African American youth are looking for role models they can trust. The network of support is already in place. God has placed many of His most compassionate workers among today's African American young people. This book is written to help youth workers, pastors, parents, and others who care about reaching young people with the hope of the Gospel. The authors hope that this book will help in the task of "bringing permanent change to our community, which is full of promise and need." Written by many who are personally involved with youth, it explores how to: earn the trust of young people ; place youth in position to know the God who created them ; work with the community and family network ; allow young people to become a part of your life ; prepare young people for college ; balance spirituality and social justice ; counsel African American students in crisis. Our young people are worth the effort it takes to present them to God and to prepare them for a future bright with promise and hope. (Back cover).

This Christian nonfiction book is the author's testimony to how God's grace saved her from years of insecurities, dysfunctional relationships, self-esteem issues, emotional insecurities, and codependency issues. Growing up in an unstable household gave Joyce Lewis an early look at an unhealthy family environment. She grew up to find herself in problematic and emotionally destructive relationships throughout her childhood and young adult life. Without direction, she wandered through life without Christ to point her to her path. Even though Christ was with her throughout her young life, she failed to notice Him until her eyes were opened to His presence. She learned to accept who she was on a journey to self-discovery that prepared her for God's purpose in her life. Her book is meant to encourage healing, learning, and growth in God's ultimate purpose. Including a helpful guide to help women experience the transition needed to find God in their lives, the book offers insight and guidance. Broken down into nine weeks that focus on self-esteem, codependent behavior, boundaries, emotions, self-talk, and toxic people, the guide will help women find their own paths and see God's desire for their lives.

From world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall, as seen in the new National Geographic documentary Jane, comes a fascinating examination of the critical role that trees and plants play in our world. From world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall, as seen in the new National Geographic documentary Jane, comes a fascinating examination of the critical role that trees and plants play in our world. Seeds of Hope takes us from Goodall's home in England to her home-away-from-home in Africa, deep inside the Gombe forest, where she and the chimpanzees are enchanted by the fig and plum trees they encounter. She introduces us to botanists around the world, as well as places where hope for plants can be found, such as The Millennium Seed Bank. She shows us the secret world of plants with all their mysteries and potential for healing our bodies as well as Planet Earth. Looking at the world as an adventurer, scientist, and devotee of sustainable foods and gardening--and setting forth simple goals we can all take to protect the plants around us--Goodall delivers an enlightening story of the wonders we can find in our own backyards.

As contributors, we are from various cultures and countries. Our stories represent the stories of many. Our stories matter, and your story matters. Your story likely includes pain. Pain is real, but so is hope. For each contributor, the writing and sharing of our stories is an intentional labor of love. We have experienced pain in our lives in a variety of very real ways. When we were in that dark and painful place, we felt like we'd been buried. But in reality, we were planted. We grew deep roots. We drew nourishment from the Word of God. And we bloomed! We pray that our testimonies of God's life-transforming power will be received by you, the reader, as seeds of hope. Seeds that will blossom and produce the fruit of hope so that no matter the type of pain you face, you will find strength to push through the darkness and bloom!

Seeds of Hope A Guide to Growing Your Spiritual Garden Our spiritual garden, much like our actual garden, needs the same elements to grow and flourish to reap a bountiful harvest. In this book, you and your small group will learn the basics of growing your spiritual garden and how to pass on the fruits of your labor with others. In the fourteen chapters, you will focus on the key elements of spiritual growth:* Learn the importance of location, Son-light, choosing the right seeds, staying close to the living water, and choosing the suitable soil for your growth.* Develop an understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit, the "mulch" in your garden, the instructions in the manual you have been given, which containers are best for optimal growth, and how to nourish and maintain your garden.* Discover the power and benefits of pruning in your garden and the reasons behind your fallow seasons, those times of rest and regeneration.* Spread seeds of hope you have developed with those in your Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria.This study will walk you through the Bible with examples of how others trusted the Master Gardener and will provide practical ways to grow your spiritual garden. Whether you are a new or seasoned believer, this study will resonate with you.