Peter Brookshaw’s 10-year journey to ‘change the world’
BY DEAN SIMPSON
A 10-year journey was fulfilled at the weekend when Major Peter Brookshaw launched his first self-authored book at Morley Corps in Perth.
More than 50 people turned up on Saturday 27 July to support Peter and his new book, Who Am I to Change the World – From a Comfortable Couch to a Courageous Calling (Salvos Publishing).
“The launch went really well ... we had the gazebo set up, a barbeque morning tea, the Salvos Store and café was open, so the place was buzzing,” said Peter, who is the Corps Officer at Morley with his wife, Major Jo Brookshaw.
“A lot of our corps members were there, but it was heartening to see four ministers from local churches there as well.”
Book launch celebrations continued during the Sunday morning meeting at Morley when Publications Manager Cheryl Tinker interviewed Peter on the platform. Peter then gave the sermon based on some Scriptures and messages from his book.
Peter said the seeds for the book were planted a decade ago while he was the corps officer at Craigieburn (Vic.).
“I’ve always enjoyed writing as a creative outlet, and I kind of started out blogging. In ministry, I’ve always tried to encourage people and bring out the best in them, you know, try to inspire people to make a difference in their world,” he said.
“A lot of teaching these days is about the words of Jesus – loving with all our heart, soul, mind, strength – and how that leads to a calling and a search for purpose in life.
“So, I began thinking about a book to put all these thoughts and ideas together ... a framework to build upon. I chipped away at it for several years at nighttime; then it really began to take shape over the past two years. To see the book actually launched was very satisfying.”
Peter and his wife Jo have been officers for 16 years. They served at Palmerston Corps in the Northern Territory for four years, then Craigieburn for eight years, and now four years at Morley.
Peter describes himself as a pragmatic Salvationist with a Christianity-with-sleeves-rolled-up attitude.
“I think I’ve put into book form what I’ve already been communicating as an officer all these years – albeit with a bit of dad-joke humour – but I really hope I can inspire people reading it, especially if they are searching for more in their spiritual walk with Jesus.
“Each of us has a unique calling, which makes each calling courageous. But sometimes, we need to discern what that is. It’s easy to say that if you have the gift of teaching, then teach; if it’s leading, then lead; if it’s helping, then help ... but sometimes we need the incentive to get off the comfortable couch and put that calling into action. I hope my book can help someone in that way.”
Peter said Who Am I to Change the World was a book for all ages.
“I think it’s accessible across all the generations ... it will really benefit a younger reader embarking on life, someone looking to enhance their spiritual walk, right through to the elderly. I mean, we had two 90-year-olds at the launch buying the book ... we’ve all still got something to bring to the Lord.
“I encourage you to read his book and to also have a friend read it so that you stay accountable, helping to ensure you don’t just get off the couch, but you have the courage to stay off it.”
The book is $25 and available from Salvation Army Supplies and bulk orders from Salvos Publishing.
Click through the slideshow below to view more photos of the book launch:
Photo 1: Peter with Mike Matich. Photo 2: Peter with Father Patrick Toohey. Photo 3: Peter with John Wynne. Photo 4: Peter preaching on the Sunday morning.
Peter has co-authored two other books with Stephen Court, which are also available from Salvationist Supplies.
They are:
Jesus Christ! Nine lies, half-truths and outrageous misconceptions about the most revolutionary person who has ever lived. Available here.
Holy! Nine lies, half-truths and outrageous misconceptions about the most radical experience you’ve never lived (contact Salvation Army Supplies).
