Could ordinary me change the world?
In the middle of diapers, dishes, papers, or presentations, deep down, we long to live a life of purpose, with a bit of adventure. But if we do something, we think we have to do everything—and do it in Africa. In Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood...and Beyond, Jeannie Marie shows us we can change the world right where we already live, work, play, and study—by learning to grow genuine, spiritually deep friendships with people from other countries, cultures, and faiths.
In a refreshing “you-can-do-this-too” style, Marie leads us by the hand with clear steps, try-it sections, and beautifully crafted prayers. She gently guides us away from common cultural missteps, so we can offer Jesus in a winsome way, while honoring culture, faith, and family. With confidence, courage and compassion, we’ll start small, start soon, and start somewhere we already are, by first going across the street—which just may lead us around the world!
Published by Thomas Nelson, the book released October 2, 2018 in the USA, UK, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, and India. Also available in Portuguese, Norwegian, and Swedish.
Check out the one-minute official book trailer!
Back Cover:
Jesus said it clearly: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” But how do we live this out in our ordinary lives?
The world is changing. More than ever, God is bringing people from other countries and cultures into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. But we often don’t know how to start building meaningful relationships. In Across the Street and Around the World, Jeannie Marie shows us that following Jesus' final charge doesn’t have to be as daunting or as impossible as we might imagine.
Step by step, Marie walks us through the shifts in perspective we need to make as we align our hearts, minds, and everyday lives with God's heart for the nations. Using personal stories and plenty of inspiration, she gently guides us away from common missteps, while offering practical tips and spiritual lessons for engaging in cross-cultural relationships with love and purpose.
At the end of the day, connecting with people from different backgrounds simply starts with walking across the street—and may lead us to the ends of the earth—as we join in God's plans for our neighborhoods, our cities, and the world.
Bonus:
Across the Street and Around the World includes reflection questions, a small group plan, a Bible reading list and a resource list to go deeper and do more inside the book. You can also take the online Grow to Go Test to help you discover your global role and how to grow in it. Check out the free Small Group Guides, and see links to message series outlines.