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The Lighthouse of Asaph
Some years ago I wrote a series of reflections and stories containing the testimony of my life. I was not planning to show them to many people, let alone publish them. My intention was simply to share them with close friends and family.
But gradually I found these stories increasing in number. At the same time they were steadily exerting a growing hold on my heart. A prayerful pastor from the Dominican Republic urged me to keep writing them. According to his encouraging words, my stories could be used to help others.
At that time my life was full of sadness. I needed a miracle to occur, but it seemed impossible. Little did I realize that in fact something extraordinary was happening to me. My life was changing. I went on to write more stories.
Eventually I gathered all my stories into a collection that I titled "The Lighthouse of Asaph," because I like lighthouses, and also because Asaph, whom we meet in Psalm 73, was a man of the Bible who felt sad and discouraged.
His name had been engraved on my mind since the night when one of the young people of our church came with others to encourage me in my spiritual journey. He used an illustration that was based on Asaph.
Already I had been visiting lighthouses as a hobby and writing about them. And as lighthouses are often associated with Jesus, who is our guide, I decided to use this imagery for my book.
Every year, with the arrival of terrible and threatening hurricanes to the Caribbean, I lose both sleep and joy, fearing that the strong winds might destroy the trees that my father planted almost forty years ago. Already some have been blown down, but others remain, and these trees are among my fondest memories of him. I can recall many occasions when my mother and I were by the door, praying, while the destructive winds outside continued to roar.
When I think of such things, I feel that our faith is like those trees, nurtured by other people. At the same time, new trees are starting to grow, like fresh ideals and good deeds, and perhaps some of these spring up from the seeds that have been stored in those old, demolished trees.
The most important thing in my book is always to discover a new way to rescue faith in the midst of the pain that exists all around.
But gradually I found these stories increasing in number. At the same time they were steadily exerting a growing hold on my heart. A prayerful pastor from the Dominican Republic urged me to keep writing them. According to his encouraging words, my stories could be used to help others.
At that time my life was full of sadness. I needed a miracle to occur, but it seemed impossible. Little did I realize that in fact something extraordinary was happening to me. My life was changing. I went on to write more stories.
Eventually I gathered all my stories into a collection that I titled "The Lighthouse of Asaph," because I like lighthouses, and also because Asaph, whom we meet in Psalm 73, was a man of the Bible who felt sad and discouraged.
His name had been engraved on my mind since the night when one of the young people of our church came with others to encourage me in my spiritual journey. He used an illustration that was based on Asaph.
Already I had been visiting lighthouses as a hobby and writing about them. And as lighthouses are often associated with Jesus, who is our guide, I decided to use this imagery for my book.
Every year, with the arrival of terrible and threatening hurricanes to the Caribbean, I lose both sleep and joy, fearing that the strong winds might destroy the trees that my father planted almost forty years ago. Already some have been blown down, but others remain, and these trees are among my fondest memories of him. I can recall many occasions when my mother and I were by the door, praying, while the destructive winds outside continued to roar.
When I think of such things, I feel that our faith is like those trees, nurtured by other people. At the same time, new trees are starting to grow, like fresh ideals and good deeds, and perhaps some of these spring up from the seeds that have been stored in those old, demolished trees.
The most important thing in my book is always to discover a new way to rescue faith in the midst of the pain that exists all around.
132 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2011
10 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Roberto Ornan Roche
14 books25 followersRoberto Ornan Roche, a Christian writer from Cuba, is an internationally recognized author with stories published in English and Spanish. His book, A Lighthouse of Asaph, is a story collection capturing the emotions and longings of a Cuban heart. The stories were written in an attempt to reconcile the author’s life of faith with a society that discourages it. Born out of fear and sadness, sadness from praying for dreams that were never realized, A Lighthouse of Asaph is a book to encourage you and help you find meaning in your circumstances.
http://unforgettablereflections.com
http://unforgettablereflections.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 24, 2012
The older I get the more conscious I become of the cage of culture which is the western English-speaking world. To venture beyond this world and read authors whose cultural background is 'outside' is like stepping into a strange and perilous realm where the rules I know no longer exist.
Despite the rough edges of translation apparent throughout the book, it is heartfelt, raw and honest. It nudges my preconceptions aside gently and walks me across the landscape of Cuba, while ensuring I am never too far outside my comfort zone. Just enough to look back in wonder.
Despite the rough edges of translation apparent throughout the book, it is heartfelt, raw and honest. It nudges my preconceptions aside gently and walks me across the landscape of Cuba, while ensuring I am never too far outside my comfort zone. Just enough to look back in wonder.
August 23, 2012
Life is meant to be shared and it always pleases me when a person decides to share not only their strength, success and victories but also their weaknesses, failures and losses. This is exactly what Roberto Ornan Roche did in his book, The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections. I relate with this writings because I have also experienced failures and success in my Christian journey.
The Lighthouse of Asaph is a compilation of short stories creatively and beautifully written. It offers true and practical reflections of the Christian life and the Christian community. Every page contains relevant insights for the walk of the redeemed. The greatness and love of God are portrayed in a practical and sometimes amusing way. There is no doubt that you will feel loved and wanted by God after reading this book. As you dive further into the book you will be inspired and propelled to move forward with the journey of life despite the discomforts of the road.
If you enjoy reading inspirational short stories, this book is for you. You can also buy this book as a gift for someone who feels like their lives are not making any advancement and needs some uplifting. If you have a friend or you know someone you want to remind that God cares about them and sees their struggles, get them this book.
