Authority in Prayer: Praying With Power and Purpose
By Dutch Sheets, Bethany House,
softcover, 192 pages, $19.99.

In Authority in Prayer: Praying With Power and Purpose, Dutch Sheets writes that the believer, not the devil, is the one with all the spiritual rights. This is a detailed lesson in authority that delivers the truth behind why the devil still operates and why some Christians are still bound by him. One of Sheets’ key points reveals the difference between “power”—strength or force—and “authority”—the right to use that power. He offers a much-needed refresher on the power of prayer and the authority the believer has in prayer. Each believer is living at a certain level of authority in prayer, Sheets believes, and he has included seven principles in this power-packed guidebook to help you determine which level you’re in. The believer who is hungry for the next level will find that Authority in Prayer is not an easy book to put down.
Jevon Bolden

BOOKS

The Day I Died
By Steve Sjogren, Regal, softcover, 166 pages, $11.99.

This is a fascinating story about the aftermath of a botched gall bladder surgery that changed Vineyard pastor Steve Sjogren’s life. It features a wealth of supernatural encounters. Among them: Sjogren’s conversation with God while his spirit hovered over an operating table and his vision of four people who gathered around his bed while he lay in a coma. Instinctively he knew each one’s name and age and that all had died that week while in intensive care. This vision proved to be accurate. The Day I Died contains the same thread as the best-seller 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. Just as most of 90 Minutes relates Piper’s recovery from injuries, so much of Sjogren’s book tells how he coped with the weakness that forced him to step down as senior pastor of the Cincinnati Vineyard. The strongest element of The Day I Died is not its glimpse into eternity; it is Sjogren’s candor as he reveals how God used this adversity to reshape him into a better father, husband and pastor.
Ken Walker

God Is Not Your Problem
By Billy Joe Daugherty, Destiny Image,
softcover, 142 pages, $13.99.

Billy Joe Daugherty makes the case in God Is Not Your Problem that God is always good, even if circumstances say otherwise. He questions facetiously whether some sin committed by the apostle Paul could have landed him and his companion Silas in jail. The account as described in Acts 16:18-30 reveals that the two men were in prison for being directly in the will of God. Today, as Daugherty points out, some believers would think otherwise and say, “Why would God allow that?” So why do seemingly bad things happen to good people? After reading Daugherty’s seven-point answer, you will be able to better answer this question for yourself.
J. James Estrada

23 Minutes in Hell
By Bill Wiese, Charisma House, softcover,
192 pages, $12.99.

Bill Wiese, a layman who makes his living in real estate, reports in 23 Minutes in Hell that—even though he was a Christian—one night in 1998 he was catapulted out of bed into hell for 23 minutes. Telling his gruesome story in the first six chapters, Wiese describes being mauled by fiendish creatures, hearing relentless screaming and experiencing true hopelessness. He writes that Jesus told him he was to return to Earth to affirm that hell exists and to assure unbelievers that it is not God’s desire for them to suffer for eternity. In the book’s last four chapters, Wiese answers questions about hell such as, “Is hell a literal burning place?” and “Are children in hell?” Interspersed throughout are historical and contemporary quotes on the subject of hell. However, affirming the Bible as his ultimate authority, Wiese uses Scripture verses liberally to support his testimony and includes a Scripture index.
Christine D. Johnson

Life Beneath the Surface
By Mike Pilavachi, Regal, softcover,
192 pages, $12.99.

Faith is the basis of a life built on trust, Mike Pilavachi states in Life Beneath the Surface: Thoughts on a Deeper Spiritual Life. Pilavachi expounds on the basics of kingdom living such as friendship with God, effective worship and fulfilling prayer while underscoring that each is inert without resolute faith. Faith, he writes, is the key to moving forward, to taking what we develop from these intimate kingdom basics and expressing it within community—among believers as well as unbelievers. He teaches that small victories may have a great effect on the faith of other believers, describing, for example, a moment when a woman who was healed of arthritis clapped her hands in worship, causing the entire church to celebrate her triumph.
J. James Estrada

Breaking the Cycle of Divorce
By John Trent, Ph.D. with Larry K. Weeden;
Tyndale House; hardcover; 208 pages; $19.99.

Speaking from the compassion born out of personal experience, author and counselor John Trent asserts that adult children of divorced parents can experience healthy, lifelong marriages. Despite the fact that his mother was divorced twice and his father three times, Trent—married to Cindy for 27 years—is living proof that an adult child of divorce (ACOD) can be successful in marriage. Trent does not deny that an ACOD is potentially more likely to get divorced than spouses whose parents stayed married, but he proves by example that divorce in the family of origin does not have to be a curse that is perpetuated through generations to come. Breaking the Cycle of Divorce: How Your Marriage Can Succeed Even If Your Parents’ Didn’t provides practical insights and applications for the ACOD. Most of all, Trent offers encouragement from someone who’s been there and succeeded in reversing the curse of divorce.
Christine D. Johnson

MUSIC

Victory Live!
By Tye Tribbett & G.A., Integrity Gospel.

Since debuting with the album Life, Tye Tribbett & G.A. (Greater Anointing) have emerged as one of gospel music’s brightest and most exciting artists. Victory Live! builds on the momentum that has garnered the group’s mass recognition. The latest release opens with the explosive anthem “I Want It All Back.” Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is featured on “Everything Will Be All Right.” Victory Live also includes the emotive “No Other Choice,” written in memory of Greater Anointing member Kenneth Riddle, who died in a car accident last summer, and revisits classics “Victory” and “Everything/Bow Before the King.” Victory Live! continues the group’s tradition of offering creative and exciting music.
Twanna Powell

Jesus Is
By Hillsong London, Integrity Music.

Energetic, fresh and youthful, Jesus Is promotes God-centered living. Its Euro-inspired, “no more church as usual” sound gives youth today a reason to be proud of “Christian music.” Passionate “victory chants” placed strategically among songs such as “Let the Whole World” help to push a resolve for allowing a spiritual revolution to start in the heart of the listener. Young and old alike will be edified and encouraged by this CD. The lyrics and the driving bass and guitar lines seem meant to empower the listener to stand boldly for Christ. The slower melodies such as the title track and “How Great Is Our God” help us understand more deeply our humanity in comparison with a big God who is ruler of all things.

Jevon Bolden

Israel My Beloved
By Karen Davis, Galilee of the Nations.

Karen Davis’ new CD of Messianic praise and worship, Israel My Beloved, is very moving music, not just for the Messianic Jew but also for the Christian who longs to reach a deeper place in worship with God. Flowing prophetic vocals sung in English and Hebrew convey purity and dedication to Jehovah. The music is much like what a score of the Psalms or Song of Solomon might be in that it gives a romantic, intimate depiction of God’s love for His bride, the church. Prayerful lyrics such as “Let the river flow,” “Saturate my soul,” “Lover of my soul” and “Arise from the dead / lift up your eyes to the light / your Messiah has come,” help to woo listeners into the intimacy of worship and praise.
Jevon Bolden

B Collision
By David Crowder Band, Sparrow Records.

To capture the inspiration and meaning of their recent album A Collision, David Crowder Band launched an intimate acoustic version, B Collision: The Eschatology of Bluegrass. Songwriter David Crowder constructed instrumental adjustments to “A Beautiful Collision,” “Wholly Yours,” “Be Lifted” and “I Saw the Light,” all from the studio version of A Collision. This new approach incorporates acoustic instruments and variations on the music. “A Beautiful Collision,” the opening cut, begins the CD with banjo and piano. “Wholly Yours” continues the acoustic style with guitar and fiddles. “Be Lifted” starts with the same musical variations as “The Lark Ascending” from A Collision. “I Saw the Light,” performed live by Crowder with guests Robbie Seay Band and Shane & Shane, adds the bluegrass flavor with banjos and fiddles.
Nikeya Williams

Fiction

Real Life

A Fall Together
By Jennifer O’Neill, Broadman & Holman,
Softcover, 320 pages, $14.99.

Seven women find camaraderie with one another despite their varied ages and backgrounds. When everything seems to start falling apart, they turn to one another—praying through breast cancer, problems with an ex-husband, struggles with teenagers and more.

ROMANCE

The Cubicle Next Door
By Siri L. Mitchell, Harvest House
Publishers, softcover, 300 pages, $12.99.

