Tombstones and Banana Trees by Medad Birungi and Craig Borlase

A Revolution of Forgiveness
Medad Birungi faced pain few imagine yet speaks of forgiveness all can experience.

Birungi grew up with a violent father in the war-torn country of Uganda in the 1960's. His childhood was scarred by extreme poverty, cruel suffering and unbearable sorrow that few of us can even imagine. Yet from that trauma came the lessons that we can all appreciate: the impoverishment of life without Christ, the redemption of the cross and the revolutionary power of forgiveness. His story deals in nothing less than pure god-given transformation. Tombstone's and Banana Trees has the dual quality of being both uniquely individual yet universally relevant, holding together the grandest of themes and most intimate of testimonies. Birungi's life is so comprehensively renewed that any reader sharing in his journey will feel the impact.

Tombstones and Banana Trees will take readers back to their own tombs and funerals and help them ask how God turn them into new births and celebrations. Their eyes will be opened to the revolutionary change that God Himself has in store for all.


After reading the life story of Mr. Birungi and all that he went through, I was thoroughly awed at how the Lord changed his life from bitterness and hatred to a life of forgiveness. Page after page I read about the abuse, poverty and suffering he and his family endured. My heart broke for the child he was and rejoiced to learn about the man he became, in the Lord. 

He doesn't just talk about forgiveness but he walks in forgiveness and in doing so challenged me to examine my life and walk with God. It caused me to question whether or not I walk in forgiveness or harbor anger and resentment. 

After he accepted the Lord as his Savior, the Lord began dealing with the bitterness and hatred and unforgiveness. As he began to pray for those who had caused him harm, God began to do an unbelieveable work in his heart and life.

Tombstones and Banana Trees is a book I would recommend for anyone to read who struggles with forgiveness in their lives. It will cause you to face the unforgiveness in your own life and seek the One who forgave us as He died for us. 

    Reverend Medad Birungi is a Bible teacher, lecturer, pastor and founder of World Shine Ministries, an organization that evangelizes, disciples, and intercedes in prayer in Uganda and around the world. Medad and his wife have five children and live in Uganda.

Click here to learn more about World Shine Ministries and the work Reverend Birungi is involved in.







This book was provided by The B & B Media Group, Inc., for the purpose of review. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

Book Review Catch-up!

Ok everyone... Here we go! Have fun reading and don't forget to leave a comment! I hope the links work..... they did on the test.... but if they don't please let me know!

Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts

This is a heart warming story about a young woman named Mattie Evans who is the veterinarian for a small town in Kansas and a retired pro football player, Gilbert McCray.

Mattie loves living in the Flint Hills and caring for the animals on the various ranches. She took over an existing veterinarian clinic in her home town so she could stay in the place she loved most. I can understand that, after having lived for 13 years away from where I grew up. I couldn't get back “home” soon enough.

Gilbert McCray's family has a large ranch in the Flint Hills, but because of the past, he couldn't get out of Kansas fast enough. He ends up coming back home because of his horse, Dusty, and a desire to make some peace with the past.

Mattie and Gilbert both learn how to let go of the past, look forward to the future and mostly, they learn about forgiveness.

Deborah Vogts is a wonderful writer who will have you feeling the wind coming off of Flint Hills and experience the joy of forgiveness.

This is a Kindle book that I was able to download for free. The publisher has the option of changing the free status to pay. So if you want to read this book for yourself for free, be sure to download it today.

Gingham Bride by Jillian Hart

This is off of the back cover:

“Fiona O'Rourke doesn't believe in love – and certainly not in a marriage arranged by her cruel father. And even if her unexpected betrothed seems honorable and kind, can she trust his motives...or the attraction between them?

Ian McPherson came to Montana to salvage his family's dwindling fortune, not to take a wife. But he's instantly drawn to Fiona. He wants to protect her- even if that means pretending that they're engaged. In a season of surprises and miracles, there's nothing he won't give to show Fiona his love is for always.”

This is such a sweet story! Fiona and Ian both are suffering from an arranged marriage by their respective families. This arrangement took place when they were but children. Neither one wants to get married for their own reasons. But, because of her cruel father, they pretend to be engaged until another option makes its way known. They both learn to trust and forgive and maybe even fall in love.

Gingham Bride is set in Angel County, Montana Territory during 1883. Jillian Hart did a wonderful work in her research and setting the stage for this story. You, the reader, will not be disappointed and she includes a discussion at the end of the story to help you reflect on took place and how it helps you in your faith.

The Cowboy's Baby by Linda Ford

When you first open the book, this is what you will read.....

“It was as if he were seeing things that had developed since the last time they had been honest with each other.

Anna let her thoughts grow and expand, knew they filled her eyes even as they filled her heart. She was being more open with him at this moment than she had been since his return....

“Would you mind singing it as I play so I can hear the words in my head?”

Colby's voice seemed to come from a long tunnel, taking its time to reach her brain.

Anna jerked away and turned back to the piano keys. She must guard her heart. And thoughts. Hadn't she learned that lesson already?

So she played. He played. And she sang.

And despite her constant mental warnings, Anna let the music wash over her, numb her caution. She knew a height of pleasure so new and unfamiliar she didn't even know what to call it.

It was the music. That was all. Nothing more....”

This is a story you will enjoy reading. Linda Ford writes in a warm manner. She breathes life into her characters, making them real.

Colby Bloxham returns home after being gone for two years. He left his baby daughter with Anna, his former sweetheart.

Anna has cared for and raised little Dorrie without the benefit of Colby's assistance. She isn't ready to trust Colby again, after he has broken every promise he made.

Colby claims to have found faith in God, yet, Anna doesn't know that she can trust him again.

Together they learn how to trust, forgive and deal with the past hurts and move forward to a better future.

Linda Ford includes a discussion section at the back of the book for you to use to help you strengthen your faith.