TOUCH: Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World

by Pastor Rudy Rasmus

Before God touched his heart and transformed his life, Rudy Rasmus was a businessman running a "borderline bordello" in Houston. But thousands now know him simply as "Pastor Rudy"-with a downtown ministry at St. John's Church that he and his wife Juanita started to reach out to those who Jesus called "the least of these." TOUCH is the amazing story of Rudy's life and ministry of grace that is changing lives daily. The church has become one of the most culturally diverse congregations in the country with people from every social and economic background, including the homeless, sharing the same pew. Pastor Rudy's message to touch the lives of those in our own communities has a lesson for us all. Pastor Rudy is also a featured contributor to O , The Oprah Magazine-answering questions on ethics and marking one of the few times O has asked a Pastor to serve in this manner.

Genres: Christianity, Christian Living, Theology, Leadership

246 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pastor Rudy Rasmus is a powerful preacher with a powerful message . . . God loves every single solitary human being, no matter what . . . and we should too. That's hard to dispute. But it is even harder to live.

Pastor Rudy seems to be living it. In Touch, Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World, he tells the story of his life - he was once the proprietor of a "borderline bordello" and is now the pastor of a very large church in Houston. He also tells the story of that church - which is radically different, radically inclusive, and radically committed to serving "the least of these". And he delivers his message. All these things he does well . . .

Yet it took me over three months to get through the book. The problem could be mine. I usually read for pleasure and, if I learn something while enjoying a book, so be it. I simply can't say that I really enjoyed reading this one. I think it would have been better read in a book study, with others to bounce ideas and questions and issues off.

But Pastor Rudy does speak the truth in Touch. If you haven't heard it, or accepted it, you need to.

[Renae Feathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound book & really made me think about how & why I serve others. It was helpful to understand that some of the most unlovely are those who have been hurt so often that they put on a hard exterior, and it will take loving them without expecting anything in return for quite awhile to get through that protective shell and show them who Jesus is.

[Miranda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a amazing book it touch my heart Pastor Ramus made you feel what he felt and embraces what he had to embrace, he give you the foundation were he started and were he ended, this is a great read to learn who you are and were you might be at in your own Touch. I cried with him in this book and gain a great understanding. I hope you enjoy reading about amazing Pastor and his lovely wife, family and congregation that will "Touch" your life forever.

Thank You
Pastor Rudy Ramus

Mrs. M Jones
Senior at American Baptist College

P.S. I hope and pray we get a chance to meet and greet

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rudy has pioneered his own way in an environment that few if any growth gurus even want to consider. He never claims to have everyone else's answer to having a fruitful ministry, but you sure can learn a lot by observing. Rich, gritty and totally honest.

[Jackie Wear · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not about religion ! Do something to make a difference! Go Rudy

[Jayms · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am just beginning this book, it interests me in many ways, ask me soon!