Jackie Harrison has to share her office with Joe Gallagher. She starts an online blog to vent and eventually confess her feelings about the new guy. It seems the cubicle wall represents her reservations about love. Will Jackie let go or will she continue to live in the confines of her fear?

CONTEMPORARY

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught
By Neta Jackson, Integrity Publishers,
Softcover, 400 pages, $13.99.

Members of the Yada Yada Prayer Group confront their beliefs about God and life as a couple in their 50s face having another child, a friend adjusts to winning the lottery and another woman realizes that the life she wants might not be what God has planned. Readers will identify with these friends as they deal with life issues.

New on DVD

The Waltons
Warner Home Video
$39.98

The third season of The Waltons is now available in a five-disc set. Experience life with John and Olivia, their seven children, and John’s parents. Living through the Great Depression, the Waltons knew that even though they didn’t have much, they had one another. The family values, love and lessons made this series a TV classic.

Larryboy and the Bad Apple,br>
Big Idea Inc.
$14.99

The Bad Apple has come to Bumblyburg and has a way of making people lose control and want to do things they shouldn’t. Everyone is influenced by Bad Apple—even Larryboy! Who can help the folks of Bumblyburg learn not to give in to temptation? Bonus features include a Web maze, a commentary, an interactive
storybook and much more.

The Pistol
Campbell/Stone Media Inc. $9.95

Watch Pete Maravich’s early efforts to become the best basketball player ever. After retiring, “Pistol” Pete’s passion became Christ. This Inspirational Edition features interviews, including one with Dr. James Dobson; Maravich’s personal testimony; basketball records; discussion questions and more. The DVD is available for a special price at www.pistolmovie.com.

SPOTLIGHT

Feeding the Mind

Vicky Beeching seeks to touch hearts and minds.

Vicky Beeching began leading worship at her Pentecostal church at the ripe old age of 13. But when the England-born songwriter decided to make music ministry her vocation, she headed to Oxford to earn a degree in theology. She says her latest release, Yesterday, Today, and Forever, reflects her own walk with God. “This album is a journey of where I’ve come in my walk with God and the different glimpses I’ve had of His character,” she says. “Many of the lyrics are rooted in the Bible, like ‘Search Me,’ based on Psalm 139 or ‘Yesterday,’ based on Hebrews 13:8.” But ultimately she hopes her music will touch more than listeners’ hearts. “I hope the … mixture of theology—truth—will feed their minds,” she says.
Nikeya S. Williams

Prayer Point

Christians in Burma (also known as Myanmar) continue to face persecution, with the government forcing some churches to close. Please join us this month in praying that:

My Turn

I am all for simplifying church life and shedding the weight of overdeveloped institutional structures, yet I have several problems with the current laissez faire movement in American Christianity that J. Lee Grady wrote about in his online column (“Christian Dropouts and the Coming ‘Revolution,'” Fire in My Bones, April 21). Many times those who start “fellowship groups” where there is “no authority except the Holy Spirit” are in fact leading by force of personality with no standard of authority or accountability. In most churches, there is at least some system of recourse when a leader gets off base.

Second, “church in a coffee shop” might be very effective when reaching the young urban worker. But will those believers be as quick to provide regular ministry to Aunt Mabel down the street? Established congregations tend to provide a more consistent base of ministry to the elderly and the poor. Any form of fellowship that forgets the needy is missing one of the central passions of God’s heart.

Finally, while a la carte Christianity might have a broad appeal, yet the fruit often is not believers who are, like Jesus was, ready to lay down their lives for others. From what I can see, the most thriving segments of the body of Christ in the world today are characterized by highly committed believers with clear leaders exhibiting strength and servanthood. Trying to apply such a standard in a culture of comfort is the challenge that falls to us.

IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

I congratulate you for your article on Israel (“Why Israel Matters” by Robert Stearns, May). As prayer-watchers for Israel in Cotonou, Benin, we pray for the restoration of Israel.
Dedegbe Therese
Cotonou, Benin, West Africa

Thank you for the most informative article regarding the biblical importance of Israel. We can’t be silent when it pertains to the peace of Jerusalem. We must appreciate the wealth of the past and work faithfully toward our future when Christ returns.
Rev. Barbara Anne Yovino, Ph.D.
Brooklyn, New York

I commend you for acknowledging our Lord’s command to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. God is speaking clearly to each of us today, and your magazine is a bright light in a dark world.
Beth Ann Holley
Cartersville, Georgia

Thank you for publishing the article about Israel. It was so refreshing to see the body of Christ embracing its Jewish roots and standing with Israel. Please continue to publish more articles on this subject. It is so needed!
Wendy Miller
Clarence, New York

CELEBRATING PENTECOST

Your commemorative issue “100 Years of Pentecost” (April) was also a resurrection issue. How I wish we would take a clue from the people of the Azusa Street Revival and observe that even in their weaknesses they were not influenced by the fashion, tastes and things of their world, unlike we are these days. Let us keep the rich legacy of these men and women, not relying on our effort and power but on the Spirit of God who can quicken us.
Adeeko Olumide
Ibadan Oyo, Nigeria

CHARISMA’S ONLINE POLL

Editor’s Note: In a recent online column, editor J. Lee Grady wrote about the many leaders of the American “house church” movement who have given up on the traditional church. He asked our readers to answer a few questions about the house-church debate: Do you believe traditional churches should disband? Have you left your church to join an “organic” church that meets in a home? If so, what was it about your traditional church that triggered your departure? Here are your responses:

God is moving us away from man-made religious doctrines. When we get to heaven, there will be no Catholic, Southern Baptist, Methodist or Assemblies of God.
Aileen Brown
Yadkinville, North Carolina

I agree that the church body needs to stay as it is. However, I agree that the church should be ministering outside its walls. Those who criticize pastoral structure do not seem to be reaching the lost.
Carlos Rivas
Tampa, Florida

I’m part of a wonderful, Spirit-filled church, All Saints Episcopal. But my
parents are in a church where the Holy Spirit doesn’t seem welcome. They would benefit from a small home-gathering.
Shannon Bennett
Winter Park, Florida

I have belonged to small churches and megachurches. Most of my spiritual growth happened in the small settings. Growth happens best when Jesus’ model of loving discipleship is practiced. Most of the church dropouts are leaving because they are hurt. They will not get healed by leaving but by finding reconciliation.
John LeMaster
Lexington, Kentucky

When one loves God, he or she is drawn to corporate worship. But we must go to church where we are fed. If a person feels fed by worshiping in a barn, let him worship there. Personally, I enjoy choirs, sermons and the reading of the Word.
Richard Thunberg
Palmyra, Pennsylvania

If churches were to be done away with, where would the sheep be fed? There’s no way the home-church idea will work. Who will provide accountability?
Andrea Floyd
Cochran, Georgia

I haven’t dropped out of church yet, but I sure would consider a house church. I’ve been at a famous church for 20 years. In fact, I’m one of the worship leaders, and I’m tired of the Holy Spirit being quenched every service. I long for a place where God can be God.
name withheld

I’m with you 100 percent on sticking with the traditional church. It’s been said that Washington state is second to last as the most unchurched state in America (Oregon is last). In the Northwest, people are more concerned about hunting and fishing than church.
Rev. Otis Manning
Spokane, Washington

I believe the traditional church should continue, but I have no problem with house churches because I believe we need both. We should not tell those who go to a house church that they are any less Christian than those of us who attend church in a traditional building.
Valerie Lewis
via e-mail

Part of the problem, I think, is we don’t have servant leaders who would be willing to pastor a “gateway” church if it never grew into a powerhouse congregation and paid the pastor a six-figure salary. Until we raise up pastors who are willing to, we will continue to lose church members.
Tim Tremaine
Arlington, Texas

I understand why some house churches start, but I do not agree with all their reasoning. I started Life Changers Church of God in Christ after the Holy Ghost called me to. But some people start house ministries because of disagreements with leadership and other unbiblical reasons. I constantly pray for humility because I believe the focus should be on Jesus.
Rev. Gerald Matthew Mandrell
Life Changers Church of God in Christ
Tallahassee, Florida

I’ve been a pastor in a house church, and I’ve seen the Lord move. Now I pastor in an organized church, and the people are more faithful.

We’ve sent members on mission trips to Finland, Japan, India, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Kenya, Central African Republic, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Canada, Lesotho and the Philippines. We went to Africa 28 times.
We’ve seen thousands come to Christ. Our house church sent no one.
Bill Smith
McKinney, Texas

LOOK WHAT GOD DID!

