[.ca] Rees Howells Intercessor (ISBN 0875081886)

Theological Problems with this Book:
It looks like I am the black sheep among the reviewers here - I just ask you to consider my comments seriously before you hit the "no" button below my review. I was impressed by Reese Howell's devotion to God and this book is not written, as is the case with so many other Christian biographies, to present a perfect picture of the man; he has his personal battles as all do. For this I commend his biographer. The contentious issue is the point of departure from Christian orthodoxy in his method of intercession. It was not enough for him to pray for the one on whose behalf he is interceding but to IDENTIFY with that person in life behaviour. Thus while interceding for a vagrant he would walk in public without his hat on (a great departure from custom at that time) and let his hair grow long, thereby assuming the the appearance and life of the one interceded for. He appeared to think this was a neccessary principle of intercession based upon some of the examples of the prophets in the OT. Suffice it to say this borders on heresy. Reese Howells expresses his fear in the book that God might some day call him to intercede naked for someone (presumably a person lacking clothing) as Isaiah was called to do cf. Isaiah chp. 20. Isaiah was a sign for what would happen to Egypt and Ethiopia if they didn't repent - he was not at that time interceding for unclothed Egypians. Reese Howells misunderstood the message of scripture and practiced an false doctrine. If you are to read this book I merely here offer a caution. There is good to be found in it but it is ore mixed with rock.

TRULY ANOINTED AND INSPIRING:
My Pastor lent me a copy of this book and it truly ministered to me in a powerful way. When I started reading it I could not put it down. About that time I had to travel and it was my companion on the plane. The events in the life of Rees Howell was an inspiration to me as it caused me to trust in the power of almighty God accessed in intercession. The copy was not my own, that is why I am getting one now. Blessed reading.

Captivating:
This book was a joy to read! It gave me new insight into how to live the Christian life. While I don't believe we are all called to be intercessors as he was, I believe we can all gain from the steps of relinquishment he took. It became very clear to me that he lived a hard life, but probably more exciting and more fullfilling than any other person who followed Jesus with the exception of the Apostles. This book will definitely help in understanding the real Christian walk and the joy that can be received when we obey His calling. It is very easy reading and is hard to put down. Miracles abound in his life. Spiritual warfare is put into context of recent history. Wonderful!

A Truly Life Changing Book:
If you only read four books in addition to the Bible as a Christian, this should be one of them. I have met more people that this book has had a life-changing impact upon than any other. (A close #2 is With Christ In The School Of Prayer by Andrew Murray). Rees Howells is an example of a person who laid down his life for others, labored in prayer and, in doing so, touched the heart of God. His life was a picture of what 1 John 3:16-24 describes.

Gripping:
This fascinating book about a real man who was called by God to be an intercessor was gripping. His trials, tribulations and amazing interactions with God made for great reading.