"In God's Favorite Place on Earth, Frank Viola invites us into the little village of Bethany to experience Jesus anew through the eyes of Lazarus. Together we discover that the world has not really changed that much, and that meeting Jesus has the same transformational impact 2,000 years after His first visit to Lazarus' home. It's challenging and encouraging to uncover the power of grace again for the first time."
—Geoff Surratt, speaker, author, consultant, and director of Exponential
"If Jesus had a BFF, there's a good chance it was Lazarus. With fresh perspective, unique insight, and a poetic touch, Frank Viola brings us a look at Jesus' life and ministry through Lazarus' eyes. What we discover is God's Favorite Place on Earth and a surprising challenge to us all. It still exists, and it's closer than you might think."
—Jamie Wright, author and blogger, theveryworstmissionary.com
"Frank Viola's creative narrative, engaging discussion and insightful commentary on Jesus' association with the village of Bethany spoke to my heart, challenged my lifestyle, and fed my soul."
—David Lamb, associate professor of Old Testament, Biblical Seminary, author ofGod Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?
"When He wasn't teaching, healing, and sowing the seeds of God's New Creation ecology, where on earth did Jesus go to just be Himself? He went to Bethany, an unassuming village containing remarkable relationships—a space where Jesus could simply be. With the pen of a seasoned storyteller, Frank Viola brings Lazarus back to life again to tell us the story of God's Favorite Place on Earth—a 'Bethany' that's not only a historical place in time, but a hospitable haven for the living Christ that can be born in every heart, home, church, and village today. This is a must-read that nourishes heart and mind—you'll want to get extras to give to friends!"
—Mike Morrell, journalist and blogger, mikemorrell.org
"This book fastened my heart and mind on Jesus Christ. I count it as Frank Viola's best work. His passion for and love of Jesus Christ are on full display. But more importantly, Jesus Christ is on full display. The setting is Bethany, a little village atop the Mount of Olives. The story is told by Lazarus. It is powerful and moving. Be prepared to step into the story, to take a place in Bethany and encounter Jesus like never before."
—Bob Christopher, host of People to People Radio, author of Love Is
"Ministry Leadership is tough, and so is the path of ministry preparation. Frank Viola presents a great narrative on church leadership and how criticism and rejection are many times God's tools for, as Frank puts it, 'liberating His servants from human control and the desire to please men.' This is a great read for any church leader."
—Todd Rhoades, blogger and idea generator at Leadership Network
"In God's Favorite Place on Earth, Frank Viola creatively brings forth powerful and practical truths through the incarnate life of Christ. Jesus loved all whom He encountered, and yet like us, He had special relationships that brought Him much joy. God's special place called 'Bethany' is a place where real life, real relationships, and transformational experiences happen. As Bethany comes alive in your own heart as you read this book, you will find encouragement, revelatory insight, and strength for your journey."
—Robert Ricciardelli, founder of Converging Zone Network
"The heart of the Christian faith is not simply allegiance to a book or obedience to a set of rules. Instead it is a profound transaction with Jesus Christ. Frank Viola re-tells the tale of two sisters and a brother who encounter Christ within both their ordinary existence in a small village, and their human drama of suffering, life and death. With the skill of a compassionate preacher and skillful teacher, Viola draws from the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus lessons from life that will lead the reader to his own life-changing encounter with the King of Kings—Christ the Lord."
—Dwight Longenecker, Catholic priest, author of The Quest for the Creed and The Romance of Religion, award winning blogger, speaker, and retreat leader
"If the gospel has become rote for you, if the familiarity of the stories weigh tiredly on your shoulders, if you wish you could read again with the passion and excitement of new eyes - then you need this book. Frank has taken the familiar and made it new, embracing the gospel for what it is—a warm, real narrative—not a cold, culturally inaccessible fable. This book will shed new light on a tale you thought you had mastered."
—Jessica Bowman, blogger at bohemianbowmans.com
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