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Gud flyver forrest er en uudtømmelig kilde af inspiration til den præst, der holder børnegudstjenester. Gud flyver forrest · er en håndbog i børnegudstjenester · er et uudtømmeligt inspirationskatalog · følger både kirkeåret og kalenderåret · er teologiske og pædagogiske overvejelser · over forkyndelse for børn · er spækket med fortællinger og liturgier · lægger stor vægt på salmevalget · er et kreativt værksted · har et omfattende register og en gedigen litteraturlistePressen skriver:Bogen er længe ventet. Og den lever til fulde op til forventningerne… En klar og overskuelig bog, der lægger op til refleksion og til egen videre planlægning, men også kan fungere som ”kogebog”, hvor man kan følge en opskrift. Den er værd at købe for både uerfarne, mellemerfarne og fuldbefarne!Præsteforeningens Blad Mangler du idéer, fortællinger eller bønner til en børnegudstjeneste, så er her masser af stof at gå i gang med.Kirkekultur.nu

Hvordan ser det rum ud, der dannes, når præsten træder ind ad døren til en familie, der skal have døbt deres barn? 8 præster reflekterer over dåbssamtalen og tager os med til den. Dåben klæder dig – både af og på. Otte forskellige præster tager os med til dåbssamtale. Med hver deres greb, men med det samme benspænd, nemlig at de ikke må støtte sig til formuleringer fra det teologiske arvegods, når de skal formidle dåben, men skal bruge egne ord og erfaringer. Dermed giver bogen otte forskellige bud på, hvordan der i 2018 kan tales relevant om, hvad dåb og kristendom er ind i de livssammenhænge, som nybagte forældre står i. Dåbssamtalen kender ingen udfaldet af på forhånd; som med enhver fortrolig samtale kommer det an på, hvor vi fører hinanden hen undervejs, hvad og hvor meget parterne hver især er villige til at give af sig selv. Forfatterne her lader os kigge med ind i samtalerummet med bud på, hvad der kan opstå, når folk og kirke mødes og rækker ud mod hinanden. Pressen skriver: Bogen kan bruges som et stort tag-selv-bord med tanker om og billeder på dåb. Man kan spejle sig i de forskellige forfatteres syn på dåben og måder at gå til samtalen på, og deres tanker kan bruges som klangbund for dåbssamtaler og som inspiration til dåbstaler. - Præsteforeningens Blad

I gennemgang af 13 megatrends beskrives de drivkræfter, der vil påvirke Den Danske Folkekirke de næste 5, 10, 20 og måske endda 30 år.Vær med til at skabe den fremtidsgodkendte folkekirke!Hvis folkekirken også i fremtiden skal bevare sin position som folkets kirke, må den ruste sig til fremtiden og forsøge at lytte højere. Lytte højere til, hvad moderne mennesker i fremtiden vil efterspørge, hvilke behov, forventninger og ønsker, de har til deres kirke, og hvad der giver mening for dem. Lytte højere til, hvad fremtiden kommer til at betyde for folkekirkens medlemmer og den verden, de er medlemmer i, og kirken er kirke i.Denne bog er en praktisk og visionær håndbog for dig, der gerne vil være med til at fremtidssikre folkekirken. Bogen er særlig oplagt til folkekirkens menighedsråd, frivillige og ansatte, men alle, der holder af folkekirken og gerne vil have, at den også i fremtiden skal være folkets kirke fuld af værdi og mening, vil kunne finde motivation, inspiration, vision og arbejdsglæde i bogen. Bogen er et forsøg på for første gang nogensinde at implementere moderne fremtidsforskning i en folkekirkelig kontekst.

En veloplagt og populær pave med et stærkt og aktuelt budskab til verdens ledere, til kristne og ikke-kristne; til en planet, der har brug for at blive rusket op til en radikal ”økologisk omvendelse”. Pave Frans’ budskab er mere end bare en økologisk dagsorden. Det er en vision for menneskeheden, for den fremtid, vi alle skal dele. ”Det påtrængende behov for at beskytte vort fælles hjem indebærer, at menneskefamilien skal samles om at søge en bæredygtig og integreret udvikling, for vi ved, at der kan ske ændringer. Jeg opfordrer derfor indtrængende til en ny dialog om, hvordan vi skal forme fremtiden for vor planet. Vi har brug for en diskussion, som inddrager alle, for miljøproblemerne og deres menneskelige årsager vedrører og påvirker os alle. Vi har brug for en ny og universel solidaritet. Vi kan alle som Guds redskaber arbejde sammen om at værne om skaberværket, hver enkelt ud fra sin kulturelle baggrund og sine evner og erfaringer.” (Pave Frans)

"The award-winning journalist and staff writer for The Atlantic follows up his New York Times bestseller American Carnage with this timely, rigorously reported, and deeply personal examination of the divisions that threaten to destroy the American evangelical movement."--Publisher's description.

Hvordan lærer man konfirmander salmer? Med fortællinger om tekst og melodi præsenterer bogen femten salmer fra reformation til nutid. Til hver salme er der ideer til, hvordan man kan arbejde med dem på en mere kropslig måde. Har du oplevet at stå over for et hold konfirmander, som du næsten ikke kunne få til at slå op i salmebogen og slet ikke kunne få til at synge med? Og er du blevet mødt af en larmende tavshed, når du forsøgte at få en samtale i gang om en salme? Så er du helt sikkert ikke den eneste.Syng med konfirmander giver inspiration til, hvordan du med enkle tilgange og redskaber kan lære konfirmander salmer på nyemåder.Bogen er opdelt i tre hovedafsnit. Det første afsnit præsenterer forskellige praktiske øvelser (blandt andet icebreakers) med henblik på at oparbejde en kropslig bevidsthed, det andet indeholder fortællinger om 15 udvalgte salmers tekst og melodi samt aktiviteter (blandt andet bodypercussion) tildisse, mens det tredje introducerer en rækkeforskellige generelle lege til salmer. Tanken er, at man som underviser kan implementereaktiviteterne i bogens tredje afsnit for at skabe afveksling i undervisningen og variation i tilgangen til at lære konfirmanderne salmer.

Biskop Martin Lind opdagede Bonhoeffer som nittenårig, og han er siden vendt tilbage til hans tekster jævnligt. I denne bog tager han afsæt i Bonhoeffers forskellige tanker og lader sig inspirere af dem. 　 Med Gud lever vi uden Gud indeholder tredive refleksioner efterfulgt af en bøn, og en længere indledning om Bonhoeffers liv og teologi. Som daglig andagtslæsning er bogen en god ledsager i en måneds tid. Pressen skriver:★★★★★I sine 30 andagter hjælper Lind os til at få øje for det hele: for tilværelsens dybder, for hinanden og for Gud.- Kristeligt DagbladEn fin lille bog.- Udfordringen

Markusevangeliet er det andet skrift i Det Nye Testamente. Evangelierne er de bøger, der følger Jesu fødsel, liv, lære, død og opstandelse. Af Bibelens fire evangelier minder de tre første om hinanden i indhold, ordlyd og komposition. Markusevangeliet anses for det ældste af evangelierne, som de andre evangelister dermed har kendt, og er nok affattet omk. år 70. Det er sandsynligvis skrevet til de kristne, der ikke først har været jøder.Markus lader Jesus træde midt ind i historien. Og den midt-ind-i-hed lader Gammeltoft-Hansen være blikket og nøglen til en læsning, der har nutidigheden som omdrejningspunkt. En nutidighed for samtiden, og en nutidighed for os, der læser i dag. Hele fortællingen er en begyndelse. Den slutter ikke, men begynder hele tiden. Tiden er inde! Så vi begynder med Markus, og går med ham rundt ved vandet, i bjergene, på markerne, i byerne, blandt folket og i øde egne.Og så hilser vi også på Paulus.Christiane Gammeltoft-Hansen (f. 1969) er cand. theol. fra KU og præst ved Lindevang Kirke på Frederiksberg. Har været medforfatter til en række bøger med tekster til gudstjenesten, samt bidraget til Kirkesangbogen og 100 salmer. Hun er salmedigter og bønnemager. Hun er formand for KORLIV - folkekirkens kororganisation og medlem af Kirkeministeriets dåbskommission.

