Description: Depression and related illnesses threaten to wreck the lives of many teens and their families. Suicide driven by these illnesses is one of the top killers of these young people. How do teens become depressed? What does depression feel like? How can we identify it? What helps depressed teens? What hurts them? How do families cope with teen depression? In A Relentless Hope Gary Nelson uses his experience as a pastor and pastoral counselor to guide the reader through an exploration of these and many other questions about teen depression. Nelson has worked with many teens over the years offering help to those who find themselves confronted by this potentially devastating attacker. The author also uses the story of his own son's journey through depression to weave together insights into the spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biological, and relational dimensions of teen depression. Through careful analysis, candid self-revelation, practical advice, and even humor, this pastor, counselor, and father reminds us that God's light of healing can shine through the darkness of depression and offer hope. A Relentless Hope is written for teens, parents, teachers, pastors, and any who walk with the afflicted through this valley of the shadow of death. Endorsements: ""Whether you are a youth struggling with depression, a family member of a depressed teen, or a pastor, counselor or teacher providing support and help in such circumstances, this book is a must read as the most informative and helpful volume available on the subject."" --Merle R. Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychology Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology ""This story of a family is an incredible gift of honest reflection. So many families deal with the issue of teen depression. . . As the dean of a theological school I am aware of the numbers of youth that my students deal with who are in this book. Depression, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, self doubt and even considerations of suicide as an answer--all are in our communities and probably in even a small church. This book is about an attitude that avoids denial, attempts to keep a sense of humor, and believes in the miracle of life. Thank you, Tom, for allowing your story to be told."" --Maxine Clarke Beach, Vice President and Dean, Drew Theological School This is a story of amazing grace! I love the challenge Gary gave the reader throughout the book: ""Never give up on loving!"" I was reminded in a very tangible way of the limitless capacity of God who loves us the same way--He never stops! What an incredible mantra for all of us: ""Never give up on loving. . . . Never!"" I wonder how different our world would be if we practiced this command? --Rev. Dale Seley, Pastor Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia About the Contributor(s): Gary E. Nelson, DMin, is a United Methodist minister who for thirty years has worked with teens and their families as a local church pastor and as a pastoral counselor. He currently pastors a church in West Virginia.

"Relentless Hope: A True Story of War and Survival" is the harrowing and inspirational survival story of Major Chester "Chet" Britt, captured on Bataan in the Philippines and made a prisoner of war during World War II. This book has been researched extensively and checked for historical accuracy. His wife Grace, evacuated from the Philippines, and gives birth to their son safe at home in America, She supports the war effort working in an armaments factory. Chet suffers through savage beatings, starvation, extreme thirst, illness, and terror on the Bataan Death March. He inexplicably escapes death by friendly bombing on 2 different Hell Ships and exposure to winter cold on a 3rd ship taking him to Japan, a trip that kills most of his friends, that have formed a "circle of life" to help and protect each other. He endures starvation, illness, and beatings in 6 prison camps that result in death for thousands of other prisoners. "Relentless Hope" recounts Chet's courage and will to survive extremely savage and barbaric conditions and the couple's desire to reunite and raise their family in peace.

Jesus' only entity to fulfill His mission? The ECCLESIA. The only mission? MAKE DISCIPLES. These two facts revolutionize ministry in the 21st century. Relentless Hope: The Unstoppable Movement of Disciple-Making Communities explains how. There is no other entity than the church to complete the Great Commission. It is Plan A and there is no Plan B. Relentless Hope calls readers to discover disciple-making as the only place to advance the kingdom of God in the world today.

A shocking and hopeful account of one woman's extraordinary courage to face her past and embrace truth in order to help others find hope and healing In The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child, Tana Amen shares her incredible story of transformation—of growing up in poverty, a bullied latch-key kid raised on sugary cereal and junk food, to becoming a world-renowned food and fitness expert. Her challenging past of neglect, poverty, sexual abuse, thyroid cancer, and bouts of anxiety and depression set her on a path to find healing. Through her remarkable journey, we see more clearly the light that can shine through our own broken places and ultimately heal us: body, mind, and soul. At once tragic and heartwarming, Tana’s story integrates cutting-edge psychology and proven wellness techniques from the Amen Clinics in a moving exploration of the healing available to each one of us, no matter the pain in our past. “What a journey! With in-your-face honesty, Tana reveals how she was able to turn her pain into purpose. For anyone who has been faced with unspeakable loss, this message is so important.” —Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Like a Monk, storyteller, purpose coach, and former monk

"There are far more sticky situations in my day than miraculous moments. I want to hear and see and experience challenges, difficulties, and setbacks and not immediately focus on the failure. Rather, I want to train my eyes to 'extract the precious' (Jeremiah 15:19, NASB)--the precious promises, truths, and intimacy God has written into the seemingly worthless pain, setbacks, and suffering we endure." Beth's compelling stories--interwoven with the wisdom of Scripture--will resonate with anyone seeking to find purpose in the midst of pain. Though people may feel confused, lost, or abandoned, there is hope. God is writing the story of our lives, and the story's not over yet. This story-driven book: * delivers honest testimonies from unique voices whose stories are living and real--they don't all have the "happy endings," but they all carry truth and hope * speaks to orphaned souls and those who have just felt that way: parents agonizing over prodigal children, addicts, people enduring physical, mental, or spiritual suffering, and people of all types who have lost something--parents, spouses, family, jobs, innocence, a chance . . . their way * brings up challenging questions and sticky situations that we are often afraid to face * offers useful and meaningful messages for the individual reader, pastors, families, church leaders, and small groups * is written by a compelling, dynamic storyteller who lives on the edge and exemplifies with integrity what it means to trust God in the midst of a myriad of challenges

Working with Resistance is about heartache, grieving, letting go and moving on - as the patient's resistances are worked through and her defences are overcome. It is, therefore, a book about hope that arises in the context of discovering that it is possible to survive the experience of heartbreak, sadder perhaps but certainly wiser and more realistic.