The forerunner of this booklet, utilizing Dr. Solomon's materials, was originally conceived and prepared for use by Rev. Richard Wiens at Woodbury Community Church near St. Paul, Minnesota. Rev. Stoney Shaw made additions and used it at Park Avenue Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Rev. John Shepherd made other changes and used it at Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Rev. John Woodward also edited and amended it. We believe that the Body of Christ will be blessed and enriched by their contributions and the consequent prompting of the Holy Spirit to make it widely available in its present form.

This 2002 edition has been pervasively edited by Dr. Solomon for use in this country and as a generic model for translation in other languages. It is suitable for use in a new members' class, new Christians' class, Sunday School class in a church or for group study, community Bible study, or cell group to lay the foundation for discipleship. "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27)

When used with Handbook to Happiness (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.), it can serve as a tool for a believer to use in helping others in spiritual growth.

A preview copy is here online. For Me to Live is Christ. (The file is in Adobe PDF format (www.adobe.com) A 2nd edition has been published in 2009. The current can be enhanced by an new eight session introductory DVD by John Woodward as well as a leader's guide by pastor Jeff Barbieri (See online bookstore).

When we come to the place of full retreat

And our heart cries out for God,

The only person whose heart ours can meet,

Is one who has likewise trod.

Others may offer a word of cheer

To lift us from despair,

But above the rest, the one we hear

Is the whisper, "I've been there".

Charles R. Solomon