Books published by publisher Christian Focus Publications Ltd

Welcome to A.S.K – Ask. Seek. Knock. ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’ (Matthew 7:7–8).We all have questions about Jesus, the Bible, the Christian faith and our culture today. The great news is that Jesus gives answers. These questions were gathered from teenagers in fifteen countries in five different continents. All of them are real questions from real teenagers. 52 short chapters. Each contains a question, a Bible passage, a Bible verse, a discussion, something to consider, recommended further reading and a prayer. These answers may lead to more questions which is fine – but the main aim of this book is that you the reader comes to see and know better the One who is the Answer, Jesus Christ.

I think there is real hope to be found, in the middle of our deepest traumas, in the good news about Jesus Christ. I also think that there is a place for us to find hope and community within the church. Because of these two beliefs, I truly think, distant though it may be, that we may even get to a place of peace within our souls and a place of forgiveness for those who hurt us so much. This is a book that has no easy answers and will offer none. This is a book that tries to get behind the tough questions of why God permits such abuses to occur in this world. Using his own story of childhood abuse, Mez McConnell tells us about a God who is just, sovereign and loving. A good father who knows the pain of rejection and abuse, who hates evil, who can bring hope even in the darkest place.

Here are twelve real–life heroes whose stories demonstrate the truth and relevance of the Christian faith. Their stories give answers to three questions many ask about Christianity:Is it true?Does it work?Is it worth it?The lives of Columba of Iona, John Knox, John Bunyan, William Wilberforce, David Livingstone, Fanny Crosby, Mary Slessor, Corrie ten Boom, CS Lewis, Eric Liddell, Jim Elliot and Joni Eareckson Tada can inspire us because they did great things through faith.

George Muller was a thief when he was younger and spent time in jail for his crimes. Brother Andrew grew up in Holland during the second World War and played tricks on German soldiers. Nicky Cruz grew up in a family where spirit worship was a regular occurrence. He became a very angry young man, out to cause trouble.John Newton was captured at a young age and forced to join Her Majesty's Navy, leaving his friends and family behind. What happened to these young boys and how did God make them into men who changed their world? Read how George Muller was finally trusted with millions of pounds. Discover how Brother Andrew grew up to be a smuggler of Bibles. Read how Nicky Cruz was rescued from self-destruction and eventually went on to begin one of the largest youth organisations reaching out to hurt and confused young people throughout the world.David Livingstone (Missionary in Africa)Nicky Cruz (Evangelist)Brother Andrew (Smuggler for God in Communist Countries)George Muller (Founder of Children's Homes)William Carey (Missionary in India)John Newton (Minister and reformer)Adoniram Judson (Missionary in Burma)Billy Graham (Evangelist)Luis Palau (Evangelist)Eric Liddell (Athlete and Missionary in China)"This is a wonderful book - in fact it's a wonderful series. Irene Howat writes with a real warmth and insight. People that you have never met come alive on the page. Christian legends and unsung heroes all become friends you can understand and look up to. In a world where role models of real integrity are few and far between the Lightkeeper's series fills the gap!"Catherine MacKenzie ~ Author and CF4K Editor

More Muslims in Iran have come to faith in Christ in the last thirty years than in the thirteen hundred years that Islam has been in the country. In a land that is notorious for persecution,through the lives of missionaries and Iranian believers God's word is being spread far and wide. Seventeen chapters tell true stories of the Living Water of Jesus Christ pouring out for thirsty people to drink in the country of Iran.

'They plan to kill you all! You must get out!' With that warning John Paton and his friends grabbed what little possessions they had and fled into the jungle. The Warrior Chief of Tanna was taking revenge on the mission man who threatened his power and the hold he had over the ordinary men and women of the island. John has to run for his life!In the heat and humidity of the South Sea Island, John G Paton is far away from his Scottish home. And as he runs for his life he is thinking of rescue... a rescue for himself from the dangers all around and a rescue for the thousands of South Sea Islanders who still don't know about Jesus Christ and the love of God.The reader's interest in this exciting account of the life of a South Sea Island missionary is captured from the very first chapter ...... readers are encouraged to apply the lessons of his life to their own through the Thinking Further Topics.Kay WalshThe Christian legacy of this amazing missionary is still felt today in the South Sea Islands. Reading true life stories like this help us realise what difficulties really are. John G Paton was no stranger to struggle. This is not the story of a gentleman missionary who wilts at the first hardship. This man went through the school of hard knocks to become a missionary in one of the toughest areas of Glasgow - and then on to the savage tribes of the South Sea Islands. Being a missionary is hard - it certainly was back then. For many their very life was in the balance and John G Paton was no exception. Cannibals and warring tribes were daily dangers.Catherine MacKenzie ~ Author and CF4K Editor

