Book Review: “U-Turn For Christ 2: The Ripple Effect of God’s Grace” by Gerry Brown

If we went for a coffee today, more than likely, this book would come up in our conversation. Virtually every family has been touched by addiction and what Pastor Gerry Brown is doing has brought a lot of hope.

How did I get this book?

Well, I enjoyed the first book! I read it over 5 years ago while still in Canada and doing ministry regularly with Jericho Road Christian Ministries and their addiction recovery program. It was my friend Cory Saul, who came for a visit from Florida and spent a few days with us, telling his story that really piqued my interest. Cory had been through the program in South Carolina, gone on to be in leadership there, eventually help to start a U-Turn Ranch in Kenya. Today, he is giving leadership as a pastor to the U-Turn Ranch in Crystal River, Florida.

I’ve had this book on my shelf for a couple of years. I may have bought it back in Canada and only now read it.

What is it about?

The book is a collection of the stories of 13 men and women that had been or are currently involved in U-Turn ranches. Each story is so different and unique, and brings out some aspect of how God has worked through the ranches.

Each chapter ends with a picture of the person or couple or family and then a prayer based on their life, helping the reader to understand the message of their life.

What did I think?

I was deeply inspired. I cried through several of the chapters. I was amazed at the depth of depravity, convinced there was no hope, only to keep reading and see things turn around.

The stories that impacted me the most were reading about how messed up their lives were as children. Statistically and practically these are lost causes. But, to read the long rocky road to health and maturity is so encouraging. The staff and leadership of U-Turn are doing God’s work.

The other stories that deeply touched me were the ones where the person was in leadership and then fell back into a sinful life. Wow. Typically, they never come back, don’t want to come back and we don’t want them back. Yet, I was so moved to read how the Lord would work and restore. Incredible.

The one page I marked for future reference was in the story of Pastor Alexander “Alex” Young. Alex was one of those guys that had been in leadership and then ended up back in a life of sin. At this point, he had been restored to Christ and was back at the ranch. Pastor Gerry offered him the role of head overseer of the ranch. He accepted and with that came some mentoring. Alex says:

“Every morning we took a five-mile walk together, praying and fellowshipping while I soaked in all the wisdom I could. Pastor Gerry poured his vision into me—to take in those who are lost and beat up, and watch the Lord transform them into His servants. A strong leader, Pastor Gerry reminded me so much of my dad and he always steered me into doing what was right. Sometimes his corrections hurt my pride, but eventually I was able to pray, Thank you, God, for molding me!”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m grateful they put it together. I’m grateful Nancy Aguilar edited it. It deeply ministered to me.

Conclusion:

Beyond stories of redemption, this book glimpses at the power of monastic community saturated in love and surrender to Jesus Christ. It’s dynamite. I believe that this ministry is going to continue to grow because the American family and society is continuing to deteriorate. This is the way.

Have you heard of U-Turn? Do you have a loved one trapped in addiction? Are you aware of any others that are making disciples like this?

soon!

andy