Personal Experience Translates Across Cultural Boundaries
When communism fell in Russia, Christians were begging for More Than a Carpenterbooks.
"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.
That's also what the Russians needed, according to Charles Debter, a staff member with the Josh McDowell Ministry.
"Alcoholism has become a social problem," he says.
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. He read Josh's book, which he found in his church's library. Since then, the priest has incorporated Josh's concepts into 8 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, more than 18 million copies of More Than a Carpenter have been published worldwide, with translations into 72 languages.
