The Miracle Ship: Conversations with John Gillespie

by Brian O'Hare

YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU'RE READING BUT EVERY WORD IS TRUE!!

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe in demonic possession? Do you believe in exorcism? John Gillespie has been gifted with a most extraordinary power. This true account of his life and ministry, of the miracles and deliverances that follow his prayers, will amaze you. If you read and liked Miracles Do Happen, you’ll love The Miracle Ship.

The Miracle Ship was awarded Top Medallist Honours in the non-fiction category of the 2015 New Apple Awards for Excellence.

Like the prophets of old, every so often God raises up a special person to address the needs of their generation. John Gillespie is a man for our times. [Eilish Cummins, daughter of Larry Cummins]

This is a fascinating story of an incredible man. His journey has been fleshed out in an understandable, yet thought-provoking manner through the able pen of O’Hare [Luana Erlich, author of One Night in Tehran, When Camels Fly, etc.]

Spoke directly to me and forced me to re-assess myself, my beliefs, my faith, my spirituality, and just about everything I thought I knew [Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko, author of Mirror of Our Lives, etc.]

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2013

About the author

Brian O'Hare, MA, Ph.D., is a retired assistant director of a large regional college of further and higher education. Married, three children, ten grandchildren, one great grandchild. He plays golf three times a week off a ten handicap and does a lot of voluntary work. Any writing he has previously done was academic...very much restricted to a very specific readership. Several articles in educational journals were followed by a number of book-length reports for the Dept. of Education and the University of Ulster.

He has also written an interesting biography of a man who daily performs amazing miracles of healing...The Miracle Ship. That is currently available in Amazon's Kindle bookstore. Hopefully those who read it will spread the word and write reviews to help John's message to reach the hearts of many, many people. The Miracle Ship has won top medallist honours in the New Apple 2015 Awards for literary excellence.

Brian had a liver disease since childhood which resulted in him taking early retirement a number of years ago. In 2002 he had a liver transplant but is strong and healthy now. He continued to do academic writing well into his retirement and followed that with a memoir about his liver transplant, dealing with the physical, emotional and spiritual experiences that came from that period in his life (A Spiritual Odyssey, published by Columba Press, Dublin).

Recently he experienced a desire to write fiction. Hence Fallen Men. It is a story about three priests...but it is religious in much the same way Thornbirds was religious. Fallen Men has won two awards, including top medallist honours in the contemporary fiction category of the 2015 New Apple Awards.

He has also finished two further novels, both part of a new series commissioned by Crimson Cloak publishing, The Inspector Sheehan Mysteries.. The first is a murder mystery inspired by an old 14th century painting of the Last Judgement. It's called "The Doom Murders", and it is available on Kindle and in print. The Doom Murders has to date won three prestigious awards.

The second book in the series, "The 11.05 Killings", has now been written. Obviously it features the same detectives as in The Doom Murders but since it was published only a few weeks ago it has not yet had time to collect any awards. The third book in the series, The Coven Murders, is currently being written.

To launch the print version of The Doom Murders, CCP asked Brian to write a couple of short stories, featuring Inspector Sheehan. These were originally intended to be Facebook games (i.e. a kind of 'see the clues, guess the killer' thing) but the publisher liked them so much that she has started a new line called Crimson Shorts. Brian's two shorts ( a third was written to launch The 11.05 Killings) Murder at Loftus House and Murder at the Roadside Cafe are now available on Amazon in Kindle and print versions. So, too, is the third, Murder at the Wooodlands Care Home.

Also now available on Kindle (as well as print) is the story of Brian's liver transplant and the growth in spirit he experienced as he waited for almost a year, not knowing if he was going to live or die. See: "A Spiritual Odyssey [Diary of an Ordinary Catholic]"

Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult book for me to review. The story of John Gillespie is well told and though I personally struggled with some of the content, I don't believe that is relevant to giving the book a good rating. I am not a great fan of the Catholic church or most other religious institutions for reasons not relevant to this review. However, I do consider myself a spiritual person. This book will give comfort and hope to many people especially Catholics. John sounds a fascinating and inspiring person. I enjoy reading a wide range of books and this well written book has certainly made me think further about my beliefs.

