10 of those

A thoroughly enjoyable, very informative, and inspiring read.

What a great way to mark the 150th anniversary of the Keswick Convention! Each of the short chapters in this book presents a very readable account of how the Convention has impacted someone’s life and ministry. The characters have been carefully selected from across the past century and a half - from the Convention’s origins to the present day - and there are some truly extraordinary and inspiring people featured. And yet the book’s focus is very clearly not on the individuals themselves: it’s certainly not seeking to put anyone on a pedestal, but instead ensures that the glory always goes to God for what He has done! Something of that is conveyed in the subtitle: ‘150 years of Lives Transformed in Christ’. The bite-sized chunks make this an easy and enjoyable book to read in instalments, with plenty to reflect upon. It’s very attractively presented, too, with lots of wonderful photos from the archives. In addition to the 15 main character study chapters, the book also includes something on core elements of the Convention’s enduring ‘DNA’ and looks to the future, too. Whether the reader considers themselves to be familiar with the Convention or not, I’m fairly certain that there will something new and challenging in the book for everyone. There’s an honesty and accessibility to the way in which the stories are told that brings the characters to life with a real energy and contemporary relevance. I certainly have a fresh appreciation of the remarkable way in which God has used the Convention for His purposes over the years, and look forward to seeing what the coming years will bring! Thoroughly recommend it.

Bob