New and Noteworthy – December 2006

MISSIONS
Anne-Geri Fann and Greg Taylor. How to Get Ready for Short-Term Missions: The Ultimate Guide for Sponsors, Parents, and Those Who Go! Nashville, Tenn.: Nelson, 2006. ISBN 1-4185-0977-9; 100 pages; $12.99; www.thomasnelson.com.
This guide includes chapters on each stage of preparation as well as worksheets and lists for practical use. Parents also will appreciate a chapter designed with them in mind. Each chapter begins with a “missionary moment” and ends with an activity. A resources list and bibliography are included.
The authors write, “Approximately 2 million North Americans will go on short-term missions this year.” Fann is a high school Spanish teacher and mission leader. Taylor is associate minister of the Garnett church in Tulsa, Okla.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Philip Patterson. The Greatest Stories of the Bible. Nashville, Tenn.: Nelson, 2006.  ISBN 10-0-7180-1911-3; 733 pages; $19.99; www.thomasnelson.com.
This daily devotional guide belongs on your breakfast table all year and has something fresh to offer for every day of 2007 and beyond.  
Each scripture portion focuses on a story. Patterson’s devotional thoughts follow each Bible story and are a blend of cogent explanations of the passage at hand with contemporary connection points and personal reflections that shed light on the passage. 
The volume includes an index of Scriptures. Each entry is followed by “Thoughts to Ponder” and a prayer.
Patterson is a professor of mass communication at Oklahoma Christian University and author of Living Stones.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Tim Spivey. Jesus the Powerful Servant. Joplin, Mo.: College, 2006. ISBN 0-89900-945-X. 99 pages; $7.99; 800-289-3300.
Part of the 3:16 series by College Press, this book is designed primarily for small-group study and interaction, but also makes an excellent personal study. Spivey’s 13 chapters offer a focused study of key passages from Mark brought to life by his use of relevant, personal anecdotes and other reflections. 
Spivey writes, “Mark does not have the ‘red print’ of Matthew, the parables of Luke, or the riveting metaphors of John. … He brings his own offerings to the table. They are urgency, conciseness, and a vision of Jesus that we would do well to preserve.”
Spivey is senior minister of the Highland Oaks church in Dallas.  
Dec. 1, 2006