Compelling and breathtaking true story of a young soldier who died and met Jesus in person.
599079
In death he learns the true meaning of living.  Jesus reveals the unhappy spirits still stuck in old resentments, lusts, and jealousies, who never reached maturity despite long lives; the inventors a thrill with gained knowledge, yet still missing the point that we are to love others.  The author's experience wrought magnificent change in him and brought love, joy and peace of heart to his life and to those he meets as a psychiatrist.  This is an exciting read, well worth the time it takes.
1433516
Justin's Jesus is written by a mother, not an author, which makes all the difference in this book. The emotions expressed throughout the story are raw and vividly real. It is the story of a family who lost their youngest son to SIDS, and the miraculous events experienced by their 3 year old son in the aftermath of his passing that led them to peace in the wake of Justin's death. Told in painful honesty by a grieving mother, this book walks the reader through the horror of that dreadful day, yet brings them along on the wonders of the road that led to healing. Aided by verses from the bible, Justin's Jesus is a testament to the truth of Jesus's words, and offers hope to families experiencing similar tragedies.
4517931
A riveting true story that will profoundly impact and inspire all who read it. Faith, love, commitment and determination are put to the test by this young man, his family and his friends. The perils of drinking and driving are a backdrop, eventhough the consequences are unjust.  The real story is about survival and using a bad event to make a positive difference within the medical and educational fields and society as a whole.  Helps everyone to reaccess values and priorities.  Steven Benvenisti is an amazing person!
3099960
Immaculee Ilibagiza a wonderfully talented writer.  She is also an angel on  this earth. I am in the middle of reading this book and I find I have to frequently put it down because the story she tells is so deep and compelling.  In 1982 I was nursing my first baby and in Africa our Blessed Mother was sending us messages!  And Jesus was showing His glorious face and sharing His messages with a young, uneducated pagan boy (no disrespect intended, only to demonstrate how extraordinary the story really is).  How can this be true?  It seems so hard to understand and I am counting of prayer and faith to help me. The book is beautifully written and full of messages of love and forgiveness.  I find myself praying alot so that I can take this message in, and praying that the fears I have will be dispelled.
4343495
An amazing true story of a young boy who met Jesus! Read about the messages Our Lord gave him!! Immaculee has done it again! Another Best Seller in my book!! Buy it!!
1320618
From the first page of this book to the very last page, you will not be able to get enough of this book. This story of this young man's life is so very compelling and takes me back to a childhood of abuse, not nearly as severe, but still not a childhood that anyone should have to endure. My heart ached for the little boy that went hungry, cold and unloved. The adolescent who did not feel worthy of life or that he belonged. The adult who knew he had to survive in the only ways he could dream up. ultimately making wrong choices, while struggling for a life of peace and love, and ultimately finding that in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I cannot wait for the second book, and must say that this is a book that everyone must read!!
2592610
"Heaven is for Real" is an account of events written by Pastor Todd Burpo of Crossroad Wesleyan Church in Imperial, NE.  He details the time that his son Colton was sick and briefly visited heaven while he was in surgery on the verge (or possibly further) of death.
If there was ever a doubt in readers' mind about the reality of heaven, Todd Burpo will tell how his 4 year old son educated him on the subject.  In great detail, Burpo describes his trials with the healthcare providers.  It is quite apparent that the sequence of events is happening in such an order as to lead up to the early climax of the story.  After reading the back of the book, you will already know the basic story line, but you are still kept on the edge of your seat waiting for that climactic moment to arrive.  Colton, the middle of three children having flu symptoms begins to feel better just before he really takes a turn for the worst and deteriorates quite quickly.  Several trips to various doctors, and they still don't have any answers.  Finally after multiple trips to the doctor and one hospital stay after another, he is finally diagnosed with an appendicitis.  The symptoms that he has been feeling all this time were as a result of the rupture that happened several days before and the poison fluids that were filling Colton's body.  Although the major event of the story happens early, it is the rest of the book that leave the reader wanting more and more.
