The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections

by Roberto Ornan Roche, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

In "The Lighthouse of Asaph," author Roberto Ornan Roche shares a collection of reflections and stories from his life that were originally intended for his close friends and family. But as the stories grew, a pastor encouraged him to share them with a wider audience. The book's title is inspired by Roche's love for lighthouses and the biblical figure of Asaph, who felt sad and discouraged.

Roche's stories are a testament to his faith and offer a new way to rescue faith in the midst of pain. He writes about his experiences with hurricanes that threaten the trees his father planted, and how his faith is nurtured by others, like the trees, while new trees grow from the seeds of the old ones.

In an excerpt titled "The Perfect Story," Roche challenges the idea of a perfect story without suffering or faith, and instead offers a story that embraces the reality of pain and the importance of faith. Roche's book is a heartfelt and inspiring read for anyone seeking to find meaning in their own journey.

Audible Audio

First published April 8, 2011

About the author

Roberto 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

Reviews

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emelia Mosima · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carol A, Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Todd Coburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.