From:-
TORCH TRUST FOR THE BLIND, Torch House, Torch Way, Northampton Road, Market
Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HL, U.K.
Telephone: (01858) 438260, Fax: (01858) 438275, email:
info@torchtrust.org
Charity Number 1095904.
One big problem some of us face today is that of information overload. If you're anything like me, you'll switch on the news and learn about some terrible events turning loads of people's lives upside down, and it just drifts over you as though it were a TV drama rather than a real life issue.
I felt like this over the recent flooding in the UK until ... I was returning to Market Harborough after visiting my sister in Northumberland and found myself stuck in Doncaster with no-one to help. My first train had been delayed for three hours due to "unfinished engineering works north of Edinburgh". I could have turned back at that point, but wasn't advised to do so. As the journey progressed, announcements became more and more scary as the train chugged along slower and slower, until we came to rest at Doncaster with no possibility of going forward.
My usual companion, my guide dog, Mist, wasn't with me on this occasion, due to my niece's problem with asthma. In a way, I was glad she was tucked up safe, but I didn't half wish she was there! All I had with me was a guide cane. Clearly, I hadn't put into practice my trusty girl guide motto, "be prepared!"
I had to keep explaining my situation as I was passed round to various station staff who clearly wished I wasn't there! I did manage to get a taxi to a hotel - a huge one, but at least it was safe. Suddenly the horror of flooding hit me hard. There I was in a strange place, knowing no-one - just listening to the rain thundering down, showing no sign of easing up. I do admit to panicking instead of trusting God, but even then, he still spoke to me through a book I happened to be reviewing for inclusion in the Torch library. The book in question was A Heart To Listen, by Michael Mitton. It drew my attention to the need for a quiet, listening attitude if we want to find out what people are really saying. To illustrate his Bible-based points, the author includes a very moving story of a tight-lipped AIDS specialist lecturer and an African gentleman caught up in the reality of losing dear friends and family to this cruel disease. Both men learn and grow from their experience of listening to one another. The story ends with an unexpected twist, which I'll leave you to discover when A Heart To Listen is placed in the library. Watch this space ...
Despite my silly panicking and wavering, the Lord did get me home safely the next day, through the kindness of Carol and Brian from Torch, who drove around the flooding to get to me. It hasn't been nearly so easy for lots of people for whom the floods have resulted in serious and lasting damage. I'm so grateful that the Lord did help me in many ways, even when I definitely wasn't in the most Godly frame of mind! We trust that you'll find great encouragement in your own life as a Christian through accessing our free lending library for some of the exciting books described in this issue of TLM.
Sheila and the TLM editors
Part of my job at Torch involves proof listening to our audio books which I do at double speed because I have the actual book in front of me. However this was not possible with Walking from East to West. The book is so fascinating and rich that my poor brain couldn't take it all in at double speed; in fact I struggled to cope with 1½ speed and if I was doing something complicated (for a man) like eating a sandwich I had to listen at normal speed!
Essentially the book tells the story of the author's life growing up in India, a crisis in his late teens which led to him finding the Lord and his subsequent moving to Canada as an evangelist. The subtitle of the book is God in the Shadows and Ravi shows how time and again God is there in the background shaping situations, reaching out to people with his love, and linking events which take place generations apart.
One of many threads which weave through the book connects Ravi with "doubting Thomas", Jesus' disciple. Tradition has it that St Thomas first brought Christianity to India, specifically to the Kerala region in the south where he converted several of Ravi's ancestors, the Nambudiris. As an adult Ravi specialised in apologetics and he ponders on the link with Thomas, whom he prefers to call the "Questioning Apostle".
I have been to India and undoubtedly one reason I liked this book is discovering the explanations for some of the bewildering cultural practices I encountered there. However I have never been to some of the other countries Ravi visits, yet find the stories from these equally fascinating. For example after preaching in Vietnam, Ravi's interpreter, Hien, was imprisoned by the Vietcong and had his Bible confiscated. After months of brutal reprogramming in atheistic belief, Hien was on the verge of denying his faith when, whilst being forced to clean the prison officers' toilets, he noticed some English words in the soiled toilet paper bin. It was a page from the Bible, Romans 8: "Who shall separate us from the love of God". Greatly encouraged, Hien washed the page clean, volunteered for more toilet cleaning duty, and before long had the rest of the New Testament!
