Tom Davis' Blog

Fields of the Fatherless Video

This video is the story how Fields of the Fatherless was originally self-published and is now released with brand new content, extra chapters and a study guide. Watch this and get informed and empowered by reading the book and using it in a small group to enlighten others about how to help orphans. This issue takes all of us working together to make the difference. When you purchase the book, the new edition is the paperback from Cook Publishing. Click here to get it.

Jesus' Life

I love when you read something about who Jesus really was and what he was really talked about, not some religious form we've tried to squeeze him into. What you're about to read will challenge and inspire you to be Jesus and emulate his life. This book by Richard Rohr, Adam's Return, continues to challenge me.

"Jesus' language was not formal or academic language; it was more what we would call the vernacular laanguage of the dialect, using folksy metaphors about regular life, farmers, fishermen, housewives, and daily occurrences. He was more concerned about making sense to the outcasts than to the in-crowds. He downplayed titles and pedigree status symbols. He mentioned clothing only twice, one time to criticize the priests in their "robes and tassels" and the other to say "that it is only the pagans who worry about such things." He felt free to change customs and seeming commandments. He was not a priest or even a Levite; clearly he was a layman who was not formally trained. Yet after all this, we have created liturgical orders to his honor, with detailed and enforced protocols in both Catholic and Protestant version to worship a man who never once asked to be worshiped, but only followed. We dress up for a man who tried to dress us down. We create elaborate ceremonies for a man who seldom seemed to have attended any."

Youth Worker Journal Review of Red Letters

Red Letters continues to get good reviews from different facets of the Christian and secular community. For that, I am thankful! I have an article in the latest Relevant magazine article, the one with Rob Bell on the cover. I haven't been able to get a PDF yet, when I do, I will post it. Here's a review in Youthworker Journal.

Red Letter Day for Many HIV+
Tom Davis believes Jesus is a widow named Tuli, an HIV+ woman living in Swaziland.
In 2003, Davis took me to Russia and showed me Jesus in the eyes of a three-year-old girl abandoned by her parents. In that moment, I understood that taking care of her meant I was directly serving Christ.
This is the message of Tom's new book, Red Letters. He shows us how to take Jesus seriously when He said we would find Him naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, and in prison. Using the backdrop of the global AIDS crisis, Davis explains how we cannot ignore the millions of people devoured by HIV/AIDS, because they are, in fact, Jesus in disguise.
Using poignant stories, well-researched facts, and the "red letters" of Jesus' words found in the gospels, Davis compels readers to consider the church’s potential impact on HIV/AIDS and what needs to change in the way of ministry in the future. His “Five for 50” campaign provides simple ideas for how each person can made a difference, even if it means reaching one person at a time.
For information about the pastor scholarship program, contact Children's HopeChest.

Confessions

My new book, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, is out. The men who are reading this say it's my best book yet. As far as men's issues are concerned, it's definitely a deep, probing look at what real masculinity is. I have a new blog that is dedicated to the book and these issues you can look at and sign up for at: www.goodchristianguy.com. Hope you like it! Bloggers, if you would like a copy of the book to review on your site, please email your address.

Jesus Says

This is a great post from my new friend, Brad Brisco at Missional Church Network:

If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter and the Last Supper is the Mad Tea Party.
The world says, “Mind your own business,” and Jesus says, “There is no such thing as your own business.”
The world says, “Follow the wisest course and be a success,” and Jesus says, “Follow me and be crucified.”
The world says, “Drive carefully—the life you save may be your own”—and Jesus says, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
The world says, “Law and order,” and Jesus says, “Love.”
The world says, “Get,” and Jesus says, “Give.”
In terms of the world’s sanity, Jesus is crazy as a coot, and anybody who thinks he can follow him without being a little crazy too is laboring less under a cross than under a delusion.

