FAITH NEWSWIRE – A person’s life consists not of what we plan or achieve or dream about. It is not about our own purposes and ideas. It is whether we are prepared to recognise that God is in control. It depends on whether we are prepared to accept His control, or to reject it in favour of our own machinations.
The author of the book, ‘The Gardener’s Son’ details his sometimes torturous journey into submitting his life to Christ, completely.
The book is published by Ark House Press.
When this book is read, and mixed with faith, it will generate a new sense of purpose, vision and empowerment. It will lift the discouraged out of their shallow dungeon and they will see the Cross and be drawn to Jesus who hung there for humanity. It is the intention of the author that readers will put their complete trust in God.
David Munns, the author, says, “Recognition often comes with hindsight. Whilst having been raised within a Christian environment, this does not necessarily mean that there is a spiritual qualification automatically conferred upon one in understanding what it is that God requires of one.”
David’s statement comes out of his childhood in the Plymouth Brethren. “Its doctrines are founded on the belief that they are the only people who God has chosen for salvation. Anyone outside of their group is unsaved, children of the devil and sold out to the world. To enhance this concept, they strictly enforce a ‘Doctrine of Separation’ by not permitting their people to interact with ‘outsiders’, either by speaking to, living with, or eating with their neighbours or having common walls between dwellings,” David explains.
In the late 50’s the world leader of the Brethren wanted greater control of the ‘church’. He applied the doctrine of separation. Children were being cut off from their families. Husbands and wives were being forced to not only separate, but to divorce, claiming through the legal system the husband’s assets, so that he was left with nothing. Young people having their belongings literally thrown out onto the street because they left the brethren. David could not tolerate this it was so traumatic and he looked for a way out.
David Munns became a member of the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia and learned to fly. This was entirely contrary to edicts of the Brethren. “But I managed to keep it quiet for a time until my photo appeared on the front page of the Daily Newspaper. The Brethren tried to pressure me into stopping after visiting me, but I refused and was dutifully withdrawn from the organisation.
“Life was hard for a time, as I was only 21, but I slowly found friendships both in my work and at the aero club. I have never danced and always avoid it at all costs. Some things remain and last a lifetime.”
David had a negative religious experience. It certainly was not one that gave him a personal and intimate relationship with Christ.
Missionary Training College had been the organization where David had studied. He learned vital biblical truths and principles to live a life dedicated to God. He knew it all.
But the reality of knowing God’s presence in his life came when his marriage failed.
“At that time it seemed my prayers were unanswered,” David maintained. “My Christian friends deserted me; my church shunned me; my endeavours to compensate with social activities through my work, failed. It was when some faithful Christian friends from America took me under their wing, that I was able to understand that the truth of Hebrews 13:5 where He says, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.”
Then David was unlawfully terminated from his work. This was restored through the legal system. He stood on God’s word and declared victory over the situation, which was achieved. It was God’s grace and mercy upon his life and more answers to prayer!
The author joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and served there for three and a half decades. During this time he was faced with many dangerous and life-threatening challenges. He says, “I was able to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. I looked death in the face and was part of the miraculous restoration to life after the death of a baby. I also had the privilege of being asked to fly a new aircraft from Switzerland to Perth.”
There are many stories from the author while flying, of near-death experiences, in-flight emergencies and tragedies avoided through the protection and faithfulness of God.
“I have written this book to share how God has worked in my life,” the author states. “I suspect that most people have similar failures and successes without knowing that it is God who is working in their lives. I have attempted to share my story, warts and all so that others may understand that the Christian pathway is not a complicated obstacle course, replete with rituals and traditions. But rather a simple hand in hand walk with Jesus each and every day. Most importantly, to believe that what He has promised He will fulfill.
“If my book can reach one person and change that person’s life, then I will have achieved something in history.”
Read about David Munns’ incredible journey to find an intimate relationship with his Savior.
Editor’s Note: this article may be re-produced, without requiring permission.
