Don’t Be Afraid: Stories of Christians in Times of Trouble, written by Rebecca Seiling and Cindy Snider, is a series of short stories, two written by each author.
The first story is about a family in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. It is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old. He relates his sadness and despair over having his house destroyed by the hurricane and his joy and happiness when a group of strangers come and build his family a new house.
The second story takes place in Zimbabwe. It is told by Amy, an 11-year-old American girl who moved to Africa with her family. Her father is a journalist and she goes with him when he interviews the family of a man who has died from AIDS.
Carthage, in the year 250 AD, is the setting for the third story. It is a time of great suffering for Roman citizens as many people are dying from the plague. The story is about Bishop Cyprian, a man of God who urges ordinary citizens to open up their homes and help care for the sick and dying.
And, the last story is about a nurse in Toronto during the SARS epidemic. Amanda risks her life by caring for the victims of this deadly virus, but she continues working as she believes she is doing God’s work.
All the stories are based on actual events in these peoples’ lives, but each story has been fictionalized. And, all the stories emphasize how Christians come to the aid of others during a crisis.
At the end of each story is a section with a thought, a prayer and a suggestion for action as to ways the reader can help in their community or learn more about the subject at hand.
Each story is accompanied by two expressive black and white pencil sketches by Manelle Oliphant.
What I Like: The stories are short and interesting. I like that they are based on real people and real events. A short note at the end of each story gives the reader more information about the real people involved.
What I Dislike: It’s a little thing, but I thought it a bit odd to include a story about someone who lived nearly 2000 years ago when the other three stories have modern-day settings.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: 9-12.
Publisher Info: Faith and Life Resources, 2009; ISBN: 9780836194784; Paperback, $5.99.
Buy now at ChristianBook $5.99!
The first story is about a family in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. It is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old. He relates his sadness and despair over having his house destroyed by the hurricane and his joy and happiness when a group of strangers come and build his family a new house.
The second story takes place in Zimbabwe. It is told by Amy, an 11-year-old American girl who moved to Africa with her family. Her father is a journalist and she goes with him when he interviews the family of a man who has died from AIDS.
Carthage, in the year 250 AD, is the setting for the third story. It is a time of great suffering for Roman citizens as many people are dying from the plague. The story is about Bishop Cyprian, a man of God who urges ordinary citizens to open up their homes and help care for the sick and dying.
And, the last story is about a nurse in Toronto during the SARS epidemic. Amanda risks her life by caring for the victims of this deadly virus, but she continues working as she believes she is doing God’s work.
All the stories are based on actual events in these peoples’ lives, but each story has been fictionalized. And, all the stories emphasize how Christians come to the aid of others during a crisis.
At the end of each story is a section with a thought, a prayer and a suggestion for action as to ways the reader can help in their community or learn more about the subject at hand.
Each story is accompanied by two expressive black and white pencil sketches by Manelle Oliphant.
What I Like: The stories are short and interesting. I like that they are based on real people and real events. A short note at the end of each story gives the reader more information about the real people involved.
What I Dislike: It’s a little thing, but I thought it a bit odd to include a story about someone who lived nearly 2000 years ago when the other three stories have modern-day settings.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: 9-12.
Publisher Info: Faith and Life Resources, 2009; ISBN: 9780836194784; Paperback, $5.99.
Buy now at ChristianBook $5.99!
2 comments:
It's good to find a site promoting actual short christian stories. Great article.
Thanks for visiting our website (we hope you'll be back again soon!), and thanks for the compliment! Christine
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