Be inspired by a woman who dared to follow God Amy Carmichael understood true discipleship and lived it out. At a very young age she felt called to the mission field, followed God's guidance, and eventually went to India, where she would spend fifty-three years without furlough. While there, Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for children in moral danger-children who were orphaned or unwanted and sold to the temple. Amy became a mother for these children, and so they called her "Amma." Even today, Amy's life of obedience and courage stands as a model for all Christians everywhere. We resonate with her desires and dreams, her faults and fears, her dedication and service. For former missionary and author Elisabeth Elliot, Amy became a role model. "She was my first spiritual mother," writes Elliot. "She showed me the shape of godliness." A Chance to Die is the life story of Amy Carmichael. In this reverent biography, Elisabeth Elliot brings "Amma" to life, providing a compelling, unforgettable narrative that will provoke you to examine the depths of your own faith and encourage you to reaffirm your life and commitment to Christ. Elisabeth Elliot, one of the outstanding women of present-day Christianity, is the author of more than twenty books, including Passion and Purity, The Journals of Jim Elliot, and These Strange Ashes. She and her husband, Lars Gren, live in Magnolia, Massachusetts.

A step-by-step guide to building a strong children's ministry that is a vital part of the church. People know they are called to children's ministry when they get goose bumps and butterflies from something a kid says or an idea that they know will communicate the gospel to children. Building Children's Ministry provides the practical information to transform those feelings and that calling into a successful children's ministry that is integrated into the life of the congregation. The book is divided into topical chapters, including:

Getting the support of the pastor and the congregationStatements of purposeBudgets and fundraisingRecruiting and keeping volunteersSafety and securityDiscipline and appropriate policiesChoosing and evaluating curriculumPublicity

Building Children's Ministry is a practical guide through the challenging (but exciting) steps between recognizing the need for children's ministry and creating a program that ministers to children and their families.

Turn First-Time Givers into Generous Stewards Maximize is the ultimate how-to book for pastors and church leaders who long for their churches to be able to carry out ministry initiatives. Shining a light on the often-taboo subject of money, Maximize offers a proven, step-by-step plan for maximizing financial gifts while growing strong disciples. You'll learn how to * cultivate first-time givers * challenge people to tithe * develop an ongoing stewardship system * follow up with givers the right way * develop multiple giving options * shepherd the five types of givers in your church * educate people to grow in the grace of giving Stewardship is an essential part of discipleship. This biblical process will chase the money discussion out of the darkness and turn first-time givers in your church into generous stewards of financial gifts.