Welcome
to the
December 2013
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 :-)
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