Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Matthew Ward wasn't even a teenager when he became an orphan and with his younger sister Nellie chose to go live with his eldest sister Annie and her record producer husband Buck Herring. It was a decision that would change his life because Annie, Nellie and Matthew would sing together and become 2nd Chapter Of Acts, one of the most influential American Christian groups in the '70s and '80s. This book started out as a family history so that his children and grandchildren could know his story properly; when he told a friend about it, they encouraged him to find a publisher. I'm glad they did! Matthew has reached an age where he can be candid about his shortcomings and failures and keep them in perspective. Along the way he describes his difficult upbringing in a large family, the challenges of being raised by an older sister and later on the joys of falling in love and marriage. Music fans will, of course, love the behind the scenes look at one of the biggest bands on the scene and Matthew's honest descriptions of how he ministered and how he felt about things as he worked to make sense of his faith in public. There are plenty of great on the road stories and Matthew has a few wise observations about today's CCM scene. One of the most poignant episodes is how he won his battle with cancer. Written in a fresh conversational style, Matthew has learnt plenty along the way and his reflections, observations and memories are inspiring, entertaining and very readable!

An amazing and entertaining personal journey from tragedy to a dynamic faith that helped set Christian music on fire.

Matthew Ward with his sisters Annie and Nellie, formed one of the first and best loved Christian super-groups from the Jesus movement of the 1970's, The Second Chapter of Acts,and had a long string of contemporary Christian hits.

But what prompted them, in the wake of personal tragedy, to begin singing so boldly for their Lord? And what was life really like for a major Christian band in those early days?

Now Matthew tells his story with gripping, offbeat, humorous and candid anecdotes and observations: of growing up in a large family, being orphaned at the age of twelve, becoming a Christian through the California Jesus movement, becoming a music star, battling cancer, raising his own family, and much more - all revealing God's faithfulness to those who trust Him.