Often characterized as David facing Goliath on the tennis court, at 5'9" and 150 pounds Michael Chang is used to playing with the big hitters. What he lacks in stature, he makes up for in determination. A serious contender at any Grand Slam event, his bold statement of faith in God makes him a role model we can all look up to. "What's nice," Michael says, "is that, as long as my priorities are straight, I'm able to go out with the mentality to really leave the winning and losing up to the Lord." In Holding Serve readers get a unique glimpse at Team Chang, Michael's powerful family unit that he credits with much of his success. Michael also shares the story of how he became a Christian and the central role his faith has played in his achievements.

Celebrate the release of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks with an inside look at Mister Rogers' spiritual legacy. For more than 30 years, Fred Rogers was the kindly neighbor of children worldwide. Why were kids drawn to him? Mining personal interviews and correspondence, this book goes beyond Rogers's gentle manner and signature red sweater to reveal the deep faith that sustained him in his many roles-television personality, educator, philosopher, and minister. Tom Brokaw of NBC Nightly News once said of the American icon Fred Rogers, "Mister Rogers was an ordained minister, but he never talked about God on his program. He didn't need to." Eight years before his death, Fred Rogers met author, educator, and speaker Amy Hollingsworth. What started as a television interview turned into a wonderful friendship spanning dozens of letters detailing the driving force behind this gentle man of extraordinary influence. This special book is a treat for fans everywhere, containing: An intimate portrait of the real Mister Rogers An exploration of the beloved star's deep faith journey and its lasting impact Personal interviews and letters The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers focuses on Mr. Rogers' spiritual legacy, but it is much more than that. It shows us a man who, to paraphrase the words of St. Francis of Assisi, "preached the gospel at all times; when necessary, he used words."

Michael Levi Rodkinson (1845-1904) was a journalist, author, and publisher whose literary projects spanned numerous countries and continents. Hero to some and scoundrel to others, Rodkinson was a polemical figure whose beliefs underwent many transformations over the course of his life, most significantly from Hasidism to combative Haskalah to eventually anticipating the neo-Romantic trends of the early twentieth century. Throughout his career, Rodkinson's writing challenged the familiar genres of the literature of Hasidism and the Haskalah, shaping the religious realities of his readers and articulating a spiritual and community life among Jews, who took his ideas to heart in surprising ways. Today, Rodkinson is frequently referred to as a minor Hasidic author and publisher, a characterization based on the criticism of his opponents rather than on his writings. In Literary Hasidism, Meir draws upon those writings and their reception to present a completely different picture of this colorful and influential writer. Examining Rodkinson's lifelong role as a catalyzing agent of different cultural phenomena, his diverse publishing activities, and his writings in their respective stages, Meir grants readers a provocative new vantage point from which to consider this divisive, enigmatic figure.

"Not an Empty Promise" gives first-hand accounts of the author's experiences during her mission in war-torn Vietnam, in Indonesia, and in a ministry to Asian immigrants in California. It was a time of wonderful fulfillment of Jesus Christ's promise to his followers: "Lo, I am with you always..."

Is it true? Is it possible? Is it a faithful promise?

The question is worth pondering: was He there as He promised during times of serious illnesses, uncertainties, or devastating grief as well as times of blessing and joy?

Author Joyce Trebilco addresses these questions as she strives to make us all more keenly aware of His presence and care, even in difficult times.

"Straight from My Heart" presents a collection of true stories and poetry written by a woman who has helped others to discover their true selves. It shares her journey as her life is touched by others.

Author Jacqui DeLorenzo shares several inspiring tales of hope and courage intended to resonate with anyone who has suffered a hardship or the loss of a loved one. She considers whether there is life after death. She also ventures on journeys to the other side of the rainbow-to a place where there is no pain and no illness. She goes to a place where we can fi nd love in our hearts, peace in our souls, and happiness in our lives again, even when it seems that all has been lost along the way.

Each story seeks to open hearts, touch souls, and encourage all to believe in what is possible. Through the personal journeys of DeLorenzo, her friends, her hospice patients, and their caregivers, Straight from My Heart provides the opportunity to know and understand that life continues after this life on earth. We need to open our hearts to the positive energy and the spirit of loved ones who are on the other side waiting to greet us with open arms when it is our turn to journey to the other side.

In 1953, Stephen Kennedy began his study of the priesthood. In 1960, he was sent to Germany to study theology; next, he travelled to Windsor, Canada, for additional study and the honing of his grasp of German. From 1964 to April of 1966, Kennedy was in a German-speaking parish in Toronto, Ontario, followed by a short stint in a parish in Quebec City. Then, came the biggest decision of Kennedy's life ...

After years of careful study, Stephen Kennedy left the Roman Catholic priesthood and turned his back on organized religion forever. Kennedy no longer wanted to be identi ed with any form of organized religion, whether Eastern or Western. In fact, Kennedy saw leaving organized religion as a departure from Western culture in general-and he has been removed from it ever since.

"A Search for There" is his enlightened autobiography, conveyed via narrative, story, and poetry-the words of a man who has gone the distance, through education to a personal understanding. Kennedy's journey led him down a path of inner peace and inner freedom. He will never return to his Christian roots, because for Kennedy, he has found something better: he has discovered his own identity and a meaning of life.

"This is a fascinating overview of the life and labors of one of the America's most gifted evangelical theologians. Drawing deeply from the wells of Reformation theology in the tradition of Calvin, Bunyan, Owen, Edwards, and Bavinck, Roger Nicole has set forth a compelling vision of theology as a discipline in the service of the church. And he has done so with grace, wit, insight, passion, and the kind of wisdom evangelicals need more of today. Though I never took a class with Roger Nicole, I am certainly one of his students and I commend this telling of his story to all who care about the Bible's God, the church's faith, and the world's need for the gospel of grace." -Dr. Timothy George, "Awesome for brain power, learning and wisdom, endlessly patient and courteous in his gentle geniality, and beloved by a multitude as pastor, mentor and friend, veteran Reformed theologian Roger Nicole comes beautifully to life in this warm-hearted biographical tribute. Thank you, David Bailey." - Dr. James I. Packer

PROLOGUE: Michael Izzo was born on 6/3/1987 in San Diego, CA. to be put up for adoption; but, was quickly moved back to LI, New York for reasons unknown... Michael's Grandparents were of German, Jewish decent, and his mother was the 1st generation American. Erna Avramavich was born and lived in Germany from April 8, 1928 to the mid 1950's. Erna Avram, a child of 12 moved solely to America, fleeing Germany, and escaped the damage caused by Adolph Hitler; as it's been told. Hitler's primary mission, was to kill all Jews & oppressors; because he was consumed by the Devil's mission to prevent the 2nd birth of Jesus Christ. Although, his motives are widely debated. However, God knew of this treachery and decided it would be best to disguise Jesus' new ancestors as German-Jews. Allowing Michael to be born one day in a free country, ridden of persecution to uncover his truth of being Jesus Christ. Similar to Jesus Christ, Michael Izzo also became quickly known at the age of 12; when he was published in the local town's newspaper: As a well known, local aggressive roller skater. In addition, no formal records are kept of Michael's teenage or young adult life; other than schooling and some medical records. However, Michael Izzo being who he is in nature, quickly started questioning & rebelling against society. As a result, he would fall into the hands of the law and even worse; the Devil & his mighty temptations. However, being as blessed and powerful as he is through trials, error, and sheer faith; Michael kept strong and asked God to forgive him in every testament of his faith. As of today, there are no official records of Michael's past dealings with criminal behavior or acts of Demonic pleasures. However, Michael finds the need for speaking only the truth through his music: as a form of forgiveness, for such trials of faith for Gods Will. He quoted to me - "I believe that there are no records of these days; meaning after turning 12, from than and now; because God didn't want the world to remember me for the bad times, only for the good ones. It is only on Earth that we SIN; but in Heaven we are Sinless." In Jesus' first existence, his mission was to bridge the gap between Heaven & Earth, and to be crucified in the process. Michael's mission is to finish what was started, by defeating Satan's evil eternally. In this autobiography, we shall embark upon the lost chapters of the life and times of Jesus Christ from age 13-26; with insights of Michael's proposed plans for himself, after his current age of 26. Such plans, can only be revealed with time and through the permission of God. However, Michael shall reveal his current mission to us; which is to salvage the remaining souls of humanity, during the end of days. Whilst destroying the Devil or known as the anti-Christ; creating, an eternal kingdom of peace in both Heaven and on the new Earth, AKA New Jerusalem. Aside from his lost journals; we shall see his prophecy revealed, through Michael's music of scriptures. This novel, shall uncover many secrets & truths of what is to come for the world; during the end of times, in order for a new world to begin. These truths, shall describe the outcome for all things; including, righteous followers of Jesus Christ, followers of the Devil, as well as everyone else thereof... In the bible, under (Luke 21:7-25) it states the following: (21:16) - "And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, & brethren & kinsfolk, & friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." (21:17) - "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." (21:18) - "But there shall not an hair of your head perish." (21:20) - "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." (21:21) - "Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto."

From raising chickens for subsistence to owning a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in the Bahamas, "My Story ... His Glory" narrates the inspiring life saga of the Rev. Havard S. Cooper, a Bahamian who has risen from humble beginnings in Grand Bahama to become a highly respected citizen of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Presented in three parts, this memoir reveals how a once-poor child overcame adversity to become a visionary, entrepreneur, successful Christian businessman and patriarch of a large, influential Bahamian family. Filled with anecdotes, Part I discusses growing up in the Bahamas as one of three boys whose father raised them after their mother died. Part II offers gems of wisdom and spiritual inspiration, while Part III provides a reflection of Bahamian cultural and historical perspectives.

Serving as a role model, Cooper's memoir serves to encourage others to aspire to fulfill their God-given destinies by contributing to the economic, social, moral, and spiritual development of the cities and nations.