Cirrus@Austlit

'What is the best way to make Jesus known and to make churches grow in Australia today? ‘It’s not hard,’ insists Harry Goodhew, Archbishop of Sydney from 1993 to 2001, ‘Just love people and preach the gospel.’

'Contrary to trends in the rest of Australia and the Christian West, churchgoing numbers in Sydney increased during his time as archbishop. The local churches he led before becoming archbishop flourished, experiencing rapid growth and warmth of fellowship. They were Christ-centred, Bible-based and well led. Are so many churches in Australia struggling because they are not well led? Is it that Harry was just exceptional? Many have thought so.

'Or is it rather the style of his leadership which was exceptional? Leaders seek to ‘change’ people using force (the wind) or warmth (the sun). Harry has opted for the sun. His style is one of ‘compassionate biblical orthodoxy’, and his warm spirituality and kind personality combined in a life-long ministry of exceptional servant leadership.

'This is a must read for anyone interested in the history and health of the Anglican Church in Australia and for any committed to the advancement of the Christian faith in the modern secular world. Understanding how Harry led gives us a practical guide to how to go and do likewise.' (Publication summary)

'Don’t Look Away! Snapshots of Congo and the Pygmies of Mubambiro is the story of Australian Barbara Rose Ferguson’s unique experiences in the remote and war-torn African nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over a period of ten years she formed precious relationships with women who had survived unimaginable brutality and found a new passion in life in working for a band of destitute and despised Pygmies. This is an authentic, ‘warts and all’ account from someone who has spent a lifetime working, researching and teaching in the field of international aid on the frontline in two war-torn countries, and eight years in one of the most troubled parts of the world involved with arguably the most disadvantaged people in the world: Pygmies.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

'The social fabric of life in 1990s rural India is disintegrating. Christian missionaries are getting the blame and being accused of illegal conversion activities. When Manav Banerjee, a journalist, agrees to investigate the world of Australian missionary, Graham Staines, he enters a world of outcasts – the world of lepers. While avoiding all possible contact with these untouchables, Manav uncovers truths that he had not anticipated and his words spark actions that he had not intended. The subsequent repercussions lead him to a place where hard choices must be made.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Based on real events, P. Howard Smith weaves together fact and fiction to bring to life a shameful period of Australia’s convict past.

'I Will Avenge is the confronting account of a woman caught up in, and severely damaged by, war and its aftermath. This historical drama brings to life little known facts surrounding the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and its influence upon early colonial life in Australia. I Will Avenge is an accurate and confronting account of the brutality of war and the power of forgiveness to bring healing and overcome the legacy of hatred and revenge.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Three Dummies in a Dinghy is the third instalment of the Stories of Life series.

'In it, ordinary Australians share their extraordinary stories of faith and life. Some tales are humourous, others are entertaining and upbeat. But not all are happy stories. Many writers describe how they were found by a loving God in the midst of doubts and great suffering, and the circumstances don’t always get easier. But the message still comes through loud and clear that God is faithful, near and active in the lives of ordinary people.

'Reflections of a Nigerian Priest working in a suburban Australian Church.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'This thoughtful collection of poetry explores the connection between the joys and pleasures of contemporary life and its complexities and anxieties. And more especially, when that life is strengthened by faith. There is an acceptance of the world and its uncertainties and this is well caught in both the diction and the imagery contained in these poems.

'With his feet firmly on the ground the poetry contrasts daily existence and spiritual existence and the possibilities for all of grace and redemption. 'Hear the call of the Music on a distant shore' he reminds us. There is here an overriding sense of the promise inherent in human endeavour, in life and love.'

-- Elaine Barker, poet and author of The Day Lit by Memory and High Heels & Tartan Slippers

'What the Dog Saw is the story of a troubled boy as seen through the eyes of his ageing Labrador, Baxter. While there is much that Baxter sees that worries him, there are also moments of humour and joy.

'Baxter loves playing with his boy and is always ready to listen to him, but he also worries about his boy, and wonders if even the loyalty and friendship of a Labrador will be enough to help him. Baxter’s observations provide a unique perspective on his boy’s battle with mental illness.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'In a fishing village in Palestine in the Roman year 781 AUC (our 28 AD), four free-spirited twelve year olds are well known for causing havoc – and getting away with it. Tahlia and her three untamed friends make ridiculous plans that never come off, often disrupting the town and their own families.