The Lighthouse of Asaph is a compilation of short stories creatively and beautifully written. It offers true and practical reflections of the Christian life and the Christian community. Every page contains relevant insights for the walk of the redeemed. The greatness and love of God are portrayed in a practical and sometimes amusing way. There is no doubt that you will feel loved and wanted by God after reading this book. As you dive further into the book you will be inspired and propelled to move forward with the journey of life despite the discomforts of the road.
If you enjoy reading inspirational short stories, this book is for you. You can also buy this book as a gift for someone who feels like their lives are not making any advancement and needs some uplifting. If you have a friend or you know someone you want to remind that God cares about them and sees their struggles, get them this book.
April 16, 2012
The Lighthouse of Asaph by Roberto Ornan Roche is a compilation of essays that will take the reader to heights and depths that many hesitate to go. I appreciated his raw honesty. Roberto shares his journey, of living as a Christian in a country that does not make it easy to keep the faith. Living that faith publically in Cuba and pursuing growth in his faith is difficult, for mentors and teachers are few. Often feeling alone in his pursuit of God, he keeps on trusting. I felt honored to walk with him for a time as I read his words. He encouraged me to persevere in my own discipleship.
This is a translation from Spanish to English--Some may be frustrated with the English translation. In places there was some trouble with idiom, but I did not find it a big enough problem to cause me to lay the book aside. I would recommend this little book to any serious Christian.
This is a translation from Spanish to English--Some may be frustrated with the English translation. In places there was some trouble with idiom, but I did not find it a big enough problem to cause me to lay the book aside. I would recommend this little book to any serious Christian.
August 20, 2012
Roberto Ornan Roche’s book “The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections” is a collection of beautifully written devotionals/essays on the joys and struggles of daily Christian life. It is a very deep and thought provoking book that will touch the core of your soul. I found the book to be both encouraging and inspiring.
There are some issues with the translation from the author’s Spanish language to English. This should not be a deterrent in buying and reading the book. The depth and honesty found in the stories more than overcome these translation issues. This book is a faith builder.
I recommend “The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections” by Roberto Ornan Roche.
There are some issues with the translation from the author’s Spanish language to English. This should not be a deterrent in buying and reading the book. The depth and honesty found in the stories more than overcome these translation issues. This book is a faith builder.
I recommend “The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections” by Roberto Ornan Roche.
December 23, 2017
This book is well named. It consists of reflections by the author into life and into spiritual matters.
It reads somewhat like a diary throughout, and somewhat like poetry in places.
In it, the author explores various concepts and experiences in the spiritual life of someone seeking to follow Christ. He poses various questions, and offers a number of insights, and annotates his musings with Scripture passages throughout.
I found his insight practically and Biblically sound, and his perspective uplifting.
There are a number of grammatical and wording errors in the book that probably spring from translation into English, and a couple references to names and passages of Scripture retain their Spanish names rather than their English ones, which may make English-speaking readers stumble momentarily in their reading journey, but these do not detract much from the purpose or value of the book.
Overall, I found the book a delightful encouragement that ought to lift and inspire many other Christian readers, especially those who are more interested in content and perspective rather than mechanics of writing or perfection of prose.
Take a moment, and allow your eyes and heart to lift as you allow this author to lead you in worship and reflection in pursuit of our Savior.
It reads somewhat like a diary throughout, and somewhat like poetry in places.
In it, the author explores various concepts and experiences in the spiritual life of someone seeking to follow Christ. He poses various questions, and offers a number of insights, and annotates his musings with Scripture passages throughout.
I found his insight practically and Biblically sound, and his perspective uplifting.
There are a number of grammatical and wording errors in the book that probably spring from translation into English, and a couple references to names and passages of Scripture retain their Spanish names rather than their English ones, which may make English-speaking readers stumble momentarily in their reading journey, but these do not detract much from the purpose or value of the book.
Overall, I found the book a delightful encouragement that ought to lift and inspire many other Christian readers, especially those who are more interested in content and perspective rather than mechanics of writing or perfection of prose.
Take a moment, and allow your eyes and heart to lift as you allow this author to lead you in worship and reflection in pursuit of our Savior.
August 20, 2016
It’s refreshing and energizing to read about the development of a faith life from a different perspective, one that comes from a different culture in another arena. I am too comfortable in my lifestyle and I need to step outside that zone on occasion to truly appreciate what I have been given.
Roche’s joy, fear, and desire to grow and practice his faith glow from the pages. Told through anecdotes, personal revelation, stories of meeting people on the streets where they are, and reflections on Bible verses and stories, such as that of Job (Our Job does not have a story to be told because we spend all day long rejecting it.), The Lighthouse of Asaph will give Christian readers pause. Am I living to my potential where I am, here and now? Roche will help you answer that question as you walk with him in his life as a Cuban Christian living in a land that long despaired yet retained pockets of joy.
Roche’s joy, fear, and desire to grow and practice his faith glow from the pages. Told through anecdotes, personal revelation, stories of meeting people on the streets where they are, and reflections on Bible verses and stories, such as that of Job (Our Job does not have a story to be told because we spend all day long rejecting it.), The Lighthouse of Asaph will give Christian readers pause. Am I living to my potential where I am, here and now? Roche will help you answer that question as you walk with him in his life as a Cuban Christian living in a land that long despaired yet retained pockets of joy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews