SAGAS
Finding faith after fifty
By D.J. Carswell. 10Publishing. 123 pages. £5.99
ISBN 978 1 906 173 296
This is a book to hand to a non-Christian friend.
These are interesting stories of people's lives, some about ordinary people and others about famous ones. Written in simple English, they are short enough for someone to read on the train or bus to work. The subtitle indicates the focus of the stories inside. It is aimed at older, experienced people. As this demographic represents an increasing proportion of our British population, it is right to address their needs and interests.
House without a Bible
Citing Hazel, who, having come from an atheistic and left-wing background, finds herself asking questions about God, D.J. Carswell very helpfully works into her text how a person should respond to God and have faith in Jesus Christ. For instance, ‘Hazel came to understand that it was her sin that was getting in the way of her knowing God personally’. Sadly, even in England nowadays, there are households without a Bible. Hazel grew up in such a household. But this story could prompt someone to find a Bible and read it for themselves.
Anyone for fried chicken? Everyone is interested in the story of someone famous. The background of Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame is catalogued, which shows that so many people in past years have had some experience of church. Maybe those reading will be reminded of what they were taught in church or Sunday school.
The most important goal
Taking another of the stories, Barry, a greengrocer's son, aims to run his own business and make enough money to retire by 30! Though he succeeds in business, he nevertheless realises that money isn't the most important goal of life. Through his wife, he visits church and realises for the first time that God can be found in the words of the Bible.
All in all, a very useful book. I have started reading parts of it to my Ladies' Bible Study Group.
Maria Wells,
pastor’s wife, Calvary Evangelical Church, Brighton
