Mugabe and the White African

One family’s stand for Justice – catch the story on PBS 7/26!

I'll be blogging about the book Mugabe and the White African later this month, but I wanted to let you know that Point of View will air the documentary Mugabe and the White African on Tuesday, July 26th.

The film tells the story of Mike Campbell and his family of three generations of Zimbabwean farmers as they attempt to keep their farm under Mugabe's "land reform." Watch the trailer for the documentary below and visit the PBS Point of View website for your local listing. http://www.pbs.org/pov/tvschedule/

The book Mugabe and the White African (Lion Books, distributed by Kregel Publications, July 15, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-7459-5546-9, $14.95) written by Mike Campbell's son-in-law Ben Freeth provides more detail regarding the family's struggles and court battles.The book chronicles the deeply moving and life-threatening struggle of a Christian family from Zimbabwe to protect their legally owned farmland, to protect the lives and livelihoods of all those working on the farm, and to live to see justice.

Freeth lays bare a beautiful but lawless land fouled by fear. A 'Clockwork Orange' state where racism, greed, and violence are ultimately humbled by almost unimaginable courage. Richly described, bravely chronicled, and utterly compelling.

-Mike Thomson, Radio Foreign Affairs Correspondent, BBC

Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell. Like that of many white farmers, his family's land was "reclaimed" for redistribution by Mugabe's government. But Ben's family fought back. Appealing to international law, they instigated a suit against Mugabe's government in the SADC, the Southern African equivalent of NATO. The case was deferred time and again while Mugabe's men pulled strings. But after Freeth and his parents-in-law were abducted and beaten within inches of death in 2008, the SADC deemed any further delay to be an obstruction of justice. The case was heard, and was successful on all counts.

But the story doesn't end there. In 2009 the family farm was burned to the ground. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over--this book is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances.

Read an Excerpt (PDF)

Read the Press Release

True North

True North is a book that is a husband/wife collaboration by Gary and Lisa Heim. This is an honest, open look at how we can so often be disappointed by others in life. From page one, this book really resonated with me. People do disappoint - they will - they are human. But how we react to that disappointment is what will essentially form who we are. It might be our spouse, a dear friend, or even a child - but whomever it is - when we feel let down or disappointed in their reactions to a situation or to us, it is an opportunity for us to choose God. This was eye-opening to me - instead of being mad at the person, or saying unkind things to others to make them look bad - it is my choice to turn to God instead and put Him where He should be in my life - the one I turn to for everything - even my disappointment. John 16:33 states it pretty plainly, "In this world you will have trouble." It doesn't get much clearer than that. But it's how we react and deal with that "trouble" that determines who we will be. After reading this book, I am challenging myself - the next time I am tempted to be angry at a person for how they treated me - I want to refocus that all on Christ - let Him heal my wounds, and help me be a stronger person.

Highly recommend this one!!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by Kregel Books for the True North Blog Tour.

Thirsting for God

Gary Thomas' Thirsting for God is unlike any book I have read. It is a fascinating look at what Christians throughout history have learned about living a life that is centered on God. They show us that a meaningful Christian life has nothing to do with things that come and go like fads and styles but everything to do with living a life that is fully focused on Christ and what He has for us. I was impressed that Thomas finds men and women from the 16th, 18th and 20th centuries to show us great examples of how to live a life that is totally focused on Christ - not sidetracked by things of this world that we THINK will make us happy. It is resonating deeply with me after having just read John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life. One of the quotes near the beginning of the book that really hit me was:

Therefore, Christian spirituality has more to do with what we receive than what we achieve. Our potential and activity depend entirely on God's work in our lives. If we set out to be achievers rather than receivers, we have not begun to follow God. Achievers call attention to themselves, whereas receivers lead others to appreciate the Giver. If we insist on being achievers, seeking God so that others might admire our faith, our commitment, or our dedication, we become God's competitors, trying to steal some of His glory.

I have not been disappointed by a Gary Thomas book yet - but this one really stands above to me. Great reminders given through Godly men and women of how we too, can live with a thirst for God above all else.

**I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes by a publicist but I was to give an honest opinion of the book for my review. Reviewed for ReadersFavorite.com.

BIG SALE!!!

I do not want you to miss these great offers if you enjoy these great download-able units!

1. Get Your Download N Go Full Year Set (on sale for $145)

This value-packed set includes:
o 36 one-week Download N Go studies
o the exclusive Birthday Bonanza unit study
o the all-new, 55-page, DNG Teacher's Guide
o Unit Studies 101
o a coupon which will allow your to purchase the upcoming Passport United Kingdom unit study for only $5

2. Build Your Best Year
o Choose any 6 studies, get 25% off
o Choose any 18 studies, get 35% off
o Choose any 36 studies, get 45% off

3. $5 Frenzy
Customize your year! July 19 - 29 (excluding weekends), check out the USAB Specials Page daily to find out which individual Download N Go and Unit Study Adventures studies will be a part of the frenzy.

What's In the Bible??

Well - we are trying to figure that out!! We have been watching through Phil Vischer's newest DVD series, What's in the Bible? We took these on vacation with us and the best "plug" I could ever give for them is that EVERYONE in our van was laughing - From the 5 year old to the 40 year old - the humor was there for all of us. (That's teenage boys included!!) AND I would daresay we also all learned something as well! This is just a fabulous series that teaches on each book of the Bible - background, setting, characters - it really is well put together. (And the Seminary-studied Dad here agrees as well!!) Highly recommend this great series - and, having just finished #5, we are anxiously awaiting #6 over here!!

Growing Up Amish

I enjoy books on the Amish - I see I am not alone, as even Wagler, in this book, mentions that people are intrigued by this group of people. But this book was FAR better than any Amish Fiction read! Ira Wagler LIVED Amish - he was born into this people, he struggled to be one of these people, and he tells his story in Growing Up Amish. It really is a story that caught me from the first page - how they live, what they believe, and how some people find it very hard to live in that culture. Wagler is honest and yet tender toward the people he shared much of his life with. I enjoyed every part of this book - his story is sad and still real. This memoir is one I will passing along to friends and encouraging them to read - it gives new insight into these people that intrigue the rest of us - and shows us the reality of "growing up Amish."

*I was sent this book by Tyndale and asked to give a review.

Pottermore

I say VERY interesting.....

Pottermore

Field of Vision

I am going to tell you to watch your TV's this coming Saturday - June 11 at 8/7c on NBC. Now, I don't often push tv-watching - but this really is something worth watching! "Field of Vision" is from the Family Movie Night group and is quality. It focuses on bullying - but more than that - challenges our teens (and ourselves) to think what we would do in the same circumstance. I love the side themes of foster care, sibling relationships, being popular, etc. There really is SO much in this film that it is sure to please many types of viewers. The topic of football is sure to catch some as well - do not miss this chance to gather as a family and watch some quality tv - that does not have the opportunity to happen very often!

Visit their Facebook page or these other sites:

Mom's for Family TV

Dove Foundation Review

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Branded

I am always looking for a non-fiction read that will challenge me and I have found one!! Tim Sinclair's Branded has pushed me to think in new ways and I have been telling people - DO NOT miss this book! Branded: Sharing Jesus with a Consumer Culture will challenge you to get outside of your box and think about how you not only represent Jesus to the world, but how you COULD be representing Him - and maybe SHOULD be. The chapters are short and very easy to read - Sinclair is funny and yet poignant - his years in marketing bring a whole new set of things to consider to us as readers. We, as Believers, need to think about how to share Christ with others in ways that are authentic, and honest and effective. I am excited about this book and truly have been already telling others to get their hands on this and read it!

About Tim Sinclair:

Tim Sinclair is a radio personality on one of the top Christian morning shows in the country, Mornings with Tim and Pam. For over a decade, he has been helping radio stations and various other businesses creatively and effectively market themselves. His award-winning productions have been heard on more than 2,000 radio stations worldwide and recent clients include McDonald's, Word Records, Moody Press, and the country's most-listened to Christian nonprofit radio station KSBJ/Houston. Tim has written for CCM Magazine and the Huntsville Times. For more about Tim, please visit his website, http://www.tim-sinclair.com.

About Branded from the Publisher:

The church spends $1.5 million for every one new follower of Jesus. Apple sells 26 iPads every minute. What is it that makes Apple so exciting and Jesus so boring? What is it that compels someone to bring their iPod everywhere and their Bible nowhere? In a word: marketing. Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy salespeople-people who are intimidated and embarrassed by the word "evangelism" and who show more enthusiasm for their gadgets than their God.

