Several years ago, I made a conscious
decision to wipe the invisible religious slate clean and start from scratch. As
the daughter of a minister, I began questioning some of the doctrines
associated with our church. I had
religious answers burned into my mind, but I didn’t want that kind of
experience. I was searching for an experience that was authentic and came from within. I didn’t want to act and react due to head knowledge, but
out of a driving passion from my heart.
As a book reviewer and editor, I was
privileged to have the best in written philosophies at my disposal. I became
immersed and consumed with finding out who this mysterious Heavenly Father
truly is. Interviewing a diverse group of individuals and hearing their personal
stories for my radio broadcast has also helped to unwrap the great mystery.
And, on occasion, my path would intersect with flesh and blood mirror images of
who I longed to be-that individual who totally understood who God was apart
from legislated rules.
Late one Sunday afternoon in Atlanta,
Georgia at the World Congress Center, Peter Stanway and I crossed paths.
Nothing about his appearance or our initial conversation screamed that our
meeting was destiny, but it would prove to be.
After getting to know Peter over the course of several days during The
International Christian Retail Show, it was obvious that just by knowing him,
any faith crisis that remained, would soon become nonexistent. He beamed with a
passion that was bigger than any room he stepped into. He has a palpable
compassion for people that are lost in a maze of questions that never seem to
get resolved. Although a gifted minister, I believe him to be a 21st
century healer.
When Jesus performed miracles, opening deaf
ears and blind eyes was only part of his ministry. There was always a deeper
meaning of reconciliation with society and with God our Father at work. Peter’s
ministry is much the same. He is driven to remove the errors in religious
thinking and restore our relationship with God.
As you read of McKenzie’s adventures, don’t
be surprised if some of his wonderings and emotional struggles look familiar.
That is because McKenzie is each of us, wrapped in a different outer shell, but
tormented by the same spiritual issues we all deal with. Without having to
dress in your Sunday best, fight traffic, race for your favorite pew in your
own synagogue, it is possible to hear the truth in a non-confrontational but
personal way. It is conceivable to settle our own questions by voyeuristically
shadowing McKenzie and learning as he learns. It is probable that you will wipe
a tear or two from your cheek as the realization of the depth, yet simplicity
of His love, finally comes to rest within you. There is no greater sermon or
more profound message to be shared except that He is real and always
obtainable. No religious doctrine necessary.
Several years ago, a military drama
premiered on silver screens across the world in which one line has become
notorious for making the movie. In the famous courtroom scene, a lawyer slams
his fist on the table while yelling at the defendant, “I want the truth.” In much the same way, I see believers around
the world slamming their spiritual fist on a table demanding to know the truth.
I know because I was one of them. I grew up in church but failed to know,
really know, God. It is my prayer that as you read Who Is McKenzie?, your eyes will be opened, the truth revealed, and
for the impact of that truth to reach forward into generations to come. Whether
you need to wipe your slate clean as I did, or to hear the message for the
first time, I believe Peter will profoundly affect the way you view God. For
those that want to know Him and bypass the doctrinal sludge that tends to weigh
us down, McKenzie is perfect.
Order your copy of Who is McKenzie? here: http://www.peterstanwaybooks.com/buy.html
Mary Nichelson
Editor, journalist, talk show host
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