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Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit


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Dale Lang & Marty Shoub on God’s Firestarters

Two more God’s Firestarters endorsements (Amazon USA) or (Amazon Canada)
Dale Lang


5.0 out of 5 stars In a Time of Chaos We need this Solid Truth
Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2021
Ed and Janice Hird are not new to the craft of writing and their latest Book, God’s Firestarters is a great addition to the list. This book simply and honestly reviews the lives of numerous men and woman used powerfully by God. I found it to be both encouraging and inspiring. Just what many of us need in the dark days which we find ourselves. It is a powerful reminder that God isn’t looking for powerful people just people willing to listen and obey and serve God as He heals the world. More than well worth the read.

Marty Shoub

Marty Shoub
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read, meticulously researched, full of encouragement
Reviewed in Canada on November 19, 2021
Ed and Janice Hird have compiled 20 short biographies of Christian leaders spanning some 500 years, from Martin Luther’s wife, Katharina to Dr. J.I. Packer who passed on to his reward in 2020. Christian biography is always in danger of sliding into idealized hagiography, glossing over faults and flaws to present a caricature of the “saint” under consideration. The Hirds are careful to avoid this pitfall. Their exceptional research reveals Christian leaders “with a nature like ours,” who despite their shortcomings were so moved by the grace of God to accomplish remarkable achievements for the betterment of us all. The sub-title of the book is “Preparing our Families for Coming Revivals.” Each vignette ends with an encouragement for the reader to apply the lessons learned from the life of each biography. One of the best features of the book is the Hirds’ attention to the spouses of well-known Christian leaders. These are often the unsung heroes who suffered many private difficulties to support the public ministry of their partner.
I would recommend God’s Firestarters. It is easy to read, meticulously researched, and full of encouragement to devote our lives for the sake of the Gospel.


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Three more book reviews by Violet Nesdoly, Marina Ireland, & Dr Leonard Sweet

Violet Nesdoly

Three more book reviews of God’s Firestarter. It makes a great Christmas present. You can order the ebook or paperback at Amazon USA or Amazon Canada.

Violet Nesdoly, author & painter

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Inspirational

Reviewed in Canada on November 10, 2021

Did you know that Katharina was the one who proposed marriage to Martin Luther, that Charles and John Wesley met with scandal and opposition in America, or that John Newton was a bad-tempered, rebellious alcoholic. Ed and Janice Hird reveal these historical bits and many more in their recently released book God’s Firestarters—Preparing Our Families for Coming Revivals.

In twenty fast-paced chapters the Hirds delve into the lives and impact of twenty giants of the Christian faith. These stories span centuries from Katharina Luther (1499-1582) and Susanna Wesley (1669-1742) to the 21st century and Chuck Smith (1927-2013), John Wimber (1934-1997), and J. I. Packer (1926-2020).

The accounts are tightly written with the abundant corroboration of a Wikipedia profile (there are a total of 717 endnotes). This is testimony to the rigorous research that has gone into each story. That’s a good thing too, for some of these accounts are almost unbelievable in the way God worked—through unlikely people, doing unlikely things, in unlikely places.

Though the stories are interesting and many entertaining, the Hirds’ real motivation in writing this book was not merely to relate lively histories, but to spark in readers a desire for more of the same surrender, obedience, faith, and audacity that was present in these revival firestarters. I would say it succeeds.

The book concludes with this prayer expressing the heart of the authors: “Wake us up. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Send the fire once again. Revive us, transform us, renew us, refresh us in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A section of Discussion Questions precedes the Endnotes, making this a great choice for Bible study groups or book clubs.

Marina Ireland

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book worth the read!

Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2021

This is a wonderful book, well documented and extremely interesting. It is a book that is hard to put down and one that challenges us to aspire for more of Him in our lives and those of our families. Read it – you won’t be disappointed.

Dr Leonard Sweet

Dr. Leonard Sweet, former Dr. E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism

A captivating gift of story-telling wrapped in historical exploration and riveting case-studies that brings out multiple elixirs for revival today and ecclesial empowerment. —Dr. Leonard Sweet, best-selling author (Rings of Fire), professor (George Fox University, Evangelical Seminary, Tabor College), and founder of The Salish Sea Press.


