Marti's Reviews

The Way of the Heart: Desert Spirituality and Contemporary Ministry. By Henri Nouwen (Harper San Francisco, 1991).

Whenever I read books written by Henry Nouwen I feel like you have had a spiritual experience. He challenges and encourages us to try these century old practices once again to help us see God's face. In the development of the "Walk On" retreat I read this book to guide my thinking. The team wanted to help youth and leaders experience some new ways of meeting God. Solitude, Silence and Centering Prayer are three areas that Nouwen encourages the reader to consider as ways of going deeper in their walk with God. I would highly recommend this book for those who are searching for a way of deepen their walk and relationship with God.

Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality. By Bradley Holt (Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1993).

I think the title is what grabbed me first about this book. My desire is to walk beside youth workers who continue to thirst and have a desire to seek after God. Ministry sometimes seems to take the life out of our relationship with God. The Youth Worker Connection is geared to help people rediscover their hunger and thirst for a relationship with our Lord. This book gives a history of Christian spirituality. The book is clear, interesting, ecumenical and cross-cultural in its introduction of faith. It encourages the reader to seek out and understand more where we came from and why we do what we do. Bradley Holt's heart and desire to share what God has taught him is seen throughout the book. In a world where we are continuously trying to satisfy our thirst with everything BUT God it is a good reminder of who we are and where we have come from.

Reviews by: Debbie Blue | Marti Burger | Steve Burger | Doreen Olson | Wilson Herrera