About 15 years ago I used to receive your magazine. I was not a born-again Christian at the time and I don’t recall who forwarded my name to your subscription office.

However, through your magazine God touched my life and 10 years ago I was born again. Today I am a pastor called by God to serve.
Rev. Ronald Mogire
Nakuru, Kenya

Her generation is lost in selfishness. But 25-year-old missionary Brianna Esswein gave her life to reach Nigeria with the gospel.

American missionary Brianna Esswein, 25, of Cypress, California, attended the wedding of a good friend on Saturday, December 11. Photos show her wearing a long, golden gown and a bright smile. A few hours later she and seven other staff members and students who were in Nigeria with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) were killed in an auto accident. Though she was not martyred at the hands of Islamic terrorists or anti-Christian protesters, Brianna in a very real sense died for her faith.

Raised the eldest of three children in a Christian family, Brianna stood out among other young people her age, many of whom are focused on only their own needs and desires. She was deeply committed to the Lord and touched the lives of thousands of souls who remembered her long after the encounter she had with them. Each time Brianna served someone else, she grew more steadfast in her resolve to grow in Christ, more sure of her call to the mission field.

For Brianna, missions work started at age 16 when she participated in an outreach to Mexicali, Mexico, with her friend Heather Worthington. She came back changed.

“She was kind of an introvert,” Brianna’s mother, Mary Kay, told Charisma. “It unfolded that she was committing her whole life to the Lord, and not long after that she decided she wanted to dedicate her life to missions.”

From that moment forward, every spring break, every summer, every portion of time Brianna could carve out of her school schedule, she served on missions trips. In 1996, Brianna decided she wanted to “serve Christ no matter what the cost”—and she was prepared to act on her commitment.

In 1999 she and her mother, a nurse practitioner, began serving on the foreign missions field together. Mary Kay was particularly delighted by Brianna’s interest in medicine. Together they went on a medical missions trip to Nicaragua sponsored by Mercy Ships, during which they put their skills and their hands together to help children in need.

“I was a nurse already and she was my translator. She knew Spanish. It was a really special time for us,” Mary Kay says. During Brianna’s spring break the following year, they served together again, this time in El Salvador.

In 2002 Brianna graduated magna cum laude from California State University in Long Beach, California, with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Three years later she earned a master’s degree in missions and intercultural studies from Wheaton College with the same honors.

“Because of her nursing,” her mother says, “we became closer. It was a joy for me to get to know her better, and as our career paths became closer the bond was deeper. But our spiritual bond was closer as well.”

In less than 10 years, while completing high school and earning two university degrees, Brianna went on medical missions to Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Romania, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria. During that time she served with Mercy Ships, YWAM, Youth for Christ and Medical Missions International. She also received training at a Youth for Christ summer institute, a YWAM Discipleship Training School and a Focus on the Family Institute.

In the summer of 2005, Brianna attended a YWAM Birth Attendant School in Australia and received training in midwifery. From September to December she put the training to good use as a midwife at a hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where she delivered four babies. Through her experience, Brianna drew closer to God.

“The birth of a child is always a special moment,” Brianna wrote in her YWAM Christmas letter. “As a mother catches a glimpse of her new child there is a new understanding of the greatness of God’s love and the miracle of this new, created life.

“A sudden understanding of the depth, the height, the width and the length of the love and compassion of Christ suddenly comes upon me as this new mother beholds the sight of her precious child. The joy in her eyes takes away any of the pain and suffering she has just come through and as I see her joy I am able to join in and celebrate her triumph with her.”

Not all the birth experiences Brianna participated in were positive, however.

“Unfortunately not every delivery comes with a happy ending,” she wrote. “We have seen many tragedies as well along the way. Even though we are in a hospital we still face the common circumstances of a developing country, including lack of resources, lack of education and poverty.

“Joy comes slowly in these circumstances, and many times I find it difficult to see how God is working, but I trust that He is there and as I come alongside these grieving women, somehow I learn how to show them Jesus’ compassion as He reveals Himself to me.”

The Christmas letter arrived the day after Brianna died.

Personal items trickled in during the next few weeks. Brianna’s journal was delivered on January 25, the day that would have been her 26th birthday. Mary Kay found joy and strength as she read Brianna’s words.

“My heart breaks and my hope falters but never dies because my hope is secure in Him—even when He doesn’t act how I want Him to,” Brianna wrote. “Hope is compassion. Hope is One coming to suffer with us.

“You are my God and I will trust in You. I will believe in You and I will put my faith in You because only in You is hope realized. Only in You does hope come to fruition and I know that hope will be completed in You.”

As a Grain of Wheat

When she penned those words, Brianna had no way of knowing how her hope would be made complete. And she had no reason to believe she wouldn’t experience it on this side of eternity.

She and other YWAM hospital staff and medical students were on their way to the ordination of a local pastor and friend, Ikechukwa Chukuka, when the accident occurred. Seventeen of them were packed into a large passenger van. Another group of students and staff were riding in a station wagon behind the van.

Well into the two-hour drive, the two vehicles came upon a truck that had stopped for a pothole in the road. The passenger van swerved to miss the truck. “They couldn’t do anything to stop it. Everyone in the first row died—the driver and two others. Three died in the second row,” Mary Kay says. “And two more died.”

When the van came to a stop, the truck took off. The police followed and caught the driver.

Three accident victims in the van remained conscious. They broke windows and worked their way out of the vehicle, then began to triage the accident scene.

The station wagon had fallen behind the passenger van, but when it arrived on the scene, the occupants leaped from their car and began treatment on the unconscious ones who were struggling to live.

Brianna was unconscious and died shortly after she arrived at a local hospital. Three other victims were flown to Ghana. Three were flown to South Africa. One accident victim remains in a rehabilitation facility where she is slowly recovering from her injuries.

The Essweins remember their older daughter’s assessment of the previous evening’s events.

“Bri told us she’d had a wonderful time on Saturday at a Nigerian wedding [of a doctor they worked with at the hospital] and she was excited to go to the ordination of a pastor from their YWAM base on Sunday,” Mary Kay and Dan wrote in a letter of praise to God for all the provisions He’s given the Esswein family since Brianna’s death. “She was looking forward to having communion for the first time since she had come to Nigeria.”

Instead, as sister Krista, 23, said, “She was able to commune with the Lord at the marriage feast of the Lamb.”

Brianna may not have been expecting her physical life to end that day. But she had laid it down years before for the cause of Christ—along with all aspects of self—as an entry from her 2003 Discipleship Training School (DTS) journal shows:

“As a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies before it can bear fruit, I will die daily to my own wishes and desires. I will die to my dreams, to my thoughts and to my will. Through this death I will rise daily as well to the life that is lived in and through Christ. His life will permeate through me every second.

“I will lose my life here so that I may live the life that He has called me to, a life of both joy and suffering. I am willing to live and die for my Lord and will follow Him to the ends of the earth, knowing that it may cost me everything but that there is no greater joy than serving my God, and only through Him can my life and my joy be made complete. I will be His bride.”

A Dedicated Life

Becca Carter of Pittsburgh, a YWAM midwife who had served with Brianna and the only other American involved in the Nigerian accident, seemed to confirm that Brianna had attained her goal. After recovering from head and back injuries, she went to visit the Esswein family in California and sang for them a wedding song she had written and shared prophetically with Brianna before her death:

“Now the winter is over / The rain has come and it’s gone / The flowers are blooming and singing can be heard / Arise, my love, and come away.”

Carter had observed Brianna firsthand in Nigeria and saw that her devotion to God was real.

“Early one morning in Nigeria,” she says, “I woke up and went outside—quietly, because the African sun was just waking. Bri was awake too, and she didn’t know that I saw her—dressed in her pink robe with our huge binder of praise songs out … singing a capella love songs to her Creator.”

Brianna had developed a habit of basking in God’s presence at sunrise, as a fellow student at the YWAM DTS confirms:

“Brianna was one of the most beautiful people I ever met, inside and out. She was always awake at the crack of dawn, seeking out God and His Word, and always one of the last to bed, making sure everyone was taken care of.”

Another DTS student, Esther Kramer, also identified Brianna with the dawn. “I saw just a glimpse of Brianna’s life,” she says, “but this verse describes how I saw Brianna in her walk with Jesus: ‘The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.’ She really became brighter and brighter like the sun in her walk with Jesus.”

