Do we need another book about education? A fair question but having read David Freeman’s ‘Diamonds Lost in the Sand’ I would have to say that we need this one. This is not simply another trendy take on the educational process that leaves us crying out, ‘The Emperor’s got no clothes on’. No, what distinguishes the contents of this book from many others is that David has taken a view of life shaped by his Christian faith and asked the question, how does this inform my practice as an educator? If that were all that he had done it would be interesting enough but David’s experiences over many years as a teacher, Headteacher and trainer of teachers across four continents give practical rigour to the conclusions that he has drawn.
In this book there is a lot packed into a small space. Not so tightly packed as to be indecipherable, but undoubtedly thought-provoking. Principles are expounded and examples offered where those principles have been successfully applied. I have known David for many years, I have watched him live out these lessons in his work and along with many others I have been a beneficiary of his wisdom. My suggestion is this; enjoy this book as you would a good meal. Savour the contents, consider the flavour, chew it thoroughly and digest it slowly. When that is done, the goodness contained within it will begin to be evident in your own life and work, then both you and your pupils will reap the benefits.
Graham Coyle, National Leader (England) of Christian Schools’ Trust
David — “a man after God’s own heart”. That’s how the Bible describes the shepherd boy who became a great king.
Over the many years I have been privileged to know, observe and learn from David Freeman, this is what I have seen. He is a man who has captured and sought out the heart of God, especially in regard to education. But more than that he has sought after the wisdom of God. This book brings together a sparkling array of diamonds. These diamonds have been sought out. The whole of his life thus far has been used faithfully, sacrificially and in a great labour of love to find these diamonds of unimaginable worth and show them forth, so that you and I can be deeply enriched and enhanced and walk with greater understanding and insight, learning the lessons of wisdom within the pages of this tremendous book.
David is a man of great wisdom, knowledge and insight who carries an amazing ability to father, disciple and teach those who would desire to walk in Kingdom truth. He is used greatly both in this nation and in other nations, and he has a wealth of experience, as a teacher, a principal, a father, a minister and a teacher of teachers.
I recommend not only the book, but the man who is behind its pages, and thank him and his dear wife Rosie for the years of investment they have laid down into the lives of many, including my own family and I.
Paul Hubbard, oversees Bradford Life Church in England
and serves churches in Italy, Nepal and USA
David Freeman, who was a pioneering headmaster in a Christian school in Oxfordshire for many years, recounts how we dig for wisdom amidst the confusing array of perspectives on offer in today’s world. Importantly, his educational views are not fancy theory, but well proved in the practice of teaching. He understands God’s world, God’s word, and how we communicate these things to children in the classroom. He has seen many lives transformed by the power of love and the communication of the whole of life in the context of God’s creative activity. His insights are tried and tested. Doors are opening to him to share them in many educational contexts, where people are hungry for answers to the questions life poses.
Steve Thomas, Senior Pastor of Salt and Light International Ministries
