In the first Bloomsbury Lent book, former Conservative MP and Strictly star Ann Widdecombe explores the place of penance in a 'me, me, me' world. What is our modern concept of penance? Is it giving up chocolates for Lent or is it a lasting state of the awareness of sin? Is it public or private? Is it punishment or greater closeness to God? Is it always a response to personal sin or can an individual do penance for others' sins, or for the world? Ann Widdecombe looks at voluntary penance and its relation to repentance, at prescribed but not enforced penance as part of the sacrament of Absolution and, as an ex-Prisons Minister, at the role of penance as enforced by the State. Penance in art, penance in literature, penance in history, penance in the Bible are all examined in an important and thoughtful meditation on the concept of penance in the 21st Century.

In this deeply personal account of her first year as a missionary, Elisabeth Elliot shares what it was like to work in the jungles of Ecuador with a small group of women, bringing the Word of God to the indigenous tribe that martyred her husband. With fascinating detail, she captures the stark realities of life among these complex people and reflects upon the "strange ashes" that can result when an act of obedience is passed through the fires of God's perfect--yet mysterious--will. These Strange Ashes is more than a remarkable sharing of a year in the life of a Christian missionary; it is a reflection on the great questions of life and a memorable testimony to the realities of authentic Christian commitment. First published nearly 40 years ago, this classic is sure to inspire a new generation to find and follow God's will--wherever it leads them.

Must we stumble through sorrow and tragedy without understanding or is there a lighted way--a path--through suffering? Elisabeth Elliot plots the treacherous passage through pain, grief, and loss a journey most of us will make many times in our life. Through it all, she says, there is only one reliable path, and if you walk it, you will see the transformation of all your losses, heartbreaks, and tragedies into something strong and purposeful. In this powerful moving book, Elisabeth Elliot does not hesitate to ask hard questions, to examine tenderly the hurts we suffer, and to explore boldly the nature of God whose sovereign care for us is so intimate and perfect that he confounds our finite understanding. A Path through Suffering is a book for anyone searching for faith, comfort, and assurance.

Few Christian authors are as beloved as the courageous former missionary and bestselling writer Elisabeth Elliot. She knows what it means to trust God when things are tough, and readers resonate with her encouraging but direct prose that prods them to greater faith and commitment to God's Word. In this beautiful gift book containing selections from some of Elliot's classic writings, readers will discover solace for a broken heart; straight talk about surrender and sacrifice; support for those who wait; and comfort for those who are wrestling with fear. She urges worried readers toward positive action, prompts others to take risks, and gently soothes and comforts those experiencing doubts and change. Through the words of a woman who has found that God is enough for every situation, readers will find encouragement for their spiritual journey and impetus for personal growth. Faith That Does Not Falter is a revised edition of Taking Flight, a gift book for graduates. Now it is an excellent gift for any Elliot fan, those experiencing a difficult time in their lives, or anyone looking for short devotional readings to help them mature in the faith.

Forty years ago the world was shocked by the news that Auca Indians had martyred Jim Elliot and four other American missionaries in the jungles of Ecuador. That was the first chapter of one of the most breathtaking stories of the 20th century. This book tells the story in text and pictures of Elisabeth Elliot's venture into Auca territory to live with the same Indians who had killed her husband.

Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) was a missionary and author who spent over fifty years of her life without returning home serving mainly low caste girls and boys in South India. Iain Murray's concise biography provides an enlightening and moving account of her remarkable life and love for her Saviour, as well as perceptively drawing lessons from it.