Contact: Ryan Self, 325-674-4976, ryan.self@acu.edu

ABILENE, Texas, Oct. 2, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- After almost twenty years in ministry, Jon Walker was laid off twice, lost his home and savings, was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, and then his wife filed for divorce just a few days before their twenty-fourth anniversary. It was during this time that Walker immersed himself in the words of Bonhoeffer daily as he wrote his first two books on the German theologian: "Costly Grace" and "In Visible Fellowship." And it was through the writings of Bonhoeffer and the eternal truths found in the Bible that Walker discovered how to set aside religiosity and to truly follow Jesus -- even during some of life's most difficult trials. He tells his story in "Breakfast with Bonhoeffer: How I Learned to Stop Being Religious So I Could Follow Jesus."

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and longtime friend and mentor to Walker, said Walker's first book on Bonhoeffer, "Costly Grace," "may be one of the most important books published during this time of economic uncertainty and world turmoil."

THE BOOK
During times of uncertainty, periods of job loss, financial hardship, and the countless difficulties many across the country are experiencing, people can learn, as Bonhoeffer did, that God provides and is a safe haven in times of turmoil. Reading like a non-fiction novel that is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, "Breakfast with Bonhoeffer" reveals how God used the writings of Bonhoeffer to rescue the author from a failing faith, where God's plans seemed more evil than good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jon Walker, a former pastor at Saddleback Church, is author of "Costly Grace: A Contemporary View of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship" and "In Visible Fellowship: A Contemporary View of Bonhoeffer's Classic Work Life Together." He is managing editor of the Daily Hope devotionals from Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life." 500,000 people read these devotionals daily.

Learn more about his ministry at www.gracecreates.com.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
Leafwood Publishers is an imprint of ACU Press, a publisher located in Abilene, Texas, which for over 25 years has published titles ranging from theology to Christian living. The press is delighted to be adding "Breakfast with Bonhoeffer" to its list of books exploring issues of Christian living and thought. You can visit their website at www.leafwoodpublishers.com.