Margaret Wiltshire reviews two biographies ahead of the Christmas break.

With so much unbelief in the truth of the Bible these days, including within the ‘Church’, it was a treat to read biographies of two Englishmen who have followed the Lord their entire lives.

One is five years older than me, the other five years younger. They have both created lasting legacies in God’s Kingdom; but how different their callings.

'Strands of Destiny' (2017, Sovereign World)

Peter Horrobin began his working life lecturing in college and university, and late moved into publishing. One day, while restoring a broken-down car, God spoke to him: “You could restore this broken car, but I can restore broken lives. Which is more important?” So began Peter’s search for what God meant him to do and finally the opening of Ellel Grange in Lancashire as the centre for a Christian healing ministry in 1986, 16 years after his original call to the healing ministry.

Peter’s model for the healing ministry has been replicated in two other centres in England: Glyndley Manor near Eastbourne, and Pierrepoint near Farnham. Ellel Ministries also has centres in 30 countries round the world; continuing to grow and spread the fragrance of Christ and his healing love. Peter remains international director.

This easy-to-read book about how God prepared Peter for his life’s calling and established his ministry over a period of several decades is encouraging and faith-building

‘Strands of Destiny: How God used a crashed car to envision and build a ministry that touches the nations’ (464pp) is available from the publisher for £14.99. Also on Amazon Kindle. Find out more about Peter’s life and work on his blog.

'A Man After God’s Own Heart' (2017, Eurovision)

David Hathaway’s biography is a much more challenging read. An evangelist from his early years, he found himself unwanted by the Church in this country. In 1959 he heard that there was to be a World Pentecostal Conference in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost in 1961. He wanted to be there, but had no money to buy an air ticket, so he decided to go by car and set up an expedition to take paying passengers.

Everyone said it was impossible, but his own father had taught him ‘that there is no such word in the English language as ‘can’t’’. His was the first overland trip - and it generated so much interest that he was almost forced to set up his own travel company. This led him to several Eastern European countries, through which he had been travelling, taking Bibles to the underground churches.

Eventually he was caught and spent a year in a Communist prison in Czechoslovakia. What he endured. How he learnt to pray! What vision and courage he had after his release, to proclaim the Good News to people. What miracles he has seen as he has evangelised in the former Soviet bloc. And now God has given him a heart for our own nation.

David’s own remarkable story definitely comes with a challenge to the reader. While we are not all called to ‘live on the edge’ in the way that he has, we are all called to deepen our relationship with the Lord and to grow our faith. Are we ready to step out, in our land, and see great things happen for the Kingdom?

‘David Hathaway: A man after God’s own heart’ (254pp, paperback) is written by Katie Morris and Timofey Medvedev. Available from the publisher for £10. On Amazon Kindle for less.