Making a Real Difference: Christian Movers and Shakers 

This is a book full of passion. The author is fervent in his commitment to deepen Christian faith across New Zealand society through the books he both writes and publishes - and this is no exception. His motivation is clearly James 2:17:

 “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” 

 For this reason the book is both a strong defence of Christian faith and also offers positive, diverse illustrations of transformative faith. There are at least twenty of them - stories that are nicely presented, each with an engaging photo and under the chapter heading there is a pertinent quote from the subject. All are people who are dedicated, highly enthusiastic, and some surprised me. I was fascinated to read about people whose stories were previously unknown to me: Cheryl and Malcolm Bollen, Claire Szabo, Dave Pipe, Gary Diprose and others. Many are connected to, or have been honoured by, Rotary.

George Bryant, described in the publicity as “one of New Zealand’s writers on social issues” and “a leading Christian author”, is very keen to place the contemporary stories within both the history of socially-active Christians and a survey of the contemporary NZ scene, frequently using the phrases “added value” and “making a difference”. I hadn’t heard of George previously, and at times I resented his personal intrusion and his uncritical view. (For example: “Because she was a divorcee and married a non-Christian she was forced to leave her church…” He describes another book published by himself as a story “brilliantly told.”) I was pleased that his selection included people from a wide range of Christian backgrounds.

To be honest, I was not sure what I would be getting when I opened this book. It is surprisingly simple and would make a good present or contribution to a church library. The first three chapters give a bold rationale for Christian participation in community life and I wish more of our people in parishes of whatever denomination would get the message that making a real difference is non-negotiable for followers of Jesus Christ. For this reason alone I would commend George Bryant’s book, even though I am not sure whether the very obvious apologetic purpose would put off the non-Christian readership he hopes for. These are indeed stories of the heart that empower and at times inspire.