Book Reviews

Posted: 5/11/07

Book Reviews

The Road to Unafraid

By Jeff Struecker with Dean Merrill (W Publishing Group)

Mark Bowden’s 1999 bestseller Black Hawk Down vividly visualized the story of the 1993 “Battle of Mogadishu,” the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and Ranger raid to capture two senior lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Somalia.

One of those U.S. Army Rangers who was a part of that harrowing and heroic experience was Capt. Jeff Struecker.

Struecker tells his story of growing up under tough family circumstances, fearing death as a child until finding faith in Jesus Christ. He then recounts his experiences being involved as a Ranger in every U.S. military initiative since the 1989 invasion of Panama and earning the Best Ranger award in 1996. Along the way, he writes about his marriage to his wife, Dawn, and his closer walk with Christ and call to ministry after several years in the Army.

What are you reading that other Texas Baptists would find helpful? Send suggestions and reviews to books@baptiststandard.com.

After attending seminary, Struecker was commissioned in 2000 as a chaplain and now ministers to the 2nd Ranger Battalion in Fort Lewis, Wash.

This is good book for readers of military biography or to give to loved ones serving in uniform.

Greg Bowman, minister to students

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

Hold You, Mommy

By Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry (Bethany House)

Sisters Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry have written a book perfect, as the subtitle suggests, for “Moments with God for Moms on the Go.” Geared to mothers of children from newborn to preteens, Hold You, Mommy provides quick bytes that encourage spending quiet moments with God when a mom’s time mostly isn’t her own.

The Texans divide each of the 60 daily devotionals into three parts—an anecdote or story that includes parenting advice and a Scripture, a related prayer and a “Mamadrama” that offers an activity or principle to put into practice. The first entry begins with Hilliard’s moving song, Hold You, Mommy. The founders of 2MOMS Women’s Ministry arrange the entries into 12 weeks of five days each, suitable for group Bible study. Each week carries a theme such as “Comfort in the Chaos.”

Although Hilliard and Autry aim their writing at the stay-at-home mom, working mothers can benefit from their practical, reassuring approach to parenthood that encourages good, not perfect, moms. Hold You, Mommy makes a great baby shower gift or present for a new mother.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas

Waco

12 Steps to Congregational Transformation

By David C. Laubach (Judson Press)

David Laubach reminds me of one of my church members. When I seek this wise church member’s counsel, he always says, “It’s simple.” Then he reduces the issue to a few salient points.

Do you want transformation in your church? Then it’s simple. Follow Laubach’s 12 steps.

Well, OK, it’s not quite that simple. But Laubach has written a book that ought to be a companion to the Bible for every church leader in America. His plan is understandable, achievable, teachable and measurable. If 80 percent of our nation’s churches are plateaued or declining, then at least 80 percent of us need this book.

The simple premise of the book is “There is no renewal without change.” But I will tell you before you read the book, you will not like some of the changes. Perhaps the best way to review the book is to hear from Laubach himself: “Those who lead change should have their eyes wide open to the dynamics of change and the cost of change and expect mixed results.”

This is an outstanding, practical book. Get a copy of 12 Steps and start doing what it says to do. Your church can be transformed.

Charles Walton, pastor

First Baptist Church, Conroe