BOOK REVIEW - Joshua's Bible

[homesteadmamma]

Written by Shelley Leanne.

From childhood, young Philadelphia reverend Joshua Clay had thanked God for his amazing gift of ministry: his ability to speak His Word with eloquence and understanding. Now, in the midst of the Depression in the 1930's, Joshua has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to be the first Negro minister in years sent to do missionary work in South Africa. Previously, the South African government restricted the entry of African Americans to South Africa and branded them as troublemakers for spreading thier ideas of freedom and equality among black Africans. Joshua knows that if he succeeds, his work will both show Christianity's soul-sustaining joys to the Africans and prove to those in his own country that people of his race are responsible and should be respected. With steadfast belief in God, Joshua is determined his mission will satisfy his benefactors and his faith.

But Joshua soon discovers the increasing racial repression and turmoil beneath South Africa's transcendent, Eden-like beauty - just as he becomes torn between the demands of his mission and his own inner voice. He is ordered to minister only from the pulpit with church-approved sermons and not to help those in remote villages or in prison. He also feels pressure to marry an upstanding American woman, even though he soon realizes that local teacher Nongolesi has compassion and godly spirit that truly stirs his soul and heart. As the government ruthlessly passes apartheid laws and the encroaching "resettlement" plans threaten to destory a people and a thousand-year-old way of life, Joshua increasingly questions not only his church's stance to "turn the other cheek" but his own belief in what is right. Through brutal political upheaval, with his strength and faith tested to its limits, he will risk everything he's built to find his true identity and discover the real meaning of God's holy love.

A sweeping, beautifully rendered tale of a people and a culture seldom depicted, JOSHUA"S BIBLE is also a moving portrait of a man of God struggling to reconcile duty with belief as he tries to follow His true path.

This book is a wonderful story of a young man with a strong faith when he leaves American and whose faith is shaken to the core when he works for the mission he works for. Its about a young man who wants to obey the rules of the mission in order than his home church in America may get some desperately needed money during the depression. BUT soon he begins to realize that he can't stand by his mission's rules.

If you ever had any interest in what apartheid done in Africa, this is a book for you. It also explains a great many of the traditions of the African people.

Its a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[frugalmel]

Thanks CJ. I may have to read this one. I know almost nothing about South Africa and its past/present. Its always good to learn.