Left for Dead - Faith, Family, & the Mob


Book Description

The riveting true story that has touched hearts World Wide about two brothers raised by the Mafia in a life of gangs, drugs, bank heists, and murder. Follow their struggle to escape the trappings of mafia life- Only a True Miracle of God can save them. A story of great tragedy, and Miraculous Triumph. A powerful story of struggle, defeat, & ultimate triumph. Dennis Mansfield, CBS TV Commentator




Left for Dead


Book Description

Experience the riveting true story that has inspired and Touched Hearts around the World. Author R.K. Jensen has written a graphic first-hand account of growing up in a family deeply involved in the mob. R.K's dad is a founding member of the Mob and lived on the run from the F.B.I. for drug smuggling, bank robberies, and counterfeiting money. R.K. and his older brother Bob suffered severe child abuse in the 1960's and '70's, and thereafter joined a Los Angeles area street gang. Bob became an Assassin for the Mafia, ended up in and out of jail, and became the target of a mafia hit as a result. As a youth R.K. was attacked by adult gang members and left to die, yet miraculously survived through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Through many surgeries, a coma, and insurmountable obstacles, R.K. experienced a series of divine miracles, breaking down the barriers to a life filled with meaning and purpose. R.K. Jensen received the U.S. Army's Commanding General's Award of Merit for his work with youth. R.K. Jensen is a Speaker, Author, Actor, an award winning Artist, and a former Publisher with Freedom Communications. His story has aired world-wide on the radio, and he has been the guest of Youth Direct, Focus on the Family, New Life Church, Teen Challenge, Promise Keepers, juvenile halls, and prisons. As an actor R.K. has appeared several times on NBC's The History Channel. R.K and his wife are the proud parents of three wonderful children, a Basset Hound puppy named Isabelle, and a Dachshund named Theodore. Publishers Commentary Aaron Communications III "A powerful story well told of struggle, defeat, & ultimate triumph. This generation's New biography of a different type of'Switchblade' while still under the shadow of the same Old Rugged Cross." Dennis Mansfield, CBS TV Commentator; State Director, Promise Keepers "Mr. Jensen, I served in the Marine Corp. and I've seen and been through some terrible things. As a POW (Prisoner of War) in Iran I learned how to truly hate people. I would like to tell you that your book, Left for Dead - Faith, Family, & the Mob, has touched something inside me I didn't believe was there. Your book has made me want a relationship with God." R.D.P., Retired United States Marine "See how the most hopeless trials can be turned to Gold. Definitely a book that you cannot put down from page one." Pastor Brad Ormonde, Harvest Christian Fellowship (Calvary Chapel - Riverside) "God can have a profound effect on people from all walks of life.God does not turn His back on anyone, not even gang bangers." Lisa Taylor-Austin, MS Ed., NCC, LPC, Forensic Gang Expert Witness "R.K.'s story goes beyond mere survival of severe child abuse, parental neglect, and addiction, his story is an inspiration to us all and sheds great insight for professionals and others who work with today's at-risk youth." Kathy Silbert-Sanders, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., Psychiatric Social Worker "Kids and teens will really be inspired by this book. This amazing story shows how your surroundings don't create who you are. Dreams are not just for those with a "fairy-tale" life, but also for kids who grow up hurting." Erin Sanders, Professional Teen Actress, Hollywood, CA




Under the Banner of Heaven


Book Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU. “Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities. At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief.




Left For Dead


Book Description

Imagine having your innocence stolen at an early age by someone you trust, or struggling financially before even knowing the meaning of the word “struggling”. Ebony Canion has had her share of tumultuous events, yet even she was stunned when a speeding car hit her intentionally, dragging her through the streets with her body folded underneath the vehicle. In a coma for nearly two months, Ebony had no idea her tongue and face had to be sewn back on, or the list of thirty other life-threatening injuries she had sustained. Ebony didn’t know she’d been “Left for Dead”. In this horrifying first-hand account of a survivor, Ms. Canion delivers a riveting story about overcoming tragedy throughout her childhood, and developing the will to live after numerous attacks on her life. Her strength to learn to walk, talk, and eat again will leave you spellbound and inspired. Her scars tell a story that must be heard and will have you never wanting to complain again.