Liturgi og musik tager afsæt i gudstjenestens musik set som genre og giver en grundig indføring i den liturgiske musik ved folkekirkens højmesse.Gudstjenesten rummer en mangfoldighed af tekstlige og musikalske former. Oplæsning af bibeltekster og fremsigelse af bønner og andre liturgiske tekster veksler med salmesang, orgelmusik, korsang, evt. messede led og menighedssungne svar.Liturgi og musik beskriver de tekstlige og musikalske former i det ­liturgiske forløb og giver et samlet liturgisk-musikalsk overblik over folkekirkens gudstjenester.Liturgi og musik tager afsæt i gudstjenestens musik set som genre og giver en grundig indføring i den liturgiske musik ved folkekirkens højmesse. Bogen falder i tre dele.Første del opridser kirke­musikkens frie position med fokus på de musikalske valg og den musikalske form­dannelse, der knytter sig til højmessens liturgisk-musikalske led.Anden del indkredser de fire aktører i gudstjenesten (menighed, præst, organist/kirkemusiker og kor/kirkesanger) og beskriver deres aktive roller i det liturgiske forløb.Den tredje del rummer en gennemgang af gudstjenestens liturgiske led og deres aktuelle musikalske iklædninger.Liturgi og musik henvender sig til alle med interesse for højmessen og højmessens musik.Ole Brinth (f. 1954) er uddannet på Det Kongelige Danske Musikkonservatorium med Kirkemusikalsk Diplomeksamen (1980) og Diplomeksamen i Musik­historie og -teori (1985). Ansat som organist 1977-2009. Rektor for Sjællands Kirkemusikskole 2009-2021.

”På dit ord vil jeg kaste garnene ud,” svarede Peter, der var træt efter en lang, forgæves kamp på Genesaret sø, da Jesus opfordrede ham til at give fiskeriet en chance mere. Og menneskefiskere har kirkens forkyndere været lige siden.Fællesnævneren for forfatterne til denne prædikensamling er væsentligheden af, at evangeliet ikke kan transformeres til vellyd, hyggesnak eller leflen for tidsånden, men at der må værnes om evangeliets radikalitet. Her tales om gudsfrygt, dom, arvesynd og kødets opstandelse, uden at pennen skælver og i lyset af Guds almagt. Så broget skaren end er, kan de alle genkende sig som forkyndere af, hvad man kunne kalde klassisk teologi, og står solidt i en evangelisk-luthersk tradition.Bidragydere til På dit ordBach, Henrik (f. 1961) sognepræst ved Fårevejle KirkeBacher, Jesper (f. 1971) sognepræst i Tirsted, Vejleby, Hillested og Skørringe PastoratBech, Thomas (f. 1963) sognepræst og hærprovst ved KastelskirkenBramming, Bente (f. 1965) sognepræst ved Bryndum og V. Nebel Kirker. Præst ved Hospice SydvestjyllandBramming, Torben (f. 1964) sognepræst ved Ribe Domkirke og Seem KirkeBrøgger, Morten (f. 1968) sognepræst ved Hejninge og Stillinge kirkerBærentzen, Jens (f. 1963) sognepræst ved Ordrup KirkeBøye, Merete (f. 1971) kst. sognepræst ved Viborg Domkirke, Tjele og Nørre Vinge KirkerChristensen-Dalsgaard, Niels Bjørn (f. 1986) sognepræst ved Maugstrup, Jegerup og Vojens kirkerDamgaard, Andreas Riis (f. 1991) sognepræst ved Mariendal KirkeGotfredsen, Sørine (f. 1967) sognepræst ved Jesuskirken i ValbyHarding, Mathias (f. 1988) sognepræst ved Rungsted Kirke, ungdomspræst i Hørsholm KommuneHauge, Nana (f. 1972) sognepræst ved Hårslev og Padesø kirkerHolm, Katrine Winkel (f. 1970) sognepræst ved Sankt Mikkels Kirke, SlagelseHøjlund, Henrik (f. 1960) valgmenighedspræst ved Århus BykirkeJakobsen, Mads Jakob Thorlund (f. 1988) sognepræst ved Sct. Marie Kirke, SønderborgJensen, Elisabeth K. (f. 1967) sognepræst ved Augustenborg KirkeJessen, Laura Cæcilie (f. 1988) sognepræst ved Vestermarie og Nylars kirkerKingo, Anders (f. 1955) valgmenighedspræst for Balle ValgmenighedMøller, Maria Louise Odgaard (f. 1976) frimenighedspræst for Ryslinge frimenighedNielsen, Claus Thomas (f. 1962) sognepræst ved Stauning og Skjern kirkerNyegaard, Nina Dyrhoff (f. 1977) sognepræst ved Tårnborg KirkeOlesen, Ole Buchardt (f. 1960) sognepræst ved Gilleleje KirkePetersen, Kåre Egholm (f. 1971) sognepræst ved Viborg Domkirke, flyverprovstRasmussen, Anders Lundbeck (f. 1969) valgmenighedspræst for Kerteminde valgmenighedRavn, Kristine K. (f. 1985) sognepræst ved Blovstrød KirkeRavn, Martin (f. 1984) sognepræst ved Kokkedal KirkeReinholdt Rasmussen, Thomas (f. 1972) biskop over Aalborg StiftRiis, Eva Holm (f. 1966) sognepræst i Holsted KirkeRydal, Morten (f. 1965) sognepræst ved Hem, Hindborg og Dølby kirkerRaahauge, Agnete (f. 1963) sognepræst ved Hørup KirkeRaahauge, Anders (f. 1956) sognepræst ved Sct. Marie Kirke, SønderborgRaahauge, Mikkel Tode (f. 1993) sognepræst ved Skovshoved KirkeStender, Poul Joachim (f. 1956) sognepræst ved Kirke Saaby og Kisserup kirkerThaysen, Morten (f. 1970) sognepræst og domprovst ved Ribe DomkirkeThingstrup, Edith (f. 1968) sognepræst ved Ledøje-Smørum kirkerWagner, Marianne (f. 1970) sognepræst ved Nr. Alslev og Nr. Kirkeby kirkerØrgaard, Marie (f. 1973) sognepræst ved Holmens KirkeØsterby-Jørgensen, Peter (f. 1958) sognepræst ved Galtrup,Øster Jølby, Erslev og Solbjerg kirkerØstergaard Aallmann, Thomas (f. 1971) sognepræst ved Thurø Kirke

En idebank til dåbstaler, som indeholder vejledninger til dåbstaler baseret på anden tekstrække fra advent til pinse. Bogen er skrevet af 12 præster fra hele landet, som i mindre grupper har vendt og drejet teksterne, inden de hver især i dialog med redaktionsgruppen har skrevet deres bidrag. Bogen kombinerer brugen af søndagens eller helligdagens tekst med henvendelsen til dåbsfølget, og lader teksternes betydningspotentiale række ind i den kirkelige handling.

Dr. Johnson Ambrose Afrane-Twum explores the history of African immigrant churches in the UK, offering suggestions for how black-led churches can partner with white-majority churches for greater impact in urban ministry and evangelism