[Emiliya Ahmadova · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Miracle Ship, by a wonderful author Brian O'Hare, introduces the readers to the healing miracles performed by Jesus through John. For many years John has been suffering with unbearable pain in his leg and hip. All that time he had been praying continuously for a healing. Eventually his prayers were heard. Then, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, John was suddenly able to heal others. However, every gift or miracle must be always verified to make sure that they are from God.
There are so many hopeless people in this world who need a miracle in the form of healing. They keep praying for a healing but in vain. The Miracle Ship, however, shows that people can be healed. Throughout this book, the reader will learn how to pray in order for prayers to be answered. Along with hope, it gives valuable lessons, and introduces the reader to the reality of spiritual warfare against demons.
At the end of the book there is a great list that shows which things can attract evil and must be thrown away.
Need inspiration or hope? Read The Miracle Ship!

[Luana Ehrlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story of an incredible man. His journey has been fleshed out in an understandable, yet thought-provoking manner through the able pen of O’Hare. There’s much to be considered here regarding God’s hand on healing, prayer and miracles.

The demonic world is a dominate theme in the book, and the story has many Catholic elements that may not be easily understood by someone not familiar with the Catholic faith, but that fact does not deter from the overall message of faith and hope found in the book

O'Hare is an excellent writer with the ability to write clearly. There is a teaching element to the book also, and O'Hare carries this off beautifully.

[Sally Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing

Not only was this book a fantastic read in the telling of the stories of the 1,000s of healings, but there is good practical advice for those who are open to it. This is happening in our time! Not centuries ago! I consider this a must-read for everyone, regardless of your religious affiliation - even if you have none.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story....

Such a joy to hear how people are called into ministry. This book provides a lot of teaching and much to think about. I especially found the writings about ancestral healings of interest because it's not so much an area spoken of in the church. While some of Mr. Gillespie's teachings or admonishment may feel a little harsh, I believe truth was spoken.

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good stuff here. In today's free flow of information around the globe, this book serves to remind us that 'spirituality' is no substitute for having Christ in your life. Satan is tricky and makes the rules up as he goes: God's law never changes!

[Diane Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith of a mustard seed!

Eye-opening look into Christian healing, both spiritual and physical, and the way forgiveness and faith are intertwined as revealed in the Lord's Prayer. I am amazed and inspired by John Gillespie 's faith and gifts. Highly recommended!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to read because I would read a few pages, then ponder what I read. The Miracle Ship will get you thinking about modern day medicine and your religious beliefs.

[Ursula Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will keep my review short and sweet.....a life changing book - in so many ways. Get it, read it, live it and love it :)

[Emily Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This book is something else. Don't let the clip art cover fool you, this is an amazing book!! It is also a very intense book. If you are scrupulous, cynical, or afraid of what is spiritual, I would not suggest it. I would even go as far as to say I would ONLY recommend it to someone who is secure, devoted, and mature in their Christian faith. It is filled with faith building testimonies, and first hand experience of praying with others for healing and deliverance. It also has the potential to challenge your current way of life. Don't say I didn't warn ya!

[Stephanie Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring and full of helpful information about healing.

[Siobhán Cullen]

Couldn’t finish this. Am having bad nightmares anyway but when I started reading the chapters on demons and exorcism, although I persevered I just couldn’t finish this book. Need my sleep

[Paul James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat wordy and repetitive, but good testimonies, teachings and explanations

[Helen McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent excellent excellent

[Mary Blowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miracle Ship, by Brian O’Hare, is the fascinating true story of Catholic John Gillespie, called by some a “faith healer.” John is always quick to give the credit to God, but he himself does allow God to flow power through him to help others. The title of this book comes from a prophecy over the life of John and his wife Christina, that he would be used in a powerful healing ministry to believers. The prophet saw a ship with Jesus at the bow, and it was full of miracles to be given to those who needed them. Recovering from a degenerative bone disease which caused extreme pain in his leg and hip, solely through prayer, Gillespie knows firsthand the suffering that can take place with chronic illness. He persisted in prayer until the healing finally took place for him. After that, he would pray for others as he came across them, and many people were healed as well, raising even his infant daughter after she had been dead for ten minutes. But all this opened the door to demonic forces to oppose him and attack his family. It became a common occurrence that one or the other of their children woke up screaming at the sight—or even the touch--of a demonic force in their room. These demons were banished each time and the children grew to trust in their father and ultimately in God to keep them safe. Before long people were seeking him out and he had to set up weekly individual healing appointments and monthly group prayer services to be able to help more people.

