Books

These books offer a glimpse into the arena we've entered with EFI and we

would love for some of our followers to read them. A unique, honest and personal perspective from the people who have lived out the foster care system and international orphanages. Both are challenging but beautiful stories of hope and healing, reminding the church to love and pray in faith because the Lord is working.

"Abandoned by his mother in a St. Petersburg dumpster when he was only three days old, Alex Krutov should not have survived. But God had something else in mind. Raised in the harsh Russian orphanage system, Alex's life was one of hopelessness and despair until the arrival of Christian missionaries from the West when the Soviet Union collapsed. Infinitely More is the inspiring true story of a young man who would not give up, and the God who relentlessly pursued him. Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." This is the story of God coming to Alex, and the hope He offers to all of us. Alex Krutov is the co-founder of The Harbor, a ministry to emancipated orphans in Russia. A graduate of Franklin University in Ohio, he divides his time between the United States and Russia."

Our team was blessed to meet Alex in person and hear about his life and ministry. We encourage you to read the book, Infinitely More. Alex' story is one that showcases how intentional the Lord is and by the end of it we are reminded of Joseph's testimony: "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." Genesis 50:20 Buy it here.

"Surviving The Storm by Julia Charles is an easy-to-read, personal journey of the author's life in foster care. She also shares stories of those who made a difference in her life and how they helped her build hope and faith for a better life. Julia is hoping this book will speak to other youths in care as well as the adults who try to help them. Surviving the Storm provides the reader insight to a foster youth's world and can be best explored through a focused book club or reading group. Training discussion points are provided at the conclusion of the book for professionals, caregivers, and youths. To view a CBS interview with Julia click here: Julia on CBS News. "

Julia's story follows the hard journey of foster care and finishes with the renewing love of Jesus. Her story follows her from a safe early childhood, to a dangerous family placement, then through her entrance and exit of the U.S. foster care system. In her time in foster care she was re-introduced to the Lord, and we find this verse to be extremely fitting: "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;It shall not return to Me void,But it shall accomplish what I please,And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 Buy it here.