No Longer a Slumdog {Review and Free Book}

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from FlyBy Promotions in exchange for this review. Opinions are all my own and not influenced by monetary compensation. 

There are some books that make you smile, some books that teach you about the world, some that pull at your heartstrings and some that are just downright difficult to swallow. No Longer A Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan is all of those things and more. 

About the book:

Those with no voice—the suffering children of Asia—tell their stories. And as you listen to them, you share their anguish and rejoice in their triumphs. The whole world seems to stop as you look on.

"You girls stay here. I’m going to get something to drink.” But after a few minutes, the train started moving again, and Mom still wasn’t back! Our hearts were racing. The train kept going faster and faster. Where was Mom? 

Hope is growing in the hearts of those who never knew such a thing existed. In this truly gripping narrative, K.P. Yohannan shares their stories— stories of lives transformed, of families learning to love, of entire communities flourishing with new life. Witness as this next great wave of transformation sweeps the nations.

About the author:

K. P. Yohannan 

Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director for Gospel of Asia, has authored more than 200 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 3 million copies in print. He is on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and his Road to Reality radio program airs on more than 900 stations worldwide. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.

My thoughts:

I had read another book by K. P. Yohannan and knew of his heart for the people of India, so when I had the opportunity to review No Longer A Slumdog, I said yes. I have never been to India (yet!), but I have spent time with orphans in Russia and street children in Venezuela. I know that people in other countries do not have the luxuries we have and often take for granted in the United States of America. I know about the caste system in India but have never understood it. I have watched the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire and know that it was based on the true picture of extreme poverty in certain parts of India. 

This book took the story further. It gave example after example of the Dalits in India and their desperation and hopelessness. I honestly had to put the book down a time or two to take a break from the heartache. I felt the weight of the sorrow and sadness and sometimes had to take a breather. But I cannot walk away completely. Compassion is at the very heart of our heavenly Father. I need to know these stories, the names and faces of those who have suffered greatly and have experienced the metamorphosis of becoming new in Jesus Christ. 

I think the most important thing I take away from this book is what the Bridge of Hope Centers are doing in the lives of thousands of precious people in India. Children are being cared for, getting not only their basic needs of food, clothing and education met, but also they are learning about the incredible love of God. They are learning that they are not forgotten. And they are going home and sharing this love with their families. Entire families and even entire villages are being transformed by the love and grace of Jesus!

It only takes $35 per day to give a child what he or she needs - school supplies, a nourishing meal, medical checkups and more. Please order your free copy of this book (see below) and pray about how your family can help one of these children.

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

Official WEBSITE

Official FACEBOOK

Official TWITTER

K.P. Yohannan’s FACEBOOK

K.P. Yohannan’s TWITTER

Get your FREE copy of No Longer a Slumdog! 

Blessings and love. xo

This Is Our TIme DVD {Review + Giveaway}

I had the opportunity to review This Is Our Time over the weekend. At first, I admit to thinking it was a little "cheesy," but that soon changed. Though the story is about five recent university grads, I found myself to relating to them in several ways, even though I am well passed {ahem} that age. I originally thought I would love this movie because I love university students and did life with so many of them in Canada. But because this movie included so many just regular life events, that we all do or could do at any point in our lives, it struck me as very believable and relate-able. 

I cried through several sections of this movie (don't worry, no spoilers). It was very touching. I certainly know God's call on my life and have heard Him clearly many times. We have recently been through a major change (moving back to the States) due to hearing His call and responding in obedience to Him. But since being here, I have greatly struggled with the purpose for His moving me here. Why am I here? What is my purpose here? I don't have any definitive answers quite yet, but I trust Him and know they will come. I know He has led us here for a specific reason (and probably multiple reasons), so I continue seeking His face and waiting on Him. 

And whether you are in high school or university, have recently graduated or are even older than I am (haha!), I recommend this movie. See below for giveaway info.

About the film:

This Is Our Time, distributed by Pure Flix, follows the post-collegiate lives of five friends connected by their strong belief in God who all long to make a meaningful difference in the world. But when tragedy strikes the close-knit group, their friendship and their faith are tested in ways they never imagined.

This Is Our Time releases on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 16. It will be available nationwide at Family Christian Stores and most Christian online and brick-and-mortar retail stores nationwide.

                              

This Is Our Time has received The Dove Foundation’s Family Seal of Approval (earning the highest rating of five Doves) and is recommended for all ages. It also features appearances by Hollywood veterans Eric Roberts, Erik Estrada and Dawn Wells.

Coinciding with the movie’s DVD release, Pure Flix is teaming with Family Christian Stores and other Christian retailers to award eight $2,500 college scholarships through registrations submitted through FamilyChristian.com and other websites representing more than 2,000 retail outlets nationwide. Participation eligibility and rules can be found at www.thisisourtimemovie.com.

Website:  http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4565# 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmjQe2onm6s

About Pure Flix 

Pure Flix- Pure Flix is a Christian movie studio that produces, distributes, and acquires Christ-centered movies for the sole purpose of changing our culture for Christ, one heart at a time. Our mission since day one has remained the same and we continue to strive to make a difference for His name. Learn more at www.pureflix.com

Giveaway

Please leave a comment with whatever you want to tell me . . . about you, your family, what you're hearing from God, what you are praying for but don't have an answer to yet, or anything else (family friendly, of course). Please include your email address, so that I have a way to contact you if you win. One entry per person, please. This giveaway is open to anyone, including international readers! Giveaway will close at 11:59pm (ET) April 30, 2013. Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."