Reviews

BOOKS

Study book for children's workers

Touching The Future, by Gill Dallow. Bible Reading Fellowship £7.99
ISBN 1 84101 140 1

I like this book! It is a training handbook, the content of which forms the basis of a training course of the same name currently running in the Leicester diocese.

It is quite an in-depth study of all things to do with children – including a perspective on how children are viewed in the Bible.

The information in this book has been put together over many years, but the foundation put in place when it’s writer – Gill Dallow – was Director of Training at London Bible College. The result is a very academic book, but don’t let that put you off!

As children’s workers, it is good to occasionally move our gaze from the "how to" part of our work, and on to the "why", and although the "how" is covered to some extent in this book, I have appreciated the chance to look more at the theology behind children’s work, and the nurturing of their faith.

Each chapter gives you space to stop and think, and then to reflect on what you have just read, putting it into the context of your own church situation.

Not to be missed are the chapters on development, especially those on the spiritual and faith development of children – one of Gill’s specialist areas. A thought-provoking and challenging read!

Kay Morgan-Gurr works with children with special needs

Plenty of challenge and encouragement

Why me Lord? Advice from a successful failure, by Michael Apichella. Kevin Mayhew £6.99 ISBN 1 84003 902 7

What a gripping book - easy to read, full of wonderful illustrations from the author’s tempestuous life and showing how each of the failures which could have destroyed his faith have, in time, turned out to be yet more examples of how our heavenly Father "works all things for good".

The author has a real gift for description in contemporary parlance, whether he is illustrating biblical, historical or today’s events. For example, one chapter starts with a brawl which leads to a fatal stabbing of one of the hated gang. This is how he reports the beginning of Moses’ failures. He goes on to ask: "why would God select a man who is branded by society as a failure to undertake the momentous task of freeing the Israelites from Egypt?!"

Similarly, he describes some of Peter’s exploits, equating them with up to date scenarios. He shows us how motives are more important to God and how throughout history it is this that costs us dear.

Do get this paperback. You’ll not be able to put it down and you’ll think of many friends for whom it will be as challenging and encouraging as it is to you.

June Jolly is a qualified social worker and holds a Diploma in Christian Counselling from CWR

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		BOOKS Study book for children's workers Touching The Future, by Gill Dallow. Bible Reading Fellowship £7.99 ISBN 1 84101 140 1 I like this book! It is a training handbook, the content of which forms the basis of a training course of the same name currently running in the Leicester diocese. It is quite an in-depth study of all things to do with children – including a perspective on how children are viewed in the Bible. The information in this book has been put together over many years, but the foundation put in place when it’s writer – Gill Dallow – was Director of Training at London Bible College. The result is a very academic book, but don’t let that put you off! As children’s workers, it is good to occasionally move our gaze from the "how to" part of our work, and on to the "why", and although the "how" is covered to some extent in this book, I have appreciated the chance to look more at the theology behind children’s work, and the nurturing of their faith. Each chapter gives you space to stop and think, and then to reflect on what you have just read, putting it into the context of your own church situation. Not to be missed are the chapters on development, especially those on the spiritual and faith development of children – one of Gill’s specialist areas. A thought-provoking and challenging read! Kay Morgan-Gurr works with children with special needs Plenty of challenge and encouragement Why me Lord? Advice from a successful failure, by Michael Apichella. Kevin Mayhew £6.99 ISBN 1 84003 902 7 What a gripping book - easy to read, full of wonderful illustrations from the author’s tempestuous life and showing how each of the failures which could have destroyed his faith have, in time, turned out to be yet more examples of how our heavenly Father "works all things for good". The author has a real gift for description in contemporary parlance, whether he is illustrating biblical, historical or today’s events. For example, one chapter starts with a brawl which leads to a fatal stabbing of one of the hated gang. This is how he reports the beginning of Moses’ failures. He goes on to ask: "why would God select a man who is branded by society as a failure to undertake the momentous task of freeing the Israelites from Egypt?!" Similarly, he describes some of Peter’s exploits, equating them with up to date scenarios. He shows us how motives are more important to God and how throughout history it is this that costs us dear. Do get this paperback. You’ll not be able to put it down and you’ll think of many friends for whom it will be as challenging and encouraging as it is to you. June Jolly is a qualified social worker and holds a Diploma in Christian Counselling from CWR © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.