Following his recover, Colton unleashes a bone chilling statement that nearly takes his parent's breath away.  On one of the family's frequent road trips, Colton causally refers to one of his relatives that he has never met before.  When asked about it, he tells his parents that he met him while he was in heaven.  As the story continues to unfold, he continues his accounts of his experience in heaven.  The detail that he is able to construct with his illustrations makes you realize that this child is for real.  He is able to account for things that he has never known before.  He passes messages to his family from past family members and he is able to describe in great detail the scene up in heaven.  He even tells his parents that he has spoken with Jesus.
What is most remarkable about this boy's account is that he seems to be un-phased by the miraculous statements that have come from his mouth.  It may be that he is so young and still exploring the world, or possibly that he saw this scene in such great detail.  It would be very hard for many adults to casually describe these experiences, but for this child, the words seem to come easy as if his messages were destined to be told.
As the years pass by, Colton continues to drop the bombshells on his family; they learn to be less surprised by the accounts, but never loose their craving to listen.
1528890
I grew up as a JW as did Ms. Castro, and I happen to share her first name, as my mother thought it a good idea to name me after "one of the fruitages of the spirit" mentioned in the bible.  I read Ms. Castro's book in three days, which is unheard of for me.  Her writing is very real, giving life and dimension to the all-too-truthful events and people she describes.  I was surprised that I did not cry while reading her story, as she does not write in a manner asking for sympathy or pity - she is merely relating events as they occurred in a very eloquent and readable fashion.  I grew to like Joy and to view her as a friend, as even though we have never met, we have shared many experiences.  I physically cringed at the all-too-familiar tales of beatings at the kingdom hall for the sin of fidgeting in your chair at ages where children should not be expected to sit for more than five minutes at a time.  My stomach grew tight at the memory of being forced to sit outside in the hall at school during holiday or birthday celebrations, wishing fervently I could join in and then feeling guilty for my "bad heart condition".  The horror described in this book is very real in the lives of countless JW children and wives.  If they are not beaten physically, their spirits are still beaten down so that they will never question what they are told to do.  I highly applaud Ms. Castro's masterpiece and highly recommend that anyone, former JW or not, enlighten themselves with this very touching account of a very serious subject.
2287714
This story takes the most evoking book in the Bible and creates a compelling story almost as compelling as Jesus himself. The young Rebecca is a courageous heroine who overcomes terrifying obstacles at the risk of her immortal soul to attain a glorious end that I will leave you for the thrill of discovery. Blessed reading.
1162983
Three Winds Blowing is a profound true story of the love of Jesus that burned in the soul, mind, & heart of Rev. Joseph Willis.  Joseph never permitted any obstacles prevent him from completing his mission.  His love of Jesus and desire to help others to now & witness Jesus in their lives.  The people along his journey inspired him to work harder with the passing of each day.  Loved the story and how Randy Willis portrayed Joseph as though he was walking along side of him.  I am a descendent of Joseph Willis also and grew up in Oakdale, LA.  Having done genealogy of Joseph WIllis myself, Randy's words brought him back to life in my mind as I saw the documents preserved that keep an accurate account of his life.  Thank you Randy for sharing this story, at no other time in history do We the People need to read a true story of a man dedication to be close to God than at this time in history.  Hope that those who read it will pause and reflect on their own lives & read how Joseph passion for Christ was deep within his soul. I reaffirmed my own life during my own Search for Joseph.  Hope it will give others Hope in their own lives.
3654730
Frank Viola and Mary DeMuth explore the true stories of women touched by Christ in "The Day I Met Jesus." This biblical narrative paints vivid pictures of the real encounters with God in the flesh.

