Guns to God

Over 20 years ago a good friend of mine launched a Christian project in the heart of the nightlife area in Tenerife. She carefully selected a handful of books creating a small library for local people, many of whom worked in the local clubs and bars. The selection included ‘Run baby run’ by Nicky Cruz and ‘Chasing the dragon’ by Jackie Pullinger. The local workers couldn’t believe books with such dramatic stories like these could come from Christians. Books about drugs and crime with stories of people’s lives being changed for the better. The books were often discussed in great detail and led to conversations about faith and church.

There is so much power in a person’s story. Our stories are personal, we invite people into our world, often fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. It is not often that a book comes along that could sit in this collection of life-changing biographies, but Guns to God can. The book sets the scene of Claud Jackson’s early years with heart wrenching reality and continues with personal exerts from a life many don’t experience. The book is a window into a life. 

If you want to have a greater understanding and compassion of the struggles some face growing up alongside the challenges and courage it can take to overcome and face another day, Guns to God will speak to your heart. The stories told hold valuable insights for society about the consequences of oppression and power imbalances that many of us live oblivious of. It is also a story of hope and transformation and well worth a read.

Written by Theresa Jackson