What would life look like if we stopped mass-marketing Jesus and started marketing our faith like Nike and Apple market their products--sharing relationally, from person to person? Using examples from these and other successful companies, author Tim Sinclair challenges Christians to throw out their casual attitudes toward faith and sign on for a marketing campaign for the Savior.

Written with the wit and wisdom of an experienced marketer, Branded peels away the feelings of fear and encourages readers how to share their faith in ways that are honest, authentic, and, most importantly, effective.

**To read what others are saying about this book - visit the BLOG TOUR.

This book has a great contest going on right now too!

Kregel Publications is sponsoring a $50 Amazon.com giveaway open to all readers!

About the Giveaway!
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about Branded or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy.

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.

TWEET THIS: Branded by @timjsinclair - Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! @litfuse http://ow.ly/566nr

FACEBOOK THIS: Branded by Tim Sinclair is a compelling look at what Christians can learn from companies like Apple & Starbucks about sharing their faith! Jesus is a life-changing product with lousy sales-people! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13338985

**I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes.

Rocket Town

Rocket Town is a board book I wished I'd had YEARS ago when my boys were little! Bob Logan's book is sure to delight our littlest readers! It is a fun read that teaches opposites and shows off that love for rockets of all kinds. The illustrations are whimsical and engaging - I am looking through it again and finding new things on every page! With a countdown at the end - your little readers will not be able to help but love this new book!


*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

How To Be God's Little Princess

Sheila Walsh has written a book on royal tips for manners, etiquette, and true beauty called How to Be God's Little Princess. It is non-fiction so that makes it hard to read aloud to a child, but I do think that any little girl who can read on her own, would find this a fun read! Walsh covers fun things like clothing, hair and fashion, friendship, manners, planning a party, writing thank you notes, how to be a princess at home, and even how to handle the internet. There are so many topics in here, and covered in such an appealing way, that I think little girls will love this. There are quizzes and puzzles tucked in amongst the reading and that helps break it up a bit. The illustrations are fun as well. It's a fun manual and one our young girls will be excited about!


*I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning

Nancy Pickard's The Scent of Rain and Lightning was quite a ride. It took me a bit to get into but once I was in - I was surprised at the mystery that unravelled. Pickard is an excellent storyteller and her story of young Jody being left with no parents and the whole town unsure as to who took their lives - creates suspense that continues to the very end. I was convinced it was one person - as was most of the town, and then I had that all ripped out from under me when the author took me for a shocking surprise! I was stunned at the turn of events that takes place and that's just how I like it! Great story that will keep you guessing.

Definitely for mature readers - not one I'd suggest for teens as there were adult themes present.

The Curse of Captain La Foote

Ahoy yea Mateys - here is a book that you land-lubbers are sure to enjoy! Eddie Jones' The Curse of Captain LaFoote is a new book on the market that I will be sure and share with my male readers! Because yes, I am always on the lookout for boy lit! This is a young adult/tween novel that starts off in the very beginning with a fire that burns down an apartment building and quickly turns to a novel where the main character, Ricky, is thrust into the creek while saving a dog and dies and then becomes a novel where Ricky is given a choice - return to his former life or become a sailor on the high seas. He chooses the new life on the high seas and his real adventures begin. What a fun story - full of adventure and excitement! I do think it will be a pleaser - for boys and girls - and it's a great novel by Jones for the world of teen lit.




AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Tell us about The Curse of Captain LaFoote.
EDDIE: When my boys were young, I'd tell pirate stores on the bow of our sailboat. The lead character was Captain Stinky Foot. Captain Stinky Foot was named after my youngest son. If you've ever spent any time on a boat in August with a crew of unwashed young males then this needs no further explanation. I've always been fascinated by the stories of boys snatched away from London and Bristol and forced to serve before the mast. Seems to me life at sea was more fun than peeling potatoes. And more dangerous.

So The Curse of Captain LaFoote is a pirate tale awash in buried treasure, romance and dead men's bones. The truth is, this book and the ones that follow in the Caribbean Chronicle series are love stories. For Ricky Bradshaw, the hero of the book, the story is a quest to find his father, soul mate, and purpose in life.

