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TOGETHER MAY – JUNE 2022

FROM THE PUBLISHER Well Worth the Read reads like a Hollywood movie, extremely well

In Raymond’s own words, ‘I can honestly say
written. (Page 15)
I love my job and every aspect of it’. I suspect
he wasn’t referring to the early morning starts,
traffic jams and nights away, but rather the
My last highlight, or probably better put, ‘a
must-read’, particularly if you are a retailer, is
lasting friendships he has made with customers
over the past thirty years. An enjoyable read!
If you are not familiar with Bookshop.org it is
(Pages 32-33)
an online bookshop with a mission to financially
First published in 1992, and with over twenty- the article on Bookshop.org by Mark Thornton.
support independent retailers. It is an initiative
five million copies sold in fifty languages, The that acknowledges the value of the high street
5 Love Languages by Dr Gary Chapman is still bookshops but at the same time recognises
today on the New York Times bestsellers list. In that book buyers may also want to have an
an exclusive interview with Together magazine alternative online way of purchasing books.
Dr Chapman openly talks about his life from an It is a blending of needs for the benefit of
Steve Briars invitation to speak at the Pentagon to his own bookshops. (Pages 42-44)
personal challenges. (Pages 16-17)
Welcome to the May issue of Together Take time to discover your own highlights in
magazine. I am sure there is something for Inside War is the true story of Tony Maisey, a this issue. Why not make yourself a cup of
everyone that will both inform and encourage. former London gangster. This is a raw account of coffee, curl up in your favourite comfy chair
Here are a few highlights. a man’s journey to find deliverance that took him and enjoy a night in with Together magazine.
deep into the Peruvian jungle where he sought
Having been a sales rep (many years ago with witchcraft and witnessed demonic appearances. Stephen J Briars
IVP) I enjoyed Raymond Banks’ article on A Deliverance finally came through an encounter Publisher & Managing Editor,
Travelling Life For Me… A Week on the Road. with Christ. This is a gripping testimony that Together Magazine

REFLECTIONS The Frozen Rose ‘fragrance’ (love) of Jesus in our daily lives. Is

A few years ago, one bitterly cold January
that true of us, or are we all ‘locked up’ and
morning, I was looking out of my kitchen window
hindered in doing so because of the constant
at the frost-covered lawn and the bareness of the
stresses and pressures of family life, church life
garden, when something caught my eye near the
garden fence. There was a single large beautiful
yellow rose in full bloom. I went out to take a and business commitments?
closer look and discovered that the rose was I am often challenged by the account of what
completely frozen – every individual petal! The happened in the home of Lazarus, Martha and
frozen rose sparkled in the morning sunshine, Mary when Jesus was visiting them one day.
yet it seemed so sad that the lovely fragrance for Mary took a very expensive perfume and used
which that variety was known was all locked up it to anoint Jesus’ feet. Many criticised her and
in the ice. said she shouldn’t have wasted it, but because of
what she did ‘the whole house was filled with the
In the Bible we read in 2 Corinthians that fragrance of that perfume’ through an act of love
as Christians we should be spreading the and devotion. Are we prepared to release more of
our time, skills and love for Jesus, so that others
may be drawn to Him?
constantly for them and giving them hope and
A yellow rose also represents peace, and as I encouragement in every way we can, individually
thought about the many difficulties and stresses and through churches who are helping them.
in each of our lives I was reminded of some
words from a well-known hymn: ‘Drop Thy still We need to spread the ‘fragrance’ of Jesus
dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease; take and our commitment to Him much more in
from our souls the strain and stress and let our these difficult days. Many are frightened and
ordered lives confess the beauty of Thy peace’. concerned by what is happening around us, but
we have the answer – give them the Good News!
We are living in a sad and hurting world which, Let’s release that ‘fragrance’ so that others can
as I write, is experiencing another crisis - in share in the peace He gives.
Ukraine. There has been an amazing outpouring
of love and compassion for the people there (The Frozen Rose taken from Just a Thought,
in practical help and aid. As Christians we can one of the series of Inspirational Thoughts
Ben Huddlestone add another dimension to that love by praying Booklets by Ben Huddleston.)
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