Director of Training and Resources for Biblical Counselling UK, Helen Thorne-Allenson gives us this essential guide for young women to what the Bible says about pornography. We live in a world where pornography is easy to access. At the click of a button, it tempts us to use our devices and bodies to get a cheap hit of excitement, devoid of any real human interaction or care. But God calls us to a life which is the opposite of that. Helen Thorne-Allenson shares not only a convincing explanation as to why looking at porn is unhelpful but also some practical tips for breaking the habit. Contents: Section 1: Understanding Porn Purpose Value Section 2: Understanding Why We Use Porn Curiosity Comfort Control Section 3: Pursuing Christ Strategies Hope Community Beauty Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion, and there is a list of helpful resources at the back of the book. This book contains no graphic detail about the contents of porn. There is no manipulating you to feel guilty for decisions you may have made in the past. And there is no pretending that living for Jesus is always easy. There is, however, an honest look at who we are, what pornography is, why we are here, and how God is calling us to live - and an invitation to follow him into a future that is beautiful beyond compare. Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren't always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1-2-1 mentoring or in a group setting.

In this third book of The Unseen series, our little lambs, Bobby and Archie, are making breakthroughs in their journey to learn more about Jesus and make him their real-life friend. Five more stories that include scripture. *As history has shown through God's Holy Word, Jesus existed before he came to earth. Prophets foretold of the Messiah's coming. *As the boys learn about the life of Jesus, they grow closer to his friendship being something they can see as real. *Belief enters the picture in earthly and spiritual situations. *As they learn about Jesus returning one day, they realize that God did not give us scripture to scare us, he gave us scripture to prepare us. *As the little lambs follow their shepherd, their friend, they know that God's plan is the best and most loving for all eternity.If you've not already read them, check out other books in The Unseen series: *A Child's View of the Spiritual Realm - book one in series. *How Cool is God! - book two in series.Get them at www.lulu.com/bookstore.For more information on the authors books go to www.marcilynn.comAnd God bless the children.

The Seed Book is a colorful fun take on an important truth!

THERE ARE 52 WEEKS IN A YEAR.That's 52 times you start a brand new week.52 times you are faced with new choices.And 52 times where you absolutely need God.Life must have certain things in order for you to grow strong and healthy.Things such as food, water, sleep, exercise, school, a shower, and more.BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH?How are you growing in your relationship with God throughout each week?If you take time for games, friends and other things, how much more should you try to make time for God?THESE SHORT LESSONS CAN HELP!These lessons are taken from sermons that were written and presented to elementary aged kids at church services, kids camps and more! Inside each chapter kids will discover life applicable bible lessons, memory verses and even a place to write their thoughts to God all based on what they just learned!

Huh? What exactly do you mean by that... Harrison Perkins, a senior research fellow for the Craig Centre for the Study of the Westminster Standards, introduces us to some of the main themes of Reformed theology in this addition to the Track series. Starting with its principal foundations - the grace and love of God - Harrison goes on to tackle some of the trickier aspects of Reformed theology, such as predestination. With a clear and comprehendible explanation, he demonstrates how these doctrines apply to the life of the believer. Contents: Why Study Reformed Theology? The Grace of God The Sovereign Love of God The Word of God The People of God The Experience of God's Grace Appendix A: Next Steps Appendix B: Further Reading Appendix C Glossary of Terms Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, and the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren't always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is. With the intention of the content being absorbed, examined and applied, each chapter includes a summary of the main point, and reflection questions that can be used individually, in 1-2-1 mentoring or in a group setting.

Discipleship is a great adventure, but at times we all need to nourish or rejuvenate our spirit. The Heart of a Disciple aims to help uncover the grace that keeps us moving forward in ministry and faith, even as the fire that first burned might become faint. Reflection, discussion prompts, and prayers invite pastoral leaders, faith-sharing groups, or solitary travelers to a renewed life and spirit.Endorsements"This is much more than a book about discipleship. It attends to the disciple's life and skillfully provides us with renewal in ways I have not seen before. Restorative. Real."--Dr. Mike Carotta, author of Teaching for Discipleship"A trail guide for the spiritual life. Bob's reflections and questions invite you to prayerfully ponder life and ministry, journeying deeper into God's grace."--Katie Zeigler, coordinator of adult faith formation, Office of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles"Bob has produced a gift for ministry leaders. It is a wonderful tool for spiritual renewal that can be used personally or with a small group."--Marilyn Santos, Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, United States Conference of Catholic BishopsBob McCarty, DMin, is a pastoral ministry consultant offering retreats, presentations, and training in ministry skills and assisting Catholic ministry organizations in mission assessment and strategic pastoral planning. Bob volunteers in catechetical and adult faith formation at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, Maryland.+