Would you like to make a difference? These ten boys grew up to do just that - but first they had to change the church. How did God change them?Augustine discovered the love of God and changed the way we think; Knox focused on God's word and told his country the truth; Luther rediscovered God's truth and gave it to ordinary people; Calvin realised that salvation was a gift from God and not a reward for what he did; Tyndale longed to print the Bible in a language that everyone would understand; Latimer urged people to read the Bible for themselves and made enemies as a result; Hus taught that God is in charge of the church and the world; Zwingli challenged people to obey God's word in every area of their lives; Chalmers called the church to show Christ's compassion to the poor and Shaftesbury pushed the church into making Christ's love a living reality for everyone."If you like this, you'll love these: John Welch - The Man who couldn't be stopped by Ethel Barrett. John Knox's Son in law seems to have inherited some of the famous Knox fire for adventure and excitement. John Welch's story is a fantastic adventure that brings a young man from a gang of robbers to preaching the gospel in hostile situations. William Tyndale: The Smuggler's Flame by Lori Rich William lived a life of adventure and danger in Tudor England. A bible smuggler he operated illegally and under the very noses of the King's officials!"Catherine MacKenzie ~ Author and CF4K Editor

Since the publication of 'A child called "it"' by Dave Pelzer there hasn't been a story like this. But this is not just another harrowing story about an excruciating childhood and the ravages on a life it produces. The difference is that Mez not only escaped from his 'trial by parent' but he discovered a hope that has transformed his life. He in turn has helped others find hope in their lives. Mez's story is told with a frankness and wit that hides much of the pain and despair that was his everyday experience. Nevertheless, although his story at times may sicken you, his first brushes with the faith that restored him will make you laugh out loud! Mez's life involved abuse, violence, drugs, thieving and prison - but you don't have to fall as far as him in order to climb out of the traps in your life. Do you like happy endings? Mez still suffers from his experiences but you'll be amazed at how far you can be restored from such a beginning."It's an amazing, arresting and touching story."J I Packer ~ Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada"Mez McConnell is one of the most exciting young leaders I know, with a conviction about the gospel of Jesus Christ that moves him to reach out with the love of God to the people who live in the rough and tumble area in which he lives and works. In the chaos of people's lives that have been devastated by drugs, alcohol and the neglect of society Mez comes boldly and sometimes brashly with the message of the love of Christ that can bash down any barrier. His story, the story of how Christ worked and continues to work in his life will inspire and humble any reader."Al Barth ~ Global Network Coordinator for Redeemer City To City, New York"This is another story of God's power to transform anyone who opens up their life to him. It would provide great encouragement to anyone working among the seriously deprived or engaged in prison work. It could also be valuable to pass on to anyone beginning to look towards Christ from a seemingly impossible background. It is a short, gripping and challenging story." British Church Newspaper"This is a compelling, gripping, heart-wrenching, you-can't-put-it-down story of sin and grace. Read this and thank God that, as Psalm 136 says, 'His love endures forever.'" Mark Dever ~ Senior Pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC

Let history come to life - just the way it should be.Read the stories of Paul, Polycarp, Justin, Origen, Cyprian, Constantine, Athanasius, Ambrose, Augustine, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Patrick, and Benedict. People from the early and ancient church and discover the roots of Christianity.From the apostle Paul to Benedict you can discover how those in the early church still influence church today. In their lives you will see the young and developing church struggling and growing in a hostile and difficult world. Watch in amazement as a varied selection of people from different countries, cultures and times merge together to form the Christian church. Learn from their mistakes and errors but more importantly learn from their amazing strengths and gifts. Marvel at the incredible things accomplished by God in such a short space of time.Written in a modern and relaxed style this is a book that will introduce you to history without the tears and with all the wonder. There are longer chapters interspersed with short factual chapters.Extra features throughout this book look deeper into issues such as persecution; worship; creeds and councils and the formation of the Bible as well as a timeline.

William Tyndale lived a life of adventure and danger, dodging the king's men, fleeing from his enemies and meeting with smugglers in the dead of night. What brought a well-educated young English man to such a state? Was he an outlaw? Was he a thief? No - he was a Bible smuggler and a brave one at that.Tyndale wanted other English speakers to be able to read God's word in their own language but there were many who tried to put a stop to that.However, Tyndale's work was God's work and it would not be stopped - even after Tyndale's death. One day there was a translation of the bible in the English language and it lit a fire in people's hearts that would not be put out.Read and learn about how God wants us to be brave and courageous and to stand up for the Truth!

The story of Corrie ten Boom has inspired millions of people all over the world. Jean Watson is a skilful author and presents Corrie's stirring life and challenging hope-filled message for young readers.The Watchmaker's Daughter traces the life of this outstanding Christian woman from her childhood in Haarlem, through her suffering in Nazi concentration camps, to her world-wide ministry to the handicapped and underprivileged.This exciting victorious book will allow you to meet this beloved woman and learn of God's wonderful provision and blessing through adversity.

Ecclesiastes is for people who have their doubts about God, but can't stop thinking about him. The author of Ecclesiastes had his doubts, too, and these have enabled him to speak to skeptics as well as believers down through the centuries.Ecclesiastes is a book rich in literary artistry and multi-layered depths of spiritual meaning. Philip G. Ryken explores this wonderful Old Testament book, and reminds us again of the need to trust God with the questions, even when we do not have all the answers.