Books in Beacon Biography series

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. ‘It’s not a pagan rags to Christian riches story. It’s real, raw and radical. I suspect that there will be as many people shocked by the Bible teaching that Mez wrestles with, as there will be those shocked by the abuse he suffered. With chapters like ‘The glorious, wonderful reality of Hell’ and ‘The terrible reality of Heaven’, there is no chance of this book being perceived as comfortable.’ – David Robertson, Christian Today https://christiantoday.com/article/my-favourite-christian-book-of-2019/133774.htm

One of thousands of children who fled strife in southern Sudan, John Bul Dau survived hunger, exhaustion, and violence. His wife, Martha, endured similar hardships. In this memorable book, the two convey the best of African values while relating searing accounts of famine and war. There’s warmth as well, in their humorous tales of adapting to American life. For its importance as a primary source, for its inclusion of the rarely told female perspective of Sudan’s lost children, for its celebration of human resilience, this is the perfect story to inform and inspire young readers.

Ever since she became famous for her role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, audiences have been wondering about the actor Millie Bobby Brown. Up until being cast into the creepy TV show, almost no one had heard Brown's name before. This wasn't because she had other dreams besides acting. In fact, there was very little Brown wanted to do more than act. She put all of her tears into it. Her family put all of their money into it. In the end, it paid off. Millie Bobby Brown became a star.

Jane Goodall, one of the most recognized scientists in the Western world, became internationally famous because of her ability to observe and connect with another species. A girl of humble beginnings and training, she made scientific breakthroughs thought impossible by more experienced field observers when she was only in her twenties. Then these animals shaped Jane's life. She began tirelessly fighting to protect the environment so that chimpanzees and other animals will continue have a place and a future on our planet. Jane Goodall continues to leave the modern world with an extraordinary legacy and has changed the scientific community forever.

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.

It might be hard to imagine, but Joel Embiid didn't always know he wanted to play basketball. Born in a part of Africa called Cameroon, Embiid wanted to be the president of Cameroon when he grew up! Later, he decided his math skills would be best used as an astronaut. Volleyball showed Embiid he could be good at sports. Even once he found basketball, Embiid's journey didn't get any clearer or easier. His path to greatness included his parents concerns, physical injuries, and the death of a loved one. Despite all this, the star continued to play, to train, and to wow the world.

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans is one of the biggest young stars of the NBA, but as an unnoticed young player growing up in Chicago, his dreams of basketball greatness seemed out of reach. With the encouragement of his family, Davis showed discipline and perseverance to become a highly recruited prospect who would go on to become a college champion, Olympic gold medalist, and NBA All-Star.

From Mensa member to Minecraft inventor, Marcus Persson's imaginative world of blocks has led millions of people to unblock their own imaginations and build their dream worlds together. More than a game, Minecraft is used by institutions to teach, and by UN Habitat to help rebuild communities. See how it came together, from his first game creation at age 8, to building his renowned company in Sweden, Mojang, where more marvels are coming together.

Have you ever wanted to travel the world? Perhaps you'd like to visit far away countries and discover all about the people who live there? What if instead, you'd like to have adventures closer to home? Well this book is for you!Meet some very adventurous missionaries and learn about the countries they worked in. Find out what it's like to be in the middle of the Mau Mau rebellion in Africa or how orphanages in India present difficulties you would never imagine. Find out how difficult it can be talking to people about Jesus in London or how looking after children in China is completely different, and exhausting!Gladys Aylward, Jim Elliot, Amy Carmichael, William Carey, Lottie Moon, and others all knew what it was like to work in a foreign country. Charles Spurgeon and Chief White Feather were missionaries in their native lands - but they had troubles too.Here is danger, adventure and excitement - all through working for God. Here are stories about people from the beginning of modern-day missions up to the present day. It's all part of being in the Christian family - a family that is spreading round the whole world at an amazing rate.At the end of the book are some check-up questions to help you remember the stories.