AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
April 2019 – Breakthrough: Family film tells of miracle (photo above)
REVIEW COMING APRIL 8, 2019.
The Fall of Jericho
The Fall of Jericho is book three in author Matt Koceich’s Imagine series. The protagonist, fifth-grader Jake Henry, travels back in time – to ancient Jericho. He wakes up from an outdoor nap at summer camp in the midst of the biblical story of Joshua. As the Israelites march around Jericho, Jake tries to convince his friends their walled city will fall, while helping them escape an evil kidnapper.
Koceich brings the Bible to life for readers ages 8-12. Parents of younger readers should note that Jake encounters peril and minor violence. Even so, The Fall of Jericho follows the biblical account of Jericho. Available at online and retail bookstores.
Joy Lucius
Descriptions and Prescriptions
Descriptions and Prescriptions by Michael R. Emlet fulfills the promise of its subtitle: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications.
One in six Americans takes some kind of psychiatric drug, according to a 2016 report from Institute for Safe Medication Practices. This book is a valuable and unique resource for Christians who want to offer biblical help to those in need.
In only 100 pages, Emlet, former family physician and now a counselor, builds a biblical framework for non-professionals to understand the complex body-spirit connection of humans. While maintaining that psychiatric diagnoses must submit to biblical diagnoses, Emlet brings a helpful, scriptural balance to that relationship.
Available at newgrowthpress.com or online booksellers.
Rusty Benson
The Fool and the Heretic
The Fool and the Heretic is an unusual book that seeks to answer a common question by telling the story of two evangelical Christians.
Todd Charles Wood and Darrel R. Falk are faithful believers and accomplished scientists who hold deeply opposing views on the debate between creation and
evolution.
The Colossian Forum (colossianforum.org) brought Wood and Falk together not only to discuss and debate their respective positions, but to encourage their friendship in Christ. Through their dialogue, The Fool and the Heretic attempts to honestly explore the difference the gospel makes in the face of serious disagreements.
The 200-page volume documents discussions between Wood and Falk that began in 2013. Each scientist contributes chapters that reflect his position on the issue of origins, faith in Christ, and friendship with the other.
Rusty Benson
Gracefull: Growing a Heart that Cares
Gracefull: Growing a Heart that Cares for Our Neighbors is the third in a series of children’s books written by Dorena Williamson, who serves alongside her husband as he pastors Strong Tower Bible Church in a richly diverse faith community in Nashville, Tennessee. Colorfully illustrated, the story of two little girls, Hope and Anna, speaks to its readers (ages 4-8) about helping others. When Hope realizes her friend Anna is homeless, she begins to ask her mother questions. The two take the reader along with them as they explore the local homeless shelter where Anna, her mother, and grandmother are staying.
Hope learns to be sensitive toward others whose lives are more difficult than her own. She also sees that God’s grace is a gift that falls freely. And she learns she can be a part of that gift.
Other books in the series address the gifts of ethnic diversity and special needs.
The series is available online and at retail booksellers.
Anne Reed
Afraid of All Things
“I’ve lived scared as long as I can remember.” This is how Scarlet Hiltibidal’s book Afraid of All the Things begins. Her transparent way of writing simultaneously about her life of anxiety, tornadoes, imagined ailments, and adulthood struggles is poignant, hilarious, and spiritually applicable. For those who have struggled with anxiety, this book is a breath of fresh air that will strengthen their faith. For those who may not deal with fear on a consistent basis, it is an excellent view into the life of Christians who struggle with mental heath, fear, and worry. Yet on both sides, it is an amazing story about how God took a scared little girl through a life of small and big fears and shaped her into a woman who trusts fully in His care. “Jesus Christ is the source of all calm,” Hiltibidal writes in a later chapter. “He is the Creator of comfort. He has defeated all the sad and scary things.” The great thing this book teaches is that dealing with fear is not something believers necessarily need to “fix,” but rather an aspect of life that continually points to Jesus Christ and His grace. Available at online and retail bookstores.
Canada Burns
The Keeper of My Heart
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among American teens, and teen girls are twice as likely to attempt suicide as boys. Author Ashley Wichlenski believes a skewed and world-centered self-identity among adolescent girls contributes to this alarming statistic.
With that in mind, Wichlenski authored The Keeper of My Heart, a unique devotional journal designed to help young girls begin to see themselves through the eyes of Jesus. The Keeper of My Heart uses a series of beautiful scripture-filled letters addressed to the young reader, coupled with space for girls to journal and gorgeous pages for her to color. Wichlenski sweetly crafted the devotional letters to both affirm and teach the young reader exactly who God created her to be.
From start to finish, The Keeper of My Heart is an interactive, Christ-centered journey of reading, writing, and crafting that can greatly benefit any young girl. The Keeper of My Heart can be purchased online at thekeeperofmyheart.com.
Joy Lucius
