THE GOD WHO HUNG ON THE CROSS

Filled with stories of "kingdom building," this book chronicles the work of octogenarian entrepreneur Rosser, who helped build almost 1,200 churches in 19 different countries. Told by Rosser himself in some chapters, and by veteran co-writer Vaughn (The Strand; Gideon's Torch) in others, it is a story that will indeed "stir up fresh possibilities of what [God] could well do right here at home." The very best sections of the book, however, come from the people they meet in dozens of other countries—Christians who tell of amazing faith in the face of extreme deprivation. The story of "The God Who Hung on the Cross," a tale of miraculous salvation from Cambodia, will become a favorite sermon illustration for many pastors. Readers will find themselves looking around for someone to tell, "You've got to hear this story!" The perspective shifts between Rosser and Vaughn, indicated at the start of each chapter, give the book a balanced feel; while it is important to hear the story from Rosser himself, it's also helpful to have the perspective of an observer without his entrepreneurial drive. Although the commentary occasionally lapses into clichés ("getting out of our comfort zones"), the book is filled with powerful illustrations of God using ordinary people and meager resources to do extraordinary things. (Feb.)