Chasing After Faith, a new personal spiritual development and small-group study guide written by Pastor Mark. E. Lingenfelter of the Leamersville, Pa., Grace Brethren Church, has just been released by BMH Books of Winona Lake, Ind.
Subtitled “Capturing Hope Though a Daughter’s Special Needs,” the book chronicles the journey Lingenfelter and his wife, Angie, took through the discovery and adjustment to a number of birth and developmental problems with their daughter, Faith.
In the introduction, Lingenfelter stresses, “This book is NOT a record of woes and hardship, and it is not a pool of self-pity or sorrow.” Instead, he says, “This is a book about the JOY found growing in the soil of suffering. It is intended to challenge the reader to consider the value of chasing after a life of faith.”
The slim 71-page paperback contains eight chapters, each teaching a spiritual principle learned through the Lingenfelters’ experience, and each followed by several pages of discussion questions and exercises designed for individual study or small-group discussion.
Four pages of color photos highlight the growth and development of Lingenfelters’ daughter, who is now six years old.
“Dark moments and difficult circumstances can shake our faith,” says Pastor Dan Gregory of Grace Church in Akron, Ohio. “This is a powerful, yet down-to-earth book about real people walking through real challenges chasing a real faith in a real God.”
“Shepherds lead best when God has deepened them through dark days. This is an excellent tool for pastors, fathers, or small group leaders to help people talk through vital faith issues,” adds Tom Avey, fellowship coordinator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
Chasing After Faith is available through online booksellers, at Christian bookstores, or at bmhbooks.com. The retail price is $9.95 and the ISBN is 978-0-88469-280-5.