The Faces of Jesus by Frederick Buechner

Confessions of a Good Christian Guy

My latest book, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, is a available on Amazon and hits stores in February. Frankly, this was a difficult book for me to write. Not just because it's a bit seedy - dealing with real issues men face but don't like to talk about - but because it's about the darkness of my past. My real story about what occurred early on in my life that I'm not proud of. But hey, if I'm going to write a book encouraging men to live with NO secrets, I can't have any myself now can I? Hope you enjoy it. At the end of each chapter I've incorporated much of the leadership training I've done for Fortune 500 companies as a way for people to choose a different path and create a strategies for freedom. Here's a portion of the press release:
DEEPEST SECRETS OF CHRISTIAN MEN REVEALED
(Nashville, Tenn.) It’s not hard to define what a “good Christian guy” is, right? They are the men who seem to have it all. Good job—check. Loving wife and family—check. Solid relationship with the Lord—check. Most people would be shocked to learn that lust, greed, infidelity, substance abuse, pride, and materialism also can have deep roots in the lives of many Christian men. Life’s most challenging issues are not saved just for the faith-less. Even “good Christian guys” grapple with these difficulties on a daily basis.
Author Tom Davis is a self-described good Christian guy. He also is a sinner. He has wrestled with difficult issues, and admits that since coming to Christ, he has sniffed cocaine, been sexually promiscuous, and spent time behind bars. His life is by no means perfect. He is saved, but he is also fallen. In his new book, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, The Secrets Men Keep and the Grace that Saves Them (Thomas Nelson Publishers, January 2008, ISBN: 978-0-7852-2806-6, $14.99), Davis explores the darkest corners of the lives of men like him—men who are outwardly upstanding citizens, church leaders, and pillars of their communities. His new book is not a lurid expose, but instead is an honest, thoughtful exploration of the damaging secrets that often lurk behind the perfect façade that some Christian men have so carefully constructed.
For some Christian men everything seems fine on the surface, but on the inside often there are cracks in the veneer, as they repeat destructive behaviors and succumb to temptations. Davis explains that sometimes inviting Christ into one’s heart does not immediately mark the end of the brokenness and pain that many men feel.

Brand New Fields of the Fatherless

This April, Fields of the Fatherless will be re-released in an expanded form. I've added new chapters, including a chapter on adoption and a Study Guide to be used in all kinds of study groups. What do you think of the new cover?! You can pre-order at at this address from Amazon.com. The number of stories about how God has encouraged people to adopt has truly amazed me. I hope orphans continue to find loving homes as this book is launched in every major bookstore and lands in the hands of those who need to read it.

Everyone in Colorado

I would like to invite all of you in Colorado to come to Vanguard Church this Sunday in Colorado Springs where I will be speaking at all 3 services - 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30. The message will center on my new book, Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds. It would be great to see you! Click here for Directions. Hope to see you there.

Fields Part Two

I don't know if it was something I said in my last post, but Fields of the Fatherless shot to the top of the Amazon charts today and was the #1 book in the Ministry section ahead of books by Joel Osteen and Andy Stanley. So, it's sold out again. Hopefully this results in many individuals, churches and business getting involved in the lives of the fatherless and making a difference. Thanks everyone and happy All Saints Day!

Product Details: Fields of the Fatherless

Hardcover: 146 pages

• Publisher: Global Publishing Services (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971410011
• ISBN-13: 978-0971410015
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: based on 8 reviews. (Write a review.)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Fields of the Fatherless

Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive of the book, Fields of the Fatherless. It sells out regularly on Amazon, but you can always order from me or from the Fields of the Fatherless website. There are quantity discounts available by the way! I am re-writing the book and it will be released in the spring of 2008. Lost of new material will be added including a chapter on adoption and a study guide.

Angel and Russ Weir, two new friends just did an interview segment with me. Below are the videos. You can also go to her website about adoption here and participate in her book club on Fields of the Fatherless. Here's a portion from the site and the videos:

THAT'S RIGHT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! Last weekend Russ and I went to a conference where Tom Davis- Author of "Fields of The Fatherless" and "Red Letters" was speaking. He was so gracious and even did a four part interview with us so that I could post it on my blog for our book club and share it with our church. We were so inspired by what this amazing organization is doing.

A Writing Update

I thought you might like to see a recent picture of Emily and kiddos. Hudson didn't make it on this trip, he stayed back with Brett and Nicole. Look, Hayden's almost as tall as his mom!

A couple of other things: I've been posting to my new blog called, An Author's Blog that has some great resource information for those of you who are aspiring writers! My new book with Thomas Nelson called, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, releases on December 10th. You can pre-order it now and receive ant extra 5% discount. Currently, I'm working at part one of a three part fiction series. The title of that book is Scared. More info on my writing experiences on This Post.

