Adventures with the Holy Spirit: A Journey with RUACH

by Deacon Charles Louis Durban

TESTIMONIALS

“Charlie’s book, Adventures with the Holy Spirit, illustrates how the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our lives.” – Carol Hess, parishioner, Incarnate Word Parish, St. Louis, MO

“In Adventures with the Holy Spirit, Deacon Charles Durban recounts numerous surprise experiences of being saved from disappointment or disaster by a mysterious presence in his life which he calls the saving work of Ruach, or the Holy Spirit. For even the casual reader these incidents will trigger memories which will now have a far deeper meaning because of a ‘Presence’ which is now recognized for the first time. ‘There is Someone with me and He is taking me to a place with a new purpose and a new meaning.’ I hope you enjoy the adventure!” – Bishop Robert J. Hermann, author of Come Alive in Jesus! Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

“Using his own life journey in the Spirit, Deacon Charlie Durban offers his readers a possible template for looking at the manifestations of God’s abiding presence in the reader’s life experience. This can be a great tool for individual faith exploration or a group study approach. Read the whole book and discern how it might relate to your own story.” – Deacon J. Gerard Quinn, J.C.L.

“What we learn through another’s journey can enhance our own recognition of the influences in our own journey. I have been fortunate to journey in a professional career with Charlie for 40 years. Together, we have shared our faith experiences, discussed our differences, and agreed that God is present in our lives. In Adventures with the Holy Spirit, Charlie provides insight and a template for us to examine our journey and to recognize that the paths opened to us and traveled are influenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit. As you read this life journey, I encourage you to stop at the end of each chapter and reflect on your own journey as I did. Consider where has the Holy Spirit made its presence known for you at various times in your life journey? By traveling with Charlie, you will awaken to what you hadn’t perceived and in turn see God’s Presence through the Holy Spirit in your journey. A wise man once told me, ‘We are all here to walk each other down the path to the end.’ The experiences that Charlie has shared show us that we are not walking that path alone.” – W. Dennis Derr, Ed.D., LPC, author of Building Personal Resiliency; A Simple Book of Practice for Living a Life of Resiliency

“At times laugh-out-loud funny and achingly sad, Adventures with the Holy Spirit is a spiritual Odyssey with a deeply personal edge. Deacon Charlie Durban has distilled the wisdom of a full and fascinating life in prose that is both eloquent and conversational. Tag along with Ruach (spoiler alert: Ruach is Hebrew for Holy Spirit) and your own adventures will take on that much more meaning.” – J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Saint Louis Abbey, author of Humility Rules and The Eighth Arrow

“Charlie Durban’s engaging personal testimony encourages us to look for the hidden patterns in our own lives, the times in which the Holy Spirit is working even when we don’t recognize it. I enjoyed Adventures with the Holy Spirit and the contemplation it inspired. The author recounts a variety of God-incidences in his life, ranging from the simple to the remarkable, from both before he realized God was pursing him and later after he consciously began seeking to follow God. His stories offer ideas for how we can spot the workings of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. For Charlie, the progression of small miracles in his life resurrected his faith and led eventually to discerning his vocation as a deacon. From Charlie’s ‘yes’ flowed many graces. Major setbacks turned into new opportunities. His deeply personal testimony about the workings of the Holy Spirit in his daily life, as well as his reflections on faith, hope, charity, and gratitude, impart light to others on their faith journeys.” – Lynda Rozell, author of Journeys with a Tin Can Pilgrim (St. John’s Press, 2021), In Plain Sight Hidden (St. Bona’s Press, 2022) 

“Deacon Charles Durban addresses often overlooked contributions the invisible Holy Spirit dispenses constantly in the course of our lives. His desperately necessary message to a culture caught in the misbelief all predicaments can be assuaged through recourse to relativism or scientism, is constructed upon personally experienced, inexplicable, beneficial events which should encourage in the reader, a practice of confidently asking the Holy Spirit to intercede in our daily challenges. All will benefit from perusing this concise, yet well substantiated narratives that rekindles a trusting Faith in God.” – Joseph J. Hurley, M.D., author of the forthcoming book about El Camino, Why are you walking?

