Carl Townsend’s narrative, Breaking Light: Birth of a Hero takes place in 2032 in the Glacier Peak Wilderness area of the North Cascades. The story begins with Ken, a young man in search of an underground Christian community called “Sunodia,” named after a Grecian word that means “… journey together.”
After Ken’s trusted mentor and girlfriend died he reached out to Roger and Tom, friends he shared ideas with over the Internet. Perhaps to distract him they told him about an underground group that fearlessly preached the “Risen Christ and biblical core values,” a group they called Sunodia. The idea intrigued Ken and he wanted to learn more and the idea to find the underground church community was born.
Now he was on what should have been a three-day hike along the Entiat River trail to Sunodia, however Roger and Ken’s directions were “rather cryptic.” Since crossing the freezing cold water of Ice Creek the trail now led away from the river and they told him the trail followed the river.
Ken’s feet were cold and wet from the river crossing, so he decided to gather firewood, make camp and consider whether he took a wrong turn. In a short time he was luxuriating in the dancing fire flames that also cooked his dinner, warmed his feet and dried his boots and socks.
Lost in thought Ken didn’t notice the oddly dressed old man until he was upon him. Ken gestured for him to sit and offered to share his dinner with him. However, the old man just stood there and then said, “You must be Ken…they told me you’d be along.” Ken wondered who “they” were but before he could ask the old man continued.
“Don’t be afraid, young man. I understand you’ve been doing some deep spiritual seeking. You must learn to see with your heart.” His words only added to Ken’s growing confusion. Who was this guy and how did he know so much about him?
Thus begins a faith-based, supernatural account about a young man in search of spiritual answers, a mysterious man named Gandalf and an underground church community that believed churches had sold the “Gospel [out]to the American marketing machine” twenty years ago.
Ken knew the nation’s culture was now considered “post-modern,” but he believed a better description was “post-secular.” Because people in general seemed to be morally bankrupt and spiritually empty since they no longer read the Bible or heard the Word as God intended which left them without a moral compass.
Carl’s ambitious and intriguing story fascinates and holds readers interest, however the distracting and consistent use of first names and tense issues stop the story flow. The chapter end notes detracted from the story and revealed this writer’s extensive nonfiction writing background where such notes are used. Still, the apt descriptions of a post-secular America are not far off the mark even though our nation is a long way from the year 2032. Carl’s fascinating story will appeal to a faith-based audience.
‘Breaking Light: Birth of a Hero,’ by Carl Townsend, CreateSpace, 2014, 252 Pages, 978-1492835462, $11.00
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory of a Christian’s journey (here represented by a character called ‘Christian’) from the “City of Destruction” to the “Celestial City”. Along the way he visits such locations as the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, the Doubting Castle, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Bunyan, the author, had very little formal education and a humble background. Nonetheless Pilgrim’s Progress is considered one of the masterpieces of English literature, and is required reading for Christians who are on the spiritual path in a world of temptations.
‘Breaking Light: Birth of a Hero,’ by Carl Townsend
What happens when a small community of believers risks everything to change everything? • The story is fiction. The battle is spiritual. • There is a war going on—A battle for your heart. • The story takes place in 2032. • It’s not really 2032 and it’s not really fiction. Somebody moved the stage. • You have a part in the story. • You are trapped in an illusion, a murky fog or mist. Tough being a hero when you’re in a place like that. • What’s this Church thing, anyway? How does it relate to this hero thing?
Pilgrim’s Progress: Updated, Modern English. Includes Original Illustrations, by John Bunyon
Often disguised as something that would help him, evil accompanies Christian on his journey to the Celestial City. As you walk with him, you’ll begin to identify today’s many religious pitfalls. These are presented by men such as Pliable, who turns back at the Slough of Despond; and Ignorance, who believes he’s a true follower of Christ when he’s really only trusting in himself. Each character represented in this allegory is intentionally and profoundly accurate in its depiction of what we see all around us, and unfortunately, what we too often see in ourselves. But while Christian is injured and nearly killed, he eventually prevails to the end. So can you.
The best part of this book is the Bible verses added to the text. The original Pilgrim’s Progress listed the Bible verse references, but the verses themselves are so impactful when tied to the scenes in this allegory, that they are now included within the text of this book. The text is tweaked just enough to make it readable today, for the young and the old. Youngsters in particular will be drawn to the original illustrations included in this wonderful classic.
Within Heaven’s Gates (Originally Entitled Intra Muros), by Rebecca Springer
Rebecca Springer shares the wonders and joys of her glorious vision of heaven as she offers hope for the future of mankind. Through this uplifting book, get a glimpse of the eternal home that awaits believers as well as inspiration to continue in your spiritual walk. Come venture Within Heaven’s Gates!
Rebecca Ruter Springer’s vision of heaven was first published in the early 1900s. Mrs. Springer was unconscious for some days while the vision was unveiled to her; the vision itself covers a period of years.
Rebecca Springer said that each person would need to draw his or her own conclusions about the vision, but that she had reported it as it had come to her at the time. She came to understand the vision as a series of basic instructions about heaven rather than a revelation of the past or future. She said the initial instructions from the vision came in the form of illustrations, in a style as if one were teaching truths to children. Then the application and meaning of these illustrations were given.
Rebecca wrote, “I am painfully aware of the fact that I can never paint for others the scenes as they appeared to me during those wonderful days . . .With the hope that it may comfort and uplift some who read, even as it then did, and as its memory ever will do for me, I submit this imperfect sketch of a most perfect vision.”
What Does It Take to Get to Heaven, by Timothy W. Burrow
Timothy W. Burrow lost his wife, the love of his life, to cancer. On the night she died, he pleaded to God to be with her some day in heaven. But he did not know how to get there. Having been disillusioned by conflicting answers on what it takes, he rolled up his sleeves to find the answer for himself. Trained as a lawyer to be thorough, for seven years he studied Scripture meticulously, met with ministers of various denominations, and considered opinions by some of the most respected theologians of the last 400 years.
He then compiled and explained the relevant Scriptures, including those that at first appear to conflict with other Scriptures on the subject, in a way that readers can learn for themselves what it takes to get to heaven. Jesus said that we must do the will of God to go to heaven (Matthew 7:21), and therefore, this book includes God’s commands in the New Testament, as conveyed by Jesus and the apostles. Jesus promised that by obeying God’s commands, our joy may be complete (John 15:10–11). Therefore, this book will do more than provide assurance of your place in eternity. By following God’s commands, some of the joy of heaven will come to you in this life. Embrace it. The best is ahead of you!
The Forest at the Edge of the World, by Trish Mercer
Captain Perrin Shin, assigned to village Edge of the World, is out to do more than command the new fort. He’s determined to uncover the mystery of the Guarders: where they live, why they attack, and what they want. Suspiciously, none of their behavior has ever made sense.
Mahrree Peto, a teacher in Edge, is also growing suspicious. Of the Administrators who promise to eradicate the Guarders, and of the arrogant captain they sent to protect Edge. It’s hard to know who to trust.
The most powerful man in the world is also fascinated by trust, and precisely what it takes to destroy it. He’s looking for research subjects, and up in Edge a brash captain and a nosy teacher have caught his attention.
Let the experiment begin.
Part fantasy, part adventure, part humor, part romance, part mystery all equates to a wholly entertaining and unique family saga.
Forest at the Edge Series–you’ve never read anything like this before.
Think you know who to trust?
Think you know the color of the sky?
Probably not . .
