Election special! November 3, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Books, Faith Politics & Servant Leadership.add a comment
This weekend is an election double-header. Here in New Zealand we will cast our votes and have our say about who we want to lead our country for the next three years. Meanwhile, Americans will be doing the same in the United States.
But when all is said and done and the rhetoric and spin has died down, what kind of people do we really want running the country? The sort that simply fight for their own survival, protecting their parliamentary jobs and advancing their own ambition (or the ambition of those that fund them)? Or the type that have a genuine calling to serve their country and their people; who have their priorities in order; who know what’s really important?
Several years ago, Castle published a book called Faith, Politics and Servant Leadership by Hon Graeme Lee, former Minister of Internal Affairs in the Bolger government and founder of the Christian Democrat Party (which later evolved into United Future).
This book is a fascinating blend of autobiography, in which Graeme relates some of his experiences in parliament, and sound advice about a Christian involvement in politics. The key thing that Graeme communicates in the book is the importance of servant leadership, as modelled by Jesus. In essence you could say this is all about how to lead by serving and serve by leading.
I know this book has already found its way into the hands of some influential people in New Zealand. But let’s hope and pray that when the shape of parliament is revealed in a few days time, we have people with the kind of heart that Graeme Lee writes about, sitting in the seats around the debating chamber.
To enquire about Faith, Politics and Servant Leadership, or to order copies, please contact us.
10 questions with: Nathan Shaw September 4, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Author Interviews, Nathan Shaw, Passion and Fire.add a comment
Here’s a fascinating interview with Nathan Shaw, author of Castle book Passion and Fire.
What do you do when you’re not writing books?
My time is mostly occupied with pastoring the church I oversee in Dunedin. I also do overseas ministry trips during which my main emphasis is teaching churches how to receive and work with the Holy Spirit.
What are you most passionate about?
I love the Holy Spirit. I was privileged to grow up in a charismatic Presbyterian church. However it wasn’t until I was 18 that I became hungry to know God in a deep and intimate way. This started me on a journey during which the Holy Spirit completely revolutionised my life. I love seeing people impacted by the Holy Spirit on a deep level. He is truly indescribable and I want everyone I met to know Him.
Describe the moment when you knew you had to write Passion and Fire…
The first book I wrote was about ministering to widows and the fatherless. God spoke to me clearly about writing the book but it was a completely unexpected topic. It has never been a topic that I emphasise in my public ministry. I was able to draw from my experience of ministering to widows and the fatherless but the most remarkable thing is that revelation flowed from my heart during the year it took me to write the book. It was during this time that I had a growing desire to write a book that was in line with my life message. It grieved me when I saw so many people in the body of Christ who desired intimacy with God but often failed to obtain it. The book grew out of a desire to help these people and to ignite passion for God within His church.
How long did it take you to put the manuscript together?
The original manuscript took about one year to write. However both of the manuscripts I have written have gone through major revisions before they were published. Chosen Books in the United States published my first book. The Editorial Director of the company was very gracious to give me many suggestions and guidelines to improve both of my manuscripts. Even after Castle Publishing agreed to publish Passion and Fire I did a major revision on one section of the book. The original writing took one year but the overall process took several.
In one sentence, what does Passion and Fire tell people about God?
It tells people that God is passionate about us encountering Him and knowing Him as a God of consuming fiery love.
In a media saturated world, what makes the written word and books important?
I think books are God’s idea. Even in heaven books abound. He chose to communicate with humankind through the writings of what we now call the Bible. Books have a permanency about them. God could not find a better way to record His eternal truths. The best books impact the world not only in their generation but also for many more to come. Much communication in today’s media saturated world is frivolous and relevant for only a fleeting moment of time.
What’s special about New Zealand?
New Zealand is an awesome country. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the world. The scenery in our country always stirs within me a deep longing to know our majestic and infinitely beautiful God. We are a nation with a unique and very powerful prophetic call to impact the nations of the world. God has put a pioneering spirit in the very fabric of our nation. As one prophet has said, “Our greatest weakness is apathy. Our greatest strength in zeal.”
Are you planning to write more books in the future?
I am in the process of writing a book called Contending for the Supernatural. God always intended for us to know the supernatural realities of His nature. We can’t say that we truly know Him if we don’t embrace this aspect of who He is. A huge amount of work goes into writing a book. It is a constant battle to find the time and space to write. There are a number of books inside me waiting to be written. At times I find this very frustrating. Writing books is not a good occupation for those who are impatient!
What would you say to someone who might be thinking about reading Passion and Fire, and setting out on the journey of knowing God more?
Go for it! Passion and Fire is a book that can help you overcome some of the things that hinder and stop you with on the journey. It will also help ignite passion and hunger for God. If you do go on this greatest of all journeys you have the privilege of knowing that the Creator of heaven and earth is working on your behalf the whole way – He really wants you to know Him. Get around other people who are on the journey and hungry to know God. They will help ignite the passion and fire in your own heart. I am so grateful to the people who did this for me. It forever changed my life.
To enquire about Passion and Fire, or to order copies, please contact us.
10 questions with: Warren Payne May 8, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Author Interviews, Konnichi wa Kiwi, Warren Payne.add a comment
Here’s an all new feature on the Castle Publishing blog – we will be bringing you interviews with Castle authors and other interesting people. First off we have Warren Payne, director of OMF NZ and author of the new Castle book Konnichi wa Kiwi about his experiences as a missionary in Japan between 1974 and 2000.
Why did you write Konnichi wa Kiwi?
