Mark Tabb – författare

When tragedy devastated a small town, an unlikely source of inspiration pieced the community back together in this dramatic true story. On a Sunday in May 2008, an F5 tornado hit the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, killing eight people and destroying 250 homes and businesses within a span of 34 seconds. The next day, Parkersburg's beloved football coach, Ed Thomas, made a stunning prediction: "God willing, we will play our first home game here on this field this season."One hundred days later, the home team scored a victory on the field they dubbed the Sacred Acre, serving as a galvanizing point for the town to band together and rebuild. But just as Parkersburg was recovering, another disaster struck.While working with a group of football and volleyball players early one morning, one of Thomas's former students walked in and gunned him down at point-blank range. Thomas was only 58 years old. The murder of this hometown hero spread across national news headlines, and Thomas's community reeled from the shock. But his story doesn't end there.As you discover more about this incredible town, you'll learn:That grief is no match for loveThe life-changing power of faith and forgivenessWhat it truly means to lean on your communityHow to use your God-given gifts for goodPraise for The Sacred Acre: "Ed Thomas was a man who lived the gospel, loved his family, and believed in doing things the right way. He taught his players that there are no shortcuts and that you will ultimately be judged, not by what you did, but on how you did it. His heart, his faith, and his Christian character are evident in so many of them. I believe that reading this book will give you a better understanding of this special man and the example he left for all of us to follow."--Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts

When Officer Andy Myers met Loraine Phillips, he had no interest in her son. And he certainly never dreamed he'd respond to a call, finding that same boy in a pool of blood. Even more alarming was the father standing watch over his son's body. Myers had never seen a man respond to death-particularly the death of a child-in such a way. When the father is charged with murder and sentenced to death, he chooses not to fight but embrace it as God's will. Myers becomes consumed with curiosity for these strange beliefs. What follows is the story of the bond these two men share as they come to terms with the tragedy and the difficult choices each one must make.

A vulnerable look at the faith questions we are afraid to admit we have· for anyone struggling with depression, doubting God's goodness, or feeling like a misfit at church· permission to ask the hard questions (and the just plain weird ones)· deepen your relationship with God and othersWhen you've done all the right things, read all the right books, and listened to all the right worship songs, yet still feel like you don't have this faith thing figured out, what do you do? It can be hard to voice the questions and doubts floating around your head and heart to others. But you're not the only one who feels that way!For anyone tired of church politics, the unspoken rules of Christian subculture, and taking themselves too seriously, Mark Tabb is your new best friend. He asks the questions you might hesitate to admit having, like· Can I call myself a Christian if I don't watch The Chosen?· Is God kind of mean but we're all afraid to say something?· If I believe God is in control, why am I upset about politics?· Why don't I feel it?· What if I'm wrong?· and moreNot only will he explore the answers to ten specific questions, he'll show you how to get comfortable talking with others about all the weird and uncomfortable questions you have. Because figuring out life together just might be the catalyst we need to renew our faith and our hope for the future.