“Charles Durban writes with honesty and inclusivity about his journey to find his most confident and spiritual self. Even if Durban’s journey to find the Spirit in his life doesn’t parallel your own, the book reflects a life fully lived with an open heart and will help any reader begin to clarify the meaning of faith in their own life. With professionalism and a sense of humor, Durban invites the reader into a complicated and blessed life.” – Rachel Eve Moulton, author of Tinfoil Butterfly

“Although I was Deacon Charlie’s spiritual director for a 30-day Ignatian silent retreat at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House in Sedalia, CO., I really had no idea what I would encounter in his “Adventures with the Holy Spirit”. I set aside portions of two back-to-back afternoons and read the book. It is excellent! Charlie is a very good writer. I found it an easy and pleasurable read. Adventures highlights the finding and experiencing of God in the everyday experiences of an ordinary life—which, indeed, makes the life extraordinary. I can imagine this book to be a very positive read for many Christians.” – Fr. E. Edward Kinerk, S.J., Director, Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House and former President of Rockhurst University 

“What a grace I have enjoyed to have personally heard many of the stories Charlie recounts of his adventures with his ever-present companion, Ruach. I wish I could capture for you his wonder as he would bring each story to life. His awe was always contagious. Let Charlie’s stories inspire you to find Ruach in your life and believe.” Susanne Harvath, Ph.D., author of The Augustine Way Workbook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deacon Charlie Durban has served St. Anselm parish in St. Louis, MO, for 15 years. His professional life of 50 years included mental health programs in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Missouri; and, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) regionally, nationally and internationally. His parish assignments included Assistant to the Pastor and Director of Liturgy. He served for 5 years as Assistant Director of Psychological and Counseling Services at Kenrick Glennon seminary. Somewhat retired, he remains very active leading men’s prayer groups, St. Vincent de Paul conference, Kairos prison ministry, and a variety of parish assignments. He and his wife Penny co-teach Counseling Skills to the men in deacon formation and several classes of the Archdiocesan Spiritual Direction program. He is also an Army veteran, serving at the Pentagon and one year in Vietnam. Along with his professional training and education, Deacon Charlie has also completed the two-year professional certification in Spiritual Direction at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. Semi-retirement has increased his hopes of getting out once a week for 18 holes of golf, usually with a variety of results. Fortunately, his parish golfing buddies are generous with their “gimmes” on the greens. He and his wife Penny eagerly await the grace of grandchildren and further “adventures”.

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

The LIFE Runners of Central Asia: The Genesis of a Pro-Life Movement in Pakistan and Afghanistan

by Aqif Shahzad

TBA

Paperback: TBA | Kindle $5.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Aqif Shahzad’s LIFE Runner about his pro-life work in Pakistan is an incredible witness to the great miracles God can do when we offer Him the five loaves and two fish of our ordinary lives. Looking with mercy on the Pakistani people, the Lord has inspired Aqif to spread the Gospel message of the sanctity of human life in a myriad of ways -and He has blessed Aqif’s missionary work with abundant fruit, including the saving of many little girls from abortion. I hope and pray that by reading this book people will be inspired to join in the pro-life mission in Pakistan through prayer and financial donations to both the families in need and to printing the books Aqif uses to teach the sanctity of human life. Come Holy Spirit!” – Mary Kloska, author of Raising ‘Children of the Cross,’ The Holiness of Womanhood, Out of the Darkness, A Heart Frozen in the Wilderness, In Our Lady’s Shadow, and Mornings with Mary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aqif Shahzad was raised in a family of four brothers and two sisters in a village in Pakistan. He lost his father early, and his mother, whose faith in Our Lady strengthened and deepened his love for Our Lady, played a significant role in his life.

Teaching and translation are his passions. Children of the Cross (Ministry) is the answer to his continued prayers. Giving life, hope, and healing to persecuted Christians in Pakistan and throughout the world is his vision. God has called him to reach the unreached. He lives in Pakistan with his small daughter, Eliana, who is four years old.