Wheaton College friend Melody Scott uses different imagery to describe Brianna. “Bri was the aroma of Christ. … She extended tenderness and compassion to everyone—literally everyone—she met. She bore Christ’s eyes, His hands, His heart. She was truly the aroma of Christ; she left His fragrance,” she says.

Scott and others at Wheaton saw Brianna as a worshiper, too. “She had a beautiful voice,” Scott says. “At Wheaton, professors were always asking her to lead the class in worship. I can still hear her singing—see her lifting her hands and worshiping God with her whole heart.”

Family members who knew Brianna best concur with the assessment of her by her friends and mission associates. “When I think of Bri, the first thing that comes to mind is her depth in ‘late-night’ chats on the couch,” says brother Matt, 20, who is currently pursuing his degree in missions.

“Every time I talked with her I felt encouraged and emboldened to be an example of Christ. … Her life and now her death further challenge me to live to glorify God alone in any way possible.”

Matt shared the goal of creating a financial base for foreign missions with Brianna. They hoped to “[raise] up leaders to guide their own people and be a sending ground for future missionaries.” Now that Brianna is gone, her family is working to fulfill this goal. More than $50,000 has already been donated through the Esswein’s local church.

At Brianna’s memorial service, representatives from Wheaton College, Focus on the Family and YWAM gathered to celebrate the young martyr’s amazing life.

YWAM International President John Dawson said that he was deeply impressed with Brianna’s dedication to both Christ and the mission field. According to West Coast Director John Bills, each time Dawson has been asked to speak since her death, he has highlighted this dedication.

“He says that she was fulfilling her life’s purpose and that her life was not a loss because of the impact she made,” Bills says. “This young girl’s dedication speaks volumes. She was willing to lay her life down at any time.”

Though Bills was in Perth, Australia, helping the surviving accident victims through their trauma when Brianna’s memorial service was held, he has been with the Esswein family since that time. Skilled in bereavement counseling, he was a natural fit to assist the Essweins during the grieving process.

“This is a remarkable family. They are very solid in the Lord. … They are trusting and praying that Brianna’s life will be a shining testimony to those who hear about her life and [that they] will respond to the call of missions.”

The Esswein family is currently planning a trip to Cameroon in central Africa to speak at a conference at which Brianna was originally invited to speak. Though they do not plan to visit the accident site, they are hoping to coordinate some additional stops in which they can “share Brianna’s life and minister to the [YWAM] staff,” Bills says. “They don’t want to focus on the accident. They want to focus on her amazing life, her dedication to the Lord.”

Michelle Lovato is a freelance writer based in Wrightwood, California.

BOOKS

Breakthrough
By Tommy Walker, Regal Books,
hardcover, 144 pages, $12.99.

Worship leader Tommy Walker writes that a surrendered heart of worship positions us for a “breakthrough” encounter with God. Breakthroughs happen, he writes, when we advance through obstacles of doubt, fear, pain or guilt. He learned this when he underwent the emotional blow of singing at the funerals of four loved ones in a single year. The sorrow he felt caused him to cry out in desperation to God. In his breakthrough the strength of God overcame his weakness. Walker stresses that even though a breakthrough will not always answer a problem, with the breakthrough come the presence of God and the strength to endure the situation. When a believer blesses the Lord aloud without a distracted mind, a breakthrough often will occur, he explains. Walker has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles since 1990 and has written more than 100 worship songs. If you have reached a point of desperation and need a breakthrough in any area of your life, you will find encouragement in this book.
Tracee N. Mason

Pure Joy
By R.T. Kendall, Charisma House,
hardcover, 256 pages, $19.99.

R.T. Kendall instructs believers on the difference between happiness, which is dependent on outward circumstances, and joy, which is reflective of one’s relationship with God. The author pokes fun at himself, saying he’s a “photographer’s nightmare” because he doesn’t smile much, but he affirms that he has found the joy of the Lord. A best-selling author and longtime pastor of London’s Westminster Chapel, Kendall shares four levels of joy: joy by faith, trusting God even when enduring trials; joy that comes from the immediate witness of the Holy Spirit; the joy of knowing that one’s life brings pleasure to the Lord; and the ultimate joy that will come in heaven. Revealing his personal trials, Kendall demonstrates that he can relate well to readers who are learning to experience joy in their Christian walk. His practical teaching holds a few surprises and will be useful to new as well as seasoned believers who want to learn this often-overlooked lesson.
CHRISTINE D. JOHNSON

The Power of Your Words
By Robert Morris, Regal Books, hardcover,
192 pages, $17.99.

Author and pastor Robert Morris says he grew up with “a loaded gun for a mouth” and paid the price for it. Having learned a few lessons along the way, Morris sets out to show his readers just how powerful the tongue is and the ways words can be used to connect with God and with others—or not. Morris calls the right of free speech a lie and urges spouses to “stop speaking death” to each other. He teaches against abuse of the phrase “God told me” when used in a self-serving way. On the positive side, he gently teaches from the Scriptures why he believes the Holy Spirit can not only change a person’s communication pattern but also supply the gift of tongues for devotional use. Morris, the senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, offers an honest inventory of the sinful ways believers can use their words, but he also clearly teaches how the Holy Spirit desires to partner with believers who wish to use their tongues as instruments of life.
CHRISTINE D. JOHNSON

Religiously Transmitted Diseases
By Ed Gungor, Nelson Ignite, softcover,
192 pages, $13.99.

Ed Gungor, author and senior pastor of People’s Church in Tulsa, Okla., offers a spiritual health diagnosis for the body of Christ in Religiously Transmitted Diseases: Finding the Cure When Faith Doesn’t Feel Right. Like a dose of good medicine, his keen discernment provides an antidote to many of the “ills” he describes, and Gungor mixes wisdom with wit to help the medicine go down. Each chapter of the book is titled with an ailment, often cleverly named. For instance, in the chapter on “Inferiorphobia,” readers learn why bigger isn’t always better, and the chapter on “Individualitus” explains why people were made for community. As an experienced physician treats a patient with care, Gungor, who has been in ministry more than 20 years, seems to have a seasoned perspective on these “diseases,” and in the process of diagnosis, he treats the reader with respect. In spite of its unusual title, Religiously Transmitted Diseases is an enriching and enjoyable read.
Deborah L. Delk

MUSIC

Introducing Ayiesha Woods
By Ayiesha Woods, Gotee Records.

Newcomer Ayiesha Woods has a far-reaching, diverse sound that touches on rock, soul and jazz. From the rock sound of “Big Enough,” songwriter Woods segues to the mellow pop of “The Remedy,” a standout song about gaining the peace of God. “Days” encourages believers to keep pressing through rough days, and the “Greatest Artist” is a tribute to God and His creativity. In 2004, the New York native became the first female artist to win the Caribbean Gospel Music’s Marlin Award for Producer of the Year. Woods attributes her sound to the musical influences of Fred Hammond, India Arie, Ella Fitzgerald and Dancehall, as well as Caribbean music. Her rich vocals and thought-provoking lyrics should ensure that we will hear more from Woods in the future.
TRACEE N. MASON

Who You Are
By Desperation Band, Vertical Music.

Who You Are is the latest release from Desperation Band, which also serves as the youth worship band for Colorado Springs, Colo.’s New Life Church, where Ted Haggard serves as senior pastor. Led by Jared Anderson, Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam, Desperation revels in a power-packed musical worship experience, recreated live on this disc. Though the sound stays mostly in a modern pop-rock vein, the group also mixes in vinyl scratches from a DJ and makes use of a worshipful congregation during songs such as “Promises.” The title song begins as a mellow prayer and builds into an epic, rock-worship tune proclaiming the greatness of God. The disc seems geared for younger listeners, leaning a little more to pop than other comparable releases, such as Hillsong United’s or Delirious’ worship projects. Still, Desperation Band will engage listeners with its earnest worship tunes.
DEWAYNE HAMBY

Mighty Long Way
By Joe Pace, Integrity Gospel.

Joe Pace has delivered dynamic and energetic church projects to the gospel music genre. The leader of the Colorado Mass Choir and author of the recent From Performance to Praise now turns his attention back to recording with Mighty Long Way: The Vision Comes Alive. He celebrates a decade of music ministry, revisiting favorites such as the lively “We’ve Come to Praise Him” and the riveting “Stir Up the Gift.” Other cuts include the memorable “Speak Life,” the high-octane “High and Lifted Up” and the breathtaking “Worship Medley,” a collection of some of gospel’s most moving tracks. The two-disc set is exactly what you would expect from this Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-nominated choir director and songwriter—infectious praise anthems and reflective worship tunes.

