Synopsis
The "Fire and The Focus" has an uplifting spiritual and inspirational theme. It is in reality far more than a book. It is an impressive 8.5"x11" volume of 340 pages which could be likened to a 'book series' in seven parts. It has totally unusual format variations in full color using hundreds of the author's photos - many in creative full page photo/text collages.
It is an adventure spiritually, geographically and artistically.
It begins by concentrating on following many of the actual manifestations of fire throughout the Bible as illustrations of how the Spirit of God leads and instructs us. Secondly it focuses on the simple power of the Gospel of salvation as opposed to the countless "gospels" available out there around the world.
The whole area of missions, from personal to global, is dealt with deeply, personally and compassionately. Beginning at home with a refreshingly frank look at our own Finnish Lutheran heritage and traditions. With experiences from five continents it zeroes in on 12 countries where the author has served most recently. Each is presented in one or more full page color collage. The lessons learned provide profound material for all interested in mission work and organization. Three decades of worldwide service are dealt with at length, openly and constructively.
"You Can't Love Too much! " This deeply personal theme in the author's life, is also approached with moving frankness and honesty in the "Channel It" section.
The subtitle " A Call to the Resting Place" brings us to the culmination of this work, which is to rivet our attention on the message that Jesus brought to earth for all of us, to make it a reality in our everyday lives when He said:
"Come unto Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I WILL GIVE YOU REST!"
"The Resting Place Mission" section reviews It's most practical application from the personal to the global. This entire book emphasizes discipleship where "the rubber meets the road." Crossing all borders!
The encouragement to REST as a personal, spiritual, geographical and time-oriented necessity is life-sustaining! It is anchored deeply and graphically in the last section featuring 32 photo/text collages from Israel, "In the Footsteps of Jesus".
About the Author
DENNIS HILMAN, BA, M.Ed., International Missionary Pastor, born in 1946 in the parkland of Alberta, Canada to second generation Finnish immigrants. Studied primarily in the US and began his teaching career there. Supported his higher education as a restaurant dishwasher, waiter, mâitre de and later manager for almost 10 years. Founding principal of Pan Terra Alternative School in Vancouver, WA at the age of 28 in 1974. Earlier went in search of his roots in Finland, found them and married there in 1967. They raised a family of four children, now grown, first in the US and then in Finland for 45 years. Ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. - residing mostly in Finland. First wife Birgitta (Zilliacus) from Helsinki was taken suddenly in cancer in 2008. Remarried Marilyn (Stenersen) from WA/FL in 2014, also a dedicated woman with a true missionary heart. Asst. English Professor and Dean of Students, Helsinki, Finland 1976-82. Then vice principal, and teacher of English and communication at the Lärkkulla Christian Academy in Karis, Finland for 17 years. In 1999 he was led to give up all things familiar - his long-term position at Lärkkulla, his home, most possessions, proximity to his family, friends and congregation - called into full time international ministry, beginning in Russia. There he was soon formally ordained as a Lutheran pastor, the head of a fast-growing new congregation which he served for 7 years, in addition to village, prison and other ministries. In Russian. Throughout his life the author has followed the example of Jesus in bringing the message of peace and rest to the less fortunate, imprisoned, maligned, rejected and the like (e.g. under-dogs) with a specific heart for the youth. Counselor, mentor, teacher, preacher, pastor, father figure and friend on a global scale who has taken the hands-on Gospel of his Lord to nearly 30 countries. He was called and anointed into mission service abroad in 1990 in Riga, Latvia which dramatically confirmed a vision received as a 17-year-old in Goldendale, WA in 1963. Active servant of God's Word and disciple of Jesus Christ all of his adult life . "YOU CAN'T LOVE TOO MUCH!!" This is the bearing theme imparted to the author by a man of faith, wisdom and years decades ago, again in the example of Jesus, This powerfully simple focus and chief inspiration for life, has certainly not made things easy many times, but has provided blessings in abundance as is evidenced by the fruits of his labors, yes also in this book. The author is now chief advisor to "The Resting Place Mission - Worldwide." The theme bears.
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