Just Published- "turnaround: The Orthodox Purpose Driven Life" By Forrest Long

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 29, 2008 – Turnaround introduces the topic of spiritual formation from a centuries-old Eastern Orthodox Christian perspective, packaged in a modern format. Taking one day at a time for thirty days, the author takes you through four vital spiritual areas- 1. Focusing on God, 2. Understanding Myself, 3. Building with Spiritual Disciplines and 4. Ministry in Motion. Each day has an individual focus which seeks to take the reader inward for self-examination as well as outward to focus on God and on the Church. The style is very reader-friendly and the book is set up to be used along with a daily journal to track your spiritual progress. Each day is introduced by a focal biblical passage, followed by a quotation from an Orthodox spiritual leader of the past or present. This leads into a section of reflection, designed to get you into the topic and begin to make personal application as well as create a desire to search deeper into the daily topic beyond what is written for the day. This leads into a “Think, Respond and Apply” section that asks pertinent and personal questions to draw out application and help you on your spiritual journey. Each day ends with a focus on prayer.

   Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, an Orthodox Church leader, says of Turnaround,
“Many Orthodox Christians know about their faith, but they have no concept of how to live their lives in Christ. TURNAROUND is truly refreshing in that it allows all Christian believers to apply the teachings of the Orthodox Church to their daily lives. It takes us back to Apostolic days, reflecting on how the followers of Christ lived. This book is a must   for those who seek to live a Christ-like life.”

   Frederica Mathewes-Green, popular Orthodox writer, says of Turnaround, “This 30 day challenge fills a significant gap; it’s the book for people who may find the spiritual classics too daunting, but who sincerely wish to find clear, thoroughly Orthodox guidance to a renewed life in Christ. Whether read alone or in a book discussion group, “Turnaround” can be the boost you need to put your spiritual life in gear.”

   Forrest Long, the author of Turnaround, is a convert to Orthodoxy, having served as a Baptist pastor for twenty-eight years. His own personal spiritual journey is reflected in these pages. He presently lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Patsy Carlberg, who is minister at Druid Hills United Methodist Church. Forrest attends St. Gregory Orthodox Church in Tuscaloosa. This book was born out of a desire to help those who are seeking spiritual direction or those who may be new believers needing a roadmap for their spiritual journey.

   The book is now available from the author ( www.turnaround-ministry.com )  or through Orthodox book sources. It will be available in bookstores in the spring of 2008.