For over fifty years, Pastor Harold E. Miller has ministered to the members of the Honey Comb Church of God in Rosiclare, Illinois. One Man's Journey tells the story of Pastor Miller from his calling to preach the Word of the Lord at an early age, and his ongoing work in the church since 1972. It is an example of what God can do when we accept His plan for our lives, and the incredible journey available to those who take up the cross and follow the Lord.

L'autore di questo libro espone le malvagie abominazioni della bugiarda chiesa cattolica romana; le false affermazioni del Vaticano; e, cosa ancora più importante, le sciocche e controverse dichiarazioni non bibliche, create dall'uomo e folli di Papa Francesco utilizzando semplicemente l'autorevole Parola di Dio tratta dalle Sacre Scritture trovate nella Sacra Bibbia, che dimostrano che Papa Francesco e la sua chiesa cattolica romana sono impazziti come una scimmia che mangia una banana!

A Way Forward addresses why younger generations are leaving churches and explores the importance of relational connection. This lack of connection keeps churches from growing and significantly impacting local communities. By better understanding their own identity through the lens of the Gospel, followers of Christ can remove barriers that prevent cross-generational connection and create faith communities where people of all ages feel valued and included.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor Peter Morley is a retired FBI Intelligence Officer and Christian who becomes a neutrino physicist at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He started using new technology which identified a new form of energy based on traumatic past events he calls "Traumergy" which display events in the form of holograms.While, working on a prototype of Traumergy Professor Morley identifies a conspiracy. The leaders of the company plan to go public based on stolen technology from MIT. Professor Morley works to find the truth using Traumergy and identifies a timeline which first started in 33AD.

The triune God of justice has a mission in the world, which we are called to participate and partner in. The awesome nature of that mission and vision inspires and animates this volume, Now to God Who Is Able. An international array of Christian pastors, scholar activists, parachurch ministry leaders, and community organizers reflect critically on the theological, biblical, contextual, and practical dimensions of what it means to bear witness of the gospel orientated and anchored in God's justice. Using a trinitarian framework within the prophetic call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, this book speaks to the modern challenges and opportunities of the pastoral vocation, ecclesiology, hermeneutics, homiletics, ecumenism, theological education, and missional theology. Each essay and this book honor the more than four decades of ministry of Mark Labberton, who retired as president of Fuller Theological Seminary in 2023.

Sponsorship organisations sincerely set out to help orphans in Africa and other developing countries out of their misery and hopelessness by providing them with a family environment in which they can experience love and hope. To accomplish this, a sponsorship organisation often works with a like-minded partner organisation that executes its vision and objectives. Unfortunately, this is usually plagued by many complex problems that, if not resolved, can become insurmountable.In this book, the author draws on his many years of experience in working for orphans in Africa to identify difficulties that seem to be inherent in such an endeavour. He has determined that these problems stem from three specific areas: the orphans themselves, the partner organisation, and the sponsor organisation. Each of these has its own unique challenges; and when these unique challenges interact, they become so complicated that, if their root causes are not isolated and resolved, the ministry may eventually collapse.The telltale signs of such an eventuality are perceptible--but only to the discerning mind. Musa Okolo identifies and offers practical solutions to these challenges, which will enable orphan care ministries to understand and deal with the complex issues involved and hence achieve their objectives and fulfil their vision.

For as long as I can remember, I have had a heartfelt desire to give "my all" to God. This desire assisted me in coming to a more profound realization that within me is both a sinner and a saint in the making. I discovered that the nourishment for prayer is often my stance of need. The poems within this book give a poetic expression of these prayer experiences through which I hope to connect with people with similar experiences or aspirations. The beauty of poetry is that it is open to interpretation. Behind my poetry is the image of my holding a dandelion and God saying to me, "This is our meeting ground." Dandelions symbolize my life and what God called forth from me. It was also then that I truly fell in love with dandelions. Wouldn't you?

