Pastorlenore's Blog

Forgotten Girls #3

pastorlenore — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:22:58 +0000

Finished up the book today. I really had to pace myself. Quick read. I was trying not to buzz through too fast. Too deep to to do that! I really enjoyed the ideas and websites listed at the end of each section and at the conclusion of the book. Made you think about how the information that we read in the text might be used in our own lives. It certainly seems overwhelming, but, as the authors wrote, if each of us just does SOMETHING….. When you read the story of girls like Yoshi, though, you see how God can work through even the darkest of circumstances. May these girls’ stories continue to touch your lives for a long time to come!

The Forgotten Girls #2

pastorlenore — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:21:21 +0000

What a diverse group we have reading this month! I’m hoping a number of you will post so I know what you think about the book. In my conversation with a fellow reader today, we realized that we were both frustrated that the authors weren’t able to give us some sense of closure with the stories of so many of the girls. Our hope is that they all end well, but reality tells us that they won’t all be so. What an eye-opener for all of us here in the U.S. I like the idea pages they have after each section, too, as it gives the reader an opportunity to act or to further investigate these issues that we are reading about. I’m hoping to look into a few of these websites. They sound interesting.

The Forgotten Girls #1

pastorlenore — Fri, 07 May 2010 00:44:05 +0000

While this book is a quick read, it certainly is not “light.” I have been thankful that the stories/chapters are fairly short so that the book lends itself to a little at a time. Starting with the story of the little girl who was buried in a hole in the yard by her father, these stories have tugged hard at my heart. Although I have read similar stories of girls who suffer such fate, it always seems surreal to me. Reading these stories, I become both disturbed and discouraged. How can one human do such things to another, and especially family? I can’t begin to comprehend the disparity of worth of sons versus daughters, even though this is a reality in so many countries and cultures. Sacrificing seven-year-olds?! I am pleased to read that the “people of the cross” are a source of safety and encouragement in many of these situations, but there is so much wrong to right. I hope the rest of you feel a bit more hopeful.

The Blue Sweater 2

pastorlenore — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:29:38 +0000

I found a neat study guide online, so I printed off a copy and will make some available at the church if anyone is interested. It gives a little more background information and provides some food for thought as you read through the text. Let me know if you like it.

The Blue Sweater

pastorlenore — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:28:25 +0000

I know many of you are just finishing up our last book, but I wanted to go ahead and post for those who have moved along to our April book, THE BLUE SWEATER. This is a bit different than the other books that we have read, but I still find it interesting to read different perspectives on the world’s economy and individuals’ answers to poverty. The author is a very strong personality, and I love to read her thoughts vs. her actions when dealing with people of differing cultures and backgrounds. Has anyone else had experience with these types of organizations that provide loans for people in impoverished areas? I find it fascinating.

Light Force

pastorlenore — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:24:31 +0000

If you got a late start or if you still have comments to make on my or other posts, keep blogging even though we are well into a new month. Your input is appreciated.

Light Force

pastorlenore — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:22:18 +0000

I know that some of you got a late start on Light Force (even I had a hard time trying to find some extra copies online), but I hope that it has been a worthwhile read. Many of the people in the book are those that I have met and even befriended in my trips overseas. I have enjoyed the posts as well as the conversations that I have had with a number of you concerning the challenges of life as a Palestinian Christian. No matter what your political or theological viewpoints, I would ask that you continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in the West Bank. They are the forgotten ones and the recipients of much of the persecution as they are caught in the crossfire of politics. May God continue to strengthen them as they boldly witness in the land of their forefathers.

Light Force

pastorlenore — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:30:39 +0000

Questions to consider:
Many people are unaware of the Christian presence in the West Bank. Were you aware of these brothers and sisters in faith? Did you realize that their numbers are declining in staggering proportions? Were there any stories shared in this book that took you by surprise? Were your presuppositions challenged by what the author shared? What do you see our role (as believers in Christ) being in that part of the world? Do you think your views are in line with the views of most evangelical Christians in the United States?

March Book

pastorlenore — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:24:59 +0000

Okay. I apologize for the delay in my posting, but I have been having a difficult time finding copies of my next book. I have finally located a number of copies, and they are on their way to the church. The book this month is Light Force by Brother Andrew.

I don’t want to be too apologetic because this book is very thought-provoking and well-written, but I understand that we have been spending a whole lot of time in the Middle East over the past months. (I promise we will move on to another part of the world next month.) I have chosen this book, though, for very personal reasons. As many of you know, my daughter and I will be leaving in a few days to attend a peace with justice conference in the West Bank. This book, I have discovered, introduces you to a few people that we have already met in our travels and many more that we are slated to be introduced to in the coming days. By having you read this book, I am hoping that we will be able to dialogue about what we experienced on our trip and some of the issues that are being dealt with in the Middle East, especially the West Bank. I am encouraging this book for not just bloggers but also for anyone at church who is concerned for our Arab Christian brothers and sisters. Please feel free to share it with others. I’m looking forward to hearing/reading your comments as we share this book together.

February Book

pastorlenore — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:42:32 +0000

Hot off the Presses! The newly released book by Greg Mortensen, Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan continues on where his first book, Three Cups of Tea, left off. Join our group in reading and discussing this fascinating account of one man’s mission in seeking peace and justice through education. A limited number of copies are available at the church, or you can purchase one (best price around) on Amazon.com.