Over a period of two years I began to feel God was prompting me to write my story. Many people have continually asked how I was led to go to Japan, so when OMF gave me a three month Sabbatical it was a good time to start the project. However, when I began to write the content just came and within a couple of weeks the bulk of the writing was complete. I just felt so guided by the Holy Spirit it was a real joy to do.
What was the experience of writing the book like?
Exciting and yet in some ways a risk that some may not see the book for what it is: a reflection of God’s grace in my life.
In a nutshell, what is the message you hope people will get from the book?
If you allow God to guide you He will bless you more than you can imagine, so tell others what God is doing in your life.
What are you most passionate about?
Seeing people go into cross-cultural mission with God’s strong Call on their lives.
What is the thing you love most about Japan?
The people and the way everything is so orderly and planned.
What is the thing you love most about New Zealand?
The freshness of the air and the more relaxed lifestyle. A very multi-cultural society that is learning to live together.
What is the best thing about being a missionary?
Seeing people come to Christ and built into His local church. When you know you are doing what God desires for your life then cross-cultural missionary work is very exciting, challenging and fulfilling.
What was the hardest thing about being a missionary?
Believing that even when things are not always going as you would like that God is in control. Ministry with people is always a challenge.
What advice would you give someone thinking about overseas missions?
Please read my book, including appendix one! If God is clearly using you now among internationals ask Him if you should do that overseas. Pray for and about overseas mission work in a way that keeps you up to date. Allow God to speak and He will.
What is your dream for the book?
That God will get all the glory and that through the book many will hear God speak, respond positively to what He says then share their stories with others.
For more info about OMF, visit the OMF website. To purchase copies of Konnichi wa Kiwi, contact Castle Publishing here.
Konnichi wa Kiwi April 28, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Beyond Death and Dishonour, Castle Books, Konnichi wa Kiwi, News.add a comment
We here at Castle Publishing are excited to be launching an all-new Castle premier title: Konnichi wa Kiwi by OMF NZ Director Warren Payne. This a joint publishing effort between OMF and Castle Publishing.
Konnichi wa Kiwi is a really fascinating book. Primarily it is an autobiography in which Warren tells the story of how he and his young family served as missionaries in Japan between 1974 and 2000. It is an easy-to-read and often humorous account of what it’s like for an ordinary New Zealander to be faced with the cross-cultural challenges of a completely different culture.
Warren is passionate about seeing people go out into the mission field. So Konnichi wa Kiwi also includes study questions that will help people find God’s direction for their lives.
Warren is a brilliant and humble man who has been incredibly faithful in following God’s calling on his life. A few years ago he assisted in the publishing and promotion of the Castle classic Beyond Death and Dishonour by Michiharu Shinya. He talks about his experiences with that book in Konnichi wa Kiwi. It was great to be working with Warren again on this new book.
Konnichi wa Kiwi comes highly recommended, and is excellent value for money at just NZ$14.95 (rrp). For more info or to order copies, contact us. Ask for it at your local Christian bookshop.
Happy Easter March 20, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Books, Castle Distributed Books, News, The Art of Easter, Why Did Jesus Die?.add a comment
I was reading an entry in the classic daily devotional ‘My Utmost for His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers the other day and came across this excellent Easter quote…
“The bedrock of our Christian faith is the unmerited, fathomless marvel of the love of God exhibited on the Cross of Calvary, a love we never can and never shall merit. Paul says this is the reason we are more than conquerors in all these things, super-victors, with a joy we would not have but for the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us.”
On the Easter theme, we have two brilliant books that examine the death and resurrection of Jesus:
Why Did Jesus Die? by Dick Tripp was published by Castle Publishing last year. World-renowned writer, J.I. Packer said about this book, “Dick Tripp combs the Scriptures to find and focus every reference to history’s most momentous event. Does a more thorough coverage of the biblical data exist anywhere? I doubt it.” The book offers fascinating insights into the death of Jesus. The strongest impression I got from the book was the fact that the death of Jesus is the central moment of the Bible. Everything in the Old Testament leads up to that event, and everything following the death and resurrection is a result of it. I highly recommend this book – it’ll open your eyes up to the full scope of the Easter story.
Another excellent Easter title is The Art of Easter. This provides another way of looking at the truths of the death and resurrection. The Art of Easter is a beautifully presented coffee table book featuring contemporary New Zealand Christian art, based on the traditional Stations of the Cross, insightfully and creatively interpreted.
The impact of these two books can flow on beyond just Easter weekend. Both are available in New Zealand from your local Christian bookshop. Why Did Jesus Die? is just $26.95 and The Art of Easter just $24.95. Or order copies direct from Castle by contacting us.
Have a wonderful Easter!
Passion and Fire February 21, 2008
Posted by Andrew Killick (Publishing Manager) in Castle Books, Passion and Fire.add a comment
Late last year, Castle published a brilliant new book called Passion and Fire: Igniting Your Passion for God by Nathan Shaw. This is Nathan’s second book – his first was published in the States. Passion and Fire carries a foreword by well-known Christian author, John Loren Sandford.
At Castle we are excited about this book, not least of all because it adds another excellent author to our list, but also because Nathan is presenting a crucial message. From what I’ve noticed recently, there seems to be a growing desire amongst Christians to connect with God at a deeper level, and I believe this desire is being sparked by the Holy Spirit. Nathan’s book comes at exactly the right time.
I highly recommend Passion and Fire, not because this is a Castle title and I’d like to see it sell really well, but because I genuinely believe this book can help change your life and enhance your relationship with God.
In the coming weeks, we hope to be able to bring you a short interview with Nathan here on the blog, so that you can hear about why he wrote the book and more.
If you’d like to order Passion and Fire contact us.
