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The Chappo Collection: Life, laughter, leadership, love in the Lord Jesus Christ
423 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2024
I honestly could not put this book down. Full of laughs and great encouragements, I really felt like I knew the guy by the end of this collection of stories and memoirs. Some sections felt like they were there just to honour the people who wanted to share their anecdotes, but nevertheless it all wove together to create a rich tapestry of the life of Chappo.
June 28, 2018
I wasn't sure how to star this book. It's not an awful book, but I think it's appeal would mainly be to people who knew and loved John Chapman. It's not a biography, it's a massive collection of recollections by various people who knew him or had interactions with him.
Because of that I found it quite hard to engage. There is little context given and each story is only about 100 words long. No doubt if I had been there, or known him somewhat, they would be heart warming. Without that it's vaguely interesting, like listening to someone's stories from their family holiday.
You should definitely learn about John Chapman life... I wouldn't start with this book.
Because of that I found it quite hard to engage. There is little context given and each story is only about 100 words long. No doubt if I had been there, or known him somewhat, they would be heart warming. Without that it's vaguely interesting, like listening to someone's stories from their family holiday.
You should definitely learn about John Chapman life... I wouldn't start with this book.
January 7, 2018
Inspiring snippits from the life of John Chapman
January 22, 2018
I was privileged to meet John Chapman a few times in my life. And I heard this brilliant evangelist preach several times. What a gift! Laconic, witty and oh so funny. It was his way of getting our attention as he told his important message. A message he was invited to give in Australia, USA, UK, NZ and in fact anywhere in the world. This was a world class preacher.
The author of this book, David Mansfield, the head of the Australian and international relief and aid agency Anglican Aid, has done a superb job in writing The Chappo Collection. This is the remarkable life story of John Chapman who died in 2012.
One of the most successful mainstream authors, James Patterson, has perfected the concept of short paragraphs and short chapters to keep the reader engaged. Patterson was writing quality novels 10-15 years ago but has gone off the boil for me in recent times as he churns out several books a year. But his short chapters have produced a winning formula and it is little wonder he is still a 'best seller' decades on. Mansfield has that winning formula himself but he does it even better than Patterson!
The Chappo collection, published by Grace Abounding Books at Anglican Aid, is a book you can pick up and read from front to back in a few days. Or like me you can read a few pages, put it down and pick it up a few days later and easily pick up where you were. Mansfield often has a new heading on every page. It is a brilliant concept to keep the reader connected and wanting to read on.
Mansfield, a friend of John Chapmans draws out all of 'Chappo's' major strengths as a person and as a preacher. And he is not afraid to point out some blemishes (which Chappo knew he had). Throughout all the brilliant writing by Mansfield he never loses sight of what Chappo was on about - preaching the saving grace of Jesus Christ so humans can go to heaven and be there for eternity. It was always a simple message by Chappo and he spent his entire life telling everyone he could.
I commend The Chappo Collection to you. You read it knowing you have a wonderful book ahead of you and all profits go to the less fortunate in Africa. A friend read the book, closed it and then went back to the beginning and read it again straight away. What a compliment. No chance of that happening with me. The moment I finished it in my living room my wife wrenched it from my hands, tucked herself in bed and embarked on the 'Chappo' journey.
In conclusion...my favourite line by Chappo was one he used during many a sermon I am sure...'Hands up if you are asleep? Hands up if you would like to be asleep? Not to worry I am almost finished.' Or words to that effect. In reality you could never sleep through a 'Chappo' talk!
https://anglicanaid.org.au/about
The author of this book, David Mansfield, the head of the Australian and international relief and aid agency Anglican Aid, has done a superb job in writing The Chappo Collection. This is the remarkable life story of John Chapman who died in 2012.
One of the most successful mainstream authors, James Patterson, has perfected the concept of short paragraphs and short chapters to keep the reader engaged. Patterson was writing quality novels 10-15 years ago but has gone off the boil for me in recent times as he churns out several books a year. But his short chapters have produced a winning formula and it is little wonder he is still a 'best seller' decades on. Mansfield has that winning formula himself but he does it even better than Patterson!
The Chappo collection, published by Grace Abounding Books at Anglican Aid, is a book you can pick up and read from front to back in a few days. Or like me you can read a few pages, put it down and pick it up a few days later and easily pick up where you were. Mansfield often has a new heading on every page. It is a brilliant concept to keep the reader connected and wanting to read on.
Mansfield, a friend of John Chapmans draws out all of 'Chappo's' major strengths as a person and as a preacher. And he is not afraid to point out some blemishes (which Chappo knew he had). Throughout all the brilliant writing by Mansfield he never loses sight of what Chappo was on about - preaching the saving grace of Jesus Christ so humans can go to heaven and be there for eternity. It was always a simple message by Chappo and he spent his entire life telling everyone he could.
I commend The Chappo Collection to you. You read it knowing you have a wonderful book ahead of you and all profits go to the less fortunate in Africa. A friend read the book, closed it and then went back to the beginning and read it again straight away. What a compliment. No chance of that happening with me. The moment I finished it in my living room my wife wrenched it from my hands, tucked herself in bed and embarked on the 'Chappo' journey.
In conclusion...my favourite line by Chappo was one he used during many a sermon I am sure...'Hands up if you are asleep? Hands up if you would like to be asleep? Not to worry I am almost finished.' Or words to that effect. In reality you could never sleep through a 'Chappo' talk!
https://anglicanaid.org.au/about
June 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this book and was enormously encouraged by it. I could hear Chappo's voice as I was reading. David Mansfield did a wonderful job in collating and ordering the content in such a way that it reads as part biography and as almost a "Lectures to My Students" type of book. There is so much wisdom, practical help, and personal reflection here for future generations of Christian believers and gospel workers to benefit and learn from. Mine is now on the shelf alongside Whitfield, Spurgeon, and Billy Graham.
January 19, 2018
John Chapman was an evangelist and Bible teacher, who left his legacy in the lives of the people he met and through his easy to understand, yet insightful teaching of the Bible. The book is easy to read, with many funny, touching and inspiring recollections by John Chapman's many friends. The book also includes many of Chappo's legendary sayings and his sermons. Chappo comes alive in the pages of the book. Great and inspiring reading about this humble man from Sydney.
March 25, 2018
This was a wonderful account of Chappo’s life, as told by his dear friends and family. It is hard to read this book and not be inspired to live out the gospel enthusiastically and faithfully. I wish I had had the opportunity to be blessed by Chappo personally!
February 1, 2020
Encouraging. Where are all the evangelistic activities now? Knew SO MANY people and places in this book. Did show how difficult it is to be single. Want to read more Chappy books and buy some to give away.
August 20, 2018
What an amazing Godly man. Easy read. Great insight from those close to him and the impact he had on so many.
January 24, 2022
Great. Reminiscent of the Chappo we saw and heard and spoke with so often. His concern that people should know Jesus should be everyone’s concern.
February 23, 2023
Read the 10 introductions, started the first chapter and had a look at a few more; then gave up.
December 25, 2018
I never met Chappo but after reading this book I certainly feel as if I have. It refreshed, encouraged, and inspired me and and I’d highly recommend it to any one involved in the ministry of evangelism. A must read.
October 13, 2021
This was a very humorous and insightful list of anecdotes from John Chapman's life as an Anglican evangelist in Sydney training people and preaching and teaching preachers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews