Today I finished reading a book written by Sam James, a career missionary who spent many years in war-ravaged Vietnam. He shares part of his life story in his book, Servant on the Edge of History. He and his family also worked in Hong Kong, Macau, other countries as well. James is a North Carolina native who felt God's call on his life at a relatively young age, and he never stopped believing in his mission, God's mission, even in the midst of very troubling times in Vietnam. He and his wife, Rachel, have four children, and they all served on the mission field together. James is now 85 years old, and yet he still speaks with great energy and enthusiasm. One week ago I had the opportunity to hear him speak at The Summit Church, and his message was one of hope and the love of Christ. James is considered the founder of The Summit since he helped to begin it's "root" church, Homestead Heights Baptist Church, that later became The Summit. The Summit now has thousands of members at all of its various campuses. They have also sent out missionaries and are always looking for ways to reach the world. Recently I heard about the prison ministries that have begun as well. You can get more information about The Summit Church on their website, and you can even get the transcript of the pastor's messages (J.D. Greear).Now I'll turn my attention to one of the books that I received for my April birthday from one of my faithful readers (yes, he's a relative!). He sent me two books, How the Irish Saved Civilization by Cahill, and Irish Language & Culture. I'm looking forward to reading these as I prepare for our special trip to Ireland and England this summer. I have a lot to learn about Irish culture, that's for sure, so I'm especially looking forward to reading the small pocket-sized book put out by Lonely Planet, Irish Language & Culture. Do you have any advice regarding getting around in Ireland, advice such as what we should eat, what we absolutely MUST see, and what we should NOT say or do in the presence of an Irishman? I learned a lot about the U.K. on our trip there a few years ago but I know very little about Ireland. Some of the things in the U.K. that I found to be "different" for me were some of the words and expressions that I heard, words like "queu" and "dine in or take away?" I eventually learned that I was being asked if I was eating in the restaurant or taking it with me, but they said it so darn fast that it took me a while to catch on. And why are restrooms so hard to find in the U.K.? And why do you often have to pay for the privilege of using a restroom?? If you have any advice about these sorts of things for Ireland, I'm all ears.
Finally, I'd like to thank all of you for reading my blog! I hope you are getting something out of it and that it somehow inspires you to read and write more. I'm sending a special thanks to all of my international readers who go to www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot each week. MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!
-Melissa Hill
Book Blogger
www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com
If you've got some time in Dublin, you might want to check out No. 29. It's a house / museum fitted out, furnished, etc. as it would have been in the late 18th century. I found it fascinating. The Book of Kells at Trinity College was also pretty impressive -- long lines. And, to truly get a taste of Ireland -- I have to say it -- you need to try a pint of the black stuff.
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