femmeflashpoint: This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti

I've written several reviews on Frank Peretti's work. He's one of those writers, speakers and ministers whose work is always an incredible blessing to me. 

Since I have a hard time keeping such blessings to myself, I'm compelled to spread the word about his ministry to others in hopes they'll receive the same sort of blessings I do from it.

In removing my articles from a content farm, that I wrote for some time ago, I realized that while writing in my free time, with a chaotic schedule, I'd fouled up and neglected something special to me, which was producing a unique review for the very two books that brought me into Peretti fandom. 

And so, I've taken the time to do that now and my apologies for it being so long overdue. If you read this, and are persuaded to purchase these two books and read them, you'll know why I'm sorry I'm late in telling you about them here.

The fantastic stories in these two books aren't the only reason Peretti is my favorite Christian author of his era, but they're definitely a big part of it and they were the catalyst to helping me discover the rest, which I'll be adding reviews for later.

For now, let's start at the beginning.

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Meet Ashton's little warrior ... 

This Present Darkness: A Novel

Henry Busche is new in town -- a stranger, trying to get acquainted with the citizens of Ashton.

To a few folks, he's loved and respected; a sincerely kind man of modest means. Though he's small in stature he has the heart of a warrior and is determined to stand up for what's right, even if he has to stand alone.

A lone soldier on an impossible mission is what it feels like he's become since arriving in the city. The numbers are growing in the ranks of those who aren't members of the Pastor Henry Busche Appreciation Society.

His enemies can't see him run out of town fast enough. They're still bumfuzzled as to how he landed in Ashton at all. They'd gone to incredible lengths to ensure it was an ally that would be arriving, not a foe in the form of this young upstart with the big-burdened heart, determined to fulfill his calling.

In the short time he's been there he's become an over-achiever at upsetting their apple carts, the dirty ones that appear to be sparkling clean with fresh coats of paint and packed with beautiful, yet vile and soul-poisoning fruit.


Yes, Pastor Hank has steadily been unraveling their best laid plans to destroy the lives of every man, woman and child in Ashton and he's not even aware of it.

His enemies are ruthless and lack even an ounce of mercy. They shout and prance in ecstasy amid death and destruction. To bring about pain, heartbreak and damnation, they'll manipulate, cheat and lie to anyone that isn't vigilant in guarding the gate to their soul against them. 

To these ancient wicked foes, Pastor Henry Busche is the despised "praying man". 

He prays when he goes for walks around the city. He prays before he eats his meals. He prays when he's mowing the lawn. He prays for those who love him and he loves those who despise him, so he prays for them too.

To make matter's worse, God has been listening.

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Here they come ...  

Photo via 1soul1nation.blogspot.com

Tal, the shrewd and stealthy captain of the host has arrived on the scene with some of the most elite and dedicated forces ever created.

They're there to protect the praying man,  to protect Pastor Henry Busche and his small, threatened flock.

To Tal and the host of Heaven, Henry is known as  "the little warrior", and with all their brilliance and spiritual perfection, the captain and his troops are touched and amazed at the little pastor's resolve and diligence to not give up hope for success in the mission God has laid on his heart concerning the people of Ashton.

At first glance, Tal and Guilo (The Strength of Many) his comrade in arms are deeply moved with Henry Busche and set about immediately, carrying out their orders in secret, not wanting to alert the enemy to their presence until the remnant can be gathered and their prayer cover increased.

Ashton's enemy is a familiar one. They battled him in Babylon, and are well aware of the dangers in engaging him and his forces before everything is in place. 

Join them as they gather the remnant, rallying them to the cause, encouraging them to pray for one another, to keep the light of love burning bright and hold firm with courage as they face the darkness, swarming with evil, that is rapidly moving to cover their city.

Be there when the Prince of Babylon's hordes arrive on membranous wings, spewing sulfurous breath, reeking hatred and wielding sharp teeth, taloned claws and wicked black blades that leave trails of fire in their wake.

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About Rev. Peretti and his fantastic story ... 

Author, Frank E. Peretti

This is the book that put Rev. Frank Peretti on the global-scaled writers' map and embedded his work in the hearts of millions of fans who love and appreciate his ministry and message.

From the research I've gathered on this guy (and there's been loads of it) he's a man with a big heart, a sincere love for people and sharing the gospel, which he does through his magnificent literature, music, children's television broadcasts and speaking engagements.

This book was recommended to me during a storm in my life that I never planned to encounter and lasted much longer than I anticipated. My friend Deborah not only recommended it to me, she rode with me to the book shoppe to buy it, to ensure I got the right one.

There in a little Christian book store in Bowling Green, Virginia, after reading the first few paragraphs of This Present Darkness, I was transformed into a devoted Peretti fan and have remained one since then.

That was around 1993 and from then until now, I've lost count of how many copies of this book I've given to friends in need, just like I was. Many of those friends have continued to do the same. 

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This book is a timeless classic that's free of adult content and suitable for young-adult readers and up.

I recommended this book to a friend a few weeks ago, who's been involved in a heart-wrenching struggle of his own.

Throughout his reading of it, I continued to receive comments from him, thanking me and telling me how much he'd learned and how much it was helping him. I feel that way every time I read it and I've lost count on that too.

I recently recommended it to my friend Tito, letting him know it would encourage him while he went through troubled waters of his own. Tito read it and immediately found another friend in  need to recommend it to, who got it and read it as well. They've started a brand new vine and I'm sure it will continue to grow.

That's the sort of reaction that has continued to happen for nearly three decades with this book. It's the sort of ongoing reaction that has made its story legend.

Click the link and get the book. It's worth every cent and you'll be amazed at the rewards in reading it time and again. Seriously, it never gets stale and the awesome characters will become old friends to you that you'll want to visit with again and again.

Thank you, Rev. Peretti. I hope we have many more years of your work to be thrilled with. 

That's all folks! See you Thursday!

I hope you've enjoyed the review and that you'll visit again on Thursday when I publish the weekly round-up on femme's Desk! I also hope that if you liked this review, you won't mind to recommend it, click the like button or share the link to whatever social sites you frequent. I appreciate the support and definitely appreciate your time and visits to our website.

Until later, God bless you, thank you for the read and please don't forget to thank a veteran at your next opportunity!

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