I enjoyed meeting various members of Ravi's family; from his domineering and ultra-traditional father (who would stand up whilst speaking on the telephone to his superiors) to his youngest brother (who as the most junior member of a choir was presented to the Queen during a state visit - following its broadcast on BBC1 many people phoned up offering to adopt him!) And we also meet Ravi's American daughter (who has just had her book Confessions of an Honest Wife accepted into the Torch library).
The book is the first ever to be transcribed by Dave Ling who for years has worked from home as an audio editor for Torch. Dave really brings the book to life especially in the dialogue sections. I think he is trying to do me out of a job because the reading is so accurate; for example a very minor male character is given, in accordance with the book's description, a high pitched voice - he then doesn't feature until 100 pages later but Dave still remembers to give him the same falsetto tone. This book is another first for Torch in that it was used as the guinea pig on our new DAISY recording machines. These allow the transcriber to do the editing as they go along which means it's almost impossible to identify the corrections, giving the recording near studio quality.
God is at work "in the shadows" for all of us. While I am writing this my friend who I went to India with twenty years ago has just by chance phoned. As soon as I put the phone down I went on-line and bought him a copy of Walking from East to West; I think he'll enjoy it and I'm sure you will too.
There follows an extract from the first page of the book:
One of my earliest memories is of the old man on my street, a mystic who wore only a loincloth. He was tall, with matted hair and piercing eyes, quite fearsome to look at. Mud was caked all over his bony frame, his face was scarred by deep gashes that were self-inflicted from his religious devotion, and his skin was burned by constant exposure to the torrid heat of the midday sun. "How did he come to look like this?" I wondered as a boy. What had he done to himself?"
I found out soon enough. Two or three times each week he would appear on our street; then, almost like a coiled rope unwinding, he would lie down on that filthy road and begin his routine. Cow dung and dog droppings littered the path, to say nothing of the stones or sharp objects that cluttered it a well, yet he would roll down the length of the street with a howl that sounded as if it came from the depths of a cavern.
"Govinda! Govinda! Govinda!"
I had no clue what his cry was about - I only knew it terrified me. It was an astonishing sight to a five-year-old, and I recall scampering to my mother and asking her, "What is he doing? What is he doing?"
"He's OK," she replied. "Just ignore him."
"But what is he doing?" I would implore. "Why is he doing it?"
"He's calling to his god!" she said.
That did not quench my curiosity. But I did not pursue it as long as he continued to roll away from me, and his voice became a faint but haunting sound in the distance: "Govinda!"
The old mystic was only one of the striking sights on our street, a place that teemed with life in my eyes. On that street, I believed I saw everything that living represented. The world there was filled with sounds and screams and, yes, smells of different kinds. Silence was at a premium. Every morning at sunrise, any seeming quietness was broken by the shouts of the street vendors, hawking the items they were selling. "Onions! Milk! Vegetables! Knife sharpeners!" When these sellers came to our door, they would look through our open but barred windows. There was no privacy to speak of. We stepped outside onto the street, and the road itself was so narrow that a car couldn't pass through but only hand-pulled or cycle rickshaws. Outside were stray animals and people, each about some pursuit. Sometimes it was a beggar at the door, sometimes a leprous hand reaching for a handout with a plea for compassion. Life with all its hurts and pains squinted at you, squatted before you, and stared you down daily. This was the street where I grew up.
Faith like potatoes: this is not your ordinary title for a missionary book and indeed this is no ordinary missionary book.
In his autobiography Angus Buchan recounts the growth of what can only be described as a unique and God-filled mission. Angus Buchan is the founder of Shalom Ministries and he tours Africa and the world as an evangelist. His mission is unusual in that he is also a farmer and his missions are financed by the farm. In this incredible story of "a farmer who risked everything for God" Angus Buchan is called upon to trust God with his whole life as he becomes an evangelist and in the process God works in his life amazing miracles of providence. Through this ministry many people who may not otherwise have heard the Good News are brought to faith and experience the healing touch of God.
Angus, who was brought up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), did not have a particularly religious upbringing. However when he was seven he became a Christian after hearing someone preaching from a local Billy Graham crusade. Angus wanted the new life the preacher was talking about and he accepted Jesus into his life. He began to go to church - in spite of the lack of encouragement from his father - and quickly progressed in his faith.
Once Angus finished school his parents suggested that he should go and study agriculture in their native Scotland. There, Angus learned a lot about farming but began to drift away from his faith. He found the church services boring and there were many distractions for a young, good-looking agricultural student. Shortly after graduating Angus set out for Australia in search of new opportunities and experiences. Angus was very successful in his work in Australia and had a large amount of disposable income. However, in spite of this, he felt unfulfilled.
Even after Angus had returned to Africa, married with several children and well established as a livestock farmer in Zambia, this feeling would not go away and he was unable to find peace. Due to deteriorating conditions in Zambia the family were forced to relocate to South Africa. Angus describes how he began the extraordinarily challenging task of starting a farm from scratch. The 18-hour days he worked in order to clear the land, install piping, build a house for the family and then grow crops were entirely unsustainable. Something had to give.
Indeed Angus was soon on the verge of a breakdown, with uncontrollable bouts of anger and sleepless nights. But help was at hand. Angus and his family were invited to attend the local church where a mission was being held. He heard testimonies about how Jesus had rescued people from the depths of despair and he was touched by the tears and joy these people expressed as they recounted how the Lord had restored their lives.
After his conversion Angus was irrepressible, telling everyone he met about the saving power of the Lord and bringing many of his friends to faith. In 1989 he felt God was calling him specifically to preach the gospel. He asked the Lord;
"What do you want me to do Lord?"
"I want you to preach the gospel. Trust me and you will see signs and wonders following the preaching of my word."
That sounded good to Angus who got ready to ask his pastor for permission to preach in the church, but he heard the Lord reply: "No, Angus, I don't want you to preach to churchgoers. Hire a hall in Ladysmith. I want you to go to the people who don't know me and share my word with them."
This is exactly what Angus did. The response to this missionary campaign could only be described as miraculous and this was just the start of something much larger.
Following Angus' life and ministry throughout the book, reading and being touched by his joys and hardships, is truly an awe-inspiring and fascinating read. This book is highly readable and very compatible with the calm audio narration of Ralph Bennett. Faith Like Potatoes is truly uplifting, demonstrating God's power and love, as this simple farmer seeks to follow his saviour with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and share God's saving grace with all around him.
There follows an extract from the book where Angus begins by referring to some of the women that are employed on the farm as seasonal labour:
I always prayed that the Lord would speak to these women and save their souls, and I used to talk to them as best I could in my very poor Zulu.
"Jesus Christ is our Saviour," I told them. "You must serve him and not your idols and ancestral spirits. They have no power but God can protect you." I believed what I said to them, but didn't expect my faith in God's power to be tested.
One day in late November there was a tremendous thunderstorm. Lightning flashed across the sky, and rain was drumming on our roof so loudly that we could hardy hear ourselves speak. Suddenly I heard the sound of women screaming outside.
"Khosani, Khosani, please come! Something terrible has happened!"
I went to the window. I could see a group of black women huddled around the fence with blankets wrapped round them.
"What's wrong?" I shouted, but I could not hear their reply. I went out to talk to them. They were shouting and talking all at once, but eventually I understood that lightning had struck the hut where the women slept. Fifty of them had been struck to the ground, and they had all recovered except one. They had left this woman in the hut covered by a blanket.
"She is dead," they said. "You must come now."
I jumped into the bakkie with some women and we drove over to the hut, about 500 metres away. It was a traditional Zulu building, very big but with a small entrance, so low you have to get down on your hands and knees to go in.
"Bring her outside," I said. They refused. They wouldn't help lift her into the bakkie so we could take her to the hospital - they wouldn't even touch her.
"You told us your God was powerful," they said. "You pray and ask him to touch this woman. Then we'll see if this Jesus you talk about is real."
