Tuesday

Teen Testimonies

In June, teens from First Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas studied Growing Up Christian with their pastor, Justin Childers. The teens then sent me their thoughts regarding the book, which blew me away. Thanks guys!

Here are their comments::

Thanks for helping me in Growing Up Christian. It was the most inspirational book I have ever read. Bree F.

Thanks for writing Growing Up Christian. It helped me realize what I have been taking for granted. I just want to say thank you. Toria D.

This is a great book you took very deep thought and made them understandable at the teenage level not many books are like that. Thank you very much. Rachel M.

Hey man! (Karl) I am really liking the book. Its making me think about stuff ya know, which usually doesn’t happen, so anywho, thanks a lot. Dustin M.

Hey Karl, I really appreciate you writing this book, I really understand how growing up in a Christian home can be a blessing and dangerous at the same time. You have really covered some deep things that make me think a lot. Thanks again for writing this book. Allison C.

Hey Karl! Thank-you so much for writing this book! It’s really helped me understand things like humbleness & being thankful for being able to grow up Christian! I’ve never really thought about some of this stuff before! Thanks again! Lauren D.

Hey Karl, I want to thank you for writing that great book! It opened my eyes to look at everything as a blessing and that it is in God’s hands. Also, it made me think about how serious sin really is. I should battle sin and repent to live a life that is according to the Bible. Thanks for everything. Clint G.

eHey Hi Karl, I want to thank you for making this book. My favorite things in the book was ch. 10 out of all the chapters it was my favorite why because I was more talkative in this chapter then all of them the other thing is that I didn’t even know that loving the world was a sin thank you for putting that in the book I have been more careful about the things that I love in this world. You have been the best author out of all the devotion books that I have ever read. I have even been watching everything God has blessed me with I have been more thankful and I have been more humble. Well thank you and God bless you. Hannah A.

Sunday

Correction

I recently became aware of a mistake in the opening story of chapter 7, which is the story of Jeff Matovic and the remarkable medical procedure that helped him overcome the Tourette Syndrome he suffered from for most of his life.

Below is the letter I sent to Jeff and Debra Matovic on June 24th. It expresses my respect for them, my regret for referring to their marriage as “on the rocks,” and the plan to change the wording in future printings.

Karl


Dear Jeff and Debra,

I first saw your story on Good Morning America, and I was deeply moved. I am so glad that the DBS surgery was successful and you can now do the many things so many of us take for granted.

Debra, thank you for taking the time to call me this week and sharing your concerns about the wording used in describing Jeff’s story and your marriage in chapter 7 of my book. It took great courage to call, and I am deeply grateful. Thank you as well for clarifying that your marriage has always been strong.

Although I do not know you personally, I respect you both for the way you have endured significant trials. Please know that I in no way intended to harm you or your reputation. I apologize for referring to your marriage as “on the rocks”, and I am truly sorry that this phrase was included in the story.

P&R Publishing has agreed to change the wording in future printings. I also plan to post a comment on my website, and I plan to provide a link to your future book when it is available on Amazon.com.

I trust that as people read future copies of your book and mine, they will look to you both as heroes who have endured physical trials, promoted the needs of those with Tourette Syndrome, and demonstrated great love and commitment to each other.

Sincerely,

Karl Graustein