Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Misfits Welcome: Find Yourself in Jesus and Bring the World Along
for the Ride by Matthew Barnett is the story of how God
can use the "misfits" of society in huge ways if one will just
surrender to Him. Barnett draws on twenty years as pastor of the Dream Center
in Los Angeles to prove this premise.
Barnett shares of his own feelings of inadequacy and being a
misfit when he started in the ministry as a twenty year old. He grew up the son
of a megachurch pastor, which gave him no context with which to deal with the
reality of life on the streets of Los Angeles. Using examples from his own
life, as well as those of some of his staff (the majority of whom are former
pimps, drug dealers, prostitutes, addicts, or from some other group society has
deemed unreachable) Barnett shares stories of miraculous life changes that have
occurred when people have given their lives, especially the parts that seem to
not fit in and cause the most problems, to Christ.
Misfits Welcome is an easy read. The chapters are relatively
short and since the content is more illustrative than instructive, it can be
quickly read. I was impressed with Barnett's enthusiasm and complete faith in
the concept he put forth. It's obvious this is an idea that has taken root in
him, with some mind blowing results. The stories of change are very inspiring,
and make even an occasional cynic like myself excited about what can happen if
I can surrender the "misfit" parts of myself.
I recommend Misfits
Welcome to anyone interested
in seeing what God can do with a submitted life. Anyone already on that journey
will be encouraged; anyone not sure if that's for them will be challenged.
Either way, there is something for almost everyone.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of
their BookLook book
review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
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