From Tortoise Hill

A Story of China
By Mary Sheaff (2007)
Available from Mary Sheaff,
58 Callington Road, Saltash,
Cornwall PL12 6DY
Tel. No. 01752 840737
priced £7.95 plus £2 p&p
ISBN 9781903360118

From the summit of Tortoise Hill overlooking the confluence of the Han and the Yangxi, Josiah Cox, a Methodist missionary, viewed the three central cities of China spread out below him. It was 1862 and he knew he had found his raison d ’être. Thus began the fascinating story of the Chinese Methodist Church. Mary has woven a fascinating story based on good archival research and family anecdotes from her grandfather, her great uncle and their families, who were inextricably entwined with the spread of the Gospel and the care of the Chinese people. Against a background of changing political upheaval and at the mercy of natural disaster, the missionaries responded to their calling with courageous faith and made their mark on the Church which, as China continues to reveal, is alive and well. The women played an important role as they mastered the art of caring for their families and practising hospitality under difficult circumstances. Many fulfilled evangelistic callings against increasing hostility. Mary believes that she alone can tell this amazing story which brings to light not only the ethos of mission over the last one hundred and fifty years, but also the growth and self determination of the Chinese Church. I thoroughly recommend this book which speaks of hope against all odds.

Not for Sale

Raising Awareness, Ending Exploitation
Edited by Carrie Pemberton, Alison Myers and Lucy Berry (2007)
Inspire £12.99 ISBN 9781905958115

Some may say that women have always been a part of the sex industry and why should it be any different now? This collection of poems, prayers and stories shouts out the opposite. It is the response of Churches Alert to Sex Trafficking Across Europe (CHASTE) to the need to listen to the cries of women who find themselves victims of broken promises and abuse. Some of this is very harrowing and mind numbing especially the girls ’ own stories and poems and also the hopelessness felt by families. The worship material is extremely well chosen to help and inspire hope as we endeavour to face this reality and end this evil trade.

Dabbling with Ducks

Thoughts for the Day
Eddie Askew (2007)
The Leprosy Mission International £4.95
ISBN 9780902731660
www.tlmtrading.com or 08451662253

Over the years, Eddie Askew has used his considerable creative talents to encourage us to see the hand of God at work all around us in the every day. This little book was his last as he died in September 2007. This collection urges us to be more creative and sensitive to the presence of God using memorable scripture verses, some warmly observed thoughts and a prayer. Just enough to start up the day and do a bit of “dabbling below the surface” of the obvious. All the illustrations are his own delightful watercolours including some inquisitive ducks. For people who wish to discover more about Eddie Askew and his work with The Leprosy Mission, TLM Trading is pleased to offer our readers a free copy of Eddie ’s autobiography, Edge of Daylight, as a tribute to his amazing life. Simply telephone (0845) 166 2253 and quote code 1118 to receive your copy with no charge for post and packing.

Set me free

CD By Debbie Simpson
Raindrop Music £10 RDMCCD1104
Available from Dave Keegan, 125 Cuttholme Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 4PP

Debbie, a lay worker in the Chesterfield Circuit, sang during the worship at a recent Synod and left me with the impression of a strong clear voice. Here is her story, told in words and music, of a time when her health governed her life and she needed to know that God was there. Of the fourteen tracks, “When I heal”, a seemingly effortless song of surrender and opening up to the Healer, strikes a chord. “The other side of the Rainbow” offers a sense of hope. “Who do you say I am?” challenges us to allow God into our lives in every respect. Personally I think “Take us home” is just a great song! Good backing from a talented group of musicians.

Making, Baking and Sharing

Susan Over (2007)
Leprosy Mission International £6.99
ISBN 9780902731677
www.tlmtrading.com or 08451662253

This woman is a culinary saint. What a delightful addition to her first book, Cakes Bakes Puddings and Prayers! There is much to encourage the bakers to celebrate all the occasions of the year particularly during the winter months, lots of biscuits, tray bakes and cakes. She includes some craft ideas for present giving for the men in our lives, or the housebound neighbour, or children. There is an alternative lollypop recipe, a bird cake recipe, a play dough recipe, how to make an Easter Egg tree and “Grace Stones”. Each recipe or task is accompanied by a helpful thought or suggestion and a simple prayer which makes the whole a very spiritual experience.

The Whole Earth shall cry Glory

(1985, 2nd Edition 2007)
Iona Prayers
George F Macleod
Wild Goose Publications £8.99 ISBN 9781905010103

Ron Ferguson who has been instrumental in bringing this book of prayers into the 21st Century writes that “these prayers and meditations are offered as a gift to the Church at large from the Iona Community. ” All were delivered either during or after the rebuilding of Iona Abbey by George Macleod and seem to fit the island worship setting. The desire is to fit the Church for the job God intended, outside the bricks and mortar, amongst the folk in the street. The language, though poetic, is uncompromising, never shrinking from theology but accessible. God comes across as real and dramatic and a giver of grace; humanity as failing but striving. There is an emphasis on the need for unity, a berating of narrow minded denominations with the observation that all of us safely cling to the known. There is a plea that the Church becomes expectant, active and alive to the Spirit, reminiscent of the spirit of St Columba and his band. The desire is real and these prayers still have a vitality and relevance. Certainly this is worth a second edition for a new generation.