Within the pages of 'The Spinning Mind of a Volunteer Youth Leader,' Sarah Coombs invites you into her world-an immersive journey spanning two decades in the realm of youth ministry. This book is a tapestry woven with her adventures, unique tales, trials, and the profound lessons she's gleaned along the way.It is her fervent hope and prayer that the divine tapestry of her ministry experiences will serve as a wellspring of inspiration and motivation for all those who share a deep affection for youth ministry and a profound passion for the well-being of teenagers. Her story unfolds from a transformative moment in a high school library, where she first felt the call to youth ministry, to the heartwarming transformation of a family farm into a sanctuary for countless young souls.Each chapter is a treasure trove of inspirational anecdotes and invaluable life lessons, illuminating the intricate tapestry of Sarah's journey. As you delve into her narrative, you'll discern the unmistakable hand of God, shaping and guiding every adventure and challenge she encountered as a youth leader. This book isn't merely a reflection of Sarah's own experiences; it's a testament to the incredible impact that youth ministry can have on young lives. It serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for those who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students they dedicate themselves to. Join her in this transformative exploration of faith, mentorship, and the enduring power of a dedicated heart.

This is the story of Reverend Roosevelt Matthews and his beloved wife, Mary, whose work saved many in one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side. But as Roosevelt emphasizes, it's not his story but God's story. In 1952, Roosevelt and Mary came to Chicago from Rolling Fork, Mississippi, as part of the Great Migration of six million Southern Blacks. Shortly after they married, Mary became a sixth-grade Chicago Public School teacher at Faraday Elementary where she taught for thirty years. With his teaching degree and certificate in hand, Roosevelt headed out to the Chicago Board of Education to be assigned the school he would teach in. But God had other ideas. As he walked down his front steps, he heard gunshots and saw troubled youth where gangs and drugs were prevalent. He suddenly came to an abrupt halt; struck with the Lord's call to help these young people. Forgoing a career as a schoolteacher, Roosevelt founded the Albany Youth Center and Albany Baptist Church, which he and Mary ran for the next forty-five years. As one youth center attendee stated, "The gangs in the area did not bother the kids who attended the youth center. They respected the efforts of Reverend Matthews and his wife to make the life of those kids better." With the violence and racism in our country today, the work of Roosevelt and Mary is a big part of the solution. This book documents the "But God" moments where the Lord provided their needs: But God, when Roosevelt went to buy a defunct factory as a place to put his youth center's outdoor basketball court, the owner looked him in the face and said, "I'd rather burn the factory down than sell it to an N-word ". A few months later, Dr. King was assassinated and in the resulting riots the factory was burned to the ground. The factory then became property of the City of Chicago and sold to Roosevelt for a much lower price. But God, teaching Interracial friendship by living in each other's homes, Roosevelt established the Friendship Outreach program between white churches and Albany Baptist Church in 1972. White children came to live with Black families on Chicago's West Side and vice versa. In 2018, one of the original exchange students from Minnesota returned to Albany Church with her own children, continuing this wonderful long-term friendship. But God, Mary got the smooth transition she prayed for after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She never suffered from the ravages of the disease. Looking as beautiful as ever, she played piano in church just three days before she passed from her beloved Roosevelt's loving arms to God's kingdom. But God, as Roosevelt said, "The Lord directed such fine people to help us along the way". One was "Mother" Vera Stephens, who taught Roosevelt and Mary child evangelism. Vera later felt the call to go to Liberia, where she established the Bethesda Christian Mission School that is still inspiring the lives of many children today. In 2011, "Mother" Stephens was posthumously honored for her work by both the president and vice president of Liberia. But God, while Mary and Roosevelt were not able to have biological children, many former pupils, attributing much of their success to "Mom" and "Dad," still call, send letters, and emails. Several have become Bible teachers and ministers themselves while others include a college president and a corporate executive.