Awakening to God by Gerard Long

Do you feel “down” in your Christian faith, like you are not fulfilling the life God has for you? Are you frustrated because of your lack of impact on those around you? Perhaps you are passionate but you need practical ideas for sharing your faith.

Long has written this book for you. He shares his own awakening to God and calls us to an awakening as well. He relates how he was awakened to God's lordship, to God's love and His purpose for life. Long found his own love for God and His Word awakened too. He tells his story of a successful career in banking and then God preparing him and his family for the move to the U.S. He shares the personal grief at the death of two of their children, and then death of his sister and his brother.

Long encourages us to awaken to God and His love, to the Holy Spirit and power for life, to our calling of making disciples, to the brokenness of the world, eternity, God-given vision for life, God's provision, prayer, and drawing others to Christ.

This is a very personal account of Long's spiritual journey interwoven with encouragement for us to join in the adventure. He shares biblical truth and the practical advice he has gained through his experience of devastating brokenness and incredible joy.

I recommend this book to those who feel something is missing in their Christian journey, those who want to see God working in their lives. The context of the ministry is ALPHA, a nonprofit organization that introduces people to Christianity through courses supported by many denominations in 169 countries.

Find out more about the book, watch a video and read testimonials here.

You can find out more about ALPHA USA here.

Gerard Long planned to build on his success as a runner and banker. After his encounter with God in 1980, he felt a calling to serve in a church in North London. He was at this church for 22 years, including 17 as a pastor, while also working in the banking and finance industry. In 2001 he moved to New York with HSBC, then to Chicago. In 2006, he decided to leave his banking career and join Alpha USA and now leads the organization. He has been featured in video series and is the author of one previous book. He and his wife live in Illinois. Find out more at http://gerardlong.com/ and follow his blog at http://gerardlong.com/blog/.

Tyndale Momentum, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.