Fraser: Not a Private Matter

by Fraser Tallach

Why did God allow a talented young man, at the beginning of his Christian ministry, to be struck down by disease? In this story from the early days of kidney transplant surgery, Fraser Tallach gives a frank and moving account of his long battle with kidney failure, while his brother John gives the background to the story and recounts Fraser's later days. The pain Fraser was called on to endure was mental and spiritual as well as physical, but in it all he found, like the Apostle Paul, that God's grace was sufficient for him, and that God's strength was made perfect in his weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Anyone can be called to suffer. God alone can give the grace we need to carry us through. 'The grace of God, though given in a way which is intimately personal, is not a private matter' (John Tallach).

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2004

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

On one level I liked this book. The author had a picturesque way of wording things. He was transparent and let you have an inside look as he faced death due to kidney failure. There were lessons to learn on how to minister to those facing chronic and/or terminal illnesses. But the more I read, the more something seemed off. It was what wasn't said. I don't think he ever expressed concern about the lost around him. He spoke much of his personal relationship with God but he, even as a pastor, seemed to have no heart that others come to know this God. I suspect he was a hyper-Calvinist as I have no other way to account for such an obvious lack. This exclusive focus on him and his walk with God made the book feel somewhat one-dimensional, even though there was much to admire and to learn from.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is divided up into three parts with the first and third parts written by the subject's brother and nephew, while the middle part is autobiographical. It gives the account of a Scottish man and Free Presbyterian minister who suffered from kidney failure, then later in life, heart disease and finally cancer which took his life. He asked a lot of questions, but didn't provide a lot of Biblical answers. Overall, I was disappointed with the book.