Cracked Vessels

    

PIC No. 109: Pails in Comparison 

• Title: Cracked Vessels: True Stories of Real Life Restoration
• Authors: J.P. and Diana Spitz with Mark Ellis
• Publisher: Deeper Revelation Books (Oct. 7, 2024, 200 pages)
• Management Bucket #13 of 20: The Crisis Bucket

Welcome to Pails in Comparison, the sidekick of John Pearson’s Buckets Blog. This blog features my “PICs”—short reviews of helpful books—with comparisons to other books in my 20 management buckets (core competencies) filing system. 

First Book I’ve Ever Read Without a Pen!

Many of my friends have heard me—incessantly—tell them, “You should write a book.” Or sometimes, “That would be a great chapter in the book you’re going to write!”

Oh, my. I’m so grateful that Mark Ellis collects “God stories” and posts them on his website, God Reports. (Example: read this stunning true story from the book, Cracked Vessels.)

Earlier this year, Ellis gave me a copy of this extraordinary book by J.P. and Diana Spitz. Here’s a teaser from the back book cover:

“How did a 73-year-old retired barber, former pastor and businessman find himself in Pakistan negotiating with the Taliban for the release of Christian slaves in Pakistani brick factories?” (Read the four chapters—documenting four visits to Pakistan. When you let those stories soak in, your heart may need a spiritual adjustment. Oh, my.)

I’ve read and reviewed over 750 books since 2006 and in each book, I underline all-over-the-book! (It's messy!) I write notes in the books and often end up with more than 50 juicy ideas for writing my book review. But…this book? After reading one chapter—I stopped and prayed:

“Lord…I sense that I should read this book—not with a book review in mind—but to first hear Your voice. This isn’t a ‘To Do’ List obligation—it’s a joy journey—and maybe a wake-up call. So…I’m putting my pen down and opening my heart to hear what You want to say to me through one or all 32 chapters.”

Honest. I didn’t underline one word. I just read, and read, and prayed. So…no spoiler alert here, but this review comes with my heartfelt recommendation: READ THIS BOOK! Pray through this book. As you marvel at the stories of changed lives and how our Gracious God used J.P. and Diana Spitz to bring Christ’s redemption and restoration to others—be prepared to hear that Still, Small Voice. Maybe something like:

“Lord, here am I, send me.”

(P.S. OK…just one spoiler alert.) You’ll read the amazing God story of the Southern California ministry, Kathy’s House, founded by Diana Spitz—and how the Lord led Jon Phillips to become the executive director. (He has his own God story. Read the book!) I just heard Phillips speak at this week’s quarterly summit of The Barnabas Group/Orange County.

Honest—I can’t stop talking about this book! At TBG/OC this week, I mentioned this powerful book to Mike Brickley of Families Set Free. (Learn more about their rescue ministry among some of the 20,000 brick-making factories in Pakistan.)

Note: This is the NEW location for John Pearson's Pails in Comparison Blog. Slowly (!), the previous 100+ blogs posted (between 2022 and 2025) will gradually populate this blogsite, along with new book reviews each month. Visit John Pearson's Buckets Blog for more book reviews. Subscribe here to Your Weekly Staff Meeting eNews.

PAILS IN COMPARISON: Reading this book reminded me of several other must-read books in the Crisis Bucket, plus other buckets/core competencies. (Over the years, I’ve reviewed fascinating books—like the following—under the heading, “You Should Write a Book!”)

[   ] When Kingdom Light Shines: Stories That Inspire Faith, by Mark Ellis (Read my review and order from Amazon.)

[   ] Stories of Sheer Pure Grace, by Nancy Nelson. (Read my review. Order from Amazon.)

[   ] A Life In The Day Of: A Strategic Air Command Veteran's Memoirs of The Cold War, by Edward D. Sabol (Read my review. Order from Amazon.)

[   ] Crazy Ambulance Tales, by Chris Treece (Read my review. Order from Amazon.)

[   ] The House at Channing and Moonsail, by Mark Ellis (Read my review. Order from Amazon.)

TO ORDER FROM AMAZON, click on the title for Cracked Vessels: True Stories of Real Life Restoration, by J.P. and Diana Spitz with Mark Ellis. For more book reviews, visit John Pearson’s Buckets Blog and subscribe to Your Weekly Staff Meeting.

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