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Journey on the Hard Side of Miracles
Venture back to the international “Jesus Movement” of the 1970’s to sample a few of the amazing events once witnessed by an entire generation of young Christians. This unique journey of faith begins to unfold as you wander across America with a band of gospel singers in antique buses. At first the turns in the road take you by surprise, but soon you begin to expect the unexpected. After all, human strategies are not necessarily part of God’s purpose. Following a series of difficult and supernatural challenges, a much greater plan begins to emerge – and an unforgettable lesson:
There is a reason to listen to the Shepherd.
There is a reason to stay close.
Journey on the Hard Side of Miracles is a unique and thought-provoking study in faith - a humbling account of following the Good Shepherd. If you have a desire to know God, you may well be deeply challenged and greatly encouraged by this true story.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2011
75 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 19, 2017
"I have come to believe that those special miracles that shake our pre-conceived realities, and even those quiet miracles we may see day by day, are not for entertainment purposes. They are memories to be cherished, lessons to be learned, and counsel to receive." (Preface)
"Cutting a tight inside turn, the right-rear wheels of Number One dropped over the side of a 1,000-foot cliff, and the rear of the bus lurched down dreadfully before momentum brought it lunging up and back on the road." (Chapter 2)
"Miracles may be intriguing to see, but the truth they reveal may be priceless." (Chapter 1)
"Let me tell you what revolution really is. My people live sacrificially to help people who suffer: they feed people; they comfort the hurting; they live compassion. They don't just debate human suffering in lecture halls and protest it with bricks through windows." (Chapter 2)
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) (Chapter 2)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) (Chapter 3)
"A formal demand was made requiring change in the ministry's basic identity. 'Too Christ-centered,' some critics said. Others voiced their opinions as well: 'Too much time doing worship and devotions, and not enough recreation.' 'Too much use of the Bible and not enough use of denominational material.' 'Too much time together.' 'There's a problem with undesirables.'" (Chapter 6)
(See the demands made by the church on the following page.)
Winnemucca, NV to
McDermitt, NV to
to Caldwell, ID miracle (Chapter 17)
"The high mountain air was crisp and still, but it was not silent, for the snow-rimmed lake before me struck the deepest blue chord, just as surely as the clear, and brilliant sky offered its gentle azure refrain. Praise echoed from every corner as gatherings of tall and stately dark forest sentinels reached ever heavenward, joining in testimony to a very present majesty. Even they knew the Shepherd." (Chapter 18 ) (Experience at Clear Lake)
"Cutting a tight inside turn, the right-rear wheels of Number One dropped over the side of a 1,000-foot cliff, and the rear of the bus lurched down dreadfully before momentum brought it lunging up and back on the road." (Chapter 2)
"Miracles may be intriguing to see, but the truth they reveal may be priceless." (Chapter 1)
"Let me tell you what revolution really is. My people live sacrificially to help people who suffer: they feed people; they comfort the hurting; they live compassion. They don't just debate human suffering in lecture halls and protest it with bricks through windows." (Chapter 2)
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48) (Chapter 2)
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) (Chapter 3)
"A formal demand was made requiring change in the ministry's basic identity. 'Too Christ-centered,' some critics said. Others voiced their opinions as well: 'Too much time doing worship and devotions, and not enough recreation.' 'Too much use of the Bible and not enough use of denominational material.' 'Too much time together.' 'There's a problem with undesirables.'" (Chapter 6)
(See the demands made by the church on the following page.)
Winnemucca, NV to
McDermitt, NV to
to Caldwell, ID miracle (Chapter 17)
"The high mountain air was crisp and still, but it was not silent, for the snow-rimmed lake before me struck the deepest blue chord, just as surely as the clear, and brilliant sky offered its gentle azure refrain. Praise echoed from every corner as gatherings of tall and stately dark forest sentinels reached ever heavenward, joining in testimony to a very present majesty. Even they knew the Shepherd." (Chapter 18 ) (Experience at Clear Lake)
April 27, 2019
Not a run-of-the-mill Christian book!
This is a history of a ministry that listened to the Lord, allowing Him to guide them even when it made no sense to do so. It's not a feel-good book, but a story of a journey filled with problems, obstacles, and most of all, faith in the One who sent them on this journey.
There is no attempt made to explain God's ways. They are unfathomable. I often ask why miracles happen here and not there, to this one and not that one? So does the author. I found the honesty of that to be uplifting; to find that I am not alone in my musing.
The story of the ministry is very interesting. It reminded me of the times in the 60 s and early 70s when I would sometimes see the "Jesus buses" full of "hippies" and wonder what they were all about.
This is a history of a ministry that listened to the Lord, allowing Him to guide them even when it made no sense to do so. It's not a feel-good book, but a story of a journey filled with problems, obstacles, and most of all, faith in the One who sent them on this journey.
There is no attempt made to explain God's ways. They are unfathomable. I often ask why miracles happen here and not there, to this one and not that one? So does the author. I found the honesty of that to be uplifting; to find that I am not alone in my musing.
The story of the ministry is very interesting. It reminded me of the times in the 60 s and early 70s when I would sometimes see the "Jesus buses" full of "hippies" and wonder what they were all about.
March 5, 2024
Interesting account of a fairly obscure--yet, as so many of the efforts at that time, locally significant--ministry within the larger Jesus People movement. While it will no doubt be enjoyed by those who lived through these times, it may well be inspiring to those who aren't ex-Jesus People. At a historiographical level it helps to flesh out the nature, history, and consequences of the movement.
June 30, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. It provides a series of snapshots about God working through the lives of dedicated "unworthy servants" as they did street ministry, prison ministry, concerts, and work with people who are homeless, mentally ill, or suffering from addictions. But more than stories of God at work through this particular group and the miracles of provision, protection, and direction that God chose to bless them with, Steven Stiles related the lessons they learned decades ago on retired school buses to our current lives and walks with God. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2015
Coming out of the Jesus-movement of the 70's myself, I found this to be a "fun" read. The book centers around a bus-music-ministry that traveled all over Oregon, California and beyond. I also identified with the story because for two years I traveled Europe in an RV and could really track with many of the mishaps and trials of living on the road. Steven adds interesting insights on life, Christianity and the ways that the Shepherd (as he refers to Jesus) leads. Very enjoyable. Also, it is FREE on Kindle!!!!
May 19, 2013
Unique memoir about the ministry of a youth group turned progressive church that lived radically and used a dilapidated green schoolbus to perform concerts and outreach events all over the Western United States. Insightful and inspirational, honest and thought-provoking. Many people contributed to this book which gave it depth and flavor.
February 20, 2015
Wonderful Book
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs uplifting and encouragement. It takes is through the early days of The Jesus Movement to the present , always letting God lead and shepherd along the way. It is wonderful to see how God molds us and directs our lives when we are willing to let Him.
I would recommend this book to anyone who needs uplifting and encouragement. It takes is through the early days of The Jesus Movement to the present , always letting God lead and shepherd along the way. It is wonderful to see how God molds us and directs our lives when we are willing to let Him.
May 8, 2013
This is one of the most encouraging and uplifting books I have read in a long time. Thank you, Steven, for sharing these stories of faith. I have been blessed and challenged by the time I have journeyed through the pages with all of you. I would (and have!) recommended this book to anyone.
November 15, 2012
Truly inspired me to believe in miracles, to trust the good shepherd, and keep on keeping on with life.
November 23, 2012
This was a wonderful book to read if you want to see how God overcomes obstacles. The story kept me interested from start to finish
May 1, 2013
What an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness in our every day lives lived in submission to Him! This book is a life-long perspective changer for me.
Currently reading
July 23, 2013Wonderful book! So blessed to know the author! Glad him and my grandpa are beat friends! This is a must read book! We are reading parts right now with Steven while eating dinner.
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August 30, 201370's chr. hippie group travel in the big bus & set up a music & drug rehab ministry in northern calif
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2014
Thank you Steve Stiles for sharing your journey of faith and service. I am very grateful for your gift.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews