March 26, 2010

etc. -- Bookmark

Harold L. Lee with Benjamin Baker, C.D.: The Man Behind the Message (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2013), 239 pages + 12 pages index, $17.99 (paper), reviewed by Wilona Karimabadi, assistant editor, Adventist Review.

If you work in the General Conference office building, you often have the privilege of seeing C. D. Brooks in the hallways or cafeteria, or walking through the parking lot. As chaplain for the North American Division, this kindhearted man with a gentle but bright smile can always be found holding elevators open for fellow employees or offering a cheerful greeting, even if he doesn’t know you. His presence in the building is a welcome one, for if you are like me, you can’t help feeling a little lucky to share office space with such a giant of the Adventist Church.30 1 5 3

While I knew that C. D. Brooks was a champion evangelist and world-renowned speaker, I admit to not knowing much else about his life. Therefore, I was only too eager to snag a copy of Harold Lee and Benjamin Baker’s biography of him. I ended up reading the book in about two days.

As this book is extremely well researched, the narrative makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall during key moments of Brooks’s life. You can picture the hospital room where his mother lay ill, and hear the words she heard in vision instructing her to keep all the commandments—the starting point that led her to Sabbathkeeping and the Adventist Church. From there you are part of the story of Brooks’s life as a boy near Greensboro, North Carolina, to his days as a student at Oakwood University, bucking all kinds of odds; to his romance and marriage to his beloved Walterene, through his struggles and triumphs as a young pastor, and then to the Christlike manner in which he dealt with the ugliness of racism during pivotal years of his career in ministry; then on through the founding and growth of the Breath of Life ministry. All these moments in the life of one of the greatest preachers our denomination has ever known point readers to the inspiration so evident in C. D. Brooks’s life: his deep love of his Savior, Jesus. It was certainly a privilege to learn more about this man who has done so much good for others in his mission to win souls.

From time to time we are all in need of a good read that boosts our personal relationship with Christ through seeing His power in the life of someone else. This book—from start to finish—testifies of exactly that. Through reading it I found myself reminded of God’s goodness in my own life while marveling at how He moved giant mountains in Brooks’s life and ministry to accomplish amazing things for His kingdom. It’s a book that quite simply leaves the reader deeply impressed and inspired. That was certainly its effect on me.

World church president Ted Wilson’s comments in the foreword of the book reiterates that sentiment. “In this special book,” he says, “you will find thrilling stories of God using this powerful preacher to blaze new trails in evangelism, church organization, and human relations. You will also learn to lean on God in various circumstances, bringing encouragement to your life and walk with Jesus. Ultimately, as you read about Elder Brooks’s life and ministry, you will be inspired to rededicate your life to Jesus and to tell others of His saving power.”

As the weather gets wintry in the Northern Hemisphere, take the opportunity to stay indoors one Sabbath afternoon and curl up with this book. You’ll find your heart warmed and your faith strengthened in the story of the life and times of a servant of God, who has done great things just through his willingness to be used by the Lord.

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