Look Back Leap Forward

The rapid changes all around us in the new millennium may cause one of two errors: wishing to return to an idealized past or refusing to look back at all. Both patterns of thinking lead to ineffective churches and communities. Look Back, Leap Forward challenges Christian leaders to balance the two extremes: look back to find the core values that give meaning to ministry and then use them to build the future and take hold of new opportunities. This book's unique focus presents a holistic picture of how lay leadership, not just clergy, can turn a church around. It is packed with practical examples that may be put to immediate use. McIntosh, a church growth specialist, provides step-by-step guidance to help pastors and lay leaders: •recognize and defeat enemies of the twenty-first century church •heal past wounds •look back to discover purpose, values, and vision for the future •accomplish more by doing less •control finances while leaping forward •develop a long-range plan for effective ministry

In Constructing Blue-Collar Leaders in a White-Collar World . . . "Dr. LaMar Herndon considers a group of leaders often overlooked and occasionally denigrated-the-bivocational pastor. Constructing Blue Collar Leaders in a White Collar World integrates important theoretical leadership concepts with spiritual and practical realities. Dr. Herndon explores important topics such as trends and issues facing the global church and its leaders, leadership models, values and ethics, character and integrity, cultural effects, creativity and innovation, reverse mentoring, and strategic planning. This book is a profoundly honest hands-on guide to what constitutes a true leader serving as a bivocational minister." -Dr. Gary Oster Regent University School of Business & Leadership, Virginia Beach, VA "Down through my thirty plus years of education, ministry, and leadership I have read many books on the subject of leadership. Some have challenged me and inspired me, but none have done so at the level of Constructing Blue Collar Leaders in a White Collar World. As a State Minister, I work with many bivocational and blue collar Pastors. I will be using Dr. Herndon's book as a primary resource to assist me in working with those Pastors in challenging and inspiring them in their leadership development." -Dr. Darryl Allen State Minister KY Church of God Ministries, Adjunct Professor at Nazarene Bible College & Mid-America Christian University "It [Constructing Blue-Collar Leaders in a White-Collar World] is an excellent presentation of leadership issues every pastor needs to understand to some degree. The chapter on "Values and Ethics" is worth the price of the book. Thanks for sharing the results of your many hours of study and hard work." -Ray Gilder National Coordinator Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network, Bivocational Small Church Ministries Specialist Tennessee Baptist Convention "Dr. LaMar Herndon presents leadership from a very down to earth and practical approach. This book seeks to help the bivocational church leader be effective while balancing these two worlds. I believe this book needs to be in every pastor, minister, and leaders library; whether bivocational or not." -Rev. Jewel D. Williams, M.R.E. (Church of God, Anderson, IN Author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Living our Theology, and the Path of a Preacher

Turn Your Life into a Masterpiece is written to benefit everyone who enjoys popular psychology and motivational talks. The book motivates people to work on their lives and become masterpieces. It is designed to assist those who are battling with various kinds of challenges so that they may see that there will always be a way of escape regardless of the size of the challenges ahead of them. It also helps those who are already motivated to appreciate that life is full of opportunities and options that are waiting to be pursued tirelessly. After reading this book, the reader will be enlightened so much that his or her life will change forever. I therefore suggest that the reader not rush through the book, but rather take one chapter or portion at a time and spend time reflecting on the ideas that are suggested in the book. What matters the most is what each thought means to each person who comes into contact with the book.

Have there been times when you felt like throwing in the “marriage towel,” or washing your hands of the whole situation? Facing the many changes and challenges in marriage, we may all sometimes feel this way. Although, author Retha Evans Ezell has felt that way herself, she didn't give in—and you don’t have to either. In her memoir, Love Leaps Forward: Time Tilts Backward—written with her husband, James Calvin Ezell—she recalls both the good and the bad times. Rather than give up and complain that God dealt her a bad hand, Retha and her husband worked through the problems in their marriage. Now she seeks to encourage you with inspiring stories that can aid in discovering some deep truths. Life lessons are interspersed with moving recollections and original poetry that share the events of a couple’s past. They reveal hope for the future as events unfold through tales of love, life, and marriage. This powerful story, infused with original poetry that punctuates key themes, is a breath of fresh air! The vivid details underscore the author’s love for each other and the Lord. Each chapter compels you to ponder your own relationships and propels you to take a walk down the memory lanes of love and life. Truly love does “leap forward”. - Andrew & Danese Turner, childhood sweethearts and married for 20 years; Danese is the author and producer of numerous stage plays, including Blood Relatives and Big and Bad “Retha is able to capture the readers through the stories of her life and the lives of those she loves. Her journey is a true testament of the goodness and mercies of God.” —Stormy Denison, author of Single and Depressed: Yeah Right! and Pushed by the Winds

A comprehensive study of contemporary memories of China's revolutionary epoch, from the time of Japanese imperialism through the Cultural Revolution. This volume examines the memories of a range of social groups, including disenfranchised workers and rural women, who have often been neglected in scholarship.