I was stunned. What could I do? I cried out to the Lord: "You have to help me now. I don't know what to do."
I crawled inside. A fire was burning in the middle of the hut and the interior was dark and smoky, so at first I couldn't see much. Outside, the woman began wailing and lamenting. One of the women still inside the hut pointed to the body lying by the wall. I went over. I had no idea whether the woman was dead or unconscious. But I acted in raw faith, in fear and trembling. I laid my hand on her, closed my eyes and prayed.
"Lord please bring healing to this woman's body." I felt a strong impression from the Holy Spirit that I should lift the woman up, so I bent over her, lifted her to her feet and let her go. She remained standing. The wailing outside stopped, and there was a deathly silence.
"Can you hear me?" I asked.
She nodded.
"Lift up your hands to God."
She lifted her hands into the air and pandemonium broke out: the women inside the hut were screaming, shouting, dancing and singing, and the women outside heard their cries and joined in, singing praises to God. It was a wonderful awesome moment.
The farm labourers spoke of nothing else for weeks. God had performed a miracle before their eyes, and they told everyone they knew.
It was a lesson for me to trust God, but we forget so easily. The next time we had a problem, I didn't turn to God first - but the family did. The problem was our beautiful Jersey cow, Hester. We were having breakfast in the kitchen one morning when I happened to glance outside and saw that the cow was lying on her side.
I ran outside to look at her, and saw at once she was very sick. I hurried back to the phone and called the vet in Greytown.
"Rob come quick," I said. "Our cow's dying. We only have one, and we need her."
"What are the symptoms?" he said.
I was busy telling him about her shallow breathing and glazed eyes when I noticed that Jill and the children had left the table. I looked out of the window and there they were - Jill in her dressing gown, Andrew, Lindi and Robyn, and even little Fergus who was just a toddler - marching across the paddock. They knelt around the sick cow, laid their hands on her and bowed their heads. I knew they were praying. Then they all stood up - and so did the cow. Hester began grazing as if nothing had happened.
"Hello?" said the vet. "Are you still there, Angus?"
I was deeply embarrassed. "Er - don't worry. You don't need to come out. Everything is OK."
"What do you mean?" asked Rob. "What's going on?"
I had to tell him the truth.
"Jill and the children just laid their hands on the cow and prayed for her. The Lord has healed my cow."
There was silence at the other end of the line. I said goodbye quickly and put the phone down. Then I bowed my head and apologised to the Lord for my lack of faith. I was learning.
[Emma Garrow meets Heather Reynolds who ministers to African orphans suffering from AIDS]
It was a look shared with one dying boy that prompted Heather Reynolds to take AIDS orphans and victims into her own home and begin a foundation that today is acclaimed by world names such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and broadcaster Oprah Winfrey.
Reynolds was on a business trip to Uganda when, travelling past a small settlement she stopped to look for some water. She was met by a group of orphaned children, left to fend for themselves without food or adult care. One boy was lying in a hut, covered only by dirty sacking. He was just hours from death and it was this child whose condition communicated to Reynolds the needs of all children suffering as a result of the AIDS pandemic.
What she did not realise at the time was that the children she vowed in that moment to help would be much closer to her own farm in a South African valley. Reynolds, a potter, and her sculptor husband, Patrick, had moved there some years before her momentous trip to Uganda after a near-miss car accident prompted a change in their lives, not least of which was a renewed commitment to seeking God.
"The accident was 'really horrible,' Heather recalls. "My brakes failed at an intersection. I had my two-year-old son strapped in the back, my miracle baby who I had waited seven-and-a-half years to have, while a car approached at full speed. I realised it was going to hit my son directly. I was absolutely helpless. I thought of God for the first time since a young girl, when I had loved God."
In that terrifying moment, Reynolds vowed that if God spared her son she would spend her life serving him again. The car spun over, Reynolds got out.
"I find him, see his big staring eyes, shake him, and he cries," she says, the story still fresh for her over 20 years on. "I say, 'Thank you!'."
Her next shock was to realise that the oncoming vehicle had been a brand new red Jaguar, which was now scrunched up, and that the driver was coming her way.
