Book Review: "One Million Arrows"

Raising Our Children to Change the World
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As Moms, we want God's best for our precious children. Most of us are willing to sacrifice a lot for our kids, so they can grow up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Julie Ferwerda, author of One Million Arrows has a big vision for our children, and in fact, for all the children on the planet. You can read my review and interview here.Also see Ps 127:3-5.

The message of Julie's inspiring book is so important, that I wanted to share another reader's point of view. The very smart and talented April at "April in January" was the random winner of this book in my recent giveaway. I asked her to contribute her thoughts at Chrysalis as a guest blogger, and know you'll enjoy hearing from her today.

One Million Arrows by Julie Ferwerda

This book is quite simply, excellent. I wanted that to be the very first thing I said about it. Even though I have been excited about this book from the moment I first heard about it, I feel that I should admit that I felt a bit of trepidation before I ever held this book in my hands. I've read my share of Christian parenting books and some of them left feelings of insecurity and discouragement in their wake.

One Million Arrows is not so much a Christian parenting book as it is a wake up call to parents and the church to be about the business of raising youth for Christ. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, pastor, youth leader, Sunday school teacher or just have a heart for young people, you will be inspired. We are currently raising a generation with limitless potential. What would the world look like if we raised them up to further the cause of spreading the gospel? Pretty amazing, I think!

Julie Ferwerda introduces us to Dr. M. A. Thomas a/k/a Papa. She tells us of Papa's work in India and the difference he made in the lives of thousands of children rescued from lives on the street, housed, fed, loved and educated (both spiritually and academically). Many of these children, once grown, set out to work in the minstry. Imagine for a moment, the gospel spreading from this man's work like ripples from a pebble thrown in a pond. How much difference one man's obedience to the Lord made in the lives of those children and the lives that they, in turn touched! It is almost unimaginable.

I've suggested it to several of my friends as well as to a visiting CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) director, an admissions officer at a Bible college and a missionary returning to Malawi...

As a parent and a youth group leader, what impacted me most of all was the truth that we can not allow our churches to be solely responsible for the spiritual upbringing of our youth. Faith needs to be nurtured in the home for in order to be "soul deep" and not "skin deep". We need to be equipping our children to be world changers. Throughout the book, Ferwerda weaves examples of young people who have made and are making tremendous contributions to the kingdom.

I loved this book, it gave me much to think about. I've suggested it to several of my friends as well as to a visiting CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) director, an admissions officer at a Bible college and a missionary returning to Malawi in a few months - pretty much anyone who made eye contact with me while the book was in my purse. I came away challenged and hope that you will too!—April

Related: What's on Your Nightstand?

The fourth Tuesday of every month, Jennifer at 5 Minutes for Books invites bloggers to share the titles they're reading and link up.

W00t! I'm half way through my Spring Reading Thing. Here's my list of completed books. Click the links for my reviews if you're interested.

1. Laughing in the Dark by Chonda Pierce. (Reviewed)
2. How Women Help Men Find God by David Murrow. (Reviewed)

3. Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God by C.J. Mahaney. (Reviewed)

Photo: RichardBH (Flickr)

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Can you recommend a "must read" book?