I am breaking into my ’40 years on…’ series as Christmas is coming and I would like to recommend two (or three) books.
Overpowering Nemo
Who is Ginny?
Ginny Burgin is well-known to many in the Newfrontiers family for her beautiful and accurate prophetic gift which God has used to shape us on several occasions, or as someone who has been gentle and accessible as she has prayed for them to be healed physically or emotionally. But few of us will be aware of her background that brought her to this place of giving herself selflessly to serving others and to seeing people brought out of darkness, such as she herself experienced for decades.
The book
Recently released, ‘Overpowering Nemo’ is one of the most disarming and helpful books I have read in recent days as Ginny vulnerably shares her story for the benefit of others. Having suffered horrendous verbal and physical abuse throughout her childhood and young adult days Ginny takes us on a journey through her life and all that she has had to face as, through Jesus, she has moved from seeing herself as ‘nothing, a nobody’ (the meaning of ‘Nemo’) to seeing herself as a daughter of the King. She shares with us the long and painful journey out of deep darkness, both literally and metaphorically, into his light.
Who should read it?
In some ways Overpowering Nemo is a ‘page turner’ – it is well written and I read it over only about two days. In others it is a hard read as she vulnerably but unsensationally shares her personal experience. I believe this is a book for everyone. Particularly it will give hope to those who may have experienced abuse or who have a very poor self-image. It is also for those, particularly those in pastoral ministry, who may know such people as it gives deep insights into what most of us have not experienced but is not uncommon in our age. What Ginny has written will serve you well.
A House Built on Love
I first met Ed Walker shortly after he returned from working in Christian development work in Sudan. I immediately realised he was both a visionary and someone who liked a challenge as he described his new venture, Hope into Action. Ed described to me how he had just bought a house in Peterborough for those who were homeless, especially for those coming out of prison having recognised that the high rate of return to prison was largely triggered by the first days of ‘freedom’ as ex-offenders were unsupported. I loved his value system – he wanted to make such houses homes for people who may have little idea of what a true home is. He wanted them furnished well, not just with cast-offs. It echoed my own belief that the Poor deserve the best[1].
He also described an interesting financial model. He wanted to encourage individuals and churches to invest in such houses. By doing so they would have an interest in the property and would in fact get a better return on their investment than if their funds were held only in the bank or in church ‘reserves’ as dead money. With current interest rates that is even more true now than it was ten years ago.
‘A House Built on Love’ fills in the story of the last ten years during which Ed’s vision has been turned into 50 homes, and awards and commendations have been received from secular agencies. It is a gripping read as he tells countless stories of lives transformed as Christians have supported each of the houses not only financially but by bringing love, and pastoral care and support to each of the residents. And the number returning to prison has also been turned on its head!
[1] 
My own book The Poor Deserve the Best is now out of print but I have some stock left over. Available for £1 + postage. Contact me on feeding5000isnopicnic@gmail.com