This is a very practical book as it details many things that can prevent one’s healing. For instance, involvement in the occult, negative patterns of speech or thought, or even possession of certain items in your home can allow demons to invade. If someone has an illness that doctors cannot seem to understand or heal, Gillespie prays and is often given information from the Holy Spirit about the reason for the trouble. Idolatry, not pursuing a relationship with God, and unrepentant sin can all hinder healing and must be addressed. Gillespie has a gift for listening to God about the specific reason in any case and then holds a frank discussion with the ill person asking, in effect, “Do you really wish to be healed?” Helpful information is in the appendices such as lists of items and practices which could lure a demonic spirit into your life. With his remarkable success rate, the church should take notice of this man and his ministry. You won’t be disappointed if you read Brian O’Hare’s The Miracle Ship.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted book of faith and acceptance of God's will. The opening desciption about John Gillespie immediately brought to my mind King David. The greatest of men are the ones God chooses to perform his works, not the ones who "think" they are have chosen a godly profession. John had more than his share of trouble and Job's "comforters" as well, but he remained steadfast in his belief in God's healing power and purpose in his life. He knew it was not God's will for him to bear the cross of pain, but he didn't fully understand exactly what God had in store for him.

By reading this book, you gain an appreciation of God's love for us. He doesn't want us to suffer. But you also learn how one-sided the relation has become. We want "miracles" from God, never considering God wants our love and devotion in return.

I would call the stories of healing told here "amazing" if it weren't for the fact that God is all-powerful. To the believer in miracles, all things are possible. Therein lies the foundation of what this book is all about. Belief.

But belief by itself is not enough to open communication with God. Prayer and forgiveness are needed. What makes the miracles happen is the belief that God's promises are true. This should not be a new concept to believers. The Bible is full of miracles happening because people believe.

Although many of the responses to prayer are Catholic in nature, the reader should acknowledge that this is the religion of the people involved. They understand the rituals and what they mean. For those not of the Catholic faith, other Christian practices would work as well, whatever way the believer was accustomed to praying and praising God.

This is a book all Christians should have. I hope for some, it would re-affirm faith they may have lost. And to the non-believers, I hope it can bring something more to their lives.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary book! Extraordinary in the sense that when I started reading it, I did not know what I was getting into. By the time I realized that this was a purely religious book, my first impulse was, “what is it doing in our reading list?” But, I read on, telling myself that every book deserves a chance to be read.

I am catholic. That was my first appeal about the book, when I discovered, as I read on, that the book was about a catholic miracle worker. A catholic miracle worker that stayed, and worked within the church. They usually will leave to start their own ministries as pentecostals. But this miracle worker stayed a catholic, a lay man, and worked as one within the church. Extraordinary indeed!

As I read further, I started to understand why this book has been listed, and why any other book of any other religion could be listed. Especially if they can teach us life lessons about our spirituality. To read such books does not make us adherents or believers of those religions, but with an open mind, we can learn something and expand our minds by reading such books.

I learned a lot, and the lessons learned shook me to the core. Some in particular spoke directly to me and forced me to re-assess myself, my beliefs, my faith, my spirituality, and just about everything I thought I knew. The lessons learned were very humbling, especially the one about believing that one is serving God, while all the time, one is serving self. That was me.

I will ask anyone reading this book, irrespective of religion or faith, to please keep an open mind and read the book to the end. It will leave you bare. It did me. A little more editing could have made the book a perfect read.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Miracle Ship is a deeply religious book about John Gillespie, a lay Catholic who performs healing miracles. A deeply devout man, he was nevertheless called to religious lay ministry quite against his will. He'd had plans for his life, but God had others. The book begins with John receiving healing himself, and then, eventually, healing others.

While this book will be an interesting read for any with an open mind, I feel it is best suited for Catholic readers, mainly because of the strong Catholic beliefs and teachings presented to the reader. For those of other faiths, there are a number of points that would be seen as controversial. It is refreshing to read about a man with the courage and determination to follow his calling, especially in this modern day and age. The book would benefit from a minor edit and further proofreading. That said, the book is well presented and a smooth read.

[Rebecca Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Miracle Ship is an emotionally and spiritually challenging read. At one part, O'Hare writes that believers will believe and skeptics will continue to be skeptic. I believe--my faith in a powerful loving God is strong, and yet O'Hare took my faith to places it had not explored before. I highly recommend The Miracle Ship.

[Shirley McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book for Building Faith

As a Christian I consider this book a gift to lift my faith. It is full of miracles through the ministry of John. This man is used by God to teach and heal God's people. The book is very well written and easy to understand. You can't do anything but grow in the Lord by reading this book. I highly recommend this book.