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God’s Firestarter Endorsements

God’s Firestarters Endorsements by Heidi McLauglin, Tom Morrison, Stuart Spani, Gordon Dirks, & Rayna Stone

Heidemarie Erika McLaughlin

Amazon book review

5.0 out of 5 stars A Historial Masterpiece

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021

Rarely do I find myself so compelled by research and stories of historical giants that I can’t wait to turn the page. I thought I knew a little about Dr. Livingstone, George Whitefield, John and Charles Wesley, Dr. Stanley Jones and more, but the authors Dr. Ed and Janice Hird have made these heroes of the faith come alive. It’s filled with love and romance, along with pain and suffering, and how it can strengthen marriages. It delves into the lives of how ordinary people changed the slave trade, discovered Africa, impacted India, England and impacted the world to know our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This book is magnificent, filled with Holy Spirit inspired words that will at times make you gasp with sorrow and other times be astounded with amazement and joy. The authors engage us with stories of people whose shoulders we stand on, to give us fire in our own belly to use our ordinary lives to do extraordinary things. If they can do it, so can we. Well done Dr. Ed and Janice Hird, you’ve written your best book yet.

Tom Morrison, Engineer

“Life is difficult,” wrote M. Scott Peck in The Road Less Travelled, (Simon & Schuster, New York, 1978). Nothing could more abundantly express this fact than Ed and Janice Hird’s God’s Firestarters, whose 150 pages trace the biographies of twenty leaders who collectively formed the backbone of the Protestant faith for nearly five hundred years. These twenty heroes – they could not be described in lesser terms – overcame a more complete array of hardships and setbacks than can possibly be imagined – physical and mental illness and injury, hostility, slander, betrayal, persecution, captivity, material loss, bereavement and, not least, those enemies from within — disillusionment, temptation, self-doubt and sheer exhaustion. Challenge in good times, comfort in bad times, it is a privilege to share Ed and Janice’s God’s Firestarters.

Stuart Spani, Film Producer

Stuart Spani, Film Producer

I finished reading your book last night and it is the most enjoyable book I have ever read!!!!
Ever since becoming a Christian, my greatest thrill is hearing of Christ changing lives. A favorite saying of mine, for many years, has been, “if there were half as many sermons and twice as many testimonies, there would be four times as many Christians”. Testimonies make Christians, sermons mature believers.
The two of you have done a superb job of telling the stories of twenty real fire starters. Twenty people who God has used to take literally millions from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
While almost all of your twenty were great preachers, I believe most of the growth came as the masses saw friends and neighbours lives being transformed. I will be promoting it.
God bless both of you and your work.

Gordon Dirks, minister, politician, educator 

Gordon Dirks

“This incredibly inspiring volume on God’s “Firestarters” powerfully reminds us that God has never stopped doing a new thing on his mission of redemption for the world. Authors Ed and Janice Hird take you behind the scenes and reveal intimate details of the lives of twenty remarkable Christ-followers who changed the world for God and for good. The vignettes of their life stories are replete with remarkable Christian devotion, courage, sacrifice and innovations in ministry which will whet your appetite to seek God for new expressions of Spirit-inspired activity in your own life.

Rayna Stone

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your latest book ”God’s Firestarters”. It gave me a fresh appreciation for the many godly men and women that God has used to revive the church and bring many into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Your stories of these faithful saints will inspire and encourage many.

Well done, good and faithful servants!

Tiny Marais, Area Co-ordinator, Greater Vancouver Healing Rooms

“In a time where this world has been in turmoil and nothing makes sense, this book comes as a reminder of the Power and Love of Almighty God. As you thumb through the history of these ordinary people’s lives, allow the Holy Spirit to Baptise you with the same Pentecostal Fire that each one of them

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.


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Victory through Surrender

At the heart of the Christian Ashram experience is a deeper surrender to Jesus our Lord.
“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self–all your wishes and precautions–to Christ. But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead. For what we are trying to do is to remain what we call ‘ourselves.'”-C.S. Lewis

Many of our books include references to and stories about E. Stanley Jones.
To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.