We live in such perilous times, times that have produced devastating effects throughout society and the prevailing culture. It makes one question where is the church, why is the church missing in action? Many churches have lost their way and purpose, while other churches could care less about the culture or society’s ills. Yet other churches are earnestly trying to address society’s issues with the truth of God’s Word. In Wake Up, Church!, author Dr. Roxanne Anderson-Graham discusses the ideologies of three church types and how they can have an overwhelming significant impact on society. She: • identifies the three types of churches: the complacent church, the compromising church, and the committed church; • uncovers the limitations hindering the complacent church from moving forward, upward, and outward in completing God’s work; • highlights the flaws of the compromising church as it straddles the fence and acquiesces to cultural trends; • emphasizes the faith and steadfastness of the committed church in its obedience to God’s command and promise; and • focuses on the believers’ responsibility concerning their own personal salvation and growth within the kingdom. Anderson-Graham admonishes the church (which is the Bride of Christ) to stop procrastinating and start proclaiming the Words of the Lord and be ready for His return.

Have you ever had a specific animal suddenly appear over and over again and wondered if it meant something or the animal had a message for you? Maybe you saw the animal in person, and then heard it mentioned on the radio, television or online, and then picked up a magazine and see a picture of it in there too. When this happens, your animal guides (also called spirit animals or totem animals), which Melissa Alvarez refers to as your energy animals, are trying to send you a message to help in your current circumstances. Every animal, just like every person, has their own unique frequency and energy vibration. When they suddenly appear repeatedly, you can use the process of Animal Frequency®, a heart-to-heart Divine connection, to communicate with them, receive their messages and understand their role in your spiritual development. Animal Frequency® is a reference book that will help you discover the energetic power of animals and will teach you how to connect with them to receive their messages, connect with their frequencies, which will aid in your own spiritual growth. This second edition of Animal Frequency® is an easy-to-use reference guide containing encyclopedic listings for nearly two hundred wild, domestic and mythical animals, has instructions, visualizations, and easy techniques that will help you build solid relationships with your energy animals. This book teaches you the process of Animal Frequency so you can do readings with the animals and with your pets as well. Animal Frequency® Oracle cards, designed by Melissa Alvarez are also available from the author’s website at MelissaA.com.

China leads the world when it comes to investment and influence on the African continent. The extent of Chinese investment in Africa is well known and much has been written about China’s foray into Africa. However, most of the available material has approached this issue by looking at China as the ’New Colonialist’ – more interested in Africa’s vast natural resources than working in partnership for sustained development. Whilst China’s interest in Africa’s resources is evident, it is just half of the story. China’s foray into Africa goes beyond its appetite for natural resources and into the realm of geo-politics and international political economics. For example, China is all too aware of how it can cultivate Africa’s support on global issues at the United Nations and at other international fora. Breaking free from the binary arguments and analysis which characterize this topic, Professor Abdulai presents a refreshing perspective that China’s foray into Africa can produce win–win outcomes for China and Africa – if Africans really know what they want from China. Hitherto, each African country has tended to engage China with an individual bucket list; acting in isolation and not as part of a wider continent (indeed Africa and the African Union does not yet have a coordinated policy towards China). For Africa to be able to do that it needs to know where China is coming from, the factors that contributed to its awakening and success, and the benefits and possible pitfalls of this foray, in order to better position itself for a win–win engagement with China. This book will be a valuable read for policy makers, think-tanks and students of Africa-China studies programmes alike.

In "The Hollow Tree Snowed-in Book" by Albert Bigelow Paine, readers are transported into a whimsical world of talking animals who find themselves snowed-in and entertain each other with stories. The book, written in a charming and light-hearted tone, is reminiscent of classic children's literature with its imaginative storytelling and playful characters. Paine's work provides a delightful escape for readers of all ages, inviting them to immerse themselves in a world where animals engage in captivating tales. The literary context of the book places it among beloved works of fantasy and adventure, making it a timeless and enchanting read. Albert Bigelow Paine, known for his literary contributions that capture the hearts of readers, likely drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of nature to create the captivating world of talking animals in "The Hollow Tree Snowed-in Book." Paine's skillful storytelling and ability to weave together engaging narratives make this book a delightful addition to his body of work. I highly recommend "The Hollow Tree Snowed-in Book" to readers who appreciate imaginative storytelling, charming characters, and a touch of whimsy. Paine's enchanting tale is sure to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages, making it a delightful choice for anyone looking for a literary escape into a world of talking animals and magical adventures.