A precious pearl 💍of a story

I can’t describe how fortunate I feel. I have been entrusted with treasure. Frieder’s true story, which is the basis of my latest book, has been cherished by him for over 70 years, and he has allowed me to share it.

It reminds me of an oyster. When a piece of grit or sand enters the oyster’s shell, it is unable to expel it, so instead the oyster repeatedly covers the grit with mother-of-pearl to encase and contain the foreign object. After several years, a beautiful pearl is formed.

Similarly, Frieder’s story began with the difficulties his family faced in East Germany, but thanks to God’s goodness, these problems have been covered by grace, and now an exquisite pearl of a story has formed. A little like an oyster, Frieder has been treasuring this story for many decades, but now his tale has been found and is on show for everyone to see.

My task in all this has been rather like that of a jeweller; the story is already beautiful, but I have been able to set it amid teaching from the Alpha course, which I hope highlights the pearl’s beauty. It was a God-coincidence that when Frieder shared his story with me, I also had a conversation that same week with someone about the five C.S.s used in the Alpha course to explain how God guides people. The two perfectly align; isn’t God good like that?

The book is for children, but I believe everyone will enjoy it and find something in it for themselves. After all, Jesus encouraged us to approach him like children and not make faith overly complicated. The short form means it could be read and discussed by adults in a home group, and the truths about God within it are laid out plainly. The pearl is ready to be admired.

I am still left wondering why now? After 70 years, why is God allowing me to tell Frieder’s story in 2026? I think the answer lies with you, the book’s readers. I believe that God wants to speak to you and many others, and this book can be a catalyst for that. Can you please let Frieder and me know if you hear from God as a result of reading the book or applying the teaching? It would be such an encouragement for us.

If you’re ready to order, you have two options. Either you can buy the children’s book on its own, or there is a two-book deal that includes the children’s book and a version for grown-ups. The grown-up version contains more historical details and some reflections from me.

Every book purchase helps me meet needs in Nepal and Pakistan. There are so many; I often feel overwhelmed. The income will also help me continue to stand up for vulnerable women in Asia, as travel costs are increasing. I have scheduled this newsletter to reach you about an hour before I speak at this event in the European Parliament. I would so appreciate your prayers for it and for me as I share what it is like to interview such young girls who have been brutally treated.

If you’re going to New Wine and would like to meet up, please let me know. I’ll be at the Canopy Cafe at 4 pm on Friday 31st July. Email me at dislocatedchristians@gmail.com to let me know to look out for you.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Matthew 13:45-46

I pray that you too would see and know how precious and exquisite God and his Kingdom are (but there’s no need to sell everything you own to buy my books!),

anna

 
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