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Ray Barnett has written a remarkable book, sharing vignettes from his life. Originally penned for his daughters, this slim tome carries amazing stories that would encourage any believer, and pique those who have not yet encountered the risen Lord.

Drawing from his numerous mission trips to far-flung, perilous lands, Ray introduces us to the person of Christ, in the guise of the poor and the famished. He recounts how God called and equipped him to share the Gospel with souls hungry for the good news of Jesus Christ, from Hindu strongholds in India to Islamic Soviet nations.

There is a stark contrast between their world, fraught with life-threatening dangers for the faithful, and our relatively comfortable lives in the developed world. We marvel with him at the staunch faith and boundless generosity of those who have next to nothing, yet sacrifice continually for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Free chapter: “The Acropole Hotel“

Miracles

Ray is brutally honest about his own shortcomings, especially when relating how he pridefully presided over a business failure that reduced his family to penury. At the same time, he recalls how God was most visible in the midst of human weakness, providing for their every need down to the tiniest detail.

He shares the miracles of Divine Providence that sustained his family, literally providing their daily bread, from one day to the next. One cannot help but rejoice and glorify God while reading about their astonishing experiences during a time of great worry and shame.

Ray also narrates how God provided in every way for his overseas missions, from reversing a visa rejection, to supplying transport during a natural disaster.

At the same time, he reflects on how God did not call him to have a prominent ministry, with the worldly markings of success. The overall message is one of obedience and humility, being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

A Father’s Heart

Ray shares about his persistent prayer and profound concern for his daughters, and how God responded to reassure his aching heart. As a parent, this is truly beautiful and comforting to read. The Creator of the universe cares about you and your family. He knows our human frailty, and He hastens to provide solace.

Ray introduces his book thus:

Some years ago, I wrote the book for my three daughters. Not a traditional biography, but a series of anecdotes that opened to them some of what I had learned along the way.

It had occurred to me that were I to fail to make it home from one of my constant mission trips into persecuted nations, it would be good for my daughters and perhaps any future grandchildren, to know something of the ways of God as I had experienced them.

Since then, as their friends, and friends of friends, have borrowed and read it, I have been urged over and over to publish it.

Now that I am no longer in the security spotlight, I have agreed. Some names and specific places have been changed as necessary, but it is basically as I wrote it for them.

It is just 130 pages, but hopefully might be such that some readers might want to pay it return visits from time to time. It retails on Amazon for $14.50.

On Amazon, he adds:

“I want to emphasise that my life is not your life. Nor is yours mine. Each life is unique. As a master potter, God shapes and prepares us for the tasks he wishes us uniquely to perform. What we share in common is that the same God is in each of us ‘to will and to work for His good pleasure.’”

Originally written for his daughters, ALONG THE WAY is a very personal look at one man’s journey with God. It is a glimpse into some of the ways God shapes our lives to His intended purpose for us.

For years, Ray travelled to dangerous places on risky airlines. He taught the Bible to church leaders in countries where to believe in Christ could result in imprisonment or even death. Always working ‘below the radar.’

These brief sketches of a life story, encouragements to the daughters he had to leave behind, are reflections on what God did. They point to the way God uses successes and failures, spectacular events, and the ordinariness of the daily grind to shape our lives for the role He wishes us to fulfil.

Behind even apparent disasters, there is always the unseen hand of a faithful, sovereign God who would achieve His purposes. God is the potter; we are the clay. It is as we learn to trust Him that we find joy in even the darkest moments.

In fact, God’s providential hand helped Ray deliver his book to me in person! My family happened to be dining at a restaurant a mere ten-minute drive from his home when he emailed me about posting his book.

He lives in an area that we only visit once or twice a year, if at all, so it was quite astounding that he contacted me at the precise moment that we were able to see him briefly. God is good, indeed.

This book made my heart sing as I read it over three days; I hope it will bring spiritual nourishment and joy to many others.

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Image courtesy of Adobe.