New website & blog: Author Benno Kurvits

Over the last ten years or so, one of my pastors, Benno Kurvits, has been a tremendous support to me and my writing. He carefully reads my quarterly arts column that I write for Barnabas magazine, often commenting on the ideas I present, asking further questions, and keeping me sharp. He has also read and reviewed my book All Things New and frequently comments on my blog. The proverbs tells us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). I thank God for Benno and his unique ministry to me as a writer seeking to serve the church and glorify God with my pen. Having a supportive writing community is essential for developing the writing craft as well as for encouraging writers to keep writing. Throughout literary history, there have been little pockets of writers who offer mutual support, criticism, and encouragement. One of the most famous group is the “Inklings,” which included well-known writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien among others.

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That being said, I want to give a shout-out to my friend and fellow wordsmith, Benno Kurvits. I am pleased to say that he has recently launched his author’s webpage and blog. It’s well designed, informative, and a good way to keep up with the work Benno is currently doing as a writer. I recommend you take a look at it and subscribe to his monthly newsletters.

I have also included below a review of his book Outrun the Bear: Reflections on the Intersection of Sports and God (Winnipeg: Word Alive Press, 2019). The review was written by my wife Laurie and appeared in Barnabas (Summer 2019).

Outrun the Bear by Benno Kurvits (Book Review by Laurie Johnston)

• Learn about the challenges of being a godly athlete with this modern ‘book of proverbs’. Author Benno Kurvits masterfully draws you in and diligently coaches the reader. Kurvits dons the various hats of his life as Christian, athlete, coach, teacher, pastor, father, and career man.  Each chapter faithfully ties the sporting world in with the word of God, and gives relevant examples of key character traits that the athlete must develop and model, in order to be truly successful. Most endearing of all, the author transparently weaves his own personal athletic journey throughout and the times he has personally ‘outrun the bear.’ This book is a joy to read and is relevant to all Christians, athletic or not!