Each chapter begins with a diary of a woman met by Jesus in a remarkable way. Author Mary DeMuth shares the biblical character's innermost thoughts and struggles before the encounter, giving a glimpse of the pain, regret, and fear that each woman faced in her daily struggles. As each tale unfolds, one can't help but identify with the universal struggles of abandonment, betrayal, loss, and desperation. The day she meets Jesus changes everything for each woman, and the story of redemption becomes clear and joyous.

Author Frank Viola then takes the chapter further with historical and theological background to the story, making the tale real and relevant. What results is life-changing spiritual truth, not just for the woman in the story, but for the reader, as well.

FROM THE BOOK: "Anchored to the dusty earth, I knew this longed-for truth: I am loved. So very, utterly noticed. Picked. Wanted. Despite my story. Or maybe because of it? I am not sure. But one thing I am assured of is this: God saw fit to notice me, to make Himself known to me quietly at the place of my betrayal and shame... While evil had taken a lifetime to destroy me, this man took mere moments to re-story me."

This book makes an excellent personal Bible study or book club selection. The universal truths are easily applicable, and the stories will encourage readers to share their own personal, life-changing experiences with Christ. Each chapter includes study questions for group discussion.
4163017
I read this book in one sitting as I got engrossed in the story from the beginning. I appreciated the author's transparency in sharing her story about how God patiently pursued her from the beginning. It is a real and honest account of how far we can run from the truth. The very words that are written in the Bible are reflected in this woman's story as it is in every child of God. He loves each one of us just as we are and desires to have a relationship with us. I am eager to read the next part of her journey and how God's unrelenting love and faithfulness continues to unfold in her life.
1541751
This is an absolutely extraordinary book. Never have I read a book in which the spiritual beauty of the author so resonated throughout the story. The purity of heart that manifests itself in this inspiring saga of a heroic, Dutch family in Nazi occupied Holland during World War II is stunningly beautiful.

This is the true story of the Ten Boom family who, during the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, upon seeing what was happening to their Jewish neighbors and friends, asked themselves this age old question "If not us,...who; if not now,...when?" They answered it, ultimately at great cost.

The Ten Booms were devoutly Christian and lived a simple life. The patriarch of the family ran a watch shop that had been in his family for a century. Some of the family members, the author among them, worked there, selling and repairing clocks and watches. They also lived in the house in which the shop was located.

When the Nazis occupied their country, the reality of what it meant slowly dawned upon them, as they saw the treatment given to their fellow Dutch citizens of the Jewish faith. Moved by their plight, the author at the age of fifty, together with other members of her family, including their father who was nearly eighty, became active in the Dutch underground.

When it became clear to the Ten Booms that Jews were being targeted for deportation and death, they had a false wall constructed in the author's bedroom, thereby creating a secret room. There, they would hide the terrified Jews who were staying with them, in the event of a Nazi raid upon their home.

Eventually denounced by someone to the Nazis, the Ten Booms were arrested and their home raided and torn apart by the Gestapo, in their search for the Jews they believed to be hiding there. At the time of the raid, the Ten Boom home was filled to capacity with Jews in hiding. So well concealed was the hidden room that had been created by the erection of the false wall, that these poor, terrified Jews managed to escape detection.

The Ten Boom family did not fare so well. It was upon their arrest that they learned first hand of man's inhumanity to man, and their faith was put to a test that they had never dreamt possible. It was faith, however, that sustained the author in what was to be her hour of darkest despair. To find out what happened to the Ten Booms, read this book. It is the story of an incredible family, who had the courage to put their convictions to the test.

This book is a masterpiece. The reader is sure to be captivated by the goodness and spiritual beauty contained within its pages.
3794722
Jesus, Mary and Joseph this was amazing.  One of the top three books Ive ever read, or in this case, listened to as I purchased the audio version.  The author paints a picture so vividly that I felt like I was part of the book, walking next to the characters as they went about their lives.  I could almost see the colors of the painted sky and smell the smoke from the air raids, And to think I almost didn't even read this when I first learned it was categorized as YA; what a serious mistake that would have been.

