to realize and to act according because "the greatest favor you can do for others is to introduce them to Jesus Christ" (11).