Newly ordained, Michael Spurlock's first assignment is to pastor All Saints, a struggling church with twenty-five devoted members and a mortgage well beyond its means. The best option may be to close the church rather than watch it wither any further. But when All Saints hesitantly risks welcoming a community of Karen refugees from Burma--former farmers scrambling for a fresh start in America--Michael feels they may be called to an improbable new mission.
Michael must choose between closing the church and selling the property--or listening to a still, small voice challenging the people of All Saints to risk it all and provide much-needed hope to their new community. Together, they risk everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.
Discover the true story that inspired the film while also diving deeper into the background of the Karen people, the church, and how a community of believers rally to reach out to those in need, yet receive far more than they dared imagine.
The Reverend Michael Spurlock served All Saints Episcopal Church in Smyrna, Tennessee, for three years. He is currently on the clergy staff at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. Michael, his wife, Aimee, and their two children live in New York City.
Award-winning author and investigative journalist Jeanette Windle has lived in six countries, authored nineteen books, and mentors writers on five continents. To learn more, visit her at www.jeanettewindle.com.
All Saints is based on a true story, that will grab your heart and stir your soul. Within the first chapter, I was drawn into a story of faith and integrity.
Imagine your very first posting out of seminary is a church that seems beyond saving. That is exactly what Reverend Spurlock was faced with. All Saints having just had a major division in its congregation is also in financial ruins. Imagine how the good reverend felt walking into this.
Enter in refugees from Burma, and the story just gets going. The choices we make always affect the people around us, be it positive or negative. This story really highlights Gods ability to shine in dark places, and how one person's decision to trust makes all the difference.
Though this book is short in length a little over 200 pages, it is packed with encouragement and is sure to brighten your day. I would recommend "All Saints" to anyone who is looking for an inspirational read. It would also be an enriching novel for a book club.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc
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