Pitching in the Promised Land


Book Description

It was the first (and last) season of professional baseball in Israel. Aaron Pribble, twenty-seven, had been out of Minor League Baseball for three years while he pursued a career in education when, at his coach's suggestion, he tried out for the newly formed Israel Baseball League (IBL). Of Jewish descent (not a requirement, but definitely a plus) and former pro, Pribble was the ideal candidate for the upstart league. In many ways the league resembled the ultimate baseball fantasy camp with its unforgettable cast of characters: the DJ/street artist third baseman from the Bronx, the wildman catcher from Australia, the journeymen Dominicans who were much older than they claimed to be, and, of course, seventy-one-year-old Sandy Koufax, drafted in a symbolic gesture as the last player. After falling in love with a beautiful Yemenite Jew, enduring an alleged terrorist attack on opening day, witnessing a career-ending brain injury caused by improper field equipment, participating in a strike, and venturing into the West Bank despite being strongly advised against it, Pribble must decide whether to forgo a teaching career in order to become the first player from the IBL to sign a pro contract in the United States. His is a story of coming of age spiritually and athletically in one short season in the throes of romance, Middle Eastern politics, and the dreams of America's pastime far, far afield from home.




Genesis


Book Description

In this commentary James McKeown treats Genesis as a book of beginnings and a foundational sourcebook for biblical theology. He begins with exegesis of the Hebrew text, highlighting the recurrence of key words, phrases, and themes throughout the book. He also draws attention to passages particularly pertinent to earlier readers either facing or returning from exile, offering a historical context outside a solely Christian perspective. The second half of the book unpacks the numerous theological horizons of Genesis -- main unifying themes (descendants, blessing, land); key theological teachings of Genesis (creation, fall, character and image of God, life of faith); and the contribution of Genesis to theology today, including its impact on science, ecology, and feminist theology. McKeown's Genesis provides a solid examination of a scriptural book that reflects the struggles and hopes of its readers -- ancient and modern -- and offers encouragement for their walk with God.




Waiting for Wonder


Book Description

It’s easy to believe God when a promise is new. It’s hard when the years pass and nothing changes. It’s even harder when desperation strikes, your plans backfire, and still God does not fill the emptiness. But what if, in this waiting, God is calling us to more? Join author Marlo Schalesky on a unique, contemplative journey to reveal the wonder that is often missed when we find ourselves struggling to wait well. Walking through the life of the biblical character Sarah, one who knows what it means to wait, you will discover a glimpse of God’s character that will give you strength to keep hoping and praying for the desires of your heart. Waiting for Wonder is a journey into the heart of God where you will wrestle with personal questions, think deeply about God’s true character, and learn to appreciate His divine work as you discover your own path to the promised land. Recapture your hope, restore your soul, and renew your vision of a wondrous Savior when you learn to live on God’s time. Leader guide also available.




Down to the Last Pitch


Book Description

Never in baseball history had a last place team rebounded to take the pennant the following season. Yet in 1991, lightning struck twice as the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves, a pair of cellar dwellers the year before, faced each other in an unforgettable World Series. For both clubs, the turnaround was one for the ages. Minnesota and Atlanta rallied throughout the 1991 season around a crop of rising stars—Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz—who each spirited their team's unlikely run all the way to the World Series. And what a Fall Classic it proved to be, with five of the seven games decided by a single run, four decided on the final pitch, and three—including game seven—ending in extra innings. When the final out was recorded, the cover headline in Baseball Weekly read: “Best World Series Ever.” In Down to the Last Pitch, Tim Wendel delivers all the hopes, dreams, and drama in a season—and a Series—touched by magic.




Spies in the Promised Land


Book Description

SPIES IN THE PROMISED LAND takes a dramatic episode from the Bible (the Book of Numbers) and brings it to life in a vibrant way. Numbers is one of the most overlooked books of the Bible, yet it offers some of the most dramatic material, including the story of the 12 spies’ excursion into the land of Israel and the subsequent conflict that their disastrous report would bring upon the fledgling nation of Israel. As a result of their report, the nation of Israel would be banned from entering the land, and forced to wander the desert for another 40 years. The Biblical story also offers great warrior-heroes in the characters of Caleb (the protagonist), and Joshua, who were both spies on the expedition. SPIES IN THE PROMISED LAND is a moving, literary and powerful work of fiction which brings the Biblical book of Numbers to life for the first time. It is a must-read for both readers of the Bible and for the general audience that loved historical fiction like THE RED TENT.




Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents, 29th Edition


Book Description

Jeff Herman’s Guide unmasks nonsense, clears confusion, and unlocks secret doorways to success for new and veteran writers! This highly respected resource is used by publishing insiders everywhere and has been read by millions all over the world. Countless writers have turned to this book to figure out how to decipher the hidden codes to getting published. It reveals: • tools to discern and exploit the rapidly changing publishing environment • the crucial differences between independent houses and the “Big 5” publishers • hard truths about self-publishing • names, interests, and contact information of hundreds of agents and editors • how writers unwittingly disqualify themselves from the consideration they deserve, and how to optimize chances with agents • critical thinking skills for outside-the-box publishing strategies • the nuts and bolts of superior query letters and proposals • how to spot and avoid ever-more-prevalent scams • the value of “book doctors” and when to consider hiring them • what to do — and not do — once you’ve got an editor or publisher interested Herman’s book remains the go-to guide for everything anyone ever wanted to know about book publishing. Comprehensive index lists dozens of subjects and categories to help you find the perfect publisher or agent.




Crash Course


Book Description

In this gripping memoir, renowned historian former Air Force navigator and intelligence officer H. Bruce Franklin offers a unique firsthand look at the American Century's darkest hours. Crash Course is essential reading for anyone who wonders how America ended up with a deeply divided and disillusioned populace, led by a dysfunctional government and mired in unwinnable wars.




Where the Nations Meet


Book Description

Ride the subway or a bus in New York, London, Los Angeles, or any number of other cities around the country or around the world, and you will be impressed by a cacophony of languages, a crazy quilt of skin colors and a ceaseless array of cultural histories. Excitingly and sometimes confusingly, this is the world the church now serves. Pastor Stephen Rhodes, in whose congregation thirty-two nationalities gather weekly, fervently believes Christians should embrace the varied cultures that now surround us. In Where the Nations Meet he sets forth a biblical, ministry-tested pastoral theology of multiethnic ministry. He shows how God's creation was always intended to be multicultural, how the church is called to evangelize, serve and include all ethnicities, how the church can bring healing to increasing conflict in a world of so much difference, and much more. Peppered his prose with inspiring and challenging stories from multicultural congregations, Rhodes not only provides a theological basis for multicultural ministry but also suggests how such ministry can be successfully conducted in all churches. He offers a valuable guide for all pastors and laypersons who want their church to be a place of unbounded celebration where the nations meet.







Baseball in Europe


Book Description

 With the success of The Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, baseball in Europe has begun to receive more attention. But few realize just how far back the sport's history stretches on the continent. Baseball has been played in Europe since the 1870s, and in several countries the players and devoted followers have included royalty, Hall of Famers from the U.S. major leagues, and captains of industry. Featuring approximately 80 new interviews and 70 new photos and images, this second edition builds extensively on the previous edition's country-by-country histories of more than 40 European nations. Also included are two new appendices on European players signed by MLB organizations and European countries' performance in worldwide rankings.