From Decision to Disciple by Stuart Scammell

In this book Stuart Scammell vividly paints a picture of the possible difficulties that face those who come to Christ with no Christian background or support network. It ought to increase our awareness of those we come to know who are in such a place of need.

This is the second instalment of Daniel’s Story, following on after “From the Streets to the Saviour” which covered Daniel’s background and how he found Christ as his Saviour.

The book opens with a reminder that Daniel was soundly saved and blessed to have his own bible which he had promised to read. However, he was still homeless, sleeping rough on a park bench in Cardiff, and had no job or means of support. He determines, “I will get a job, work really hard and rent a bed-sit. I’ll go to church, read my bible every day and live a life that pleases God”.

Daniel has learned to pray and that day finds a job in a restaurant washing dishes. It was hard work and long hours, but as he returned to the park Daniel was happy to read his bible and thanked God. He continued to work in the restaurant, but through an unwise purchase of a mobile phone, Daniel is again arrested by the police and sent to prison. Daniel thinks about the unfairness of the situation and is angry at God and at others for his circumstances.

In prison, Daniel is helped by another Christian but also finds hard opposition. He gets along to the chapel meetings and meets up again with Steve. Daniel decides he might be able to help others in the prison just as he was helped, and God opens the opportunity for him with a new inmate.

After several weeks Daniel is released and finds himself a room he can rent for a few nights with the money he has. He prayed, “God direct my steps. I am prepared to do whatever Your plan is.”