“Revelatory…fascinating” (The New York Times): The first definitive biography of Bob Hope, featuring exclusive and extensive reporting that makes the persuasive case that he was the most important entertainer of the twentieth century. With his topical jokes and his all-American, brash-but-cowardly screen character, Bob Hope was the only entertainer to achieve top-rated success in every major mass-entertainment medium of the century, from vaudeville in the 1920s all the way to television in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. He virtually invented modern stand-up comedy. Above all, he helped redefine the very notion of what it means to be a star: a savvy businessman, an enterprising builder of his own brand, and a public-spirited entertainer whose Christmas military tours and unflagging work for charity set the standard for public service in Hollywood. As Richard Zoglin shows in this “entertaining and important book” (The Wall Street Journal), there is still much to be learned about this most public of figures, from his secret first marriage and his stint in reform school, to his indiscriminate womanizing and his ambivalent relationships with Bing Crosby and Johnny Carson. Hope could be cold, self-centered, tight with a buck, and perhaps the least introspective man in Hollywood. But he was also a tireless worker, devoted to his fans, and generous with friends. “Scrupulously researched, likely definitive, and as entertaining and as important (to an understanding of twentieth- and twenty-first-century pop culture) as its subject once genuinely was” (Vanity Fair), Hope is both a celebration of the entertainer and a complex portrait of a gifted but flawed man. “A wonderful biography,” says Woody Allen. “For me, it’s a feast.”

Has the Church lost sight of her original vocation of living out her mission by serving the world? There is a prevailing ecclesiology of fatalism which suggests that it has, and that there is nothing to do be done about. This book argues however, that the church still has a role in bearing witness fruitfully and creatively even within a context of crisis. Leading thinkers offer theoretical, contextual and practical responses to encourage a renewed love for the church and renewed energy to bear witness appropriately and creatively. Chapters include: Richard Bauckham – on New Testament perspectives on a church in crisis Alister McGrath – challenging the narrative of decline Rev Dr Carlton Turner – on BAME Presence and the Witness of Diversity and Inclusion Dr Susie Snyder – on attending to those on the margins

The most popular source of theological hope for modern Christians is that of Jurgen Moltmann. Preachers, teachers, and lay people reflect Moltmann's influence, with their hope in a this-worldly eschatology and suffering God. However, an exclusive reliance on that hope deprives the church of crucial resources in the face of global economic, environmental, and military crises. Our Only Hope explores Moltmannian hope and considers its costs before looking elsewhere for additional contributions, from Thomas Aquinas' theological virtue of hope to nihilism and beyond, in order to encourage the church to sustain and practise hope in Jesus Christ, our only hope.

Longing for a child is like trudging through a desert. It's a long, hard, lonely journey. The outcome is unclear and hope is often in short supply. But there is great news. You are not alone. And there is hope! This book is your inspirational companion, your "Desert Sherpa," guiding you through a personal journey of healing. Within these pages you'll find inspiring quotes and stories of women who have walked where you walk. You'll find a way to give grace to people who say the wrong things, dump your burden bag, and recognize the hand of God in your story. Liv shares the good, bad, and ugly from her story and faith journey. She offers Biblical encouragement and hope that will quench your thirsty heart like rain in the desert. Whether or not you ever bear a child, you can still bear hope!

By rejecting older, typically Eurocentric patterns of missions, this volume courageously addresses the new, global context for missions, evangelism, and education.

Ray Anderson offers an inspiring call for Christian leaders to view Jesus as a model for their own ministry today. The Soul of Ministry explores the idea of ministry across denominations and discovers its soul in God's love for the world. Designed for pastors of all denominations, this book combines social biblical theology with numerous real-life anecdotes from Anderson's teaching and ministry.

With four books in the series, Doug decided to set up the stories in two paired texts that fit together naturally, Starting of Hope being the first. Rekindling of Hope This was drafted as a political commentary under the cloak of a science-fiction novel. Since it was written, some of the issues in the book are already in dramatic focus. It is the year 2022. Planet Earth is in serious trouble, and an alien superintelligence called the Bearing has decided to intervene to stop humanity from imploding. The story traces the political and geophysical issues at play while following the emotional lives of three key people involved in the plan to avoid disaster and save mankind in this dramatic science-fiction novel. A story of political warfare, shifting geographical and scientific schools of thought, sabotage, love, and a journey to worldwide reform, Rekindling of Hope promises nothing less than a spectacular view into the impending future of planet Earth, if completely new political and economic reforms cannot be achieved in time. The book should be taken as a warning of what might happen if current political and economic problems are not addressed effectively. Consolidation of Hope Originating from an epic sci-fi thread that began with the Shepherd family in Rekindling of Hope, author Doug Laverss second book reaches beyond the ecopolitical realm of earth to explore the cosmic possibilities of the first generation of Shepherd successors. Consolidation of Hope, the second book of his Rejuvenation series, follows the personal development of the Shepherd twins, Katie and Tim, and the latters encounter with an aggressive species called the Calai. Following on Rekindling of Hope, this book moves away from the local political action of the first book onto an interstellar stage. Peter, hidden ruler of the Melbourne institute, and his wife, Zoe, continue to deftly control the tide of events while trying desperately to stay in the background. Fortunately, their twin children, Tim and Katie, rapidly grow into positions where they become influential. Nearly two decades of relative peace and stability are threatened when an alien species, known as the Calai, approach Earth before a solar systemwide defensive shield can be completed. Brilliantly unfolding each eventful occurrence with thrilling pace, Lavers reveals how the conflict is handled with the help of the overarching intelligence known as the Bearing and the significant roles the twins played in achieving consensus in the thick of dispute. It is a story of planning, character growth, drama, and new possibilities for the human race, Lavers says. It includes more ecology and, to some extent, less violence than most similar novels. It is a lively and interesting story, with significant dramatic and film possibilities.