"I think, why is he so quiet?" she says. "Why is he not saying, 'You stupid woman'? But he places a gentle hand on my shoulder and says, 'Are you okay?'.
"I was blown away. I say, 'I'm fine,' and then he says, 'Let's pray'. All my anger towards the Church rolled away."
Later, established in her valley farm with a growing family, a new life in which she and her husband were pursuing their dreams, and a theology diploma under her belt, Reynolds was still waiting for God to take her up on her offer of service.
"It was the end of apartheid, and violence was escalating in our area," Reynolds says. "We got involved because some of our workers had their homes burnt out."
The Reynolds farm became home overnight to 38 refugees and this is where what Reynolds calls "God's story" really takes off. Struggling to find enough support for her displaced guests in a strong white area, she decided it was time to garner some extra income. She took a job as a sales representative selling asphalt plant in central African countries, but it was on this trip, in that Ugandan settlement, that God sold her his call as she came face to face with children suffering as a result of AIDS.
"My heart went out to these children," Reynolds explains. She was even more shocked when, on returning home, she realised how vast the problem of AIDS was in her own valleys in KwaZulu Natal, where in 2000, 36 per cent of the population was recorded as HIV positive. The project she subsequently established assists around 4,000 child AIDS victims to live in their own communities. Those for whom this is impossible come to live with a team of foster parents at a residential care centre, a development from the early days when local children in desperate need were taken into the Reynolds family home.
"I got a call one day asking for help for a family in a desperate situation," she explains. "I found four orphans suffering with lice, scabies, ringworm, dehydration, and took them home. Once people knew I'd taken them in, more came."
Gradually the number of young children in the Reynolds household grew to 41 on top of their own two teenagers. It was time to move but money was scarce until Patrick Reynolds won the prestigious Bryan Hyde sculpture prize against the backdrop of a successful exhibition in the UK, during which he sold his famous curled-up nude and appealed to buyers such as artist Sir David Shepherd.
This success enabled the Reynolds and their extended family to move and establish the cluster of foster homes which house nearly 100 children.
"Just after we moved, the miracles came," Reynolds says. "God had taken us through fire, hardships, challenges, financial troubles. Now, suddenly came the blessings: funding to build homes, volunteers arriving, a visit from Oprah Winfrey, support from the Rockefeller Foundation. But of course, there are still thousands and thousands of children we can't reach."
With God's Golden Acre growing substantially, changes were afoot and a new chairman required. It was 22 years since Heather's crisis decision to serve God and once again the owner of the red Jaguar, Alan McCarthy, walked into her life, this time to fill the vacant role of chairman to God's Golden Acre.
"There are so many of these miracles," Heather marvels. "I could tell you so many."
But she spares her energy to relate instead the needs of the suffering in her area. How dying adults are pushed in wheelbarrows down mountains and across streams to the nearest road in the hope of finding a car that will take them to the hospital. If they succeed, they may disappear from their families' lives forever, the children left at home not knowing where and how their parent died, orphaned into granny or child-headed households.
"We are in the worst-hit area between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, Cato Ridge," Reynolds explains. "We work in remote rural areas and in this we are different from other organisations, which work in urban areas. Inaccessibility is an obstacle. There is no water, no electricity, no food. This virus takes out the 18-45-year-olds, leaving the young and old to fend for themselves. So children are dropping out of the system. They can't pay school fees or buy uniforms and soon, if no action is taken, more and more will end up on the streets where they are vulnerable to crime and prostitution."
She hopes that the book of the story of God's Golden Acre will "be an inspiration".
"The more people who can help, the more people we can reach," she appeals. It is the story of how God takes an individual and uses them. If he can use me, he can use anyone. I'm the most unlikely person who could have done this task. Maybe that's why he used me."
God's Golden Acre: A biography of Heather Reynolds by Dale le Vack is published by Monarch, and available from www.godsgoldenacre.org.uk and from Torch Trust's free lending library: Tel: 01858 438266 or email library@torchtrust.org.
