Latest news from Janet Wilson of Dernier Publishing

Welcome to the
December 2013

Dernier Publishing

newsletter!

Family, food, friends and fun?

It's great to celebrate. Like many other Christians, though, I struggle with the mix of consumerism and faith at Christmas. There's Jesus in the manger versus Santa in his grotto (yes, I took my grandson to the latter). There's our joyful celebrations when brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are having their churches bombed and their services disrupted. Half the world will go hungry while we will stuff our faces until we can't eat any more. For days on end. But I will join in, and be grateful that Christ came. Can you guess what these lovely festive items are in the photo? They're Christmas treats for dogs. You can buy Christmas outfits for your dog, too. Has the world gone mad? No, just desperately seeking something to fill the hole that only God can fill. We need to help them find it. After all, that's why Jesus came.

It's a Wonderful Life!

Remember that old film, 'It's a Wonderful Life' where the hero is shown what would have happened if he hadn't done the good he did for the people of his town? We have been placed where we are for a reason – God has prepared good works for us to do! Christmas is such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to those we love with a gift of a book instead of chocolate (tin of chocs same price as one of our books!) - if you're not sure what to buy, your local Christian bookshop can help you choose the perfect present. Don't let's miss that opportunity – books can change lives! If you can afford it, why not buy Christian books/gifts for all your friends, family and neighbours? You could be the sower of so much blessing, to pass on down the generations . . . awesome! Click here if you'd like to look at our books for children.

Is it Santa's birthday?

According to a survey conducted for the Children's Society, 14% of 6-12 year-olds think 25th December is Santa's birthday. Want to fight back? How about offering a gift of books for your local school library or local library this Christmas? Check out the latest 'special offers' page on our website for a good deal to help you reach out to the children where you are with the 'message in a story'. Click here to go to Dernier website

Kindle for Christmas?

You can buy 'The Treasure Hunt' and 'Mystery in the Snow' on Amazon. Great if you need a story for your 8-11s in a hurry – ready to read in just five minutes – perfect for a wet, grey day in the holidays! Also great for reluctant readers who think it's fun to read on something digital, or for those with less than perfect eyesight – you can increase the size of the font :-)

Books for children in Kenya

Thank you to those of you who have bought books for children in Kisumu in Kenya. It's not too late to buy a book; all donated books will be taken over to the children in the spring. Let me know if you would like to join in the blessing!

Also, I have been talking to a lady who works for a Christian charity that reaches out to prisoners in this country. Did you know that there are around 200,000 children in England and Wales with a parent in prison? 7% (around 1 in 15) children will experience their father’s imprisonment before they leave school. This charity helps prisoners send presents to their children (including a Christian book if the parent would like this) – you can read all about it here: Angel Tree Wouldn't it be great if we were able to help supply books for these children, to share the 'message in a story' with them, and help their relationship with their parent? Please pray as we consider how we can best help. If you have any ideas, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Sharing the wealth :-)

Here is a book review we received recently of 'Under the Tamarind Tree', with many thanks to all of you who pray. “My name is Annie*, I’m 11 years old, and I’m a missionary kid in Central Africa (in Cameroon). I’ve lived in Africa for 8 years. I’m home-schooled and I like to do art.

I like “Under the Tamarind Tree” because I find it interesting reading about a boy who’s just become a missionary kid. The book is set in Rwanda and I lived in Rwanda for 5 years. I can relate to a lot of what the book is about. Mary Weeks Millard describes life in Rwanda so well that it makes me feel like I’m back there.

“Under the Tamarind Tree’’ is exciting and interesting. It really gives you a feel for what it’s like for kids who have left their home country to serve God where people need Him.

I think this book is good for both boys and girls, aged 12 and under. When I read it, it makes me forget my worries and problems because I get into the book so much. The book isn’t just for missionary kids – anyone would enjoy it.” *Name changed

If your church supports missionaries with children, how about sending them a parcel of exciting Christian stories? 

Well I was hoping to fit in some more reviews, and news of the Christian Parenting Challenge, but I've run out of room! I'll try to fit in another newsletter between now and Christmas :-)

May you have a wonderful time of Advent, and may you sow many seeds!

   

With grateful thanks as always,

Janet

P.S. If you need any help choosing a book or a selection of books, please do ask :-)

Could you buy a book for a needy child in Kenya?

Don't you just love harvest?

I'm not really that keen on food shopping, but I do love standing back and looking at the amazing things God has provided for us to eat! I just got these out of my fridge . . . isn't the range incredible? In shape, size, colour, texture, flavour . . . stunning!

Most churches have a harvest festival where we have an opportunity to make a donation to people not as fortunate as ourselves. It's a good time to reflect on our own blessings and to remember those who are struggling, not just in our thoughts and prayers, but in a practical way. Our church gave our harvest gifts to the local foodbank, so we can share some of the good things we have been given with people who would otherwise go hungry.

Giving is an essential part of the Christian life. If you know any children who are spiritually hungry, why not buy them one of our books? Jesus said, “I am the bread of life”. Spiritual nourishment is also essential for true life. Why not share what you have been given with those who so desperately need it?

Could you buy a book for a needy child in Kenya?

Following on from the above, if you would love to “feed a child” but don't have any children to buy for, we can help! I have had links with the Christian-run Kisumu Children in Kenya for several years, since a friend went out there to work with orphans and street kids. I recently had a thought and wrote to Dr. Peter Brierley, who began the project, to ask if the children's home might like some extra books. Here is Peter's reply:

Dear Janet,

What a lovely thought! Our children would love to have a book sent to them, and, for that matter, so would the local Primary School. We have a library with some of your books already in it which is well used, so adding others would be much appreciated by the children.

I visit Kisumu twice a year and can always take a few books out with me.

Grateful to you,

Peter

If you would like to buy a book for these beautiful children in Kenya, and their brothers, sisters and classmates, there are four ways you can do this:

1. If you would like to give a one-off donation (perhaps as part of your Christmas giving?), email Janet at Dernier with your details, which book/s you would like to buy, and I will send the invoice to you and the book/s to Peter. You can pay the invoice by sending us a cheque or paying by BACS.
2. You can order the book/s through our website Dernier Publishing, but make sure you send a message at the same time on the contact form to say that you want the book/s you have ordered to go to Kisumu, not to be sent to your address!
3. If you would like to give a book every month, we can send you a standing order to pay through your bank. Twelve books a year for just £5.99 a month – imagine how many children that could “feed”! Let me know and I'll send you the form.
4. If you buy one of our books from your local Christian bookshop and send it to us, we will make sure it reaches the children of Kisumu.

If you would like us to write a message in the front of your book, we'll happily do that for you, or you can send a card to go with your gift. I am so excited about this scheme! If it is successful, we'd love to be able to “feed” other needy children with our books, too – imagine them going out all over the world to children who so badly need to know of God's love and care for them . . . I feel God is in this, and it could be the beginning of something wonderful - do share in the blessing with us!

If you have any questions about the scheme, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Like to know more about Kisumu Children? Just follow this link: Kisumu Children

 

Kindest regards, and thanks so much for partnering with us,

 

Janet

P.S. Please do forward this to anyone you think might be interested! Thank you :-)