Book Review: Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love

This book review is provided by my wife, Hannah, who has an elementary education degree and is just a few weeks shy of her due date.

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3.5 STARS

“Attractive, entertaining, but theologically unclear”

Smack-Dab in the Middle of God’s Love is a beautiful book that teaches children about God’s love for them using the catchy phrase, “smack-dab in the middle”. As neighborhood children and animals crowd into Willie Juan and Ana’s Mexican home, they enjoy homemade sopapillas and discuss God’s love. Willie Juan asks the children what God will ask them in heaven. Several children say He’ll ask if they completed certain acts of kindness. Willie Juan reassures them that even if they fail, God will still love them.

Although I enjoyed the book, I was concerned that it portrays a works-based salvation. Most evangelical Christians would say God will ask us if we have trusted in Jesus and good works should flow out of that love. Willie Juan could have explained how we show love because God loved us. Instead, the book does not qualify the children’s comments at all.

The bright watercolor illustrations show children of all colors and sizes in a realistic way. Each picture complements the words and adds details like animals, food, emotions, or flowers to the scene. The faces are particularly interesting and varied. Overall, the book was attractive, multicultural, and entertaining, but the sketchy theological views make me hesitant to recommend it for children.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, Booksneeze. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

Mexico Addresses Human Trafficking

Our country's awareness of human trafficking is growing thanks to the efforts of numerous people in organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and oppressed. Thankfully it's not just our news outlets that are picking up on these stories.

Yesterday Mexico's President signed off on changes to the constitution that would better prosecute those responsible for the trafficking of persons and would better protect the victims of this crime.

CNN reports:

Earlier this year a report from Mexico City's human rights commission estimated that 10,000 women were victims of human trafficking in Mexico's capital, but there were only 40 investigations of the crime and three convictions in the city in 2010.

It's about time something was done! Pray for the victims of human trafficking and the perpetrators. The story of Joseph tells us that God can redeem both from this horrible practice that makes animals out of all who are involved.

Spanish Resources

Announcing a new blog! In addition to MissionsOutlook and MexicoInTen, I have created a new blog to feature Spanish resources. These resources will be videos that I upload in Spanish, audio from sermons I preach (I am booked for the month of March, so stay tuned), materials I create for the numerous discipulados and classes I'm involved with, and links to other ministry sites.

I will add resources every now and then, with a Twitter update if something exciting goes up. Have no fear, however, as this blog will continue to be my primary focus for the time being.

As if I don't have enough to do already, I plan on launching yet another blog with more personal stories and life updates, though I may keep that private and publish a few stories every now and then here. I haven't decided. That's all for now. Be sure to check out the Spanish site. Unless you don't speak Spanish. Then it may not be as exciting for you.

Mexico Trip Update

Check out our newest update about our July Mexico trip.

Rosca de Reyes/Día de los Reyes

My Spanish professor was talking about the Día de los Reyes, a Mexican holiday on January 6. I just uploaded this video to Youtube so we can watch it in class. Here it is for you to enjoy. On a mission trip to Mexico in January I had the chance to participate in this celebration with a Mexican family. To learn more, go to Wikipedia.org to read about the Rosca de Reyes, the bread (cake) that is the center of this celebration. Enjoy!

Also, this video may not have been processed yet by Youtube. Stay tuned and it will come up shortly.