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

What God Had Emptied: How I Found Hope in my Children’s Diagnoses

by Kathryn Anne Casey

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

REVIEWS

An Honest Window Into the Heart of a Mother’s Suffering, a review by Jeannie Ewing, author of Waiting With Purpose

 

What God Had Emptied: How I Found Hope In My Children’s Diagnoses by Kathryn Anne Casey is a powerful read. Her depth of spirituality is interwoven into every loss and every fragmented moment of peace or joy in the midst of constant crises and unexpected/surprise pregnancies (and subsequent losses).

I am a mom of 5, two of whom are neurodivergent. Sarah, my middle daughter, was born with a rare disease. As I turned the pages of Casey’s book, there were moments I nodded my head enthusiastically – because, finally, someone expressed in words my experience! There were moments I shed tears – because, yes, I asked myself the same questions about God’s goodness and mercy. I wondered if life would ever return to “normal” again.

She is so direct about her struggles, but never in a defeated manner. Casey offers incredible insight as she draws the reader into her journey of navigating Peter’s complex medical needs and the fatal prenatal diagnosis and subsequent death of her baby daughter, Celeste.

Another aspect of the book that makes it unique is that Casey explains the ways she found meaning and joy and cared for her body and soul and mind in the midst of the incessant uncertainty. Her daily walks, which she scheduled while Peter was in the hospital, included exploration and adventure – a return to her senses and to grounding her with what simple delights may await in the form of local cuisine, a scented candle, a book, some lipstick.

For mothers who find themselves, or have found themselves, in a place of constant mental exhaustion, particularly if they have a child or children with ongoing medical needs, this book is a light. A genuine light. There is no fluff here. There are no pat answers or platitudes we tend to hear when people don’t know what to say.

Casey is an incredibly gifted writer, as well, and selects her words thoughtfully and beautifully.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

The Visitor: A Near-death Covid Experience Taught One Man Faith, Prayer, Love, and Charity are God’s Remedies to Survive and Thrive

by Sean Kelley

TESTIMONIALS

“The Visitor by Sean Kelley is a riveting book, full of vital insights that can change your life. Buy it and give it to others.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, Catholic writer and Media Presenter

“Reading Sean Kelley’s The Visitor is a wonderful way to share God’s love and our appreciation for His GRACE. I will continue to look back on Sean’s personal experience overcoming Covid and the lessons he learned, the most powerful being to submit to God’s plan and to fight hate with love. Sean has a gift to expose imperfections related to beliefs that may be getting in the way of true happiness–whether that’s career-oriented, personal spirituality or any other facet of one’s life.” – Jeff Wood professional race car driver & owner of Don Wood Automotive group

“The Visitor is a must-read for anyone who has doubted the devastation COVID-19 can wreak not only on those who contract it, but also on the medical professionals who work tirelessly to save patients from this cruel virus.” – Breck Dumas, Reporter, FOX Business

“This book was superbly well-written and put together in a very unique format. We’ve all experienced health crises, and Lord knows we’ve all dealt with Covid. The title itself leaves you wondering who ‘The Visitor’ actually was. When you look at it from that perspective, the reading is even more compelling. If you’re looking for a book that inspires you, makes you feel better about your fellow man, and  reinforces your faith in a higher power, then this is the one for you. If you figure out who ‘The Visitor’ is and why…let me know.” – Kelly Kleinman, Car Motivators, Media and Event Director

