Terence Lester – författare

It''s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the injustices that we see in the world. We don''t know what to do and might think that we don''t have anything to offer. But by using our gifts in collaboration with others, we can do more together than we ever could on our own.Activist Terence Lester knows it''s hard to change the world. But mobilizing and acting together empowers us to do what we can''t do as isolated individuals. Lester looks at the obstacles that prevent us from getting involved, and he offers practical ways that we can accomplish things together as groups, families, churches, and communities. He helps us find our place in the larger picture, discerning the unique ways we can contribute and make a difference. By connecting with our neighbors and discovering our own paths of service, we can drastically change how we follow Christ and see God moving in the world.Togetherness and community give visible testimony of the power of the gospel. In this broken world, the body of Christ can transform society—when we stand together.

Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award FinalistThe more you understand someone''s history, the better you can see their humanity. This is true for individuals as well as for society at large. Race relations have suffered because of the erasure of important Black history and cultural context. As we fill in the gaps of our collective knowledge, communities can grow in understanding, empathy, and solidarity.Terence Lester shares the buried history of the struggles Black people have faced against unjust systems. He tells powerful stories of courage, injustice, pain, and triumph, including ones from his own history. He also unpacks the sociological and cultural dynamics of unconscious bias and inattentional ignorance that keep us apart, and how they can be overcome. This honest account of what it''s like to be Black in America paves the way for the church to move beyond showing support from a distance toward loving one another in long-term solidarity, advocacy, and friendship.

From May 1-August 31, a portion of the proceeds from Zion Learns to See will be donated to Zion''s Closet, a resource center in schools created by Love Beyond Walls for families facing poverty and homelessness.2025 Independent Press Awards – Picture Books Ages 4-82024 Moonbeam Children''s Book Award Winner2024 Black Authors Matter Childrens Book Award WinnerEvery person matters to God. And that means every person should matter to us.Join Zion and her dad on a life-changing Saturday in Zion Learns to See, a heartwarming story by father-daughter duo Terence and Zion Lester. Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated book teaches lessons of connection, compassion, and faith in action.Follow young Zion as she accompanies her father to a local community center serving people experiencing homelessness. What begins as an ordinary day soon becomes a powerful lesson that changes Zion''s perspective. As Zion learns about people experiencing homelessness, young readers will see how everyone matters to God and feel inspired to make a difference in their own communities.With dynamic illustrations by Subi Bosa and an author''s note encouraging further conversation about the content, this book is perfect for families, churches, and classrooms that want to foster deeper conversation and discuss practical ways to extend God''s love to the marginalized.Why You''ll Love This Book:- Teaches Important Values: Introduces themes of mercy, justice, and community in ways that are age-appropriate and accessible- Builds Compassion: Encourages children to see and care for others the way God does- Encourages Deeper Conversation: A note from the author facilitates meaningful conversations about homelessness and how faith moves us to action.Discover what happens when children learn to see that every person matters to God. Add Zion Learns to See to your collection today and share with children the things that matter to God!

"The author''s message is potent and timely... this is a vital call to reform a broken system." – Publishers Weekly Review, June 2025"Dr. Lester has gifted us this book for this moment and for our posterity. He shares searing personal stories of tragedy and hardship that moves the crisis in our educational system beyond statistics and into the realm of human impact. . . . He adds academic ballast to his intimate narrative, so we come to understand not simply his individual story, but the historic and systemic forces at work that affect millions today." – Jemar Tisby, from the forewordInspiring the Next Generation to Advocate for Educational EquityTerence Lester was born into a two-parent household that later separated due to family conflict. In search of safety and stability, his mother moved him and his sister from place to place. Carrying the weight of that early trauma, Lester turned to gangs, became a juvenile delinquent, experienced homelessness, and at one point lived out of his car. He dropped out of high school.But Lester''s story doesn''t end there. He eventually returned to school, graduated as a fifth-year senior, and defied the odds by earning five degrees, including a PhD in public policy. What made the difference?In From Dropout to Doctorate, Lester unveils the realities of educational injustice and the profound impact of unjust policies and systems on Black communities. He shows how poverty disrupts the lives of Black families, leading to homelessness and perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline.A Powerful Personal StoryDrawing from his own personal narrative and scholarly research, Lester names the complex challenges faced by Black children in underresourced and socially dense environments. As a public scholar and nonprofit leader, he advocates for equitable access to advanced education and addresses the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for Black people.An Advocate''s Voice for ChangeThrough his personal experiences, Lester calls on educators, nonprofit leaders, and community influencers to confront educational inequity and inspire systemic change. His advocacy encourages readers to envision a world rooted in justice and inclusivity. Offering remedies of community involvement and mentorship, Lester marks out a hopeful pathway that cultivates potential and provides opportunities for Black youth to thrive.For Those Who Believe in a Just FutureThis book speaks to those who are ready to champion change and reimagine what is possible for marginalized communities. From Dropout to Doctorate will challenge you to question the status quo and equip you to make a difference in your community.If you''re ready to join the fight for educational equity and inspire the next generation, pick up your copy today. Will you be the next one to make an impact?

To be human means to try and sometimes fail, to love and sometimes lose, to risk and sometimes regret. There are times when we realize where our choices have brought us and we're afraid to be honest--with ourselves, with others, with God--about how we're really feeling and how we got to where we are. Because what if no one understands? What if they think less of us? What if God is disappointed with us?Eryn Eddy wants you to know that no matter your past mistakes, relationship status, career choice, or feelings, nothing can change the truth that you are so worth loving. In this openhearted book, she takes you by the hand and helps you look in, look up, and look out, exploring your relationship with yourself, God, and others. She gives you permission to feel deeply and openly before God, who isn't afraid of our feelings, no matter what they are. And she lovingly reminds you that you are not crazy, you are not alone, and you will get through this.