Tejano Religion and Ethnicity


Book Description

While the flags of Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the United States successively flew over San Antonio, its Tejano community (Texans of Spanish or Mexican descent) formed a distinct ethnic identity that persisted despite rapid social and cultural changes. In this pioneering study, Timothy Matovina explores the central role of Tejano Catholicism in forging this unique identity and in binding the community together. The first book-length treatment of the historical role of religion in a Mexican-origin community in the United States, this study covers three distinct periods in the emergence of Tejano religious and ethnic identity: the Mexican period (1821-1836), the Texas Republic (1836-1845), and the first decade and a half after annexation into the United States (1845-1860). Matovina's research demonstrates how theories of unilateral assimilation are inadequate for understanding the Tejano community, especially in comparison with the experiences of European immigrants to the United States. As residents of the southwestern United States continue to sort out the legacy of U.S. territorial expansion in the nineteenth century, studies like this one offer crucial understanding of the survival and resilience of Latino cultures in the United States. Tejano Religion and Ethnicity will be of interest to a broad popular and scholarly audience.




Staging Faith


Book Description

- "Lively descriptions... compelling analysis... and careful attention to historical contexts." - Judith Weisenfeld, author of Hollywood Be Thy Name "Methodically and brilliantly probes the nuances... One of the most brilliant and engaging studies on African American theater." - David Krasner, author of A Beautiful Pageant




Terror by Night


Book Description

At 3:00 a.m. on March 1, 2008, Terry Caffey awoke to find his daughter’s boyfriend standing in his bedroom with a gun. An instant later the teen opened fire, killing Terry’s wife, his two sons, and wounding him 12 times, before setting the house ablaze. Terry fell into deep depression and planned to kill himself, but God intervened. Upon visiting his burned-out property, Terry noticed a scorched scrap of paper from one of his wife’s books leaning against a tree trunk. The page read: “[God,] I couldn’t understand why You would take my family and leave me behind to struggle along without them. And I guess I still don’t totally understand that part of it. But I do believe that You’re sovereign; You’re in control.” That page was like a direct message from God, and it turned Terry’s life around. Now, one year later, Terry is remarried, the adoptive father of two young sons, and working to rebuild his relationship with his 17-year-old daughter, who is currently serving two life sentences in a Texas state penitentiary for her involvement in the crimes. Terror by Night tells the compelling story of how Terry Caffey found peace after his wife and sons were brutally murdered and his teenage daughter implicated in the crime. Sharing never-before-told details about the night of the crime and subsequent murder trial, it explains how Terry was able to forgive the men who murdered his family, and how he even interceded with the prosecutors on their behalf. A powerful example of how the power of forgiveness can bring healing after tragedy and great loss, it shows how God can bring good out of even the darkest tragedies.




The Religion Toolkit


Book Description

THE RELIGION TOOLKIT A comprehensive survey of the study of religion worldwide, from ancient indigenous traditions to today’s religious nationalism. “This is an excellent book that is a good, comprehensive overview of the history of religions and the ways of studying religion within Religious Studies... it really brings religions to life for the reader.” —Gavin Flood, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion, Oxford University “The authors provide a clear, first-rate introduction to the study of religions, origins, leading scholars and their theories and beliefs.... This is by far the best introductory volume I am aware of both in terms of substance, clarity, and insights.” — John L. Esposito, Distinguished University Professor, Georgetown University, and Past President of the American Academy of Religion The Religion Toolkit: Understanding Religion in the World Today is a clear and comprehensive introduction to the academic study of religions, providing readers an introduction to the history and theories of Religious Studies, a survey of global religious traditions, and an overview of religion in the public sphere today. Discusses theory and methodology in religion, including the disciplines of anthropology, psychology, philosophy, biblical studies, and theology Describes the early development of religion, with overviews of traditions around the world, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha’i, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto Covers traditions not commonly addressed in introductory textbooks, such as Santeria, Vodou, Tengrism, and indigenous traditions of the Americas Examines recent developments and contemporary issues such as secularization, bioethics, and the rise of religious nationalism Includes access to a companion website with discussion questions, additional material, and helpful primary and secondary sources Providing the knowledge and tools required to explore and understand the nature and roles of religion, The Religion Toolkit: Understanding Religion in the World Today, Second Edition is an excellent introductory textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in Religious Studies, History of Religion, Religions of the World, and Theory and Method in the Study of Religion, as well as a valuable resource for general readers interested in the role of religion in the world today.




Zealous Love


Book Description

Christians who are passionate about helping others—but aren’t sure where or how to focus their energy—will find much to love about Zealous Love. Authors Mike and Danae Yankoski have written just what Christians need to integrate compassion and justice into their lives. “Our hope,” they write, “is that God will work through this book … to help direct your life so that you can act on tangible concern for neighbors in need, both globally and locally. That’s the prayer knit into every sentence, every word, of Zealous Love.” Zealous Love introduces eight of the world’s most pressing challenges: hunger, unclean water, HIV/AIDS, creation degradation, lack of education, economic inequality, refugees, and human trafficking. But it does more than educate. It provides real, practical, do-able steps anyone can take to help make a difference.




Left to Tell


Book Description

Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee’s family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love—a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family’s killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman’s journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.