A Book Buffet of sorts and a GIVEAWAY

I played this cruel little game with myself a few weeks ago. 

*IF*

I could have an afternoon to read just three or four books all to myself, what would they be?  Then I gave myself a ridiculous little mandate that I could only grab three or four books that are already on my bookshelves or in storage tubs under my bed.

 

Here's my stack of three or four.

Apparently I don't listen well even to myself.

Sheesh.

 

I would like to draw your attention to one of the wonderful books in my small stack{sixth book down from the top}-

Seed Sowers, Gospel Planting Adventures

 by {the lovely and talented} Gwen Toliver.

 

Gwen sent me a copy of her book way back in November.  I promised to do a review and host a give away for her delightful book ... and then life kicked in full gear with the holidays and making an offer on a farm {which recently fell through} and I have been terribly neglectful in not alerting the world to what you are missing out on if you have not read this book yet.

So, now consider yourself alerted and warned- you need to get a copy of this book.

 

Oh?  There's more to a book review??  Okay. 

This book is a collection of missionary adventures which Gwen painstakingly collected through her friendships and contacts at Wycliffe, where she and her patient husband, along with their eight wonderful children, serve at the Linguistics Center in Dallas, Texas.  Each chapter can stand alone and is full of adventure, hardships and first hand witnessing of the Spirit of God working and moving among Bible-less people groups in our world.  There is an update at the end of each chapter about that particular missionary or people group ... where the missionary is today or if the people group is still in need of the Holy Word to be translated into their own language.  Gwen's heart is for the next generation to embrace God's Word and carry it to the nations.  She has written this book with children and families in mind.  My four sons delight in these adventures and stories.  Gwen doesn't portray missionary work with unrealistic rose-colored glasses - carrying the Good News is hard work and God is faithful to His work and His people fulfilling His plan.  I am thankful for the influence these  missionary stories have had in the lives of my sons - maybe this will be the catalyst one of my boys needs to be inspired to fulfill God's work for his own life calling, who knows?

 I generally keep this book in my purse {which puts Mary Poppins' carpet bag to shame}, on the end table basket for easy access or in our van.  Just last week we were at an orthodontist appointment and my husband picked up the book and began reading chapter 7 to those who were waiting in the van with him.  It's perfect for making the most of even small chunks of time!

Are you ready to add your own copy of this book to your personal library and be blessed and challenged by its content?  Here's the deal :  visit either Gwen's  blogsite  or the Seed Sowers website and then leave a comment here answering one of the two following questions {or both for extra credit}:

 

1.  From her March 10th post, what should Gwen's oldest son do with his newest 'trophy'?

2.  From the Whistling Man tab, where did George's friend invite him to go and did he?  {Read Chapter Eight to learn all about the 'whistling language'.  Fascinating!}

 

From the comments a winner will be randomly selected.  The contest will close at midnight, March 16th.  And to sweeten the pot, I'll throw in a handmade bookmark for you to keep the spot in your wonderful copy of this important book.

 

Even if you don't win I would highly encourage you to pursue a copy of Seed Sowers and look into the important work of Bible Translation that Wycliffe is engaged in.

 

And now, I need to go return three or four books to their rightful spots on the shelves so we can use the dining room table for its intended purpose tonight ... the all important SUPPER.