BOOK REVIEW: THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS

THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS

Belting the Globe with the Gospel

By Marcus Thomas

This book was written in light of the centenary celebrations of the establishing of the Apostolic church UK, yes, back in the year 1916.

The emphasis of the celebrations was, not just looking back but special emphasis was made on our continuing call to mission, and that we should always be a missional people.

In the light of this, it has been a joy to read Marcus’s book, well written and certainly holding my interest through every page.

I was blessed to be led by God’s Spirit to take membership in the Apostolic church when I was in my early twenties, and so privileged to be called to travel to Papua New Guinea and later to Ghana to serve with the Church in the children’s work, but then to marry Pastor Joel Lewis, who had worked for many years as a minister in Nigeria, and then in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. He was proud to know he was born the year the missionary work commenced, but also that his parents had been involved in those early beginnings of which Marcus writes.

It was many years ago that we were warned that when a movement reaches to a third generation it can so easily die out, but thank God we are not a people who have died out wandering in the wilderness, but now are a Joshua generation, entering into our possessions. It was wonderful to see whole families reunited for this special celebration, every one of them still involved in loving and serving the Lord.

As we read Marcus’s account we cannot but realise how great was the price paid, not only for the ministers, but for wives and children too, having to forgo having Daddy at home for Christmas because of a Christmas convention, or being left in a boarding school while their parents went off to Africa; and we can only praise God that he has healed those who have perhaps struggled with bitterness. Many of those Marcus has selected to write about we had been privileged to meet, and there have been other mighty men too whose names could not be recorded here. I so well remember Pastor W.H.Lewis, who is mentioned, in his old age, travelling across London to speak at a cottage meeting in Esther’s home and, knowing nothing of my background, leaving his notes to preach on the Divinity of Christ, or the personality of the Holy Spirit which led to me eventually leaving the cult I was in and taking membership in the little church in Barking. Another precious memory is of our friendship with dear Pastor Rosser, and him handing me the book, ‘So Send I You,’ which was a confirmation to me of my missionary call. How we thank God for the privilege of being part of this move of God, and for now having our zeal kindled afresh as we move forward into another century of service, ever looking forward and  hastening unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

But many of you may meet these great men of God for the first time if you read Marcus’ book. I recommend it. Read and be blessed.

For more information, contact- Marcus@thebridgecommunitychurch.org.uk