What is your lead’s wound?
EDDIE: A friend suggested that I let my lead have epilepsy. She said when she has an episode she sort of zones out—like daydreaming except she can’t stop it. She also said she knows when it’s about to happen. That she smells something like burning wires. So I gave Ricky epilepsy and finished the story.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized the book had a larger purpose. I met another woman at a writer’s conference whose son has epilepsy. During the conference, her son suffered a seizure — the first one he’d ever had without his mother present. The look on her face that morning convinced me that Ricky Bradshaw could be a champion for those suffering from epilepsy.

It’s not cancer or heart disease but over three million Americans live with epilepsy. If the sale of this book can raise awareness, then the book has done its job. For each book sold, the publisher and I will donate “a few pieces of eight” — half a sandy dollar — to the foundation’s Heroes Among Us program. Our goal is to raise ten thousand dollars in honor of Ricky Bradshaw.

What is the spiritual message in your book?
EDDIE: That courage cost. Near the end of the book Ricky has the chance to go back to his old life. We get to do the same thing, go back to our old way of doing things. But Christ says there is a cost for doing the right thing. Ricky faces that choice.

What takeaway value do you hope readers receive after reading this novel?
EDDIE: There are a lot of other deep and important themes explored in the book too. Things like what the poop deck is and why cruise ships no longer use them, the secrets inside Davy Jones' locker, and why you shouldn't walk downwind of a pirate who's just eaten turtle soup.

Seriously, my goal in writing this book was to spur the imagination of young readers. Boys especially. I wanted to create within them a desire to read and set sail for a life of adventure, wherever that journey may take them. Even now I can see Ricky standing on the sugar-white sands of that island just south of Hispaniola. I am that boy. And so are a lot of other boys.

And there is a Grand Prize Package with this blog tour!!!
To enter just leave a comment on this post. To gain extra entries:

1 - Tweet it and then come back and leave a comment.

2 - Join In The Pages Facebook Page and come back and leave a comment that you did join.

3 - Post about it on Facebook and come back and leave a comment.

******************Grand Prize Giveaway
All you need for a PIRATE PARY!
• 8 invitations
• 8 - 9" party plates
• 8 - 9-oz. cups
• 16 luncheon napkins
• 16 pc. blue cutlery set
• 1 red plastic table cover
• 2 rolls of streamers, 1 blue and 1 red
• 12 each of blue and red balloons
• 2 pkgs. of confetti, 1 blue and 1 orange
• 4 yds. deluxe creepy cloth
• 12 pirate swords with eye patch
• 72 pirate tattoos
• 8 dessert plates
• 16 beverage napkins
• 8 treasure chest-shaped filled treat boxes
• 1 10 ft. pennant
• 12 child-size pirate hats
• 1 photo door banner
• 1 piñata and toy & candy asst.

Winners will be chosen on June 3.

*I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.

Amazing Work of Lifesong in India

I interrupt our regularly scheduled blog postings to share this!

Imagine living in a house made entirely out of concrete, that heats up like an oven in the hot sun. Imagine a bare lightbulb hanging from the ceiling as your only light. Imagine having no toilet facilities or running water, but instead getting all your water from a community hand pump. Imagine having parents who worked in the field, barely able to provide from day to day. Imagine no hope, growing up in a hope of idolatry and severe poverty.

To Sindhu Babu this kind of life was normal. It wasn't until he (at age 10) came to Lifesong India that he knew there was something better. Something far better.

Today, at age 18, Sindhu Babu not only has a hope for a future as he studies to become an electrical engineer... not only does he live in a clean home with clean running water... and not only has he heard the word of God, but in 2003, his parents, who for years worshipped idols, gave their lives to Christ!
Praise God that He continues to replace hope for despair in the nearly six hundred children we work with and their families!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support as we serve children in India!

Okay for Now

When I say Gary Schmidt - I hope you smile!! If you are clueless, then I say - GET ON BOARD! He is a fabulous author that has captured me with every book he has written! I pass them along to my boys and they love him as well. DO NOT MISS THIS AUTHOR!!! (I would say it louder if I could, but this will have to do!)

His latest title, Okay for Now, kept me laughing and crying - he really is quite an author! This is the story of Doug Swieteck, who we first saw in The Wednesday Wars. You certainly do not have to read Wednesday Wars to know what is going on in this book - they are both stand-alones. (But if you do not read Wednesday Wars in your lifetime - that would be a horrible sadness!!) Doug's life is not an easy one - his father is a total loser of a father - he is abusive and mean. His mom tries hard to be a tender mom, but she seems powerless in the face of his father. And then his brother, seems to be taking after his father - mean and abusive as well. And another brother that is in Vietnam fighting and returns home - to teach us all the realities of what happened to many of our vets when they returned home, scarred and sad.

