On the way home from a conference, Don Piper's car was crushed by a semi-truck that crossed into his lane. Medical personnel said he died instantly. While his body lay lifeless inside the ruins of his car, Piper experienced the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty and music.
90 minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper miraculously returned to life on earth with only the memory of inexpressible heavenly bliss. His faith in God was severely tested as he faced an uncertain and grueling recovery. Now he'd like to share his life-changing story with you.
90 Minutes in Heaven offers a glimpse into a very real dimension of God's reality. This New York Times bestseller encourages those recovering from serious injuries and those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The experience dramatically changed Piper's life, and it will change yours too.
"A friend handed me this book at about midnight, and come two or three in the morning, I was still reading, my heart pumping, bumps on my arms, the hairs on the back of my neck on end. It's a wonderful and inspiring story that brightens your perspective, giving you a sense of security, clarity and warmth."--Donald Miller, author, Blue Like Jazz
"The book describes the brief but sweet heavenly reunion Piper enjoyed with deceased relatives (as well as his grueling recovery, which has included 34 surgeries)."--Publishers Weekly
"Captivating and well written, this books holds your attention and often holds your heart. Don tells his story, his experience that all Christians long to hear. I appreciate especially his honesty and candid feelings of dealing with his recovery and pain. Don's experience will lift your spirit and soften any pain."--Ron Hill, pastor, The Fellowship of San Antonio
"Don Piper's ninety minutes in heaven changed his life and his perspective. Reading his book will give you the assurance that God is faithful to bring you through even the most horrific of circumstances. May his eyewitness account of the hope that lies before you change your perspective of this life as well!"--Michael Carter, CBN chief financial officer
]]>Embodying the best qualities of education pioneers Joe Clark and Jaime Escalante, Salome Thomas-EL is a black man dedicated to changing the lives—and dreams—of inner city kids. Born in 1964, one of eight children, Salome grew up in the Philadelphia projects. But identified early as "gifted," he had doors opened to him that are closed to most. In a media-related job, talking with superstars such as Julius Erving and Maurice Cheeks, he was on the fast track to success. But he couldn't forget his roots, or the children of the inner city.
In the late 1980s, he went back into disadvantaged neighborhoods and into the classroom. As teacher, mentor, and in most cases, the only positive male role model in these children's lives, Salome Thomas-EL would do something extraordinary: he would lead the girls and boys of his school to victory as they competed in three major championships. Chess championships. Reviving the chess club, the Mighty Bishops, Salome taught his pupils to resolve conflict with their minds instead of their fists. They went into regional competitions, to the nationals in Tennessee, and to the U.S. Open in Orlando. Not knowing they were expected to lose, they won. In the years between 1996 and 2000, Mr. Thomas-EL helped scores of other schools begin similar programs. But in the same years, twenty of his students were murdered.
Clearly, chess wasn't enough. Now in this compelling memoir, Salome Thomas-EL tells of what else needed to be done, from implementing the 100-book challenge program, to Saturday tutoring and in-school breakfasts. As his efforts began to have a citywide impact, the offers began pouring in for promotions, for advancement, for his going elsewhere. He chose to stay, and the results are an inspiration to us all.
More than just one man's story, I CHOOSE TO STAY shows concerned Americans everywhere how to make a difference in their schools and communities. Acknowledging problems, banding together to solve them, and seeing the value of mentoring relationships are all lessons to be learned from the life of this extraordinary man, whose struggle and triumph are a model of how to engage students and their creativity...and of how to live.
]]>Beloved watercolor artist Michal Sparks’ soothing paintings combine with practical helps and honest “I’ve been there” admissions from bestselling author and longtime pastor Cecil Murphey that detail handling both the physical and emotional challenges of illness. Caregivers will learn how best to handle anxiety and apprehension, answer questions honestly and with love, deal with their own emotions of exhaustion and helplessness, and bring hidden feelings to the surface.
This much–needed book uniquely combines practical ways to help a friend and family member deal with a devastating disease and spirit–lifting thoughts for celebrating the gift of life in the midst of troubles.
]]>In response to our flight from everything that is best for us, God says, "I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me." The more we endeavor to measure up to our own "scale of holiness," the more God presses in to show us precisely what we don't want to see: ourselves.
Instead of thinking of the Christian life as what we do, it's time to emphasize once again what God does. In The God Who Pursues, Murphey skillfully uses examples of flawed Old Testament characters to show us flawed modern Christians that God's invading grace still finds us when we least expect it—and when we most need it.
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