Josh McDowell Book in Demand in Russia
Photo by Tom Mills
When communism fell in Russia, Christians were begging for More Than a Carpenter books.
"We can get Bibles," one explained, "but this book really cuts scientific atheism."
Not only does the 160-page paperback refute claims that there is no God, but author Josh McDowell also tells his personal story.
"I revised it to put my testimony at the beginning," says Josh, "because in our postmodern society, people care more about experience than facts."
He tells his story of growing up with an alcoholic father and choosing to accept Jesus as his Savior.
The book that Josh wrote in 48 hours, and more for himself than anyone else, was translated into Russian, then printed and sent there 10 years before Josh ever even traveled to the country.
Father Konstantin, a Russian Orthodox priest, is an unlikely fan of Josh McDowell. Yet he read Josh's book, which he found in his church's library. Since then, the priest has incorporated Josh's concepts into eight of his own books.
"His books have had an impact on me," the priest says, "and he clearly explains the Resurrection. That's why I refer to them in my own [writings]."
To date, 18 million copies of More Than a Carpenter have been published worldwide, with translations into 72 languages.