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His Publishing Group

Check out our new page on our publisher’s (His Publishing Group) web page.

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you.

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-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.


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A great time at the House of James booksigning

It was a joy to be at House of James bookstore in Abbotsford for the booksigning of our new novel Blue Sky, which is all about family reconciliation and forgiveness. Click to view the booksigning & book reading.

Don’t miss our upcoming booksigning of our latest God’s Firestarters at the House of James on Dec 4th Saturday 11am to 1pm.  The address is 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4H8.

 

Who might you like to give God’s Firestarters or Blue Sky to for Christmas? 🙂

Click to see a short video tour of House of James

Click this Amazon link to view the first two chapters for free.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today.

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.


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The Power of Forgiveness

Our good friend Giulio Gabeli shared a thoughtful video message on forgiveness. It reminded me of Dr Gary Chapman’s amazing book The Five Languages of Apology which I talk about in our For Better, For Worse book, and talked about extensively in Uganda and Rwanda. You may remember the five languages, most of which I never practiced before I came to meet Christ personally. I used to defensively make excuses, blame others, and just try to move on without really resolving things. I highly commend Dr. Chapman’s book in which he deals with the five languages: 1) I’m sorry (regret) 2) I was wrong (responsibility) 3) How can I make it up to you? (restitution) 4) I’ll try not to do that again (repentance plan) 5) Will you please forgive me? (request).

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you. 

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.


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Healing marriages in Rwanda

After the first marriage seminar in Ruhanga, we went for the next four days with Archbishop Emmanuel #Kolini and Rev Dr Tim Smith to speak on marriage at the Kibungo Diocesan Annual Conference involving 1200 participants. Kibungo, where we were previously in May is in Eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border. Click to view some Kibungo Convention photos.

It was a privilege to be teaching along with other great speakers like Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini, Rev Dr Tim Smith of Alabama, Bishop Assiel of Kigeme, Bishop Nathan of Butare, Bishop John Ruchayana, and Rev Dr Antoine, Principal of the Kigali Theological Seminary. Drawing on our new book For Better, For Worse), the Hirds taught on forgiveness and the five languages of apology in one’s marriage , based on Gary Chapman’s amazing book.

Click to see more Kibungo Convention photos, other photos, and yet more photos. The Sunday closing service of the Kibungo Convention was particularly memorable.

Here are some of the videos from the Kibungo Convention:

Click to watch the opening procession of the Kibungo Convention.

Click to watch the Kibungo Choir celebrating in song and dance at the opening indoor service.

Click to see another opening choir on the first night of the Convention.

Click to view yet another great Kibungo choir on the opening night.

Click to watch a delightful singing and dance group from Shyira at the Eastern #Rwandan Kibungo Convention

Click to see a glimpse of the joy and dancing at the Kibungo Convention in Eastern Rwanda near Tanzania.

Click to see dancing to the Lord, like King David did, at the four day Kibungo convention in eastern #Rwanda, where Janice P Hird and I taught on marriage, based on our new book For Better, For Worse.

Click to see singing from one’s whole heart at the Kibungo Convention.

The dancing in the dust was stunning.

A mighty crowd responded to Bishop Emmanuel’s altar call

Click to view a rhythmic choir at the Kibungo Convention

Click to see the dancers honouring the Lord of the Dance, Jesus Christ.

Click to see more singing from a rhythmic choir

Click to see the Sunday morning procession at the Kibungo Convention.

Click to see Rev Dr Tim Smith pray for those who came forward at the Sunday morning altar call at the Kibungo Convention.

Click to view the Fathers Union being commissioned at the Kibungo Convention.

Click to view the Mothers Union being commissioned at the Kibungo Convention.

Click to watch the joyful Shyira music group at the Kibungo Convention

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.
To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.


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Dr Livingstone, I Presume??