RENÉ WILLIAMS

Invitation
By Brett Rush, Creative Soul Records.

Invitation showcases Brett Rush, a singer-songwriter and the pastor of Shiloh Tabernacle in Quarryville, Pa. His creative range includes a mellow rock ‘n’ roll sound with heavy emphasis on praise and worship. The fun “Yahweh La De Da” has a singsong feel, while “Not Just Stones” is a fast guitar-driven song about having the faith to move mountains. Another standout song is “Wash Me Away.” This guitar-flavored rock song practically incites worship as Rush exhorts God to wash him anew in His river. Rush’s acoustic melodies and rocking flavors merge successfully into a modern-day worship sound.
TRACEE N. MASON

DVD

An Unconventional War
The Sentinel Group, 105 minutes, $24.95.

The creators of the popular Transformations film series are again chronicling the remarkable power of prayer through their latest documentary, An Unconventional War. Produced by George Otis Jr. of The Sentinel Group, the 105-minute video documents the impact prayer has had in northern Uganda, where a sorceress known as Alice Lakwena and her successor, Joseph Kony, waged war on the government through a cult now called the Lord’s Resistance Army. The 20-year conflict has led to thousands of deaths and seemed unstoppable until a band of intercessors prayed and renounced idolatry at the altars where Kony made sacrifices to demonic spirits. Today Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court for “crimes against humanity” and is on the run in the Congo. Some of the children who were kidnapped to serve as soldiers or sex slaves have been returned to their parents, and a wave of forgiveness is helping to bring healing. Through interviews with parents of kidnapped children, Christian ministers, government leaders and relief workers, An Unconventional War can inspire the global church to realize the tremendous power of prayer to change nations.
ADRIENNE S. GAINES

FICTION

SUSPENSE

Night Light
By Terri Blackstock, Zondervan,
softcover, 352 pages, $14.99.

Modern-day characters have to learn how to live without high-tech conveniences and electricity. Survival becomes paramount. Jeff Branning tracks down the youngsters who broke into his family’s home. He discovers five children living alone. His search for truth unveils evidence of desperation and murder.

CONTEMPORARY

Something That Lasts
By James David Jordan, Integrity
Publishers, softcover, 324 pages, $13.99.

James David Jordan tackles the devastating subject of adultery in his debut novel, Something That Lasts. The Rev. David Parst’s admission to his moral failure throws his church, community, wife and son into turmoil. The Parst family now has the difficult task of deciding to forgive, overcome, and grow in their faith and as a family.

GENERAL

Rachel’s Prayer
By Leisha Kelly, Revell, softcover,
288 pages, $12.99.

The Wortham and Hammond families have sons serving their country during World War II. These families live day to day knowing their loved ones are in danger. Robert Wortham’s girlfriend, Rachel, says a special prayer that gives both families hope and courage—something they will need when they receive some unexpected news.

New on DVD

Hiding Place
Fox Faith, $19.98

Billy Graham presents the beautifully restored Hiding Place, starring Tony Award-winning actress Julie Harris (as Betsie ten Boom). Witness the ten Boom family’s courage while they join the underground efforts to help persecuted Jewish families in Holland during the Holocaust. Watch the family’s faith grow even when they are arrested and condemned to concentration camps.

The Second Chance
Sony Pictures Home
Entertainment, $24.96

Michael W. Smith portrays Ethan Jenkins, an associate pastor of an affluent suburban church. When Jenkins’ unconventional ways upset some of the church leaders, he is reassigned to a sister church in the poorest neighborhood, pastored by Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi Carr) a street-savvy African-American. These two men must face their differences and combine their strengths to help those they are called to serve. The DVD includes commentaries, deleted scenes, a music video and more.

Woman Thou Art Loosed
Fox Faith, $26.98

Michelle Jordan grew up in a home where abuse and molestation went unchecked. After being incarcerated, Jordan writes to pastor T.D. Jakes, requesting a visit from him. When Jakes meets with Jordan, her story unfolds and she begins to experience restoration and healing. The film is rated R for violence, sexual context and drug use. This Special Edition version includes deleted footage and related sermon material.

Celebrating Pentecost

Kudos for the April special commemorative issue on the Azusa Street Revival (“100 Years of Pentecost”). It was a terrific synopsis of the century of the Holy Spirit.
Thomas Byron
Midland, Michigan

Thank you for your special edition on the Azusa Street Revival, which changed our world. Charisma holds a pivotal place in our day not only because it reports on and influences the present and prophesies about the future, but also because it honors the past. I am grateful for your publication. May we bring forth “treasures old and new” (Matt. 13:52) and see the kingdom come to Earth!
Bessie Watson Rhoades
Acworth, Georgia

J. Lee Grady hit the nail on the head when he wrote about how our forefathers would have reacted to how we are portraying “the gospel” today (Fire in My Bones, April). Thank you again for not compromising the truth of God and for being bold about identifying sin and foolishness in the body of Christ.
Gayla Waitman
Goldsby, Oklahoma

Will Pentecost survive? Yes it will. Despite the phony baloney titles and degrees some have claimed for themselves, this move of the Holy Spirit will survive. There are Pentecostal people who know the difference between the fire of the Holy Ghost and the forms and traditions of men.
Eugene Pansler Jr.
Lakeland, Florida

Pentecostals, charismatics and many other Full Gospel organizations trace their roots back to Azusa Street. If you read the accounts of the revival that happened 100 years ago, you would have to conclude that they were very powerful and of God.

But I have a question. Is God going to do it again? The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit and to pray without ceasing.
Christopher Wehrenberg
Anna, Illinois

Why did Charisma publish a cover story about Pentecostal pioneers and exclude any mention of G.T. Haywood and other pioneers of the Oneness Pentecostal movement? Oneness Pentecostals are Pentecostal too, and history is history! Bishop Haywood’s life had a tremendous impact on the movement. I believe he should have been acknowledged.
Sara Hayes
Pomona, California

I read the article concerning the celebration of the Azusa Street Revival. I commend the author for standing up for women in ministry. Where would men (even Christ’s disciples) be without partnership with women? How would the disciples (who disappeared after the Crucifixion because of fear and terror) have known Jesus had risen from the dead if the women had not returned with the good news that “He is risen”?
Rev. Monica Parchia
via e-mail

Editor’s note: Our cover story by Larry Martin, Ph.D., should have noted that he has compiled several books including Azusa Street Sermons and The Life and Ministry of William J. Seymour. These are published by Christian Life Books and are available online at www.azusastreet.org.

Correction: Two short articles in April written by John Hurston should have noted that he has a Doctor of Divinity degree, not a Ph.D. Charisma regrets the error. His writings were taken from the book Divine Desperation, published by Creation House Press. It is available online at www.strangdirect.com.

Tongues Are Wagging

With regard to the Southern Baptists who are opposing speaking in tongues on the mission field, I couldn’t believe what I was reading (News, April). They need to read the book of Acts as well as 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and 1 Corinthians 14:2.

If you have a problem with speaking in tongues, talk to Jesus, because He is the One who baptizes a person in the Holy Ghost (Matt. 3:11). I would question the salvation of people on that denominational board to make a statement like that.
Rev. Bill Reeves
Moreno Valley, California

Concerning the Southern Baptist pastor who faces removal for his belief about speaking in tongues, it’s a sad commentary on the state of denominational churches. As a former Southern Baptist, I was taught that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. But in the same breath I was taught that miracles ceased at the end of the apostolic age. Every born-again believer needs to have his or her own personal day of Pentecost.
Stan Taft
Spring, Texas

Editor’s note: Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board voted in March to rescind their action to remove Oklahoma pastor and trustee Wade Burleson. See our May issue for details.

Getting Too Political?

I have enjoyed Charisma over the years. However, because of your support of the Republican Party I am discontinuing my subscription. I believe our current president has brought a curse upon our nation by using Christian men and women in our military in Iraq to help establish Islamic theocracies. I pray God will open your eyes to see that you cannot call yourself a pro-life party and mislead people into a war.
Al Steele
Columbus, Ohio

Thanks for your article (“The Bishop’s Campaign” by Valerie G. Lowe, February). Please also let your readers know about Len Munsil, a pro-life Christian who is running as a candidate for governor of Arizona. We Christians must stand together and support one another.
Jesse R. Bryant
Globe, Arizona

Stop Listening!

