Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson

I rarely read books that are classified as Christian fiction.

It is not that I do not like the genre. I simply find myself frustrated with the caliber of content categorized as “Christ-centered” that, quite frankly, is nothing more than main-stream fiction repackaged in church scenes and familiar dialogue here and there that has nothing to offer me in my quest to fan the flames of my faith, even in the midst of an entertaining read. I have often been left feeling extremely deceived by what I have purchased thinking it was Christian. So, I have learned to limit my “fiction” intake to the occasional novel recommended only by my closest, most trusted friends.

I found safe passage for my soul in The Carpenter’s Princess by Tanya Marie Lewis.

Lewis’s superb storytelling takes readers intimately into the life of Christ-loving Malena Dawson, a young girl who buries her grief deep within her after her father’s sudden death. Readers follow Malena into adulthood where she abandons her childhood upbringing and becomes a stranger to herself and those around her. We watch Malena struggle with her identity, and self-sabotaging behaviors that threaten to keep her from ever experiencing healing, freedom, joy and true love.

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

How would you respond if a child was sexually abused in your church? Is your congregation prepared to protect children and respond legally? In a video produced by Church Mutual, the company states that the places society often considers the safest are often the most vulnerable.[1] Worship centers, like other community serving agencies, are perfect hiding places for predators seeking to gain the trust of children and then abuse them.

Presently, the Catholic Church remains at the top of the list for church scandals surrounding child sexual abuse, having reached settlements and legal expenses exceeding $2.6 billion since 2004.[2] Other high profile sexual abuse allegations have struck the evangelical and protestant community as well.[3] Unfortunately, due to wide denominational divisions and reporting practices, and a lack of organized or centralized reporting there is no way to obtain data or statistics on what’s really happening.

The critical message is this: No congregation or ministry is immune to the issue of child sexual abuse. Every congregation should be prepared to meet the needs of children and families in the midst of disclosure and to properly respond legally amid allegations.

This book review was submitted as a graduate assignment in seminary. I was so moved by it that I couldn’t leave this critique as a simple writing in my archives. So, I’m listing it in the book review section of my website and recommending it as one every believer should read at least once in the course of their spiritual walk. While this is an academic paper, I left out most of the formalities. I urge you, Sons of God, read this book. It encapsulates what true relationship with God might look like; and the message inside will deeply impact your life in Christ. – Theresa Harvard Johnson on A. W. Tozer’s book, And He Dwelt Among Us

Author Information

A. W. Tozer, commonly known as a 20^th century prophet, was a renowned preacher, pastor, writer and author whose ministry spanned over 40 years across the Unites States and Canada. Tozer, who had no formal theological training, is best remembered for his intense focus on prayer and his passionate call for Christians to abandon the things of the world in pursuit of Christ. Tozer pastored a number of congregations including the Southside Alliance Church in Chicago, and the Avenue Alliance Church in Toronto, Canada. He was the editor of Alliance Magazine and authored more than 40 books including two “Christian classics: The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy” (The Alliance: Living The Call Together 2003). While Tozer was a successful author, he lived a very simple life and released his book royalties to those in need. Tozer, who was born in 1897, died in 1963 at the age of 66 and is buried in Akron, Ohio.

Book Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
Roger V. Mitchell, Author

Affirmation.

It means to affirm that something is true or to offer agreement as an act of encouragement or support. It is also a solemn declaration sometimes written as an oath or a promise. Roger V. Mitchell reflects varying elements of these definitions in his debut collection of prophetic poetry entitled, The King’s Gift.

This book bears the same title, as the opening poem. In it, Mitchell sets the stage by reminding readers that the greatest gift released in the earth is that of Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah. It is on this foundation that those who may not know God or who may not have a surety concerning their faith are called to life by God’s promises; and learn just how precious they are to him. Readers will also find continuous affirmed in their purpose and comfort in their growth, development and maturation. These poems also embody a continuous call to love God, trust God and believe that he has a plan for everyone’s life.