As amazing as Im sure the paper or Kindle versions are, the audio book absolutely blew me away with the intensity and realism the narrator, Allan Corduner, put into every word.  He is a true genius.  A beautiful story with characters you will fall in love with, this book is a must-read.  And although I bawled like a baby at the end, it was worth every minute of the journey.
3417327
I love Biblical Fiction and this story, written from the perspective of the Roman centurion who nailed Jesus to the cross, is a keeper. We don't often get a glimpse into the minds of those who had contact with Jesus, and the author, David Kitz, did an excellent job in drawing me into the story.

Kitz did an incredible job of making me feel like I was there. I could clearly see the blood on the centurion's hand and feel his anger over having to kill what he considered, an innocent man. I never considered before how the soldiers would have reacted at having to release a known terrorist - Barabas - in favour of a "harmless" prophet from Galilee. And when Marcus (the centurion) realizes who Jesus really is and his subsequent transformation because of it, well . . .  you almost forget it is fiction.

I loved this story and you will too! A great novel to read at Easter, but more importantly at any time of the year.
3325024
The first I heard about this story was during coffee break at work. The facility chaplain and a volunteer were in the middle of a conversation, and I heard the strange word "Zamzam." I had to ask what that was. They directed me to the in house library, where I signed out a copy of this book. I began reading it while walking the four miles home. It gripped me so I could not put it down until I had read it from cover to cover. Some of the accounts, told by individuals about their own experiences, are heart wrenching. A pastor, who had served in World War 1 recognized the sound of the torpedo (s) that had hit the ship in the early morning darkness. Immediately he had his wife and children don their life jackets. Up on the deck, the Egyptian crew of the Zamzam, trying to launch (what turned out to be leaky) lifeboats, cried out to Allah. A group of French Catholic priests recited rosary prayer. And one missionary mother encouraged her ten year old son: "We may be meeting Jesus, this morning!" Over the chaos, as dawn broke, a breathtakingly beautiful rainbow caught everyone's attention. Incredibly, everyone survived...then the stories from back in Minnesota, when news broke that the Zamzam was "lost." Older missionary children on the streetcar heading for school got first sight of the headlines, and the shock of not knowing if their parents and younger siblings had been killed or not. The church called for a 24 hour prayer meeting, nation-wide, if memory serves me (I read this more than 30 years ago). Communication being what it was in 1941, time had elapsed to the point the Zamzam passengers were at that very time aboard a ship that had rescued them that was in hopes of making it through a blockade to bring them into neutral Portugal. This ship was suddenly enveloped in a thick fog, as if they had an angel escort to safety. So within that 24 hour prayer meeting, rejoicing broke out that all had survived. But, that is just the overview. The heartbreaking account from the husband and father, fearing his wife and eight children had been lost in coming to join him in Africa, is another gripping read. How the natives came to weep with him, as the anguish of his heart expresses it so well.

After returning the library copy I first read, I wanted a copy of the book for myself. So, I asked the volunteers in charge of the thrift shop where I worked to keep their eyes open for me. And so, I got my own copy and wrote a review and sent it to World Wide Pictures, in hopes they would consider making it into a movie. Never received a reply, but I would still love to see this done, just as it is reported by the eyewitnesses, in a blockbuster film. Since then, before finding it also available here on Amazon, I tracked down other used copies to buy and share. It is this kind of an eyewitness account that would have people on the edge of their seats.
1409850
What an extraordinary read. Pino Lella's story is one that deserves to be told, and his courage, strength, and faith it's something rarely seen today.

Anyone who enjoys a story of history, struggle, and overcoming hardship would enjoy this one. It's difficult for people to understand that war stories are not entertaining tales with happy endings. The recounting of terrible moments in a person's life are not fluid and coherent things. Mark Sullivan does a fantastic job of taking the pieces of this remarkable man's life, which I'm sure we're given in fragmented bits, and stringing them together to tell this incredible, and heart breaking biography.