Great news! Red Letters is doing very well and is already in its second printing. I so appreciate all your publicity and support of the book. Many of you have asked what you can do to help. This is important: drive your friends, neighbors, and strangers to the bookstores to purchase the book. What makes a differences is how many books are sold through the stores. Remember for a limited time, just by buying the book you're feeding an orphan for a month!

In Case You Didn't Know

When you purchase a copy of Red Letters, you are actually feeding an orphan for an entire month! This is possible because profits from the book are helping the AIDS orphans of Africa. Also, don't forget to sign up at 5for50.com and commit to pray and give to help children around the world. We just receive 5for50 red bracelets we will send you when you become a part of the movement.

 

How am I doing? Tired! I spoke at all three services at K2 the Church in Salt Lake City, UT. Click on the link to view the video. Tomorrow, I'm headed to Ohio to speak at the Berean Bookstores Managers Conference and Saturday, I'm speaking at The Awakening Fest in Virginia.

It's 49 degrees in Colorado this morning and I'm loving the smell of Fall in the air! Keep praying for the 143 million orphans in the world who are waiting for Christians to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. Your 5for50 arm band will be a great reminder to pray 5 minutes a day.

Blog Tour

The blog tour continues! Thanks to Carl and Rob at Wealth Lifelines for their stellar reviews of Red Letters. Click their names to read their responses to the book.

A copy of the book goes out FedEx to Bono's house tomorrow! I'm off to eat some BBQ...

Hello from Virginia Beach

I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. This is also my anniversary weekend, 12 years ago Emily and I tied the knot. 6 kids and a wonderful life later...here we are!

Another destination on the Red Letters Blog Tour can be found here: Thoughts of a Gyrovague, from my good friend Carl Holmes who works at Compassion International. Second, Kevin Bowman, a friend I met via the internet a year or so ago.

Sermoncentral.com

For anyone desiring an outline of the message on Red Letters, there are two available for immediate download on Sermoncentral.com. The first is titled, We are the Good Samaritan and the second is, Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds. (click the highlighted title to download) These are great for small groups, sermons, personal study, or any kind of teaching.

I'm off to Virginia Beach today for Children's HopeChest's Partners Conference. Many of you have asked when the book will be in the stores. It's due to release September 1st, but that doesn't mean it will land on the shelves then. Should be between the 1st and 14th of September in most stores. But, it is available online now! Thanks everyone for you support of the book and the message!

Dino Rizzo

Pastor Dino Rizzo, pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has posted a review of Red Letters on his site. The Red Letters Blog tour is in full swing and I'll keep you updated on all the reviews. The book was available this morning on Amazon, but sold out by the afternoon. You can still pre-order. The book is still available on Barnes and Noble.

"I haven’t met Tom Davis yet, but I hope to one day soon.  I heard of him through Dan Ohlerking and an early-release copy of Tom’s new book he’s written called, Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds. After reading just the first chapter, I can tell you that this book is going to be a phenomenal blessing to those who read it." You can read the rest by clicking here.

El Mol Video Review of Red Letters

"El Mol " - a friend I have marked with the dubious title, "Man Out of Control," has posted a video review of Red Letters here. We've been to Russia several times together and tore up the "Leadership Network" circuit together. If you do anything today, watch it!

Feed An Orphan for a Month

Just received 100 of the first copies of Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds and it looks amazing! The publisher designed a two-color interior with the red 'blood' smeared on each chapter. That sounds kind of demented. All of Jesus' red-letter words are also red. The really cool thing is the sticker on the front that reads, "Buy this book & feed an orphan for a month." So when you buy the book, you're making a difference in the world!

I'm signing all of these for 'author bookplates' going to several online bookstores. One week till the release date! Here's another endorsement on the back cover:

"Red Letters challenges individuals and churches to move together as a compassionate army of Jesus' love, bringing peace and hope to a world in need."
  STEVE MCEVEETY, producer, Passion of the Christ and Braveheart

To All You Fathers Out There

Hey Dads! Here's an amazing book I just ordered called, The Dangerous Book for Boys. This book is about all the incredible, adventurous things boys do with their dads to make huge connections. Many of the things talked about are what I did, not with my dad, but with my grandpa. Things that still have a huge impact on me to this day. Here's a short video promo on the book, view the video here. Get this book!!!

Red Letter Blog Tour

Red Letters releases in less than a month. In celebration, I will be featuring a Red Letter Blog Tour, featuring different bloggers, magazines and ezines who have either reviewed the book or interviewed me. The first comes from my good friend and Emergent Church leader, Will Samson. Thanks Will!