I was pleased to see your stirring article about the radical humility of Ukrainian pastor Sunday Adelaja (Fire in My Bones, May). What struck me was your final comment regarding an invitation for Pastor Sunday to come to the United States. You said, “We’re all ears.” I totally agree from a perspective of having ministered in various nations but not in the manner you suggested. We Americans are “all ears” but no hands and feet.

We Americans see nothing wrong with spending $30 million on a single church campus in the suburbs. Yet that amount would be sufficient to help bring 10 million people in India or China into the kingdom of heaven. We’re comfortable with listening to teachings and testimonies, but we are poor on action.
Tom Dooley
Birmingham, Alabama

A Lesson in History

Although David Barton has done an admirable job regarding American religious history, I wish Charisma would consider another point of view (News, February). We are in danger of suggesting that the United States is a “Christian nation” and misinterpreting facts to prove it. I’d like to see an interview of Christian historians who hold various positions.
Sara Frahm
Austin, Texas

I had the wonderful privilege of hearing David Barton speak at a recent conference. His wisdom and passion were inspiring. He awoke in me a desire to learn everything I can about our American forefather’s original intent.
Tami Donnally
Lake Worth, Florida

In Support of Hal Lindsey

I have respected Bible teacher Hal Lindsey for as long as I can remember. For him to be censored by the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) for comments he made about radical Islam is showing disrespect to a man of God (News, March).
I watch TBN every day and I have heard many speak out against radical Islam. They were not speaking about all Muslims but only about those who have killed innocent people, even other Muslims.
J.K. Creech
via e-mail

Organized by the gay activism group Soulforce, the tour sought to change the schools’ policies on homosexuality
A gay activist group organized a tour of several Christian colleges in the hope of pressuring the schools to change their policies regarding homosexuality.

Patterning their Equality Ride after the Freedom Rides of the civil rights movement, more than 30 young adults were to spend seven weeks visiting 19 college campuses, including Pentecostal schools such as Lee University, Oral Roberts University and North Central University, and socially conservative colleges such as West Point and Brigham Young University.

All the Christian colleges on the riders’ March 10-April 26 tour are private and forbid any kind of sexual expression outside the bonds of marriage between one man and one woman.

“Making these choices is fully within a school’s right, but we do see the choice to discriminate as a decision with moral weight,” said Equality Ride co-director Haven Herrin. “We question the morality of exercising the right to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.”

Exodus International, an ex-gay ministry based in Florida, sent teams to several of the targeted colleges to prepare students for the Equality Ride visit. Exodus Youth director Scott Davis said many of the students were looking to move the dialogue about homosexuality beyond “the Bible says it’s sin” to understanding how to reach students who struggle with same-sex attraction or identify themselves as gay. “In general students really are wrestling with this,” he said. “They’re hearing all kinds of cultural messages promoting homosexuality, but not as much from the church.”

The Equality Ride was sponsored by Soulforce, a gay activist group founded by Mel White and his partner, Gary Nixon. A former ghostwriter for several prominent Christians, including Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Billy Graham, White identified himself as gay in the early 1990s and has since become an advocate for Christian acceptance of homosexuality.

The schools on the tour were notified in advance and were asked to help facilitate a dialogue about homosexuality on their campuses. If the riders were denied access or if an agreement about the content or format of forums could not be reached, Soulforce organized a public demonstration near the campus and contacted local media.

Before the riders’ April 5 visit to Azusa Pacific University (APU) in California, administrators developed a carefully scheduled program. “We believe it is our responsibility as Christ-followers to demonstrate loving, scriptural treatment of our guests while maintaining an unwavering commitment to our policy statement, which prohibits homosexual activity at the university,” said Maureen Taylor, director of strategic communication at APU.

Wheaton College in suburban Chicago planned to give the riders limited access to its students during the group’s April 20-21 visit by offering a series of seminars addressing the agenda set forth by gay activist groups.”A panel discussion will be the central event of the visit,” said campus spokeswoman Tiffany Self. “This will offer an opportunity for members of the community to hear why Soulforce has embarked on this Equality Ride and why Wheaton’s stance will not change from the historical stance of the church.”

Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell denied the Equality Riders access to his campus March 10, accusing the group of not acting in good faith. He said Liberty hosted a Soulforce team last year, allowing them almost unlimited access to roughly 150 people at its campus church.

“Several of the Soulforce delegation later professed faith in Christ and abandoned the homosexual lifestyle,” Falwell said. “However, it is now our firm belief that Soulforce is … simply trying to use such encounters on Christian college campuses as a media attraction and for their ultimate purpose of fundraising.”

Administrators at North Central University, an Assemblies of God college in Minneapolis, also did not allow the riders on their campus April 17. As a result, the riders staged a protest near the school. Similar rallies were held near Liberty University’s campus and in Dallas March 31 outside the national convention of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Most of the colleges targeted during the Equality Ride are CCCU members or affiliates.

Herrin believes Soulforce’s cause is advanced no matter how schools respond. “Every time a school validates the necessity of the discussion we bring to a campus, we view that as part of the evolution of faith and social justice moving toward reconciliation,” she said. “We will not be barred from this conversation any longer.”

Exodus President Alan Chambers said Christians should expect the gay community to become more aggressive in its attempt to change public sentiment about homosexuality. Believers should strive to model Jesus’ example “of being 100 percent grace and 100 percent truth,” he said. “Once we are educated and have the right attitude, then I believe we need to proactively go out in the public square and begin countering the lies … with the truth.

“Martin Luther King said it best: The church is neither the master of the state or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. The church needs to regain its role as the conscience of our society and help navigate it through these very murky waters. The stakes are high: our children.”
Michelle Van Loon

Angry parents accused the Pentecostal minister’s wife of trying to promote creationism
A Pentecostal teacher came under fire in January for leading a course on the origins of life that some parents claimed was a guise to endorse creationism.

“You could ask any of the students if I was biased and they’d tell you no,” said Sharon Lemburg, who has taught at rural Frazier Mountain High School in Lebec, Calif., since it opened 12 years ago. “I bent over backwards to make the class fair and to present each side, each theory fairly so the kids themselves could decide. They were to draw their own conclusions.”

Thirteen students participated in Lemburg’s month-long Philosophy Design course, which discussed evolution, intelligent design and creationism. But legal action by 11 angered parents backed by the Americans United for Separation of Church and State caused the school district to cancel the course 18 days into the class.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, claimed the course “was designed to advance religious theories on the origins of life.” Superintendent John Wright said all along the elective was appropriate for a philosophy class intended to introduce students to diverse perspectives.

“Our legal advisers have pointed out that they are unaware of any court or California statute which has forbidden public schools to explore cultural phenomena, including history, religion or creation myths,” Wright said in a statement released by the school.

None of the parents involved in the lawsuit attended the class, and none had children in the class. The man who initiated the suit, Ken Hurst, declined Lemburg’s invitation to address the students.

“The class was never really presented with the idea of creationism, other than a brief one-day discussion,” said Lemburg, whose husband, Larry, is pastor of Frazier Park (Calif.) Assembly of God. “We didn’t bring the Bible into class. We didn’t quote Scripture. We just said this is what creationism believes.”

A federal judge in Fresno, Calif., heard the case in January. Though never making a ruling, Lemburg said, the judge favored the school, noting that the course was an elective, required parental permission and was an overview of theories. “If our district had the money, we could have fought this and won hands down,” Lemburg said.

Paula Harve, head of the district’s teacher’s association, approved of the decision not to pursue the case and told the Associated Press (AP), “We can ill afford to spend all this money defending what the superintendent is calling a philosophy class.”

The plaintiffs wanted to end the class two weeks early and never convene it again, but the school district agreed to end the class a week early and to not endorse creationism or intelligent design.

There is support among students to continue the class. “If you don’t want your kids in the class, it’s one thing, but you can’t keep someone else from seeing another opinion,” Nick Lonero, a junior at Frazier Mountain, told the AP.

Lemburg said the parents were misleading in their charges because they used only the first two of the four syllabi she presented to the school board, which had approved the class 3-2 in December. The first two syllabi are marked as “tentative,” she said, and were “a work in progress.”

