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 fromgetting 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 thisbroken 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 buriedhistory 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 ona 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 waysto 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 howfaith 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 2025Discover An Inspiring Personal Story of Resilience, Redemption, and AdvocacyBorn into an impoverished community in a two-parent household that later fractured, Terence Lester and his sister were moved from place to place by their mother in a search for safety and stability. Carrying the heavy weight of that early trauma, Lester''s path led him to gangs, juvenile delinquency, and even homelessness, at one point living out of his car. He eventually dropped out of high school, another statistic in a system designed to fail him.But his journey did not end in despair. Lester returned to school, graduating as a fifth-year senior against all odds. He went on to earn five degrees, including a PhD in public policy.A Story of Overcoming Systemic BarriersFrom Dropout toDoctorate is Terence Lester''s powerful story of overcoming adversity to becoming a champion for educational equity. Lester shares his own story of resilience through trauma, perseverance through pain, and reliance upon community that led him towhere he is today—not to glory in success, but to give back to the community that God used to shape him.Connecting his personal struggles to the larger, complex challenges faced by Black children in under-resourced communities, Lester''s story brings attention to what must be done to ensure that others facing similar odds have the opportunity to achieve their own dreams.In this book, you will discover:- A compelling personal narrative of overcoming adversity, from homelessness and dropping out of high school to earning a doctorate.- In-depth insights into the realities of educational injustice and its impact on Black communities.- A thoughtful exploration of how poverty, unjust policies, and the school-to-prison pipeline disrupt lives and perpetuate systemic barriers.- An inspiring call for educators, leaders, and advocates to champion educational equity and a more just and inclusive world.A Call to Invest in a More Just FutureAs you travel with Lester through scenes both painful and hopeful from his early life, you''ll see how God can take even the most broken parts of your story and use them for his glory. You''ll be inspired to advocacy—to confront educational inequity and inspire change. From Dropout to Doctorate offers a hopeful pathway forward for those ready to reimagine what is possible for marginalized communities.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.