When the Spirit Speaks: Touched by God's Word

The Herbecks, members of a Catholic charismatic parish, have compiled hundreds of stories from people who "are convinced that the Holy Spirit has touched and changed their lives." The short, first-person testimonials that make up When the Spirit Speaks each begin with a descriptive title and author identification, as "A Fighter Pilot and the Rosary" by Joe from Missouri and "God Pays the Rent" by Lloyd from Florida. The sources of these testimonials include women in the local branch of the bible study where Debbie is director of teaching and people the Herbecks met through Renewal Ministries, an organization in which both are involved. Some contributors have spoken in tongues, fallen down or "rested in the Spirit," or witnessed apparently miraculous healing. Others tell of the Spirit's action in their lives in more ordinary ways. But all of the writers, the Herbecks point out, have learned to "walk in the Spirit," a habit others can acquire using the six steps explained in the book's final chapter: (1) surrender; (2) welcome the Spirit; (3) go to the sources-scripture, sacraments, prayer, and study; (4) fellowship; (5) obey the Holy Spirit; and (6) be missionary. When the Spirit Speaks would be useful to individuals and groups interested in developing a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and finding the courage and peace many of the writers experienced as their trust grew.