What I Read to Prepare for General Conference
August 26, 2026
Later this month, the Global Methodist Church will gather in Johannesburg, South Africa, and I have the privilege of serving as a delegate to this important and historic meeting.
In anticipation of the gathering, I directed some of my reading toward this special event. Here’s what I read.
📖 #1 — Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
This is a powerful and heartbreaking story about a rural pastor who travels to Johannesburg in search of his son, who is in serious trouble. Along the way, he also tries to reconnect with other members of his family.
Set in South Africa in the mid-20th century, the novel offers insight into the cultural and racial tensions of the time—many of which still resonate today.
📖 #2 — Africa Is Not a Country: Notes on a Bright Continent by Dipo Faloyin
This book offers a wide-ranging overview of the African continent. It surveys its many geographical regions, cultures, and people groups while taking a hard look at the lasting problems caused by colonialism.
I especially appreciated how it challenged the tendency to speak of Africa as though it were one place with one story. It also offered an optimistic outlook for the continent’s future, along with helpful thoughts on how Westerners can contribute without causing further harm.
📖 #3 — Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
Other than seeing a few clips on social media, I wasn’t overly familiar with Trevor Noah. I picked up this memoir expecting it to focus mainly on his rise to fame. Instead, it is almost entirely about his upbringing in and around Johannesburg—and what it meant to be born at a time when his very existence was evidence of a crime that could have sent his parents to prison.
This memoir blew me away. It was exactly what I wanted as I sought to understand what growing up in this part of South Africa might have been like.
It was also surprisingly—and deeply—religious. Don’t expect a Christian book, and be aware that there is plenty of strong language. But Noah offers fascinating reflections on prayer, spiritual warfare, and the ways church experiences differed according to race and class. Early in the book, we learn that Trevor attended three services at three different churches every Sunday!
📖 #4 — For a Faithful Future: The Global Methodist Church—Essays on the Mission of the Church, a book honoring Keith Boyette, edited by Jessica LaGrone
This collection of essays offers valuable insight into the Global Methodist movement. If you are new to Global Methodism, I especially recommend the chapter by Walter Fenton.
I still have a few essays left to finish. If I don’t get to them in time, perhaps I’ll run up to the contributors at General Conference and ask each of them for a summary.
Seedbed generously donated a copy for us to give away at the South Georgia Annual Conference—and then promptly sold out of the book.
Seedbed, let’s collaborate! Give me a promo code to share. More people need to read this book.
🔥 Bonus — Faith and Fire: Methodism as a Movement of the Holy Spirit by David F. Watson and Kevin M. Watson
I also want to give a shout-out to my friend Dr. David Mills, who gave every member of our delegation a copy of this book. I haven’t gotten to it yet, but I wanted to express my gratitude to him.
David Watson and Kevin Watson are gifts to this movement, and I can’t wait to read it—hopefully before the end of 2026!
Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them? Comment below
Join me in praying for a great General Conference and that God would be glorified!
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
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I Won’t Remember Jimmy Carter as a President
December 30, 2024
The recent passing of Jimmy Carter has prompted me to reflect on his remarkable legacy, and I realize that I have never thought of him primarily as a president—and there are three key reasons for that.
First, I wasn’t alive during his time in office. While I’ve seen a few speeches and clips from his presidency, I don’t have a personal sense of his effectiveness or impact as a leader. Whether he was a good president or not is something historians continue to debate. That said, I can’t help but assume there may have been some bias against a president from Georgia, given the dynamics of the era.
Second, Jimmy Carter’s deep commitment to his Christian faith sets him apart in my mind. While I don’t agree with all his theological views or think his explanations of faith were always flawless, his dedication to living out his beliefs was undeniable. His faith inspired a lifetime of humanitarian work, leading many to regard him as the greatest former president. Carter’s decision to continue teaching Sunday school for decades exemplified his humble, service-oriented approach to life.
Third, and most profoundly, his memoir An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood (#ad) had a transformative impact on my ministry and my understanding of the people I serve. In it, Carter reflects on his upbringing in Plains, Georgia, capturing what life was like in the rural South during the early 1900s. Growing up just a few dozen miles from Plains, I found his stories incredibly moving and insightful.
Carter’s vivid storytelling gave me a deeper appreciation for the struggles my grandparents and many of my older church members endured. His descriptions of life before air conditioning, the internet, and modern conveniences offered a window into a world that shaped their resilience and character.
One story, in particular, stands out—a gruesome account of Carter getting a splinter, told in such vivid detail that it alone is worth reading the book. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend picking up a copy or borrowing it from your local library.
Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy extend far beyond his presidency. His commitment to faith, service, and storytelling has left an indelible mark on history and on those who take the time to engage with his work. For me, Carter’s reflections on his rural upbringing and his dedication to humanity have been a source of inspiration, helping me connect more deeply with the stories of my own community.If you’ve ever wondered what shaped one of the most compassionate leaders of our time, An Hour Before Daylight is a great place to start. It’s more than a memoir—it’s a lens into the past and a testament to the enduring power of humility and service.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