'Stealing, disturbing the peace, tempting disaster, even befriending the town’s crazy person, are only a few of their escapades. When they hear about a stranger who makes miracles happen to sick people – just by his word – they decide to tag along after him, only to be disappointed time after time because they can never track him down. Then, like a sudden storm on their lake, tragedy strikes …' (Publication summary)

'Sixteen-year old Jane first encounters Peter Greenway at Westbridge Meeting House and is soon entangled in a serious relationship, a first love presumed by those within the tightknit Quaker community to be her last.

'The Divinity School follows the lives of four of faculty members at an interfaith studies centre at the fictitious Hamilton University. A widower now Catholic priest tries to reconcile with his gay daughter. A Jewish rabbi confronts domestic violence and is tempted to return to a life he left behind. A Muslim woman tries to help a former student stop her sister from travelling to Syria to join ISIS, and a grieving Episcopal priest finds himself confronted with zany situations that amuse as much as annoy him.'

'In 1960, Ruth Myors left Australia to work as a midwife with the Somali people. For over two decades, she worked in a hospital in Somalia, a village in Ethiopia and in radio ministry in Kenya. During this time, government decisions, coups, communist takeovers, natural disasters, sudden deaths and other misfortunes disrupted plans and brought about unexpected changes in Ruth’s life.
'In ‘When the Lights Go Out‘, Ruth describes how these experiences have shaped her and shown her that God is faithful, and that even during the darkest periods, his light shows the way ahead.' (Publication summary)

'One day in a nameless suburb a homeless man sets up his tent across the street from a pastor’s house. While the pastor’s son befriends the man, the pastor’s wife is suspicious and angry at this blight on their suburb. Things only get worse when the homeless man moves camp to the churchyard. The congregation becomes indignant at his brazenness, and when the homeless man dares to preach to them, they decide to act to save the reputation of their church. The Boy and the Homeless Man is a modern parable, a moral tale that encourages us to confront our hypocrisy, see Jesus in the poor and marginalised, and to live out God’s calling to us to welcome the stranger in our midst.' (Publication Summary)

'In these enchanting stories bears, lions, wallabies, cranes, eagles, wombats, caterpillars and many others come to life to illustrate key biblical teachings, such as resurrection, forgiveness, self-sacrifice and humility. ' (Publication summary)

'Something in the Blood is a collection of vampire stories with a difference. Ever wondered what would happen if a group of Christian writers were each asked to write a vampire story? That’s exactly what occurred in the case of the contributors to this volume. Given the fascination seen in many novels and films with vampires, and the usual darkness of these stories, one group of Christian authors decided to engage the genre rather than ignore or reject it. The result is a diverse, entertaining and challenging collection of stories that seeks to answer the question: Is there a place for hope in the midst of darkness and despair? While each writer takes a very different approach to the challenge, they have all found a way to answer that question with a resounding ‘yes’. Yet the manner in which they arrive at this answer, as well as what happens along the way, is often surprising. Rev Dr Lynn Arnold, coordinator of the Faith in the Public Square program in Adelaide, has noted that, “In this collection premised on the gothic vampire motif, the writers have delved into the darkness and found profundus, bringing back mirrors into which we are invited to look. From these mirrored depths, haunting and daunting as the images may be, we discern distant shafts of redeeming light.”' (Publication summary)

'Deep inside, I am a Wend. I am a son of the soil. I am at home in the forest. I still listen to the trees. Wilhelm Habel is my great grandfather. This is his story and my reading of his life. As I researched his journey, I began to wonder whether there was a hidden link between his spirit and mine or whether the strong connection is simply genetic. I became curious as to whether my great grandfather had an influence on my identity even before I knew his story. After considerable research, reflection and analysis of the family stories, a radical change took place in my writing. I discovered a dimension of Wilhelm's history that revealed something about my own identity. Throughout my life, my parents and grandparents in Australia spoke of themselves as German Lutherans. I discovered that my Habel ancestors were not Germans at all, but Wends who lived in Silesia, a province under Prussian rule. The Wends, sometimes called Sorbs, were of Slavic origin. For centuries, groups of Wends were closely associated with the forests of Europe, where they made their living by selling whatever they could find -everything from honey and wax to furs and timber. Many of the Wends became established members of farming communities or country villages. To highlight the spirit and strength of Wilhelm's story I have chosen to write a work of historical fiction...As I recount his dramatic story, especially his journey to Australia, I find myself in tune with Wendish ways of viewing the world and with the spiritual impulses that move them. So the book is my reading of Wilhelm's story and how his forest wisdom guided his spirit. It is the story of a tree whisperer in tune with nature and the mysteries of creation. It is the story of my Wendish spiritual father. (Based on the Prologue)