This biography is a tribute to one of the greatest evangelists and soul winners in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Like many others, I stand in awe of Elder C. D. Brooks and the abilities conferred on him by the Lord. He and his wife, Walterene, are two of the most gracious people alive and reflect characters refined by their connection with Jesus.
More than 20 tributes in the opening pages of this biography provide compelling evidence of the impact of this great preacher’s life and ministry. Mark Finley shares the following testimony: “Some people’s ministries leave a mark, others leave a legacy. C. D. Brooks has a left a legacy on the lives of thousands of preachers and tens of thousands of church members and hundreds of thousands of viewers of the Breath of Life telecast. His unique blend of humility, brilliance, and deep spirituality has impacted countless lives” (4). Ella Simmons adds her testimony: “There are many ways to describe Elder C. D. Brooks, of which few could be adequate. When I hear his name, there is one description that comes to mind: It is that man of God of whom Ellen White spoke who will not be bought or sold, who in his inmost soul is true and honest, who does not fear to call sin by its right name, whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, that man who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (3). Past president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Jan Paulsen, states, “For all of his many accomplishments, Elder Brooks is, first and foremost, an unfailingly gracious, faithful, and gentle man of God—and for this, I honor him” (5).
These testimonies confirm that C. D. Brooks epitomizes the Christian who knows that which he believes and is willing to say it with directness and grace. His fidelity to the Bible as the Word of God is fundamental to his perspective on how the church can best proclaim the message of salvation in Christ. He has shown all of us what it means to preach the Word in season and out of season, through the power of the Holy Spirit, giving thousands of people a new lease on life.
He pioneered the media ministry appropriately called Breath of Life, bringing to television, and later to the Internet, the powerful three angels’ messages pointing to Christ’s soon return. Indeed, the great objective of his life has been to point people to the promise of eternal life through the life, death, resurrection, and high-priestly ministry of Jesus—the One he loves supremely as Savior and Lord.
C. D.: The Man Behind the Message records the amazing ways in which God spoke to C. D.’s mother, Mattie Brooks, helping her to set her son on a pathway of lifelong service to God. When he was a young man, he wanted to become a dentist, but God had other plans. Instead of C. D. working on the mouths of others, God has touched his mouth to powerfully proclaim the eternal truths of God’s Word. This spiritual journey began early in his life and has taken him to the farthest corners of the globe.
In this book, you will find thrilling stories of God using this powerful preacher to blaze new trails in evangelism, church organization, and human relations. You will also learn how to lean on God in various circumstances and find encouragement for your life and walk with Jesus. Ultimately, as you read about the life and ministry of C. D. Brooks, you will be inspired to rededicate your life to Jesus and to tell others of His saving grace.
—Reviewed by Ted N. C. Wilson, President of the world church of Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