Review of Red Letters

I recently finished reading an advanced copy of Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds , by Tom Davis, the President of Children's Hope Chest.

Wow

This is an important book. It is important not because it is well-written, although it is. And, it is an important book not just because the idea of living justly in the world, "being the hands and feet of Jesus," is for all us to be reminded of, although that's true.

This is an important book because it is filled with the real world stories of someone living out "a faith that bleeds." This is not a dissociated text from an academic. This is filled with the real world stories of Tom Davis, a man who recognizes the injustices in the world and is working within the Church to address them.

My favorite chapter was the tenth, entitled How to Bleed. Although the book clearly is not a how-to on living justly, this chapter and the Additional Resources section that follows provide some clear steps for readers who are seeking to engage with God's work of justice here in the US and around the world.

Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds is a significant contribution to the growing body of books that are seeking to draw the Church back to faithful living in the area of justice. Are you interested in living more justly? Then read this book.

EMI Partnership with Red Letters

Some very exciting news. EMI Christian music group, representing artists such as Toby Mac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, David Crowder Band, etc., is partnering with Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds. Why? To get the message of Christ's compassion and the needs of the world out to their audience so they can make a real difference in the lives of the poor.

The good news for you, is that they are giving away a trip for (2) to one of the most needy places in the world with the highest HIV infection rate - 46%. Where? You got it, Swaziland Africa! Please check out the EMI website here or go to www.heartitfirst.com/redletters to download Red Letter video content, see pictures, and keep up with the speaking tour. You won't be able to register for the contest just yet, but I'll let you know the day it begins.

Harry Potter, An Orphan

I'm going to take a slight turn from my usual posts to address a particular cultural phenomenon - Harry Potter. Book 7 - The Deathly Hallows arrives on bookshelves at midnight, July 21st. For those of you who are fans, I'm sure you're freaking out with anticipation! Whether or not you believe the material of Harry Potter is right or wrong, it is the #1 seller for all the major chains such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. There are also dozens of Christian books attempting to explain Harry Potter from a Christian world view. This has hit a 'hot-button' in our culture that all of us should pay attention to.

One theme of interesting note is that Harry Potter is an orphan. JK Rowling said she made created him to be an orphan because her mother had died, and she felt like an orphan herself. She battled MS for 10 years and died at 45, as this article states.  People connect with him because he is an orphan. Mistreated, alone, living under the stairs, and hated by his Aunt and Uncle. He has nothing, hopes for nothing, aspires to nothing. He simply eeks out a meager existence. But, I believe, what captures people's attention is that our orphan friend has a very special gift, is famous but doesn't know it, and has a powerful destiny to fulfill.

This is not unlike any other orphan in the world. They are incredibly special, created in God's very image. They have a hope and future, and an amazing future ahead of them - if they could only see it. They are helped in mysterious ways and are led by the invisible hand of God. If only we could see how much love God has for the orphan, we would all be compelled to risk our comforts to help those the rest of the world has forgotten. "Pure and undefiled religion is visiting widows and orphans in their distress." - James 1:27

Encouraging Responses to Red Letters

I thought you might like to see what others are saying about the book from ICRS. This is very encouraging!

"My husband and I own Logos Bookstore in Kent, Ohio. Our former youth pastor has been going on missions trips to South Africa for several years now. I've been interested in what he's been doing, but never challenged to be a part of it.

...Not until about 4 hours ago.

I've had your book for several days. Today I thought that I'd just "crack it open and read the first chapter." Well, I could not stop reading it, except for about a half hour to put my kids to bed. ...I found that I did their bedtime routine differently tonight...with great pause, you know?

Tom, your book has changed my heart of complacency. I have been slowly becoming aware of more global situations- like the plight of the Dalit and the African AIDS crisis. But this book said- "You know the love & hope of Christ. Here's the reality of these crises. Now, what are you going to do about it?"

I read the whole book essentially in one sitting. I will read it again and study it. But, I just had to tell you what impact it had on me. I will be handselling this at my store ASAP. I'll be directing the local pastors and campus ministers to this NOW- before September. We can do a lot in northeast Ohio!"

And a second...

"On the plane going home, I started reading Red Letters, and couldn't stop until I finished it. You've put into words the wordless frustrations and longings I've had in my faith and in my understanding of the Bible. Since childhood, I had a strong and easily upset sense of justice. As an adult, God allowed my sense of justice to be smashed by personal difficulties, and He is only now rebuilding that desire for justice in the direction of those who have no one to speak for them.

 

I'm not sure what direction God has for me next, but I know that Red Letters and meeting you is pivotal in some way. I know I'll be re-reading the book, and getting your other one while I pray and see what to do."

Publishers Weekly

Time for a little shameless self-promotion. I really couldn't believe this and am quite humbled. My publisher is extremely committed to Red Letters and it's getting great press so far. This is the May 14, 2007 edition of Publisher's Weekly  My hope is that it leads to thousands of people taking the needs of Africa and HIV/AIDS seriously enough that they get involved. (Click the image to enlarge)

Canadian Weekend

What a great time to be with some amazing people in Canada over the weekend. Here's a shout to my new friends under the banner of the maple leaf. My publisher for Red Letters, Cook Communications Canada, set up my speaking for the conference including the next one in Vancouver for Unite Productions. You should come, it will be an awesome time!

Reconnected with an old friend, Chris Seay, who is a prolific author and pastor of a church called Ecclesia in Houston and one of the founders of the emergent church movement. I haven't it seen him in quite a few years but it was really good to re-spark an old friendship. His church is doing significant things to help the poor of the world and focusing on the needs of others instead of just what's happening inside the four walls of his church.

Brian Doerksen, was one of the worship leaders I was able to spend some time with. He's written worship songs such as Come, "Now Is the Time" and "Light the Fire Again." An amazing man with an incredible heart for orphans and the fatherless. I'm looking forward to spending time with him in July when he's in Colorado Springs for a concert. Please pray for us at Children's HopeChest, as we get our Canadian status up and running.

Red Letters Cover Part Tres

We want this cover to communicate intrigue and mystery. I loved the comment someone made, "this is a mystery novel --exactly!" A mystery that much of the church stands by as 143 million orphans live a life of extreme poverty, and watch. A mystery that there are almost 50 million people suffering from HIV and Christians think these people somehow deserve to be sick because it's a 'homosexual and drug-user disease.' That's a mystery.

I don't mean to be too harsh on the church here, but I'm a firm believer that God has already provided the solution to these issues. It's the church, people who are Christ followers. There are hundreds of thousands of Christian churches in the US alone. What could happen if this issue was taken seriously? We could change the world, the Kingdom really would come down from heaven, and we could remove the word 'orphan' from our midst.

Anyway, here's the new cover with a few changes. Thanks for all your help and input with this.

Red Letters Cover Part 2

Hey everyone. I cannot thank you enough for all the comments you left about the book cover. Truth is, I hated it and couldn't stand it! Why? It didn't say anything to me, it wasn't what I had envisioned, and it was too simplistic. But, being the humble soul I am, (hey, it's Lent, I'm working on my humility) I'm open to being wrong. I don't like it, but I'm open! You had some great insight and wonderful ideas to share.

The publisher loved the comments and we are incorporating some of the changes you suggested. Some of you will no doubt be disappointed that your thought was incorporated, so I'll apologize in advance. About 70% of the people loved the cover. As soon as we have it back from the designer, I'll post it for you to see.

Just so you know, this book is not all about Africa. It's about examining the life of Jesus to see what He did on earth, who He ministered to, and why certain groups of people moved His heart - like the poor, the leper, the sick, and the orphan. Then it moves into HIV/AIDS, Africa, India, Russia and what you and I can do to make a difference and be the hands of Jesus. Look back at some of my other posts containing excerpts from the book to find out more: Intro Part 1, Intro Part 2, Adanna's Story Part 1 , Adanna's Story Part 2.

I'll be posting the final version of the first chapter in the weeks to come.

Books I'm Reading

So, I'm finished with one book and working on another. You know, it's truly an awesome experience to actually have book contracts. Kind of surreal really. I love it. But, it's a TON of work!

In the midst of writing, I need to pull away and be refreshed by reading something that is inspiring and rejuvenating. Here's what I'm reading. If you have some great books your combing through right now, let me know!

1. In the Spirit of Happiness by The Monks of New Skete
2. There is No Me Without You (One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children)
3. When Invisible Children Sing by Dr. Chi Huang
4. Dalit Freedom (The Epic Struggle for Dalit Emancipation) by Joseph D'souza
5. Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr - highly recommended!