St Ed's
The Website of
St Edmund's Parish Church
Roundhay, Leeds, England
Articles - Book Reviews - Andy Hawthorne
"Mad for Jesus - the vision of the World Wide Message Tribe", by Andy Hawthorne. Published by Hodder. Price £6.99. ISBN 0-340-74563-0.
Andy Hawthorn has written a book that pulsates with energy and optimism. That won't be a surprise to those familiar with the "World Wide Message Tribe" or "Planet Life" - projects that Andy has been instrumental in establishing. The book may however come as something of a shock to those who view youth work in terms of table tennis and Cliff Richard.
"Mad for Jesus" is basically an autobiography that develops into a vision statement about Andy's current project; "Message 2000", a Christian festival being held in Manchester this summer. Andy explains how he came to be a Christian, and how as a young businessman he ended up doing Christian work in schools. His interest in working with young people grew into the "World Wide Message Tribe"; an astounding band that have tasted success and fame, and yet remain true to their first commitment of
working with Manchester's school kids. Out of the success of the "'Tribe" grew "Planet Life"; a huge monthly event that's well known to several teenagers in our church. Also emerging is the "Eden" project that helps young Christians to practice their faith whilst living in difficult inner-city areas.
It's taken a great deal of energy to bring this all about, and it is clear that Andy Hawthorne is a person with plenty of energy to burn. But, more than that, it's taken a great deal of commitment and faith to get involved in project that few Christians or churches have had the courage to tackle. With all the success that Andy has seen it would be easy for him to be boastful, but that doesn't come across at all in this book. Instead, what comes across is an exciting message about an exciting God who is interested even in scruffy "oiks" in inner city schools.
If there's one things Anglicans seem to be scared of then it's passion. Our faith often seems reasoned, serious, ... and dull. The vision of faith that Andy presents is vibrant, lively and impassioned. And yet the fella's an Anglican! So, there's hope for us yet. Here's a final thought: as you read this book you might conclude that Andy and those like him are well meaning but naive.
Maybe they are. But then the same might have been said about the Apostles as they set out after Pentecost to proclaim the Gospel. And same could have been said about Jesus....
http:/www.stedmunds.roundhay.org.uk/bookrev.hawthorne.htm
© St Edmund's Church, Leeds
Last Revised 3 May, 2000