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The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections
Some years ago I wrote a series of stories. I wrote them without thinking about publishing them, much less to share this set of stories with so many people; I only experienced that with my closest friends and some relatives.
Little by little those stories were increasing, not only in number but also concerning the amount of personal feelings and creative and fancy options that were able to get out of my own heart. Then a Pastor from the Dominican Republic, who placed on me his confidence, prayers and support, encouraged me to continue writing them, with the fact that they could be good to help others.
My life was full of sadness. I could see people everywhere receiving apparently undeserved miracles, but my miracle seemed to be completely impossible, without understanding that a miracle was also happening to me. The sort of facts that I was waiting for, events of the past thought to be dead that could revive again in the present, never really happened, but outstanding things did, so I could change my life and see many other good things.
Then, one day I gathered all those stories into a book which I entitled "The Lighthouse of Asaph", because I like lighthouses a lot, and the name of Asaph due to a man of the Bible who was sad and discouraged. That biblical name had been engraved on my mind when one night one of the young people of my church came to visit me accompanied by others. He wanted to encourage me spiritually and used an illustration based on Asaph. I used to visit lighthouses of Cuba and made reports for pleasure; and as the lighthouses are generally associated with the guide of Jesus for us, I made the decision to use that allegory.
Every year, when arriving the terrible and threatening hurricanes of the Caribbean, I lose sleep and the happiness, fearing that the strong winds could pull up the trees that my father planted almost forty years ago; some of them are already rootless, but there are still many in foot and this fact is one of the best memories that I have of him. Many times my mother and I were praying next to the door while the wind blew irresistibly outdoors. When I think of something like that, I also imagine that our faith can be considered as trees which are looked after by other people, new ones can be planted as renovated reasons and good actions and ideals to be fed, comparable with lovely kept seeds of those old demolished trees. A new way to rescue the faith from the mean of the pain that exists around us may be thought as well.
Many times my memories and thoughts transformed into dry leaves, then they were gathered as ashes, but one day, miraculously, all those ideals began to hold testimonies, varied texts and memories that could be good for others to begin again. It was not a simply personal game of learning how to use words but of reviving myself when using them.
1. Foreword
2. The Perfect Story (Published by In Touch Magazine, Dr. Charles Stanley Ministries)
3. A Special Feeling
4. Rejecting Job
5. Jesus
6. The Hug of David
7. Dinning with The Lord
8. The Drafts of Samson
9. Sand in my Eyes
10. A Red Sea for a Lifetime
11. Simply the Best
12. The Friendship's Secret
13. The Miracle of the Time
14. The Last Sheep
15. The Trains of Life
16. The Lighthouse of Asaph
17. The Wheel of Life
18. The Only Play
19. My Helmsman
20. Abandoned Baggage
21. The Mountain
22. My Place
23. Life of an Eternal Blessing
24. Unexpectedly
25. The Christian Runner
26. Elim was on Sight
27. A Vessel Forever
28. The Man That Ate Poppies
29. Let us Start Living from His Love!
30. Restoration
31. Roofs
32. What God Makes...
33. A Prayer for a Wound
34. The Evil Chef
35. The Blind Angel
*From God bless you all!
Little by little those stories were increasing, not only in number but also concerning the amount of personal feelings and creative and fancy options that were able to get out of my own heart. Then a Pastor from the Dominican Republic, who placed on me his confidence, prayers and support, encouraged me to continue writing them, with the fact that they could be good to help others.
My life was full of sadness. I could see people everywhere receiving apparently undeserved miracles, but my miracle seemed to be completely impossible, without understanding that a miracle was also happening to me. The sort of facts that I was waiting for, events of the past thought to be dead that could revive again in the present, never really happened, but outstanding things did, so I could change my life and see many other good things.
Then, one day I gathered all those stories into a book which I entitled "The Lighthouse of Asaph", because I like lighthouses a lot, and the name of Asaph due to a man of the Bible who was sad and discouraged. That biblical name had been engraved on my mind when one night one of the young people of my church came to visit me accompanied by others. He wanted to encourage me spiritually and used an illustration based on Asaph. I used to visit lighthouses of Cuba and made reports for pleasure; and as the lighthouses are generally associated with the guide of Jesus for us, I made the decision to use that allegory.
Every year, when arriving the terrible and threatening hurricanes of the Caribbean, I lose sleep and the happiness, fearing that the strong winds could pull up the trees that my father planted almost forty years ago; some of them are already rootless, but there are still many in foot and this fact is one of the best memories that I have of him. Many times my mother and I were praying next to the door while the wind blew irresistibly outdoors. When I think of something like that, I also imagine that our faith can be considered as trees which are looked after by other people, new ones can be planted as renovated reasons and good actions and ideals to be fed, comparable with lovely kept seeds of those old demolished trees. A new way to rescue the faith from the mean of the pain that exists around us may be thought as well.
Many times my memories and thoughts transformed into dry leaves, then they were gathered as ashes, but one day, miraculously, all those ideals began to hold testimonies, varied texts and memories that could be good for others to begin again. It was not a simply personal game of learning how to use words but of reviving myself when using them.
1. Foreword
2. The Perfect Story (Published by In Touch Magazine, Dr. Charles Stanley Ministries)
3. A Special Feeling
4. Rejecting Job
5. Jesus
6. The Hug of David
7. Dinning with The Lord
8. The Drafts of Samson
9. Sand in my Eyes
10. A Red Sea for a Lifetime
11. Simply the Best
12. The Friendship's Secret
13. The Miracle of the Time
14. The Last Sheep
15. The Trains of Life
16. The Lighthouse of Asaph
17. The Wheel of Life
18. The Only Play
19. My Helmsman
20. Abandoned Baggage
21. The Mountain
22. My Place
23. Life of an Eternal Blessing
24. Unexpectedly
25. The Christian Runner
26. Elim was on Sight
27. A Vessel Forever
28. The Man That Ate Poppies
29. Let us Start Living from His Love!
30. Restoration
31. Roofs
32. What God Makes...
33. A Prayer for a Wound
34. The Evil Chef
35. The Blind Angel
*From God bless you all!
74 pages, Kindle Edition
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