By Rev Dr Ed and Janice Hird

David_Livingstone_-1While recently teaching on marriage in East Africa to tens of thousands, we asked many Africans what they thought about Dr David Livingstone. It was encouraging to learn how fondly he is remembered in Africa. Some other westerners may have come to exploit, but Livingstone came to bless and set free people free from their chains.  Livingstone prayed: “God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me, and sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds mine to yours.”

Dr Livingstone was one of the world’s greatest medical missionaries, explorers and abolitionists. He originally trained as a doctor in order to reach China with the gospel.  When that door closed because of the opium wars, God opened another door to Africa, starting in Cape Town. Having received the Royal Geographic Society’s highest golden medal, Livingstone lived in an era where no occupation was more admired than that of an African explorer. It had the mystique of a modern-day astronaut boldly going into unchartered territory. Travelling, said Livingstone, made one more self-reliant and confident. He only wanted companions who would go where there were no roads. His books were bestsellers and his lectures standing room only. Crowds mobbed him in the streets and even in church. One poll showed that only Queen Victoria was more popular than the beloved Livingstone.

Many chiefs heard through Livingstone for the very first time of Jesus’ amazing love.  One chief Sekelutu was drawn to Livingstone, but afraid to read the bible in case it might change his heart and make him content with just one wife.

Livingstone literally filled in the map of Africa, exploring all of its main rivers, covering 29,000 miles, greater than the circumference of the earth. One of his most famous discoveries was the Victoria Falls, named after Queen Victoria, on the Zambezi river.  During his 1024px-MaryMoffatGravestoneextensive travels, he suffered over twenty-seven times from attacks of malaria, being reduced at one point to ‘a mere skeleton’.  His dear wife Mary tragically died from malaria while traveling with her husband in Mozambique.

Livingstone had been lost for five years in Africa and presumed dead by many. An American journalist Morton Stanley was sent by the New York Herald in 1871 to Africa to rescue Livingstone. 236 days later, after a seemingly hopeless search, Stanley found him, uttering the immortal words “Dr Livingstone, I Presume.” His discovery was voted the greatest 19th century newspaper story. Stanley called Livingstone “…an embodiment of warm good fellowship, of everything that is noble and right, of sound common sense, of everything practical and right/minded…”  Speaking to the 57 men carrying supplies to Livingstone, Stanley said: “He is a good man and has a kind heart. He is different from me; he will not beat you as I have done.” Queen Victoria went out of her way to thank Stanley for discovering Livingstone, said that she had been very anxious about his safety.

Livingstone called the Slave trade the open sore of the world, believing that opening up trade routes would eliminate the Slave trade. His on-location report of 400 slaves massacred by slave traders at Nyangwe was key David Livingstone being carriedin ending the slave trade. He mistakenly thought that discovering the source of the Nile would open up trade routes for Africans, ending their dependence on the slave trade.

Livingstone was passionate about the Kingdom, praying:  “I place no value in anything that I may possess except in relation to the Kingdom of Christ. I shall promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity.” Though his body was buried at Westminster Abbey in London, his heart was buried in Africa, because his heart was full of Jesus’ love for the African people.  My prayer is that we too in Canada may have Jesus’ heart of love for Africa.

Rev. Dr. Ed and Janice Hird (BMus), BSW, MDiv, DMin

-published in the August 2018 Light Magazine

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you. 

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.


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Revolutionary Love in East Africa

By Rev Dr Ed & Janice Hird

We bring you greetings from the Solace Retreat House in Kigali, Rwanda. REVOLUTIONARY LOVE (John 3:16) was the theme of the five-day Healing for the Nations convention in Rwentobo, Uganda. 30,000 delegates attended from many African Nations and around the world. There were many speakers and music groups from Rwanda, Kenya, Congo, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, and North America. Janice and I spoke daily about how revolutionary love can transform one’s present or future marriage. We taught from Ephesians 5 about mutual submission, love and respect through Jesus.  Our new book For Better, For Worse, drawn from Ed’s doctorate on marriage, was the basis of our marriage talks. We encouraged thousands of couples to strengthen their marriages through rediscovering each other’s hidden strengths, celebrating each other’s differences, valuing the gift of conflict, and balancing closeness & personal space. We shared that marriage is a dance of intimacy in which we need to regularly learn new ‘dance steps’. Marriage is not about settling down but rather about embracing a bold adventure walking together into the often unpredictable future. In a wedding, one makes a for Better, for Worse commitment to one’s partner, come what may. Janice and I shared many humorous and sometimes embarrassing stories about challenges we have faced in our 41 year marriage.

