Hope in the Dark [Paperback]

Jeremy Cowart (Photographer), Jena Lee (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2006

Hope in the Dark

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Be transformed by the collision of fragile humanity and vibrant cultures, as this book exposes hope that outshines the dark." -- Dan Haseltine, lead singer of Jars of Clay

"It allows us to visit the people of Africa, realize their strength and wrestle with the realities of this world." -- Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz

"The beauty of this book supersedes the stunning imagery and insightful commentary. -- Matt Wertz, musician

From the Publisher

Twenty-five years ago, AIDS was unknown in sub-Saharan Africa. Today it's overwhelmingly the continent's biggest killer. In Hope in the Dark, photojournalist Jeremy Cowart documents the hope and pain of Africa's AIDS generation - a generation beset by poverty and fear, a generation in which children in some countries are more likely to die of AIDS than not. But despite the sickening odds, Cowart captures brief glimpses of beauty, optimism and joy as he makes his way across the continent. Through this collection of startling, remarkable images, his lens uncovers not just the magnitude of the problem, but also the places where God is undeniably present in the midst of it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Relevant Books (June 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976817578
• ISBN-13: 978-0976817574
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, July 15, 2006

By 

Yvonne M. Shorb (Coopersburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hope in the Dark (Paperback)

I just returned from a missions trip to Kenya. Someone from our team "came across" this book, and when she got it showed it to me. She said before I saw it, "I think you're going to want to get your own copy." When I saw it, I knew within minutes that she was right. I would want my own copy to look at over and over again and to share with others. When you work in the rural villages of Kenya it is difficult to put into words to people at home all the sights and sounds you experienced and the way your heart is captured. This book aptly does that with the insightful commentary written and the wonderful pictures. I wish I could buy the book for every member of our team! It's a wonderful reminder of the warm, hospitable, appreciative people to whom and with whom we ministered. It's also a realistic reminder of how much we take for granted in America and how needy the rest of the world is. As I read the page on choices, or on Africans pitying Americans, or about the lack of water, I found myself crying as I remembered and saying, yes, yes, that's how it is! It is a beautiful book and one that can also challenge you. It also has suggestions of ways to help with many organizations listed. If you have any interest in Africa at all, this book is a must have!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful pictures of the sorrowful reality in Africa, August 2, 2006

By 

Benjamin J. Snyder "Ben" (Toledo, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hope in the Dark (Paperback)

Our country is beginning to awaken to the unfair realities that exist for the majority of people in the world. This book is a photographic journal of Jeremy and Jena's journey through the most desperate parts.

As I look at it, I am reminded of my own prosperity. At the same time, I am stirred to move, to love, to give more than I receive.

I think this was one of the most profound parts of the book:

An African man, dressed in a white shirt, was standing in the middle of a typical African field. You can see a blurry mound of sand in the background. A couple of trees behind in on the right and left help frame the picture. By American standards, this man looks what we would call "homeless" by the weathering of his face. His shirt looks like that of a second hand clothing store. He wears a floppy hat to shade him from the sun. His hands are crossed at his waist over the top of a cane that is propping him up. His eyes peer into the camera - as if they were looking right into my eyes. There is a calm assurance to them - something mysterious - almost content. The quote on the neighboring page reads:

"We know that Americans pity Africans," he told me. "But sometimes I think Africans pity Americans.

"How so?" I asked him.

"Americans seem to expect that everything will be provided for them. For us," he said, "this ear of corn is a gift from God. This evening's rain is a shower of mercy upon us. This healthy breath is life-giving. And maybe tomorrow we will not have such things, but our hearts are so full of God's provision."

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully moving, August 9, 2006

By 

Greg Dodson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hope in the Dark (Paperback)

This book is amazing. With the stunning photography of Jeremy Cowart and beautiful reflections by Jena Lee, this book hits the heart. It's one thing to read about Africa, but it's another to be there - and this book takes you there. Don't hesitate; buy this book! You won't regret it. But do more than read it - share it with your friends and family, and give your time, effort, money, and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Africa.