“A book club in prison is the best thing on planet Earth, it really is.” There’s a new TV series in the UK called “The Book That Changed My Life”. It features men who discovered the joy of reading whilst in prison. Men who had missed out on the opportunity to enjoy reading because they had got caught up in crime from a young age.
One man featured in the program is Omar Mentesh. Having been in and out of prison a number of times, his final sentence was for seven years. On his release, he was homeless, but he was determined to find his feet. Learning to read had given him the opportunity to get an education and he has since set up his own business helping to rehabilitate prisoners.
Can you relate to the joy of getting lost in a good book? Perhaps there’s nothing you love more in these dark evenings! I have to admit that I was never much of a reader, I couldn’t believe it when I went on holiday with a friend one year and discovered that he’d brought a book with him. “What did you bring that for?!” I asked. Yet, many years later, I find myself never travelling anywhere without a few books!
So what book changed my life? Getting Things Done by David Allen certainly helped me become a bit more organised, but I doubt I’d ever have picked it up if I hadn’t first got hooked on the Bible!
It was God’s Word that changed my life. At first it was listening to it, but then I started to read it for myself and just had a real hunger to read more. I started reading other books too, but it was the Bible that got me going. I first read the Bible all the way through in 2003 and normally try to do so each year. It’s been life changing as I’ve discovered more and more about who Jesus is and what He has done. It’s not simply a book full of good advice; it’s God’s Word, showing us how we can know Him.
On the 20th November we have a book fair in Milford RP church, there will be some second hand books available for free, with donations to the Donegal Hospice very welcome. Other books, including Bibles will be available for sale. There will also be pottery from Peninsula Pottery, Crochet Kits from Christine Tait Design, homemade candles and soaps from Longvale farm luxuries, a children’s craft corner, tea & coffee & treats! Admission is free and any payments can be made with cash or via Revolut.
You’re very welcome to come along anytime between 3-9pm, we’d love to see you, and you never know, you might just find a book that will change your life.
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