Many couples at the Convention came forward to renew their commitment to their marriage. Others made first-time commitments to finally tie the knot after many years of relationship. In many parts of Africa, paying a bride price to one’s future in laws may involve many cows, making marriage seem financially unreachable. I was reminded that we in Canada sometimes make a wedding , reception and honeymoon so expensive that some young people see marriage as out of reach. I have often married young couples in living rooms or in parks to make weddings more affordable.

After Uganda, we then taught a three day marriage workshop to key Christian leaders in the Northern Rwandan city of Byumba. Then we led marriage workshops in the Eastern Rwandan region of Kibungo, the Western Rwandan region of Ruhango, and the capital city of Kigali. You may remember that we previously taught about marriage seven years ago in Rwanda. The hospitality and receptivity by the Rwandan delegates was memorable. It is so encouraging to teach people who are hungry to learn and grow. Our future is about healing marriages.

As we write this article, we are preparing to teach other marriage seminars with Bishop Emmanuel of the Kibungo Diocese in Eastern Rwanda,

It was a joy to see many marriages transformed through revolutionary love. Rwanda, having suffered so deeply in the 1994 genocide, is very open to the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness for all. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

Rev Dr Ed & Janice Hird, BSW, MDiv, DMin

P. S. Click this Amazon link to view for free the first two chapters of our new novel Blue Sky.

“I’m afraid there’s been an accident…”

12bdf6ff-3021-4e73-bccd-bc919398d1a0-7068-0000031133e7b4d9Sandy Brown and her family have just moved to Spokane, Washington where her husband, Scott, is pastoring a new church. With a fresh start, Sandy is determined to devote more time to her four children. But, within weeks of settling in their new life, the Brown family is plunged into turmoil.

Sandy receives shocking news that her children aren’t safe, which brings back haunting memories of the trauma she experienced as a girl. Then, the unthinkable happens…

A brutal attack puts Sandy on the brink of losing everything she’s loved. Her faith in God and the family she cherishes are pushed to the ultimate limit.

Is healing possible when so many loved ones are hurt? Are miracles really possible through the power of prayer? Can life return to the way it was before?

Blue Sky reveals how a mother’s most basic instinct isn’t for survival… but for family.

If you’re a fan of Karen Kingsbury, then you’ll love Blue Sky. Get your copy today on paperback or  kindle.

-Click to check out our marriage book For Better For Worse: discovering the keys to a lasting relationship on Amazon. You can even read the first two chapters for free to see if the book speaks to you. 

-The sequel book Restoring Health: body, mind and spirit is available online with Amazon.com in both paperback and ebook form.  Dr. JI Packer wrote the foreword, saying “I heartily commend what he has written.” The book focuses on strengthening a new generation of healthy leaders. Drawing on examples from Titus’ healthy leadership in the pirate island of Crete, it shows how we can embrace a holistically healthy life.

In Canada, Amazon.ca has the book available in paperback and ebook. It is also posted on Amazon UK (paperback and ebook), Amazon France (paperback and ebook), and Amazon Germany (paperback and ebook).

Restoring Health is also available online on Barnes and Noble in both paperback and Nook/ebook form.  Nook gives a sample of the book to read online.

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

To receive a personally signed copy of any of our books within North America, just etransfer at ed_hird@telus.net, giving your address. Cheques are also acceptable.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

Indigo also offers the paperback and the Kobo ebook version.  You can also obtain it through ITunes as an IBook.

-Click to purchase the Companion Bible Study by Jan Cox (for the Battle of the Soul of Canada) in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 

To purchase any of our six books in paperback or ebook on Amazon, just click on this link.