In the process of writing two short collections of light hearted material, (one published and one yet to be published), the author became acutely aware that he could not continue forward without addressing what he considered to be the most important issues of human existence. All of us have asked ourselves the questions, "What is the meaning of life" and "Why am I here"? Some have rejected the idea of an eternal soul, some are undecided, while others are largely unconcerned, but the author has chosen to embrace the concept and run with it. He believes there is a single overriding mission for every individual alive today. The sole purpose of this life is to prepare for the next one, and every person has been given the ability to control his own destiny. When compared to eternity, our lives are like a single knot in a rope that stretches around the world. From the foundation of the earth, a plan has been in place to allow humanity to share the wonders of eternity with the Creator of all things. Those who follow that plan will be rewarded accordingly, while those who prefer to separate themselves from the influence of a Higher Power, will be granted their wish in eternity. If this book convinces one person to follow the plan that leads to redemption, then it will have been well worth the effort.

In The Supernatural and the Circuit Riders, Rimi Xhemajli shows how a small but passionate movement grew and shook the religious world through astonishing signs and wonders. Beginning in the late eighteenth century, early American Methodist preachers, known as circuit riders, were appointed to evangelize the American frontier by presenting an experiential gospel: one that featured extraordinary phenomena that originated from God’s Spirit. In employing this evangelistic strategy of the gospel message fueled by supernatural displays, Methodism rapidly expanded. Despite beginning with only ten official circuit riders in the early 1770s, by the early 1830s, circuit riders had multiplied and caused Methodism to become the largest American denomination of its day. In investigating the significance of the supernatural in the circuit rider ministry, Xhemajli provides a new historical perspective through his eye-opening demonstration of the correlation between the supernatural and the explosive membership growth of early American Methodism, which fueled the Second Great Awakening. In doing so, he also prompts the consideration of the relevance and reproduction of such acts in the American church today.

A writer once denounced the Lone Star State as "where the Godly could battle 'the devil' on his own ground." Circuit riders and other early preachers confronted dangerous outlaws, Indians, wild animals, and Texas' unpredictable weather. Their stories chronicle bringing one element of civilization to early explorers and settlers. Some fought for Texas independence with a Bible in one hand and a rifle in the other; others worked as drovers and preached along the cattle trails. One served as a deputy sheriff; others, as fort chaplains. European immigrant ministers and Negro preachers formed an unlikely mix in East Texas. The frontier lured them into all the danger, adventure, and challenge of others who faced the "devil in Texas." Circuit riders had preached to all regions of Texas before they "hung up their spurs and went to the camp meeting in the sky."

Frank felt his heart beat fast. At that moment he was certain God was calling him, asking him to give up his ties to his homeland and set out across the Atlantic Ocean. He did not hesitate to stand when John Wesley asked preachers to walk forward if they felt God was calling them to the American colonies. One of the first Methodist bishops in America, English-born Francis Asbury devoted his life to ministry, traveling on horseback to preach and teach to those living on the vastly isolated American frontier. Alone in a new country, with no home of his own, Asbury rode over 300,000 miles-across rivers and through rocky, overgrown roads-shining God's light on the fledgling colonies. When many Methodist clergy left America during the Revolutionary War, Asbury stayed. His tireless leadership sawthe movement grow from 5,000 members in 1776 to 214,000 at the time of his death in 1816, fulfilling the great destiny of his call and inspiring future generations.

"Semi-autobiographical account of the life of an unworldly minister and his more practical wife in rural Georgia." Cf. Hanna, A. Mirror for the nation.

Chaplaincy. Pastoral care. Ministry. The care of souls. What lies beneath that which lies beneath them? Like Virgil, chaplain Stephen Faller guides an unusual tour winding through personal disclosure about ministry, adoption, chaplaincy, and disability. Contextualized within chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education, Faller examines these "visions from a little-known country." Within the landscape are the sights of living in a post-9/11 world as they prefigure the change and uncertainty that marked American life and ministry after the pandemic of 2020. A conclusion to "a dialectical inquiry at the end of the world," Faller explores the history of philosophy and religion in order to navigate an already unusual life within strange times. Essential reading for chaplains, and helpful insights for all those within the helping professions. As ministry continues to move beyond the surrounding walls of the institutional building, Faller suggests that chaplaincy can be a meaningful space for ordained ministry as one of the great "spaces between spaces." Moreover, this confessor's confession spells a way for storytellers and story collectors to find direction when meaning is lost. Chaplaincy itself is a meaningful response to a world turned upside down.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1874.

'A Circuit Rider's Wife' takes readers on an intimate exploration of a circuit rider's wife in the rugged mountains of North Georgia. Inspired by her own experiences, Corra May Harris weaves a heartfelt tale of Elizabeth Thompson, who accompanies her husband, a Methodist missionary, on his tireless mission. Set in the fictional Redwine circuit, this poignant novel unveils the challenges, sacrifices, and profound spiritual encounters that shape Elizabeth's life. Through Harris's sharp wit and compassionate narration, the novel delves into the complex dynamics between religious and spiritual individuals, town and country society, and differing denominations. Harris's personal connection to the story adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, providing readers with a profound understanding of the struggles faced by the wives of circuit riders. As Elizabeth's husband grapples with personal demons, readers witness the emotional toll and ultimate tragedy that befalls a devoted servant of God.