We so enjoy receiving letters and notes from our readers. Feedback is always useful - and often encouraging as you will see from the following comments:
A tour of the Bible published by Bible Matters: "I did enjoy the Tour of the Bible series." (Revd Arthur Skinner, Inverness). This is a commentary and is available in giant print: G2172.
Parables of Harris by Peter Horrobin: "These tapes were really like a breath of Spring. I have always loved dogs." (Alice Connell, Coventry). This is a devotional book and is available in braille: B2695 and on cassette: C2445.
Healing at the Well by Mike Endicott: "Thank you for this most interesting and helpful book.." (Mrs Violet Liddle, Stowmarket). This is an autobiography and is available in braille: B2181, on cassette: C2349 and in giant print: G2026.
Tears in the Dark by Mark Edwards: "Thank you. A riveting story, beautifully read and if it wasn't for Torch I'd never have heard it." (Julia Rees, Newtown, Powys). This is an autobiography available on cassette: C2468.
Another way of seeing by Marilyn Baker: "This was excellent. A wonderful book." (Rev'd Peter Dennett, Stalybridge, Cheshire). This is an autobiography and is available in braille: B1378, on cassette: C1064, in giant print: G1037 and on DAISY: D1064
The Sacred Shore by Janette Oke: "Janette Oke has me hanging on every word." (Ette Arklass, Rugby. This is the first of the Fiction series Song of Arcadia, and is available on Cassette: C2416.
What's the Point of Christmas by J John - available in braille, cassette & giant print. Price: free.
The Story of Silent Night - available in braille, cassette & giant print. Price: free.
The Story of Handel's Messiah by Terry Lindsey - available in braille, cassette & giant print. Price: free.
2008 Scripture Text Calendar - available in braille & giant print. Price £2.00.
Tactile Christmas Cards - pack of 10. Price £5.00.
Hi, I'm Suzanne Powell. I started working in the Torch library in November 2004. I am 24 years old, which makes me the youngest staff member at Torch.
I have lived in Market Harborough for 17 years. In my spare time, other than reading I love to listen to music (especially worship music from Hillsong), go shopping, watch "who done its", walk in the beautiful English countryside (but not up big mountains!), do lunch with friends and eat chocolate puddings!
Living in the area most of my life I have known about Torch for a long time, without realising just how much Torch does. I visited Torch House when it was based at Hallaton once or twice with my family and we had visually impaired friends who lived there. When I was a young child I remember attending one of the Christmas celebrations, watching the Christmas dramas, singing carols, and being welcomed in with yummy mince pies!
Fast-forwarding a few years, I had finished university (obtaining a degree in geography) and was hoping to find a job that I enjoyed and would also be worthwhile and fulfilling. My mother (a volunteer at Torch) in conversation one day said, "Have you ever thought about Torch?" So I applied for a position in the Library Administration department and felt that this was the job for me.
I really believe that God has led me here and it is a real privilege to serve him in this way. Along with the other Librarians I correspond with borrowers - choosing and issuing the library books, and generally trying to make sure all our borrowers are happy with the books we supply to them. If you phone the Library department it is likely that I have spoken to you at some point.
When we choose which new titles we will consider for our library, the book begins its journey with me. Each title needs to be reviewed first. I am responsible for keeping our army of reviewers regularly supplied with books! (And sometimes chasing them up to return them!)
Since joining Torch I have been made aware of just how much Christian Literature is out there, covering every aspect of life. We have so many good, interesting books in our library. I love reading the letters from our borrowers, especially when they tell us how much they have enjoyed a book, and in some cases how it has made a dramatic change on their life. This work is so inspiring! It sometimes feels like being a child in a sweet shop, so many books, which ones shall I choose to read first?
What makes a title a "classic" read? Some time ago I asked that question of the staff here at Torch House and inevitably there was a variety of answers - we all have our favourite books! I like to think all the books in the Torch Library are good books, so what makes some stand out as "classics"? We have chosen five criteria to indicate that a book is special. If a title meets at least two of those criteria, it is deemed a "Classic".
The criteria are: Regular Borrower Requests; Continuously Reprinted; Timeless Message; Seminal Text (often quoted in other Christian Books); Torch Special Interest.