So that leaves Doug on his own, trying to get through school with some teachers that are even against him. His bright spots seem to be Lil, his adorable girlfriend that is just the sweetest character in this novel, and the customers that he delivers food to each Saturday - yes, even dear Mrs. Windmere! I could go on and on on this one - I will just say - it resounds with readers - you find yourself laughing along, shaking your head "yes" - because you just "get it." OH, and I almost forgot - I loved the WONDERFUL bird-theme in this one as well!! I love everything about it and I will sing Schmidt's praises until I rest in my grave - he is a master storyteller!!

Bitter Melon

Cara Chow's Bitter Melon was an interesting read to me. After just having read Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, this book really got me to thinking again. It is the story of Frances, a high school student, that is torn between trying to please her mother or choose her own desires for her future. Frances' mother is not an easy woman to please, she is a Chinese mother that reminded me of Battle Hymn....she can be mean, verbally and physically abusive, and there was not a bone of me that liked her by the end of the book. And yet, I could see how she did love her daughter and want more for her life than she had in her own life. It is a hard read - I hate seeing difficult relationships between daughters and mothers, but it was a good read - I was always challenged to think...and I like that! My favorite character was Ms. Taylor, the speech teacher, she is what I love to see in teachers - they get to know their students personally and encourage them in their talents and skills. This is worth the read - certainly take the time for it!

Miles From Ordinary

I am a fan of Carol Lynch Williams - and her latest, Miles From Ordinary, is another great read! This is a story that is NOT easy to read - I will say that right from the start - 14 year old, Lacey's life is one that no child should have to live - especially on their own. She is left as the only one to take care of her mentally ill mother. But you can imagine - life is not easy when you are trying to make it through school, support your family financially, and take care of a mother that can not take care of herself. It is such a gut-wrenching story - it is raw and real. HIGHLY recommend it.

How Huge the Night

I am quite excited about this new book, How Huge the Night, by Heather and Lydia Munn. It is set in France as it is falling to the Nazis and is based on a true story - the town of Le Chambon - the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust. This is a book geared at teens and helps them get excited about this time period AND also challenges them to think about the choices they make everyday based on some of the choices Julien and Nina have to make to survive. I appreciate the ethical challenges the authors portray in the novel - it really makes you think and question what you would have done.

Here is what the publisher says about the book:

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

This is a compelling read - I was glued from the first page and I know teens will be just as engrossed as I was! In fact - I am on my way to pass it along to my teen boys to read!

Here is a bit about the authors:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.

Here's Some BIG NEWS!!!

Kregel Publications is sponsoring an $50 Amazon.com giveaway open to blog readers.

About the Giveaway!

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about How Huge the Night or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use the hashtag (#litfuse). If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy.



*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Franklin Goes Ebook!!!

I remember reading Franklin books to my boys, in my classroom, in my story hours, and now to my girls as well. So when I heard they had gone to Ebook as well - I was thrilled! BIG Franklin fans here and what a treat to have it available as an Ebook.

If you'd like to win a copy of the Ebook - just leave a comment! I will take comments until next Wednesday, the 25th!!

Unplanned

Focus on the Family and Tyndale have produced a DVD that will change the way you see things. Unplanned is a powerful DVD! The story of Abby Johnson and her journey into working for Planned Parenthood and then coming out of it after being so convicted about what she was telling women. The story is honest and well-told. The DVD is interesting and honest. I commend both Focus on the Family and Tyndale for great work on this project - I hope it touches lives and changes opinions on both sides of the abortion issue.

GO HERE to see the book - which I would just LOVE to read as well. I have heard great things about it.

Learn more about the Unite for Life Webcast coming up on May 17.

HERE IS THE FUN NEWS!! I have a certificate to give away for a copy of the DVD. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog with your email address.

For extra entries - leave separate comments after you have:

1) Subscribed to my blog.

2) Signed up for the Webcast mentioned above.

3) Posted the giveaway on your blog or Twitter.

*I was provided a copy of the DVD by Tyndale for review purposes.