“Everyone who has seen the fourth syllabus says there is nothing wrong with it,” Lemburg said. “But they had to use the first two and to attack me as a minister’s wife. That’s all they were left with. According to the judge, they didn’t have a leg to stand on.”

Hurst said he would support offering the class next year if it was presented fairly and if Lemburg wasn’t the teacher. “The course isn’t just teaching about the concept of intelligent design,” Hurst said in a statement on the school Web site. “Rather, it’s advocating a religious position.”

In December, a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled that it was unconstitutional to teach intelligent design in a public school science class because it promoted a particular religious belief. After that ruling, California lawmakers ruled it permissible to discuss intelligent design in a philosophy, comparative religion or social studies class.

Lemburg, who has taught geography, history, physical education and special education, said she will continue to tweak the class syllabus and work with Americans United for Separation of Church and State to develop an agreeable course outline. “Then when that happens I’ll take it to my superintendent and he’ll present it to the board, and they’ll decide if they want to do this again,” Lemburg said. “I’m hoping I get a chance to teach this class again.”
Gail Wood

BOOKS

God’s Now Time for Your Life
By Chuck D. Pierce and Rebecca Wagner Sytsema,
Regal Books, softcover, 128 pages, $10.99

Because of the misuse of prophecy as a type of fortune-telling or a money-making scheme or a judgmental pronouncement that sends people into emotional tailspins, this spiritual gift has gotten a bad name over the years. Chuck Pierce and Rebecca Sytsema set out to correct that imbalance with a scripturally sound review of the nature and character of prophecy and how to pursue God’s destiny for your life.

Particularly refreshing is their reminder that pursuing the prophetic includes exploring links with family, church and community. They also point out that taking steps to ensure mental and physical health is a necessary part of seeking God’s call, an indirect rebuke to those who think God heals only through divine means.

The book includes numerous lists of principles and guidelines, making it best suited for small-group study and reflection. Don’t miss the stirring prophetic message that concludes the book.
Ken Walker

Full Gospel, Fractured Minds?
By Rick M. Nañez, Zondervan, hardcover, 272 pages, $18.99.

In Full Gospel, Fractured Minds? Rick Nañez explains that anti-intellectualism is “a prejudice against the careful and deliberate use of one’s intellect. … Like worldliness, anti-intellectualism, more than anything else, is an attitude.” The author surveys the Scriptures to show that the terms “heart,” “soul,” “mind” and “spirit” are used interchangeably. He concludes that “there is no fundamental war between our minds and souls—between our heads and hearts.” The author is aware of the texts that his critics will attempt to rebut him with—he addresses them thoroughly and with sensitivity. Nañez is an impassioned full-gospel believer. He is impassioned not only about worship and charismata, but also about the study of the Scriptures and the life of the mind. Rather than just identifying a crisis, Nañez concludes by both showing what the mind should be engaged in (e.g. theology, apologetics, philosophy and science) and practically suggesting how churches might cultivate the mind.
Jon Rising

The Warrior Within
By Pat Williams and Jim Denney,
Regal Books, hardcover, 176 pages, $15.99.

We can actually choose the character we will have, according to author Pat Williams. In The Warrior Within, the fine points of how this is accomplished are outlined concisely—for the man of God in particular. Lesson one: A man of God is just that, a man. Beginning with an examination of the overlooked verse 1 Chronicles 7:40, Williams leads fathers and husbands to the promised land of manhood. In the pages of Warrior, men will find their place as “head of the family,” “a choice man,” “a brave man” and an “outstanding leader.” All four areas require assessing the relationships birthed from each role held. For example, character develops “right-vision,” and from that comes boldness and, finally, a warrior for God.

J. James Estrada

Ambassador of a Higher Power
By Elias Malki, Charisma House,
Softcover, 207 pages, $13.99.

Elias Malki’s grandfather, an Assyrian, became the first missionary to a Turkish coastal village, where he was slaughtered by a Kurdish Muslim intent on jihad. Taking up his grandfather’s mantle, Malki, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, became a missionary to the Middle East, planting a church in the war-torn city of his birth, and hosting and producing the first-ever Christian TV show broadcast in Arabic throughout the region and into Europe and North Africa. In Ambassador of a Higher Power: Bringing Good News to the Middle East, Malki tells his grace-filled story of perseverance in life and ministry through every kind of roadblock—from his near death from childhood pneumonia and his youthful rebellion to financial hardship and opposition to his full-gospel teaching. With clarity and humility, Malki’s memoir recounts how he was used by God despite many hardships, and how he called viewers of his Good News Program to claim healing for their illnesses, opening many a door to a fruitful proclamation of the gospel. The book features an eight-page photo insert, including pictures of Malki’s meetings with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Christine D. Johnson

God’s Gravity
By Craig Borlase, Relevant Books,
Softcover, 208 pages, $13.99.

Employing a physics metaphor, British author Craig Borlase urges believers to allow themselves to be taken in by God’s gravity, drawing them away from forces that would isolate them in a self-contained universe where they feel no responsibility for others. In God’s Gravity: The Upside-Down Life of Selfless Faith, Borlase hones in on the “all about me” lifestyle, decrying self-centered individualism. Although not belittling the Toronto Blessing, for example, he observes that many Christians were hopping on planes to receive spiritual blessings without following up later and putting their faith into action where it counts. In the final chapters, the author gets practical and encourages readers to evaluate their spending patterns, to buy from Fair Trade companies and to consider who’s paying the price for consumption-heavy lifestyles. Grounding his penchant for social justice in the Scriptures, Borlase issues a provocative challenge to believers to bear Christ’s name well and be agents of kingdom-change in the world.
Christine D. Johnson

MUSIC

United We Stand
By Hillsong United, Integrity Music.

United We Stand showcases the live music of Australia’s Hillsong Church youth ministry. More than 200 of the youth worked on the project as musicians, vocalists, production artists and designers. The modern-rock sound targets youth with fun, fast guitar songs such as “Take It All” and the slower, gentle ballad “Came to the Rescue.” Other standout songs on the album include “Fire Fall Down” and “No One Like You.” The worship teams collaborate to write songs that spring from teens’ prayers and the desire to help new, young believers connect with God. Continuing the legacy of powerful worship, Hillsong emphasizes songs that point to Christ through culturally relevant worship.
Tracee N. Mason

Yesterday, Today and Forever
By Vicky Beeching, Sparrow Records.

Vicky Beeching might be a newcomer to the United States, but she is obviously not a newbie when it comes to music and her faith. Beeching’s melodies are compelling and fresh, but it’s her biblically based lyrics that will make a difference in people’s hearts and lives. Throughout the entire debut album, Yesterday, Today and Forever, listeners’ faith and spirits will be bolstered as they hear her praise God for His unchanging character and His ability to do the impossible. Other songs find Beeching pouring out her heart with gratitude and awe to worship God, compelling others to do the same. Beeching’s music style might not fall into the typical worship category, but her lyrics prove that she is first and foremost a worshiper. With every spin of the disc, listeners will not only enter His presence, they will also be encouraged by hearing foundational truths.
Anna Flynn Stewart

Life on the Inside
By Jadon Lavik, BEC Recordings
Tooth & Nail.

Singer-songwriter Jadon Lavik’s second BEC Recordings release, Life on the Inside, provides a further glimpse into the artist’s acoustic-pop style. Life comprises inspirational and worshipful tracks, featuring Lavik’s capable vocals. Highlights include the breezy acoustic pop of “Changing Happy,” the pop evangelism of “Come to Me” and the rock testimony of “Nothing Compares.” The ballad “Father” and the moody rock of “Just Like You” are musical prayers, and the acoustic “What If” examines performance-based faith. The songs featured on Life on the Inside are well-written and well-played, creating an album with no filler material, just one good song after another.
Dewayne Hamby

Passion: Everything Glorious
By Passion Band, Sixstepsrecords.

Passion: Everything Glorious offers a snapshot of the worship from Passion ’06. The album features worship leaders Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall and Kristian Stanfill, along with a crowd of more than 18,000. Tomlin leads the audience in the opening rocker “Awesome Is the Lord,” a heartfelt reworking of the hymn “How Marvelous (I Stand Amazed)” and also contributes two new songs, “Glorious” and “Party.” Other original tracks include Crowder’s acoustic-rock title track and Redman’s testimonial “You Never Let Go.” With 1 million units sold collectively, the Passion brand is certainly one of the largest modern-worship series on the scene. Everything Glorious is an excellent resource for listeners looking for a keepsake of this year’s event.
Dewayne Hamby

I Found It in You
By Lori Perry, Alliant Music Group.

