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| The True Story of a Congregation, an Arsonist, a Pastor . . . and Forgiveness | |||||||
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MINNEAPOLIS "My son burned down their church, brought great pain and loss to the congregation, destroyed years of work and memories. In return, Pastor Rick Rouse and the Trinity Lutheran Church family gave my son love, forgiveness, healing, and hope,"said George Keller. Early Sunday morning, August 9, 1992, the piercing sound of a phone ringing woke Pastor Rick Rouse from a deep sleep-and that is when his nightmare began as he listened in disbelief that his church was on fire. Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lynwood, Washington, was burned to the ground by one of the most prolific arsonists in the history of the United States. When Paul Keller was finally apprehended and imprisoned, one of his first visitors was Rick Rouse, pastor of the church he burned. Pastor Rouse said that he was compelled by Christ to visit Paul and offer him his personal forgiveness. That simple and profound act began a process of healing and transformation that included the entire congregation, the victims of arson, and his family. Through sharing his story in his book, Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness and highlighting other stories of forgiveness Pastor Rouse outlines the path toward reconciliation that many have experienced when relying upon God's gift of forgiveness. Sharing the hurt and heartache, Rouse weaves an intricate story of emotions and events that led him, his family, and his congregation on the road to healing. He details the terror of living in a community where seventy-five businesses, homes, and churches were burned, and shares how they dealt with their initial denial, how they shared the anger they experienced, and how they came together as a group to learn to bargain for resolution. Finally, Rouse reveals how they accepted their depression and arrived at acceptance and forgiveness. Because all of us wrestle with the issue of forgiveness and the need for healing in our lives and relationships, the messages in Fire of Grace resonate strongly with audiences of all ages. Complete with scripture verses for meditation and reflection, questions for reflection, and prayers, Fire of Grace is ideal for individuals and study groups alike. "Fire of Grace is an unforgettable true story of faith, a compelling book that you will want to read in a single sitting. At the end, God's promise rings bold and true: When you walk through the fire, the flame shall not consume you.' Indeed, it shall be so!" Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Bakken, physician, pastor, and author of The Journey into God: Healing and Christian Faith (Augsburg Fortress). "It was very inspiring and brought tears, joy, and hope as I, myself, became woven into the story." Joann Nesser, founder of Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, and author of Prayer Journey from Self to God and Journey into Reality. ." . . I read my own post 9/11 experiences into it and was illumined on my journey of comfort, renewal, and forgiveness." Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metropolitan New York Synod. "Pastor Rouse's simple yet profound story of his own journey illustrates that those who hate consume themselves, but those who forgive are baptized into the Fire of Grace. . . ." Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Richard W. Rouse is the Executive Director for Church Relations and Continuing Theological Education at Pacific Lutheran University. A parish pastor for twenty-two years before coming to PLU, Rouse is a popular conference speaker and workshop leader, and leads seminars across the country on the healing power of forgiveness. He has appeared on NBC Dateline, the Oprah Winfrey Show, and on BBC and Dutch television. For further information about his ministry visit http://gracetoforgive.org/. Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness Price: $12.99; Format: Paperback, 176 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches; ISBN: 0-8066-5112-1; Publisher: Augsburg Books, Minneapolis, MN. |
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