Laura Willis thought she wanted to be a priest. While she was thinking it through, she began working at a tiny food pantry, and as it grew to feed hundreds, Laura learned about her own hunger for God, realizing her calling card - a bag of groceries - could change lives, including her own.

If your pantry was empty, your children hungry, your electricity cut off for nonpayment, and you saw no prospect of support, what would you do? For a decade in a rural Tennessee community, you went to a shabby building behind a church and found Laura Willis. Running a program to help the needy, Laura discovered a world of people she never knew: the lonely and unemployed, chronically poor families, and middle-class folks surprised to be struggling in a great recession. And to each, she offered a bag of groceries, a compassionate ear, and a heart of love. Taking a tiny food pantry and watching it grow to feed hundreds, Laura learned about her own hunger for God and began to discern her own spiritual directions, learning how her calling card—a bag of groceries—could be a gift to others and to herself of abundance and grace.

Pastor Gregg Matte writes, "God's will is not the needle in the haystack discovered only by 'Navy SEALs for Jesus'; it is actually the hay in the haystack to be found by every believer." This is great news for any Christian who has ever wondered about finding and living in the will of God. Through an extensive, intimate examination of God's encounter with Moses in the burning bush, Finding God's Will invites readers to shift their understanding of God's will from an event to be experienced to a process to live; God's will is what happens when we seek him. Readers will discover how to be on the lookout for their own burning bushes, how to focus on pleasing "Thee not they," and how to expect God's power as they seek his will. They may also be surprised to find that, as they seek a deeper relationship with God, his direction and guidance become clear. A life centered in God's will is a promise offered to every believer and every Christian can learn how to receive that gift.

Many congregations, schools, and organizations are reaching out into their neighborhoods to share God’s story of abundance by establishing community gardens, beehive colonies, and other agricultural initiatives. They are creatively using their land and property; providing training, inspiration, and cross-cultural experiences for all ages; while at the same time feeding the hungry and building community relationships. Too often food banks only take non-perishables loaded with preservatives and sodium. Church entities involved in agricultural ministries are able to provide healthy food from their gardens to feeding programs, food pantries, and others in need. This book tells the tale of 25 such communities in story and image. An inspiration for others to develop such projects, food and faith can go hand-in-hand as we get our hands dirty while learning more about what Genesis 2 describes as God “planted” a garden. Gardening can be seen on the rooftop of a church in the city, beehives in the midst of a seminary, or a local community garden alongside the church’s parking lot. Discover where this movement is alive and growing, and find ideas for starting your own “food and faith” initiative in your own backyard, roof, or front porch.

Motivated by a deep hunger for more of God, millions of Christians are leaving the traditional church to look for more freedom and fulfillment than the routine of five songs, announcements, a plea for money and a forty five minute sermon allow. They are looking for open ended, deep worship that flows with the Holy Spirit, relatable Bible study and discussion in which they may participate, and strong bonds of fellowship outside the four walls of organized church. Instead of leaving the church to fall away from God, they are leaving the church to find God. Leaving the Church to Find God offers scriptural, safe, and balanced answers tempered by real life experiences, on how to move from a traditional church structure into meetings that allow the Lord to set the agenda and where needs are met. John Fenn - I was a Christian who felt disconnected from church though I'd been actively involved nearly all my life. I was looking for answers to my desire and hunger for God to move freely, and came to realize I wasn't alone. From all walks of life and across the church spectrum people are searching for something deeper, but they don't quite know what. This is the story of how I found God moving outside the church structure that I had known, loved, and been a part of my whole Christian life. John and his wife Barbara were born in Kokomo, Indiana and began dating as teenagers when they met the Lord, and began ministering to their teenage friends. They've been in the ministry now for over thirty years, serving in various capacities including Campus Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor, and advisor to churches and Bible schools all over the world. John also worked with Peter Wagner teaching at the Wagner Leadership Institute, serving as Canadian National Director and Education Advisor. He remains an adjunct instructor of Wagner Leadership Institute of Colorado Springs. In early 2002 John and his wife Barb, founded The Church Without Walls International of Tulsa, a house church network, emphasizing Relationship Based Christianity. He travels and teaches in all different streams of Christianity, helping churches and individuals find significance and fulfillment through Godly relationships and the discipleship process.

Have you ever seen yourself in the gallery of pictures presented to us in scripture? Maybe you see yourself as a Job pondering what Gods purpose is. A Jonah as he is given a mission he doesnt want. A Mary, unsure of the path before her but willing to be Gods instrument. This books purpose is to shed light on these questions that we bring before the throne of God. Many times the response is to move forward and walk on water. In these moments of our journey with Him we rejoice; feeling the excitement of Seeking and Finding a God who is dreaming with us. Other times we are presented with Be Still and Know lessons which cause many to stumble and question God as they feel swallowed up by the sea of life. This study dives into the heart of both areas. In doing so we will enter a much broader topic of pain and suffering, where Gods silence and His answers meet. A Second Look at the Savior is a thoughtful and inspiring testimony. Byron walks us through Scripture and his own personal faith journey. He leads us on a quest to recognize Gods calling to live a life of faith in the darkness. He reminds us powerfully that God can be trusted in our most vulnerable moments. Dr. Mike Williams, President Faulkner University Byron Smith has worked in several ministries over the last twenty years. After receiving his BA in biblical studies through Faulkner University, he has served as youth minister, inner city evangelist, and presently the director of Gulf Coast Bible Camp. Throughout all these works, he has been tied to the youth primarily and credits each and every one of them for helping him to keep a cool mind, sharp wit, and sense of humor! A Second Look at the Savior is the first installment in a new series. This book takes the reader down a path of discovery as we look at how God continues to shape us in His likeness. No matter where we are on our individual walks with Him, lessons are being presented. I pray this book is an encouragement to you on your journey. For more information on the Second Look series please visit www.ASecondLookBook.com.

Losing means grieving. Grieving means choices. Choices mean hurt or healing. You’ve lost someone you love. Or you’re on the brink of losing your marriage. Your dreams. Your health. Or perhaps the trauma of your past pursues you into the present. Your life’s going to change. Which way it goes won’t be decided by your loss, but by the choices you make. At the crossroads of grief, one road will lead to hope and healing. The other, to more hurt. Hope When Your Heart Is Breaking is an honest look at both roads, and how your greatest loss can lead to your greatest gain. Author Ron Hutchcraft writes from the deep well of his own devastating loss and grief, and points you to the practical steps that lead to peace and wholeness. This book is a pathway to hope—a roadmap through the pain of grief and loss. Discover new strength through a new closeness to others and to God. And make the decisions that lead to comfort, growth, and life.