Comments on: Crazy Madness

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:29:37 +0000

The Gathering was one of the most special days of my life. I was so happy to be able to experience that with all these people who love reading Ted Dekker, just like me. Being there was like a family reunion of third cousins and further, people that you’ve never me, but you are immediate friends because you are connected somehow. God opened the way for me to go, I know that, so I thank Him for that opportunity and I was so blessed by the Gathering experience. I actually was so happy when I found out that it might be possible for me to go that I cried. So it meant a lot to me, and my anticipation was totally satisfied! Praise the Lord for how He works through people to encourage others. Ted’s works have started a new way of thinking in my heart and I am awakening slowly from the “Slumber of Christianity” that seems to take us all at some point. Thanks, Ted. Thanks, everyone who helped with the Gathering event, and THANKS GOD!!!!

ps. the neatest thing about the gathering was that whenever I talk about Ted’s books with others, I get so excited talking about how they’re all interconnected and all the double meanings I take from it, and the way I can never be the same after reading one of his books, and the other people just think I’m crazy, but at the Gathering, everyone’s crazy about Ted! They totally get me!

By: Caleb Breakey

Caleb Breakey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:40:22 +0000

Just had to say that the Dekker T-shirt I bought at the Gathering has already been a great conversation starter!

Also, I’m really overflowing with God’s love right now, and have to say praise be to God for the saving blood of Jesus Christ!

By: Sam R. Franklin

Sam R. Franklin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:52:15 +0000

I was just so inspired by the whole thing! I just kept learning more and more about what it truly means to be a writer for Christ, and the power of story.

And I was really touched by the community and bond between us all.

By: Wesley

Wesley — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:06:40 +0000

I was blown away by The Gathering. I am going through so much right now. My own personal battles and spiritual ones as well. The great thing about The Gathering and Ted’s books is the tremendous hope I can get from them. Whether it be from The Circle Series or other books like Boneman’s Daughters or Skin, I get so much from them. I lead a busy life and sometimes forget that I am a child of God and that I need to lean on Him more often. But The Gathering helped me to remember that more than anything has lately. I just pray I can continue to remember that and get my heart back into a happy place.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:22:18 +0000

Not only was this my first Gathering, but it was also the first time that fiction changed my life. I prayed a prayer there at the Gathering that built up and eventually became a calling into the film industry. I have two friends that are almost guaranteed jobs (my brother is a screenwriter, our friend Krista is an award winning aspirng director) and I already know the assistant director and Gaffer of several movies. God showed this to me as a result of the Gathering, and it has changed my life.

By: Caleb Breakey

Caleb Breakey — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:52:33 +0000

I’m sooo right there with you, Thomas. I was talking with my dad the other day, trying to explain to him why I write. He, along with my two brothers, is a car guy. I’m the apple that fell far from the tree, and then someone picked me up and threw me.

Writers are a part of the body of Christ, a part of how the body functions, and a part that points people to Jesus Christ, God Almighty, Wonderful Creator. Ahhh, I love that!

Whereas others may be eyes, or feet, or what have you, we are “hands” — writers.

I love thinking about Jesus using his hands for anything in his life: cupping some water, lifting a child to his lap, embracing a disciple.

Hands of our precious Savior. Hands for our precious Savior.

By: mO Thomas

mO Thomas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:31 +0000

I saw from a long-ago interview these authors listed as among Ted’s favorites: Dallas Willard, Philip Yancey, Thomas Merton, John Piper, Mike Bickle.

It’s easier now for me to see where some of his influence comes, in expressing the battle between good and evil with such power. These authors bring a great deal of depth in conveying the Truth of Jesus Christ - from the contemplative prayer life to the victory that comes from being Spirit-filed.

Our generation needs more writers with a passion for Christ and a passion for the written word, to engage our world in Story that reveals the heart and points to Romance and Freedom and Victory. My prayer is for many in the Body to be stirred deeply to ‘ready their pens’ and express themselves in Spirit-laced stories that shake our planet and usher in a mighty move of God.

And it sounds like “the Gathering” is pointed in this direction.

Blessings.

By: Julie

Julie — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:23:29 +0000

The Gathering was simply a wonderful experience, for me. It was my first, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away. It meant a lot to me to get to meet you just to say thanks. You are a truly amazing author and I always look forward to a new book. My husband doesn’t really like to read, but decided to pick up Black after I got back from The Gathering. He read it in two days. He’s completely hooked and is very excited about the books. We, now, have to buy two copies of Green so we don’t fight over who gets to read it first. I love it. He’s plans to have all of the Books of History Chronicles read so he can go with me, next year, to The Gathering. This, from a guy who thought reading was nerdy. Now, he understands. Thank you for a fantastic time. My husband and I look forward to next year’s Gathering.

By: Jami Sue

Jami Sue — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:44:50 +0000

This was my first Gathering, and certainly not my last. I didn’t want to leave when it was over. The passion for our Creator in that room was AMAZING!!

The dancers did an awesome job of retelling the story. I even cried…

Unfortunatly I didn’t get to stay for the book signing.*is sad* I had to leave…

Also, as a writer it was hugely encouraging and helpful. Thanks Ted.
~Just Behind the Waterfall

By: Jon Scott Smith

Jon Scott Smith — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:58:31 +0000

Wow. That’s what The Gathering was to me. I couldn’t believe how awesome it was. Ted you have been one of my heroes ever since I first read The Circle Trilogy, and meeting you was one of the greatest things I’ve experienced in a long time. You’re a great man Ted…I only wish I could’ve asked you more questions