BOOK REVIEW: The Wisdom Hunter by Author: Randall Arthur

Today's guest post is by a spiritual sister of mine Edna Durden. I've engaged Edna to read several books and to write her thoughts on this particular book. Enjoy! ~ Jim

BOOK REVIEW: The Wisdom Hunter: Randall Arthur. Multnomah Publishers, 1991.

REVIEW OF The Wisdom Hunter

by: Edna Durden

A story of a man who placed so much importance on traditional religion. Jason Fairchild was a strict leader in the church where he was called Pastor.He was just as strict at home with his wife Lorene and daughter Hannah. His wife and daughter's feelings were not a concern of his and he reminded them of this often.

His way of life led his daughter Hannah to run away.The grief of her leaving caused many years of unhappiness for Jason and Lorene.

Jason receives a phone call from the police in Florida telling him Hannah had been killed in an accident while on the way to the hospital to give birth to their grandchild.He learns through a lawyer hired by Hannah's husband Cody Freeman that she was married and living in Florida,had given birth to a daughter whose name was Renee. Her remains would be sent to Jason and Lorene for burial. The church quickly rallied around the general,as Jason was called because of his strong leadership. The death of Hannah destroys Lorene health which ended in her death leaving Jason completely alone.

In Jason's bitterness which follows Lorene's and Hannah's deaths he turns away and blames God for everything gone wrong in his life. He denies God exists and leaves the church. He becomes determined to find his granddaughter Renee and her father Cody. He sells the home and leaves for Florida in search of the lawyer who had informed him of his daughters death,marriage and granddaughter.

He travels from one point of the world to another as he picks up leads of his granddaughter and her father always a day or so behind them.During this search he learns Cody is an abusive alcoholic becoming this way after the death of Hannah. Jason encounters many trials and hardships as he rushes here and there at every lead or bit of information. He exhaust himself instead of asking for God's help.

By the time the trails lead him to Oslo,Norway Jason is tired and ready to put it all aside.There he meets a man not like any other he had ever known. Yoma was the speaker of a church group and led Bible studies weekly. He likes Jason Fairchild immediately and encourages him to join the studies .Through Yoma's patience and teachings Jason comes to know God as God wants all his children to know him. Jason learns there is no traditional way of worshipping God. No judging of others but love and acceptance. He becomes a leader in the small congregation of several race of people.He learns to care for others by the actions of this group of Christians. He would not have been a part of this group while he was pastor in his church.

Jason settles down and becomes resigned to the fact he will not ever find his granddaughter Renee.

During this time Jason goes one day to visit Yoma at his home . He finds Yoma had passed during the night .He informs everyone of Yoma's death and helps with the service. Soon afterwards Jason and several church members travel to the states to help start a church. After arriving he finds himself in the company of a young girl who is full of bitterness and resentment. He feels sorry for the girl and offers his help.She is untrusting of him.Jason feels the child's hurt and is determined to help her which eventually leads him into her trust and from there he is able to teach her of God and His love and forgiveness.During his time with this girl who calls herself Daytona, Jason learns her father had sexually and physically abused her.

Jason through many talks with her became aware this same child called Daytona was in reality his granddaughter Renee.

Jason discloses all this truth to Renee and convinces her she is his granddaughter.He tells her of her mother Hannah and how she died giving her birth.He told her of her grandmother Lorene who was a wonderful lady.

Renee grows stronger spiritually and through encouragement to do what God would want her to do she goes to her father tells him she forgives him of all his abuse.She finds him a sick man and in need of care.

Renee decides to stay and see to his well being. The story ends as Jason leaves with the knowledge he had helped Renee to learn of God and His love.

Jason had made many long travels,meeting so many people ...all the time God was right with him waiting for Jason to learn who He truly is and how He wants his children to love one another as He loves them.

This story despite all the hurt and resentment at the beginning ends in a very good way.

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Thank you Edna for your post! ~ Jim