By Ken and Lois Gott
Hodder & Stoughton
189 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 340 66515 7
Since August 1994 Sunderland has been an influential centre for the 'Toronto Blessing'. Subtitled, 'How the Holy Spirit invaded one British Town', just over half this book is an account of the coming of the 'Blessing' to Sunderland, and of its results, including the impact of the gospel on the criminal fraternity. The Gotts emphasise that the fruit, not the manifestations, are sought, and it was good to see an attempt to answer the frequently-raised question of manifestations and self-control.
In the earlier chapters the authors (who describe themselves as 'the pastors' (!) of Sunderland Christian Centre) report their experience of God over the years. One chapter sets recent events in the context of Sunderland's history: in the opening decade of this century the city was at the forefront of the emergence of Pentecostalism in Britain.
The book is helpfully written in short chapters. It can therefore be consumed in convenient small portions. An appendix contain the 'Tips for Ministry Teams' issued by the Toronto Church.
There is a great danger in writing your personal testimony. It is a very narrow line between humbly revelling in what God has done, and merely boasting. I am glad to be able to say that, for the most part, the Gotts remain on the right side of the line. Their sincerity of heart is transparent. Their honesty is to be appreciated: the story of Mrs. Gott's struggle after the loss of a child is particularly moving.
The appeal of this book is likely to be limited to charismatic readers, who will devour it with a sense of thrill. At times they will be moved to tears. They will enter into the authors' joy at God's dealings with a north-county urban church, led by an ordinary couple, and composed of down-to-earth folk.
For those who are not charismatic, and have doubts about the Toronto blessing, the book will nevertheless present a challenge. The authors are hungry for reality with God and have a passionate longing for genuine revival and numerous conversions. The following sentiment should be echoed by us all: 'If we lose the passion for souls, we have lost everything. When we are not reaching out for the lost, we cease being a church.' (page 161).
