Between Two Worlds: The Spiritual Journey of an Evangelical Catholic

I was heartened to hear of this book. I thought for some time that perhaps I was strange or unique. Now I know that I am not alone. I have experienced much of what Mike Timmis describes in this book, certainly not to the level that he describes but still real nonetheless. This book is recommended for anyone who believe that the rift between those who identify as "Catholics" and those who call themselves "Christians" has gone on way too long, and that it is time that we recognize our common belief and get beyond the divisions that exist.

Between Two Worlds by Mike Timmis is an intriguing look into the life of an evangelical Catholic. Normally that would seem to be an oxymoron, but as Timmis tells the story of his life, it's easy to see how the term suits him perfectly. Timmis relates his life with honesty and just a shade of hubris. Even as he is ashamed of his Irish temper, he's proud of it as well. He's a man you definitely want on your team: hard-hitting, unafraid to speak his mind, and of singular purpose. When his focus was his job, it was his entire life, but when he turned his life over to Christ, he turned that fierce determination toward God. The book is written in similar format; whatever he was focused on at that time in his life is all that he writes about, so when he turns to God, he doesn't write anymore about his job, although he must have been working to continue his upscale lifestyle. Timmis is just as courageous is sharing his tragedies as he is his triumphs, and when someone called him on hypocrisy, he tells the reader about that as well. He suffered not only personal crises, but his church attacked him as well for his outgoing faith, but he stayed true to it and was rewarded. The story meanders in spots and could have used some reorganizing to make it flow a bit better, but overall it's a good read about a good man.

Between Two Worlds is a story that needed to be told. It is an invitation into the personal life of Mike Timmis, an evangelical Roman Catholic. Mike's willingness to be vulnerable and share his greatest struggles and deepest loss will touch any who have suffered in similar ways and asked, "Why?" "Where is God in all of this hurt?" And, "Where do I belong?" Mike's story is not one of quick spiritual fixes but of a multi-faceted journey that begins with the revelation of what Jesus really yearns for from all His followers, intimacy with Him! Any "driven" person working in the business world, who is questioning God's calling on his life, should read this book. Mike didn't abandon the workplace, but instead found his calling in the midst of it. Any parent who struggles with a rebellious teenager or who has suffered the loss of a child will not only relate to Mike's story, but will be deeply encouraged that there is hope in the midst of tremendous pain. Any person whose vocation is ministry, whether Protestant or Catholic, should read this book to be encouraged by the remarkable firsthand stories of how Jesus really does cross all divisions. More practically, Mike's personal relationship with Chuck Colson is a beautiful living example of two brothers united in Christ without denying or diminishing one another's faith traditions for the sake of that unity. But there is more to this fascinating story. Through the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, Mike Timmis discovered he had been raised and placed in the Catholic Church for a purpose. By remaining a committed Catholic he has been able to reach across all divisions of disunity, relating to, learning from, and exhorting evangelicals from all denominations. Between Two Worlds is worth the read simply for its call and real-life demonstration of what unity in Jesus Christ looks like for today's followers of Jesus. Written in such a non-threatening way, Between Two Worlds asks all of us to examine our consciences regarding what we are doing for the cause of unity in the Body of Christ, beginning first with our families and then on behalf of the least, the last and the lost! Between Two Worlds is a story that needed to be told and now it needs to be read!

This is a very compelling read ~ the gripping story of a self made, well travelled man who finds himself anything but self-satisfied. It has the feel of being a modern day "Confessions" of Saint Augustine. It is destined to be a spiritual classic that will connect with the likes of us who live in the real world. More than just a story it is jam-packed with spiritual insight. I could not put it down.