Endorsements for My Book: “Driving through Walls”

My book will be published soon. When I was a child I woke up really early on Christmas morning because of excitement and anticipation. Since it is still two months before publication, I should probably not stay awake from now until then – despite my joyful enthusiasm. I need my sleep to finish the journey.

I am in the midst of the editing ocean now. It is a great, tedious, and maturing journey.

To whet your appetite for the book, I’m going to drip-drop endorsements for my book onto you in the weeks ahead.

Praise for Driving through Walls

Thousands upon thousands each year go on pilgrimage to the land of the Holy One. There they see the divine majesty of the one who once trod that land. There are very few people who will take residence in that land called Holy, but rent apart by trauma, turmoil, and conflict. I, like Dawn, have lived there and loved that land. In this book you are given the opportunity to see it like it really is. You also see what, I believe, is the only way to cope here, the supernatural miraculous nature of G-d.

As you read Dawn’s inspiring words you will see how from a very young age the Lord was preparing Dawn to be in this place and do this work. Somehow I think this is just the beginning for Dawn, but spiritually this book will give you a chance to come here too.

The Rev’d Canon Andrew P B White, Vicar of Baghdad

President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation on the Middle East

 

 

In a fast-paced world of opinions and sound bites it is always refreshing to read a book that matters. Dawn’s story is a story of courage, compassion, wide-eyed wonder and, most of all, faith. She has experienced horrors that none of us ever want to ever see, and wonders that we all hope could happen to us. Her’s is a story that will encourage you and prompt you to seize God’s call on your life. I encourage you to read it with joy!

Dr. Paul Wright

President of Jerusalem University College

Mt. Zion, Jerusalem, Israel

 

 

You can help my book get published by pre-purchasing a copy and/or making a contribution. Anonymous giving is available. I need $1,335 by March 31, 2012 to get the book published. It will be released in MAY!!!! HOORAY!

Info here.

Fight Death in Iraq with HOPE for IRAQ

Youth in the emo-subculture in Iraq are being stoned to death for their creative self-expression which runs counter to the religious spirit of the so-called Moral Police and extreme Shia groups. This is horrifying and really grieves me. I feel like running to Baghdad and gathering all those youth and protecting them, then going to the murderers and having a real heart-to-heart until love breaks through. They must know the true LOVE of the Father.

This kind of killing is anti-joy, anti-innovation, and anti-art. It must be stopped.

For me, I am not in Baghdad now, but I am able to grow a HOPE movement for Iraq from here.

If you’d like to give an encouraging word or prayer for Iraq. Come to the HOPE IRAQ facebook page

If you’d like to be part of a real counter-terrorism movement and proclaim it, buy an “I ♥ Baghdad” shirt and wear it in confident expectation that IRAQ WILL SHINE. Love is the best counter-terrorism movement there is.

Read an article about these killings here.

In the midst of many voices talking about the Middle East. Choose to be a voice of hope.

See the church I was at in Baghdad!

This new video narrated by my friend Nick, the director of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East displays the compound in Baghdad I stayed in. It also demonstrates the powerful and varied work of FRRME. Hope is rising in Iraq and Saint George’s Church is a central part of that. Iraq will shine.

It would be doubly helpful if you “liked” the video and commented. Let’s encourage hopeful dialogue about precious Baghdad. Thanks.

Inside the American Embassy in Iraq

When I was in Baghdad in November I spent many hours inside the American Embassy, including Thanksgiving dinner in the Dining Facilities. Here’s a slideshow of the embassy for a better perspective:

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/02/07/world/middleeast/20120208-BAGHDAD.html

The US Embassy in Baghdad from above

Only TWO “I ♥ Baghdad” shirts left! Get yours now!

Now’s your chance! Get your very own “Hey, what does your shirt say?” shirt. And join the outrageous hope movement for beautiful, precious Iraq. The shirts are $20 each and you can order them…

HERE

Vicar of Baghdad Interview

Canon Andrew White is the man I went to Baghdad, Iraq with for three weeks in November. These videos give great insight into my journey as well as life in Baghdad. I’m expectant to return to Baghdad this year to work with Andrew. There is beauty stirring and spouting and shouting and churning and living and believing from beneath the rubble of Baghdad. Hope is alive.

After 20 Years, An Iraqi Returns To A Changed Land

“The only thing that’s still here is the breeze, that Baghdad breeze,” she says.

An insightful article: “After 20 Years, An Iraqi Returns To A Changed Land“

Baghdad, from a soldier’s viewpoint

Baghdad.

images from a soldier who was there.

 

 

.

One of the most disturbing things I’ve ever read

I love life. I do not like death. There is a spirit behind death which is demonic. Yuck. I’ve seen it in “martyr’s monuments” in Palestine; I’ve seen it in the eyes of people tormented by suicidal thoughts; I’ve seen it on dictators’ faces; and I’ve seen it creeping the streets of my beloved Baghdad, Iraq. Killing is evil and it should never be welcomed.

Abortion is a way of killing babies. I know there are many emotional journeys which lead people to choose abortion, things horrendously difficult, and often full of death as well, but this does not justify killing anyone.

All to say,

I really think you should read this book excerpt (HERE) written by a woman who ran a Planned Parenthood clinic.

Pretty Baghdad

“Pretty” and “Baghdad” aren’t often paired together, despite the truth that Baghdad is very pretty. Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder. God is the Ultimate Beholder. How He sees cities is how they really are. God sees potential in cities. He sees giftings. He sees dreams and destinies, hopes and visions. He wants cities to shine.

I like this illustration of Baghdad because it is very pretty.

I hope it helps people re-see that precious city and its precious people.