The following titles are a selection from our "Classics" for you to read and re-read!
Mere Christianity by C S Lewis: A revised amplified edition of earlier books, revaluating Christian apologetics, ethics and theology - the central problems of belief and of conduct which Christians face today. Available on cassette C1089.
Basic Christianity by J Stott: This book examines the character and claims of Christ, the fact of sin, the meaning of the death of Christ, and what is involved in becoming a Christian. Available in braille B552, cassette C1102.
A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller: From the firsthand experience of a man who has spent much of his life developing and managing sheep ranches, comes a delightfully refreshing evaluation of the psalm of the Great Shepherd and His sheep. Available in braille B249, cassette C152, giant print G162.
The Calvary Road by Roy Hession: This is an expression of revival as the "daily experience of a soul full of Jesus". With its message of personal, immediate and constant "walking in the light", this book has been an inspiration to Christians all over the world. Available in braille B712, cassette C129, giant print G2055.
All Of Grace by Charles Spurgeon: The purpose of this book is to present the truth of God's grace so clearly and so lovingly that no one will turn from its pages without having invited Christ into his life. Available in braille B814.
Listening to God by Joyce Huggett: Joyce shares the thrilling discoveries she has made, offering practical encouragement as she tackles difficulties as well as rewards. Available in braille B819, cassette C1019, DAISY D1019.
The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung: What is God really like? A personal discovery of God as Father can change our whole outlook on life. Available in braille B1061, cassette C887.
The Practice of the Presence of God, edited by E M Blaiklock: The conversations, letters, ways and spiritual principles of Brother Lawrence, the 17th century French monk. Available in braille B1129, cassette C1555, giant print G1536.
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J Foster: A profound and richly rewarding study of the classical disciplines of the spiritual life. A mine of spiritual wisdom, psychological insight, commonsense and gentle humour. Available in braille B818, cassette C905.
The Chocolate Teapot by David Lawrence: Here is practical help on how to live for Jesus at school. Available in braille B1849, cassette C1688, giant print G1340.
Another Way of Seeing by Marilyn Baker: The blind singer/songwriter tells the story of her life from childhood, through boarding school, and on to life as a top-selling gospel artist. Available in braille B1378, cassette C1064, DAISY D1064, giant print G1037.
Praying Hyde by Francis McGaw: The life of an apostle of prayer. A testimony to what God can do in and through the life of one for whom the need of prayer and the privilege of prayer came together. Available in braille B1593, cassette C1024, giant print G978.
Child of the Covenant by Michele Guinness: Her story opens the door into the world of Jewish life and challenges the Christian Church to display an equivalent commitment to the family and community, upholding the new covenant of Christ. Available in braille B1983. cassette C678.
The Cross And The Switchblade, by David Wilkerson: The true story of a country preacher's fight against teen-age crime in the big-city slums of the USA. Available in braille B1802, cassette C152, giant print G162.
The Flying Scotsman, by Sally Magnusson: Highlights in the life of Eric Liddle, the athlete and missionary, best known for his refusal to compete on a Sunday. Available on cassette C379.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis: Available in a range of media - ring to ask our librarians.
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard: This book is a beautiful allegory dramatising the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy and victory. Available in braille B835, cassette C1732.
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti: Three very different characters face the hardest tests of their lives, each one fighting a callous and clever enemy. Creates a deeper desire for in-depth prayer. Available on cassette C1343.
One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury: A love story commemorating the tragedy and heroism of September 11 and portraying the far-reaching power of God's faithfulness and a good man's love. Available in braille B2681, cassette C2427, DAISY D2427.
Coping With the Camel by Stella G Heath: A fresh look at the birth and growth of the Torch Family. Available in braille B1797, cassette C1885.
Forty Great Years by Stella G Heath: A summary of the work of Torch Trust 1958-1998. Available in braille B2030, cassette C2014.
The Torch Compilation: The Opened Way, The Torch Family, Where There Is Vision, Into Africa With Love, Forty Great Years, Coping With The Camel - all 6 Torch Titles now available on one DAISY disk D2435; also available to purchase at £6.