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After leaving US Army Special Operations as a Non-Commissioned Officer, Sean Kelley applied those leadership principles to automotive management, and successfully led car dealerships for over a decade. After recently surviving severe covid pneumonia, Sean’s most recently published book The Visitor is being sold in multiple countries and published in several languages. The non-profit Sean launched, Cards for COVID, cards4covid.org, supports hundreds of medical professionals and COVID patients in multiple States. Sean’s passion for people development and ability to coach led him to grow from General Sales Manager to Chief Business Development Officer of a multi-million-dollar CRM software company. Now, as CEO of Car Motivators, and founder of Market Motivators, Sean and his team works with dozens of car dealerships, technology companies, fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and hundreds of coaching clients across the country to help them achieve their biggest goals. Sean helps his clients grow with a no bull approach, ability to improve communication, follow through and a focus on continuous improvement. As such, Sean’s clients consistently set sales records, eliminate employee turnover, all while increasing gross and net profit. More importantly, Sean and his team help the managers throughout the businesses they coach enjoy their role by helping them grow as leaders. Sean was consultant of the year in 2018 by Dealership News and recently ranked #10 in Ambition.com top 100 sales coaches. Sean’s engaging presentations have been featured at conferences like: Digital Dealer, Automotive Game Changers, Rockstar Tech Conference, Canadian Game Changers, SLADA, TIADA, and DrivingSales. Sean’s vision is to positively impact the leadership landscape and culture of the businesses he works with, by teaching managers the leadership language of coaching.

OTHER POPULAR MEMOIRS

The Call to Prayer: Intimate Moments with God

by Forrest Hemphill Yanke, D.PHIL., LCSW, LMFT

TESTIMONIALS

“Forrest has written a beautiful invitation to deepen our prayer through reflection on her own personal prayer journey. Wherever you may be in your own prayer journey, just beginning or more experienced, you will find something to enrich your prayer life through the pages of this book.” – Msgr. Keith Brennan, Pastor, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

“This book offers helpful theological information, resources, and encouragement for both those who desire to begin a new prayer life, and for those who feel called to deepen an already established prayer routine.” – Adrienne Novotny, M.Ed., Acting Director, The Cenacle, Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer, Clearwater, Florida

“After many years of experimentation and experience, Forrest Yanke presents a recipe for prayer, using as a foundation her charismatic Carmelite spirituality, while blending in portions of Ignatian reflection, and the rich nutrition of Eucharistic and Marian devotion. Good food for thought!” – Sister Mary Margaret, Prioress, Monastery of the Infant Jesus, Cloistered Contemplative Dominican Nuns, Lufkin, TX

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Forrest Hemphill Yanke is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage and family therapist who has integrated her Catholic faith and knowledge of Christian healing into her therapy and teaching practices. For 35 years, she maintained a private practice in Christian psychotherapy in Panama City, Florida, where she was also instrumental in developing an intensive case management program for the homeless.

She taught pastoral counseling and Called and Gifted courses as an instructor for the Institute of Ministry Formation and was as an adjunct professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University, Panama City campus.

For over 25 years, she served as an expert witness for the Catholic Marriage Tribunal in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and has been recognized throughout her career with many awards for both professional and charitable work.

Forrest earned a doctorate in Religion and Societal Studies from Oxford Graduate School and holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction through the University of Steubenville and the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence House of Prayer. She is a professed member of the Secular Order of Carmelites and a long-time member and former president of ACTHEALS.

Currently she serves as outreach coordinator for the separated and divorced at her church and frequently leads workshops and retreats on prayer and healing.

Forrest is married to August Yanke and they have four children between them and seven grandchildren. They reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS

A Gospel Path to Racial Healing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Archbishop Hughes was ordained a priest for Boston in 1957.  After securing a doctorate in Spiritual Theology at the Gregorian University, he served in parish, seminary and administrative roles.  Saint John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Baton Rouge in 1993 and Archbishop of New Orleans in 2002.  As Emeritus, he continues to serve the Church in multiple ministries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deacon Larry Oney, a permanent deacon for the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, serves at Divine Mercy Parish in Kenner, Louisiana.  He is the founder and president of Hope and Purpose Ministries, which aims to put the New Evangelization into practice through preaching, teaching, and the media, offering hope and purpose to all individuals. Deacon Oney is the author of several books:  Amazed by God’s Grace, Divine Mission:  Discovering Your Hope and Purpose, Reflections on the Kingdom of God, and UP FAITH! God loves a faith that is always looking up! He lives in New Orleans with his wife, Andi, and has 5 children with whom he enjoys fishing, reading, and spending time.

OTHER CATHOLIC MEMOIRS