Side by Side by Jana Kelley

Side by Side is a book that I will not forget. The risk, the secrets, and the rules all lead to the tension in this book. There were some parts of this book that I was completely shocked by. I had no idea that certain things happened in Sudan, Africa.

I admired Mia being able to set aside her fears to move to Sudan for the gospel. I have talked with several of my missionary friends who are moms and they have shared with me the same feelings that Mia expressed in this book. I think that I would feel that same way when it came to taking care of my family.

It was hard to read what Halimah went through and what certain choices cost them. I know many in real-life are just like her and I am amazed. The relationships she had was interesting to read about.

I appreciated that Jana Kelley wrote this book from some of her real-life experiences while living in Sudan. Her knowledge adds so much to the story. It also helped that she put her own struggles in it through the character Mia. It gave the reader a wonderful perspective of what it would be like to forsake it all and move to a different country for the sake of the Gospel.

Days later after reading the final chapter of this book, I can not get the story out of my head. It is one that will be recommended over and over by me.

To read more reviews about this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/side-by-side.

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About the Book

                       Side by Side (New Hope Publishers, April 2015)
In the dusty, Islamic country of Sudan, Mia’s life collides with that of another young woman.
A young Christian American mother, Mia finds more than one dark secret on the streets of Khartoum. She finds Halimah, a young, upper-class Arab student with a bright future in her family’s business whose risky and secretive decision has put her life in danger. What happens when the path of a young mother intersects with that of a spunky Sudanese student? God transforms them both . . . forever.
Part of New Hope® Publishers’ contemporary missional fiction line, Side by Side opens the reader’s eyes to the life of Muslims in Sudan as well as some of the struggles that Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for those who are persecuted for their faith as well as pray for the salvation of those who persecute.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Jana’s website.

Jana Kelley

Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend college. She and her husband married a month after she graduated and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. Together with her husband and three boys, Jana enjoys travel and overseas living. After thirteen years in Africa and the Middle East, Jana and her family moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

 

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I received this book free from New Hope Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Know Orphans by Rick Morton

I knew I wanted to read this book because I had read Orphanology and was really challenged by it.  Rick Morton has a heart for the fatherless and desires to see Christians everywhere involved in ministering to the fatherless.  I understand his reasons for adopting cross-culturally, but since I work with a lot of kids in the United States, I feel that the kids here need a home too.  I don't think he ever disagrees, but he does talk about adopting those from other countries the most. 

I like how the book is broken up.  It gives practical ideas on how to start an orphan-care ministry at your church. I like how he reminds readers to start with prayer because that's the only way to change hearts.  We can't do it!

He then describes who are considered orphans and how to best minister to them in the orphan-care ministries.  He moves to adopting among the nations and then he has a whole chapter on criticism.  I found that chapter really helpful, since that's a difficult area for me.

I really liked how he prepares you for bringing your child home and what to do once you are home.  I liked his honesty and his wisdom he shares with his readers, as he has "been there done that and I'm guessing would do it again in a heartbeat!"

I was introduced to WorldCrafts.org last year and bought some things from them.  I love to give and get unique gifts and what an even greater thought is that what I just purchased goes to help someone else who so desperately needs help.

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmorton.

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Book Info

About the book: The global orphan crisis is complex. The church's response should be comprehensive, but is it? In this provocative follow-up to Orphanology, author Rick Morton provides the framework for families and churches to have a gospel-centered response to the growing global issue of orphan care. KnowOrphans addresses three distinct areas associated with global orphanology. Delving deeper into the criticisms of the movement, the need for reform, and what families can expect, author Rick Morton helps shape realistic perceptions of the challenges and rewards adoptive parents face in transnational adoptions. Through illuminating the work internationally adoptive families can expect, KnowOrphans offers solutions for the church in remedying the ills and deficiencies surrounding the church's role in equipping and supporting families before, during, and after the adoption process. Knowing that the church's response and attitude should be one that goes beyond adoption, KnowOrphans also addresses the complexities of how Christians are to respond ethically, compassionately, and comprehensively to the biblical call to care for orphans. KnowOrphans is the next step in conversation as this evangelically based movement of orphan care matures and begins to live out James 1:27 globally. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uLVL2 About the Author: Rick Morton is the father of three transnational adopted children and coauthor of the popular book Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. His dedication to the plight of orphans extends beyond his own family. The Mortons were cofounders of Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An inspiring speaker for the gospel to be expressed by the church living out God's heart for the fatherless, Rick presents at adoption and orphan-care conferences and pastor's conferences. Rick and his family live in the Greater Memphis area. Learn more about Rick at: http://www.rickmortononline.com

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and New Hope Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Real Women Leading with Proverbs 31 Values by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder

You typically hear of the Proverbs 31 woman when talking about a wife/housewife. I enjoy that because that's what I am.  However, I am also a part-time working mom who runs my own business.  I absolutely loved this perspective on the Proverbs 31 woman in the working world.  I think these 10 values not only work in the working world, but also when you're doing ministry of any sort.

I really like how biblical women became the emphasis for their examples and how Scripture backed up what they were writing about.  Not only that, but I like how they were real and how the women they shared about were real, too.

When I read this book, I could easily see this becoming a good group study with other women.  It would be interesting to hear all of the different responses from other women.  It has a section at the end of each chapter that has you think on certain ideas, gives you some things to discuss in a group (or journal), and then ways to take action on what you've learned.

I think every woman should read this because of the insight.  However, if you lead a ministry, or lead any people ever, this is a great book to learn some good leadership principles.

 

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/troyeryoder.

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About the Book:

                       With Proverbs 31 values.
Today’s marketplace is not always a “values-friendly” environment. Business leaders Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder show you that you can live and thrive in a “valueless” workplace when you live by biblical values and principles.
Real Women: Leading with Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today’s Christian woman. Written by women in the marketplace, Real Women cultivates biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten foundational principles. Once women embrace these ten principles, they will soon discover the multiple attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman in today’s marketplace and learn practical ways to implement the wisdom from that timeless Scripture passage.
Women will be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts and talents in the marketplace as they live out the principles that invite others to embrace the equality-inspiring values they live by. Knowing that we are not the end users of the gospel message, the Proverbs 31 leader will find the initiative to inspire the upcoming generation to view womanhood as a gift and continue the learning process that will impact generations to come.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.

**Lisa Troyer** Sometimes referred to by friends as the “singing executive,” wife, mom, radio personality, recording artist, speaker, and author. Her Circle of Friends women’s outreach, formed over a decade ago, is growing in all directions. Lisa uses her gift of encouragement, her influence, and her resources to open doors for women to discover their significance and belonging. She and her family currently live in Ohio.

**Dawn Yoder** is passionate about developing people to discover their strengths and reach their leadership potential. As CEO of a 500-plus employee company, she seeks to bring values and principle-based thinking into all aspects of society through a round table environment. Dawn is a member of the John Maxwell coaching team, an international trainer, a speaker with the Circle of Friends ministry, a contributing writer, a songwriter, and a frequent worship leader. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for more than 20 years and have four children.

 

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I received this book free from New Hope Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.