Book Review

Book Review by Jeff Gurney

Presenting the Gospel Through Daily Encounters

Authors: Kent & Davidene Humphreys

Book Review by Ken Mowery

Author: Philip Yancey

As the leader of a Christian Business Leaders Group at our church, New Life Community Church, I was especially moved by a series of lessons that were presented by Kent Humphreys. I think part of the attraction was that Kent was a distributor of health and beauty products in a business he took over from his father in Oklahoma City, and I am selling wholesale professional beauty products to salons in a business I am taking over from my parents. Our distributorship is based in Tulsa OK. I know it may not be exactly the same, but it was close that God made me pay attention.

I decided to contact Kent personally about some of the examples he presented in the lesson series and I was excited when I got an answer to my inquiry followed by a copy of the book Show and Then Tell written by Kent and Davidene Humphreys. Show and Then Tell is and excellent guideline of how to live the Christian life, as a layperson, working in the real world. I would recommend it to other Christians that want examples of how to have a ministry where you are.

I would like to share a few of many highlights and tidbits that I have found in the pages of the book. Christ has called us all to have our own ministry, some as missionaries, some as pastors, but the vast majority of us are scattered throughout the community. Kent relates his own story of how he was called to the ministry. It took a few quarters of majoring in preministry with failing grades to discover that Kent was called to the ministry, but he wouldn’t be paid by the local church. His ministry was in the business world, not just to be a successful businessperson, but to also have a ministry through his business. I think this is a great way for the Humphreys’ to point out how God calls all of us to different professions but we need to be light where we live.

The book also points out that the most of the people mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11 were laypeople, they had their own occupations in the community. Therefore, we need to see that God wants to use us where we are, with what we have, right now. Philippians 4:13 states "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." There are many examples of how people are having a ministry where they are with what they have right now in the book. If you have ever wondered how you can have a ministry where you are read the examples in the book, something is sure to speak to you.

As I read the book I gained insight into how my own business is a ministry. Now I realize what a powerful effect I can have on my community by modeling Christ to my employees, and customers, (hairdressers), while looking for open doors to minister to them. After all, the hairdressesers are at times family counselors, health advisors, legal associates, ect. Reading this book has helped me see many examples in my own life of how God is working in me to have a ministry through my business. I would recommend you read it and find the ministry God has for you.

He examines these questions in the context of his relationship with a man who looses his faith completely. Yancey's friend faced a series of life crises that convinced him that God "doesn't seem to care." In his search for answers the author genuinely probes the questions that confront every thinking person: "If God desires our love, why does he sometimes put obstacles in the way? Why does he seem so distant? What can we expect from God after all?"

You should realize that Mr. Yancey approaches this subject from a "Christian" world view. However, even if you do not have the same orientation as Yancey, you will appreciate the straight forward honesty of his approach to the very real problems of suffering and evil.

You will benefit from this book whether you are a person of great faith or a person with great doubts. We give it our hearty approval and recommendation.



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