Soulful vocalist Lori Perry has worked as a background singer for mainstream artists Sting, George Michael, Elton John, Patti LaBelle and others. Her deep alto voice fits perfectly with the inviting, jazzy musical landscape on her debut solo album, I Found It in You. The disc opens with a reworked version of “Love Lifted Me” and includes the bouncy “I’ll Follow You,” an urban-gospel rendering of “Psalms 23” and the rousing “No Longer Run,” which parallels the story of the prodigal son. Perry’s captivating vocals combined with strong tracks and polished production makes I Found It in You a musical treat, especially for listeners who enjoy mainstream singers Anita Baker and Oleta Adams.
Dewayne Hamby

FICTION

Romance

Leave a Candle Burning
By Lori Wick, Harvest House Publishers,
Softcover, 350 pages, $12.99.

The conclusion of the Tucker Mills trilogy takes retired Doc MacKay to warmer climates. Doc’s nephew Dannan MacKay is now in charge of the town’s health. The townspeople welcome the new doctor, but something is missing. Does Dannan have the courage to love again?

Contemporary

Earth to Betsy
By Beth Pattillo, WaterBrook Press,
Softcover, 304 pages, $9.99.

Betsy Blessing has a lot to handle as a senior pastor. Then a surprise proposal throws her into the whirlwind of a wedding planned by his mother—to be featured in a budget-conscious magazine. Follow along as Betsy does her best to do it all and still have the life she wants.

Real Life

Like Dandelion Dust
By Karen Kingsbury, Center Street,
Softcover, 368 pages, $12.95.

A judge has ruled that Jack and Molly Campbell must return their 4-year-old son, Joey, to his biological parents. In their grief and despair, Jack and Molly contemplate their options: Do they obey the law or follow their hearts—and disappear with their beloved son?

A Bishop in the Senate

As an African-American, I was pleased to see that Bishop Keith Butler is running for the U.S. Senate (“The Bishop’s Campaign” by Valerie G. Lowe, February). I believe he is a man of integrity with strong moral values, unlike some of my brothers and sisters in leadership today.

For example, I was troubled by the disrespect shown to President George W. Bush by Joseph Lowery and Earl Graves at Coretta Scott King’s funeral. Some, if not many, African-American leaders have disregarded God’s Word, which says we should honor those in authority. My prayers go with Bishop Butler, and I encourage black America to please get informed and get back to the Bible.
Rev. Hattie L. Ray
Laurinburg, North Carolina

I am concerned that Charisma consistently serves as a religious arm of the Republican Party. Although the godless secularism that seems to pervade the Democratic Party cannot be defended, you ignore the danger of proclaiming a human political party as God’s party.

Charisma has hurt the cause of God’s kingdom by bowing before the idol of human political power. You recently advertised Keith Butler on your cover as “Campaigning for God.” Under what scriptural authority can you insinuate a claim to speak for God and decide whom He has chosen?
Dave Broughham
Pasadena, California

Stop the Pain

Thank you for the article on the problem of teenagers who cut themselves (“Bleeding Hearts, Wounded Souls” by Anahid Schweikert, February). A year and a half ago I discovered my daughter was a cutter. Her youth and counseling pastors came alongside and helped us through it. She now helps others going through the same thing. Thank you for bringing this to the attention of the church. A note to parents: Don’t beat yourself up about this. We had no idea it was going on.
Donna Pheneger
Lake Wales, Florida

I was disappointed by your emphasis on counseling. I am the chaplain of a youth detention facility, and on occasion I pray with young girls who cut themselves. I read Mark 5:5 to them and suggest that it is the enemy who inspires these young people to mutilate themselves. Then I quietly pray for their deliverance.
Although I understand the need for ongoing counseling, I don’t think we need to waste time with that. We are called to set them free.
name withheld

Self-injury or “cutting” needs to be urgently addressed, but to approach it with behavior modification ignores the spiritual source of the problem. In Mark 5, Jesus cast out the unclean spirit and the man was restored to his right mind.

After cutting myself at 13, I was tormented by urges to cut myself during stressful times in my adult life. After some Christians led me in a prayer of renunciation, repentance and agreement, the spirit no longer tells me to cut myself. Jesus instantly delivered me.
Vera Pifer
Oakland, California

Narnia and C.S. Lewis

I disagree with Charisma reader Diane Valentine, who objected to the movie The Chronicles of Narnia (My Turn, February). I would encourage her to rethink her concerns about Jesus being depicted as a lion. Jesus is described as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” in Revelation 5:5 (NKJV). It was God’s idea to use the metaphor of a lion in describing Him. C.S. Lewis used a scriptural model.

For too long Christians have avoided the arts and other creative expressions of the kingdom of God. I encourage believers to reject fear and embrace the incredible creativity the Lord uses to describe His character. After all, we are made in His image.
Sally Ribera
Midland, Texas

Diane Valentine’s dissatisfaction with The Chronicles of Narnia is ill-founded. If she is not very familiar with elements of literature, then she has no basis for her criticism.

No one is actually saying that God is a lion or that Aslan’s breath is just like the Holy Spirit. Lewis created these elements as metaphors—not a sermon—to incorporate great Christian truths into a fictional story.
Ray Horton
Erie, Pennsylvania

Please tell Diane Valentine not to worry! Scripture often refers to Jesus using the imagery of a four-footed beast. He’s called the “Lamb of God” in John 1:29. Also, when C.S. Lewis depicted Jesus as Aslan the Lion, he was following Revelation 5:5, where Jesus is described as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” There is nothing unsound or creepy about using legitimate biblical imagery in a movie!
Elizabeth Moberly
Durham, England

The Chronicles of Narnia is a powerful movie, but I don’t see how one could call it Christian. The lion gave his life but did not bleed. Without the shedding of blood, there is no Christianity.
Roy Proctor
Middleburg, Florida

End of the Spear Gets Speared

I read Phil Cooke’s column about the movie End of the Spear, and I think you are sending mixed messages (Media & Culture, January) to the church. Some believers promoted the movie as a Christian film, yet an openly gay actor was cast in a leading role in the movie. Is it OK to cast gays in Christian films and then turn around and market those films to believers?
name withheld

I saw actor Chad Allen on television using the movie End of the Spear to talk about his gay lifestyle. Why would the people who made this film choose a gay actor and then promote the film as a Christian movie?

Allen stated that he was a Christian, and that God is pleased with him and his life. Wrong. He is totally deceived. Could it be that the church is not speaking up enough to make people aware? I know we need to pray for Allen, but Every Tribe Entertainment could have chosen another person for his part.
Myra Lois Cramer
Colorado Springs, Colorado

I wholeheartedly agree with your desire to see “a renewed missionary spirit” arise in the church. However, I was somewhat shocked at Charisma’s endorsement of the movie End of the Spear. This movie was weak, and it makes me furious to think that a “Christian” company hired a homosexual, Chad Allen, for a role.
Allen has appeared on the cover of Advocate, a gay magazine. I say to Every Tribe Entertainment: Do your homework! Or do you not care?
Rev. Mark Holliday
Roseville, California

Who Is the Real Israel?

One person wrote a letter to Charisma saying that it is dangerous to believe that natural Israel broke covenant with God (Feedback, March). As I understand covenant, both parties are obligated to keep their part. Israel didn’t, and they actually realized it in Matthew 21:33-45 when Jesus, after illustrating this point with a parable, said: “‘The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.'”

Peter tells us that the church is now a holy nation and a holy priesthood. Only natural Israel formerly held those titles. Now he says they belong to the people who are proclaiming the excellencies of Jesus Christ. That is the church.
Paul’s allegory in Galatians 4:22-28 says natural Israel is like Ishmael and the church is like Isaac. He says this after he explains that the true seed of Abraham are those who have accepted Christ by faith. Hebrews 8:6 says we have a more excellent covenant, and verse 13 says the first one is obsolete. Because the Word is clear, how can it be dangerous to believe it?
Vernon Ellsworth
Weslaco, Texas

Correction: In our news story about African-American adoptions (February), we misspelled Leslie Hamlett’s name. Charisma regrets the error.