by John Michael Helms | May 31, 2014 | Blog, Featured
The Bricks for Ricks Liberian Housing Foundation, Inc., was begun in 2008 by Dr. Michael Helms to assist with housing needs in Liberia and other Third World countries where earth dwellings are a viable means of addressing the housing shortage. After a considerable amount of research and talking with experts from around the country, the BP-714 Block Press, http://dwellearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Earth-Blox-BP-714-Compressed-Earth-Block-Machine-Brochure.pdf, made by the Vermeer Corporation was chosen as the machine the foundation would endorse. In fact, the very first machine to come off the production line at Vermeer was purchased by Bricks for Ricks. Among other reasons, the machine was chosen for its simplicity. It has very few moving parts; thus, it has less maintenance issues which is important for a machine that will be used in Third World countries. The machine cost about $25,000. In addition, a trailer to transport the machine must be purchased. Money to purchase these machines is raised mostly through donations to the foundation. Â All profits from Michael’s books go to the foundation. Because the members of FBC Jefferson were involved in missions in Peru, Michael did research and discovered the need for sustainable housing was just as great in parts of Peru as in Liberia. In fact, the oldest inhabitable continuous earthen dwelling can be found in the Lima, Peru basin. It is over 3500 years old. 1 That made placing a machine in Peru seem appropriate. In conjunction with Rotary International, in 2012, our first donated machine went to a children’s home about 30 miles outside of Lima in the Andes Mountains, a place where the rainfall is less than five inches per...
by John Michael Helms | Aug 23, 2012 | Featured
Endorsed By Well-Known Baptists In this section of Michael’s website, you can explore his books which have been endorsed by well-known Baptists such as Dr. Walter “Buddy” Shurden, Dr. David Gushee, Dr. Emmanuel McCall, Dr. Pamela Durso, Dr. John Pierce, Dr. R. Alan Culpepper, Dr. Amy Butler, Dr. Bruce Gourley, Dr. Richard Wilson, Dr. Jim Barnett, Dr. Olu Q, Menjay, and Rev. Ken Smith. His books have also been endorsed by authors Ronda Rich and Jean Sasson and by the President of Community Newspapers, Inc., Dink NeSmith. Writing Style Michael writes with a contemplative, reflective style. He’s able to take events or experiences that happen in everyday life and find a lesson that works its way back to the words of Jesus, to a Proverb, a Psalm, or to another a biblical story, which contains truth and wisdom that is useful for guiding us along our way. Royalties Are Donated Royalties for all of his books are given to the Bricks for Ricks Foundation. When you order a book from Michael, not only will you receive food for the soul, but you will be assisting those in third world countries who benefit from the efforts of this foundation to establish sustainable housing and to provide other life essentials such as food, water, and medicine. Children’s Book Finally, from this section you can also link up to Michael’s latest creation as he venture’s into the world of picture books and storytelling for children. Yob and the Bird Dog is the first in a series of books featuring Yob and Lerig. These books are designed to teach children about making good choices. Hoping...
by admin | Aug 22, 2012 | Books, Featured
Yob and the Bird Dog is the first in a series of books featuring siblings Yob and Lerig. These books are designed to teach children about making good choices. In Yob and the Bird Dog, Yob learns the value of trust and why it is important for children to remain connected to guidelines set by parents. Read the...
by John Michael Helms | Oct 21, 2011 | Books, Featured
For those who want something deeper than the commercialized trappings of the Advent season, Finding Our Way With the Magi gives readers a daily opportunity to be spiritually challenged, encouraged, inspired, and confronted with Jesus admonitions to live out our faith in an increasingly secular world. Seamless shifts are made from common, sometimes humorous life stories that relate to biblical truths all of us need to apply to our daily lives. Creative Advent Actions appear at the end of each day’s reading to give concrete, practical suggestions for putting that day’s focus into practice during Advent. Guided prayers help readers begin a conversation with God based on the reading for the day. Few Advent books have the potential to change the lives of readers and the lives of those around them. This is one of those rare books. Buy the eBook ($9.99, 240 pages): The ebook is available for all ereaders, including Kindle, Nook, iPod/iPad/iPhone, Sony Reader, etc. When your purchase is complete, a link to the download page will be immediately emailed to you. Easy Instructions for adding the ebook to your device are here. Want the print version of the book? Get it from Amazon. Looking for links mentioned in the book? Click here About the Author Dr. Michael Helms is the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, Georgia, and the author of numerous books, including Finding Our Way: An Introspective Journey Through the Labyrinth of Life, Hoping Liberia: Stories of Civil War from Africa’s First Republic and Finding Our Way Through the Wilderness, and A Journey For Lent and Other Days of Spiritual...
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