Mary Kissell: Before the days draw in; my ordinary journey to an Extraordinary God. Instant Apostle Watford £8.99
In this book, Mary shares something of her life and journey and her experiences of God through prayer. I have to confess that I found the opening chapters a bit of a meander. We seem to move from one thing to another in quick succession and zigzag about at a time when we have not a real sense of who this person is or the life they lead. A bit of re-writing could have corrected this as it improves as each chapter unravels. Chapter 2 is about on relocating to Cornwall, and the decision is made to establish an hour of prayer at the beginning of the day and how it has deepened life with God. Mary writes “I have learned that the Spirit speaks in whispers, glimpses and nudges.” (p43). I agree with that but wonder how we discern what are the significant ones. God also seems to speak in dreams, and through prophetic words that are received by others. This appears to be common in the Charismatic / Evangelical background from which this journey is written. Chapter 3 is about forgiveness. Both Mary and her husband come from families with broken relationships and have collected past hurts that run deep. There is a need for healing and forgiveness.
Chapter 4 is about the time in which they came to leave Cornwall and minister at St Andrews Chorleywood. Chapter 5 deals with Mary’s evolving vocation that involves going back to nursing and being part of palliative care at Michael Sobell House. Chapter 6 tells the incredible experience of leaving nursing and on discovering a family tragedy being enabled to have 4 brothers and sisters known affectionately as “the Muffins” living with them. Chapter 7 is about their New Zealand adventure which began simply as a 3-week holiday and ended 3 months later. Chapter 8 is one on the theme of giving and its centrality. Chapter 9 is about the move to London to minister in Hammersmith, London. Of course, the years are flying by. Mary says, “Rather than feeling over the hill, we feel we are still mountain climbing, taking years of ministry experience with us while learning new truths each day.” Chapter 10 is called Testing Times and is the description of husband Barry’s battle with the discovery of cancer and then surgery and then chemotherapy. I found this chapter very moving and honest about the darkness that invaded their lives. It gives me great respect for all families that are forced to make similar journeys. The final chapter draws us back to the wonder that God can do anything. In all the chapters God is a reality in Mary and Barry’s lives and being open to receiving the Holy Spirit that is what comes across above all else.
Reviewed by the Reverend Maurice Stafford, Volunteer Librarian, UTU