William G Collins

A Brick and a Prayer William G Collins

As cupbearer to Artaxerxes I, King of Persia, Nehemiah is sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall of the ruined city of Jerusalem. He also writes a book about his experiences which is included in the Bible. It is the only book written by an ordinary person and not a prophet, . priest or king. Finding the eight gates of Jerusalem destroyed and the wall in ruin, Nehemiah organizes teams of his countrymen to rebuild the ancient city. Harassed by Samaritans and with their lives at risk, Nehemiah orders his people to work with a brick in one hand and a sword in the other. He encourages his people along with his wife Shayna to remember that the Joy of the Lord is their strength. He learns that there is a power that comes from the joy of the Lord. In 52 days, the wall is finished to great celebrations and approval of the king