What others are saying about my book:
By Rayhaak on April 5, 2015
A thoroughly captivating and heart gripping must-read. There are many things I could say about this book and the way Marge, has written it, but what most stands out for me is the courage, transparency and fortitude Marge has shown, in actually writing the book. I know Marge would play this down as its the type of person she is, but she is a remarkable woman who shares an astounding story of how God can take a life that is in utter despair and 'lostness' and turn it around radically for His purposes. Marge shares from her life with a 'no holds barred' approach, revealing failings, weaknesses and blood sweat and tears, yet manages to show what God can do with an individual life sold out to Him. Her writing of this book characterises her years of struggles, but also her amazing victories, in a culture and 'people group' many people look down on as the 'dregs of society'. Working with drug addicts, prostitutes, sex-trafficking victims and hippies is certainly not a "happy place" for most people. Even believers in Jesus Christ, who know that this great Man we follow, called us to reach out to those such as the above, if truth be told, many would balk at even thinking about being involved in such a work. By Val Waldeck on May 26, 2015
A book that will add value to your life. Every now and again a book comes along that touches the inner core of your being and this is one such book. Not only does Marge share her incredible journey from "the guttermost to the uttermost" but she also shares insights along the way that will help thousands of believers in their walk with God. This amazing story of the Lord's compassion, power and faithfulness towards people who call out to Him is well worth reading. Whether you have been in places people could never imagine, or whether your life has been somewhat "ordinary" this testimony will move you and add value to your life. By Iris Kingsley on March 16, 2015 I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quality read. I have just finished reading this book. What a blessing it has been! I found the author to be refreshingly honest about her journey and completely transparent about her struggles and her victories. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quality read! An Endorsement Madri Bruwer, Manager of Ministry concerning Prostitution at Straatwerk Marge has been serving and giving for many years. I had the privilege of meeting her in 1995. Through the years, she has often been a blessing to me and my ministry through her networking and serving initiatives referred to in her book. This book about her life is truly a gift to each of us who are privileged to read it. Her honest and clear communication concerning her journey is both encouraging and challenging. I believe our Lord of the Second Chance is glorified both through her life and this book. I believe too that the seeds sown through the ministry she has been called to – on the streets, at the coffee rooms, in the houses she managed, and now through her book – will indeed bear a huge harvest. An Endorsement Prof. Barry Fletcher, “Teens Lured to Prostitution” Cape Town and SE Asia. In recent years, while meeting Marge I have come to be humbled by my own inadequacy in ministering to victims of prostitution. My small team and I spend so much time in prayer for these angels, seduced by those who run brothels, and especially those who traffic in young girls looking for work. Marge has done much in this regard, thus complementing what we do. She is faithful to the Lord in her life, and her capacity for loving is such that I often feel unloving myself. My prayer is that the example she sets will serve as a role model resulting in many devoting their lives to rescuing these precious souls and leading them into real salvation. My chosen verse for Marge is, “He (she) who is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10 KJV). Though those to whom Marge ministers may often be regarded as being among the “least” in this world, her faithfulness in ministering to them constitutes “much” in eyes of the Lord. Having been involved in high level secular responsibilities in Asia, US and UK, I can only say that the world out there needs a Mother Theresa like Marge. |
By Dr. Olea Nel on March 13, 2015 What makes this book stand out from many similar ones is Ballin’s journey towards wholeness. I found Marge Ballin’s book: A Rose, a Pearl, and a Warrior to be a most insightful read. It’s one of those books that I wish I’d read early on in my Christian ministry. With no holds barred, Ballin tells how and why she dropped out of normal society and became a drug addict. Most poignant for me was her miraculous conversion and her desire to bring her drug-addicted friends to the Lord. Besides describing the problems they faced from ‘pharisaical’ church leaders over their appearance and dress, she also gives us a glimpse into her inner life at the time. She soon realized that she was emotionally damaged and needed to break the bondage of past hurts. She particularly wanted to be released from: Relational brokenness Continual remorse for her sin The inability to believe that God loved her unconditionally Unforgiveness for past hurts Not being able to show her true self to others The fear of rejection I felt that this section was significant for all Christians. For as Marge Ballin correctly points out, if we don’t deal with our past, it will manifest through depression, psychological illness, eating disorders, or some other addiction. An Endorsement Cheryllyn Dudley MP, ACDP (Member of Parliament with the African Christian Democratic Party). It has been a privilege and an honour associating with Marge Ballin and the highly specialised work to which she has committed her life. My desire to help women and children exposed to this sort of trauma led me to Marge shortly after I took office in Parliament in 1999. This record and reflection on how fragile, unique, and often complicated our lives can get, is very special! I love the fact that Marge has taken this step to share some of her story – a story that is not yet finished! I am also aware that as painful as it has often been, without her life experience others may not have found the help they needed. I particularly appreciated her commitment to the truth as she experienced it, while not over dramatising the many things that probably still cut too deep to be put into words. I remember some years ago commenting to Demi Dudley, my husband, that when I looked at Marge I saw a story as yet untold, and which I would love hear told. Well done Marge! By Paul Adams on April 19 2015 This is not an ordinary story, for Marge has a particularly special tale to tell. She shares openly about her personal journey, from being saved during the 'Jesus Movement' to becoming a missionary, culminating in outreach work to women caught up in prostitution and human trafficking. Marge is candid about both the highs and lows along the way, and in so doing offers encouragement and hope to the rest of us. Many things that are mentioned are hard to accept, yet true nonetheless. So if you are prepared to be challenged to move outside of your comfort zone and to look beyond, read on. It is an intensely personal story of how one woman responded to God's call upon her life. However it is more than that. It is also a prophetic clarion call for the church in Cape Town to awake, arise and reach out with the gospel in a real and relevant way, in our time. For far too long Marge has been a voice in the wilderness. I trust that now others will listen to this message which we so desperately need to hear. Marge, William Booth (The founder of The Salvation Army) would have been proud! Well done. |