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Offering Unique Lessons for Youth Groups using Christian Sci-fi to Teach
Let the Youth Inspire You ... in Three Christian Sci-fi Lessons for Youth Groups
Read the story of the World of Caperston and its believers in the Chest of Visions Series
"A Unique Sci-fi aspect"
The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston by Tim Ferguson is the story of another planet that has no knowledge of God and discovers it through the mind of a teen and the help of teens on planet Earth.
I think there are many church youth groups that would greatly benefit from this read. It is insightful without being in your face and offers a unique science fiction aspect that will bring in many young readers and it provides twelve lessons for youth groups at the end of the book.
Phil Bolos April 3, 2021
A "Fascinating Concept ..."
The Chest of Visions by Tim Ferguson is such a fascinating concept; that teenagers from parallel universes discover such similarities between their faith and beliefs. I absolutely adored Mattpaul as a character, his strength of conviction to stand up and fight for his beliefs was admirable. The similarities between Jesus and Chihaysu also made for a really interesting comparison, especially their views on how every human is equal. I thought the themes covered such as life after death, sinful behavior, forgiveness, and miraculous healing from the perspective of each universe would make an important discussion session for youth religious groups... This is a superb read and one that belongs on every Christian's bookshelf.
Leslie Jones, May 2, 2021
"Great to Discuss in Youth Groups"
The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston. It is a sci-fi story deeply connected to a religious message. I think this story is filled with lessons for youth groups that would be great to discuss, as it touches on topics such as empathy, prejudice, and communication between different groups who believe in different things.
Marcia, April 14, 2021
A "must-read for every sci-fi lover"
The author Tim Ferguson in his book The Chest of Visions brilliantly illustrates parallel universes. The writer has a comprehensive writing style, and every bit of the book inspires readers. The storyline revolves around another planet, Caperston, where two distinct people live. The valley people discriminate against mountain people. They do not know God, and here writer gives a powerful spiritual and religious message to the readers, especially teen readers. The writer intelligently conveys the note that we are not alone. In our life journey, we must keep our faith high in God. The book Chest of Visions is a simple read with a hopeful message. It provides 12 lessons for youth groups and the end of the book and is indeed a must-read for every sci-fi lover.
Ali Ayyez, May 10, 2021
"Makes me think of the importance of Love and Religion"
Tim Ferguson ...wanted to create a new way to reach out to young minds. He decided to write this book called The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston. Mattpaul is a young teen that lives a normal life until he receives a calling and feels the need to do something more with his life.
I enjoyed Ferguson’s writing and the development of the characters. Filled with kind messages, this story really makes me think about the importance of love and religion. I also enjoyed the little drawings; they made the story feel more real and gave me an idea of what the author was picturing. A great story for all teens out there seeking some guidelines
Agustina, January 25, 2022
For purchase information and more reviews of the 2020 longer version of The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston, please click:
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The Underground Faith of God's Multiverse
a Unique "Lesson for Youth Groups"
In 2033 astronomers discovered a message from a parallel universe reaching out to our own. The message chronicles 100 years of history describing an evolving faith community. Meeting underground to protect themselves from a ruthless ruler, the believers in the faraway world of Caperston find a way to find the truth and to work together for the common good.
Over the same period of time in our universe, a watchful young man from Africa,
named Kudo, is called to leave his village and seek out survivors of a nuclear war on Earth that
decimated better than ninety-nine percent of humanity. With less than one percent remaining,
Kudo must rely on his ability to read the stars to accomplish his mission.
The Underground Faith of God's Multiverse traces simultaneous events in both universes. As Kudo
seeks survivors of war, the believers in Caperston are also seekers … of truth. They ask the most
relevant question: who is the man, that taught them of the existence of a Caring Creator? The
mysterious Chest of Visions has answers.
As the challenges of both earthlings and the people of Caperston intensify, a messenger appears and
connects the two worlds. Through him and supported by the same higher power, Kudo of Earth and believers in Caperston share mutual interests and their journeys of faith. One theme is the value of forgiveness. A second is their joint realization that the creator of both worlds is a Caring Creator, who wishes to be empowering to those who call on him.
In a Christian sci-fi drama, that provides lessons for youth groups focusing on the value of forgiveness, the ultimate reality of God’s Multiverse is revealed.
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One of Many Newly Received Reviews on Amazon
January 26, 2022
“The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston by Tim Ferguson is an excellent read that I devoured in what feels like minutes. The plot is highly engaging, and I was turning pages well into the night. I just did not want to put this book down.
I like Mattpaul, the protagonist. It is a very well-crafted character. He has a comfortable life but after an event that changes his vision of his world, he starts questioning everything. His decision to stand for what he believes is right and his emotional struggles take him down a potentially life-altering path. He will make some enemies along this journey. Will his faith support and “transform him into a worthy witness of God’s love?”
This great read mixes gospel stories, fantasy and adventure to create a novel that I am sure will fascinate readers. Strongly recommended.”
Lessons for Youth Groups included
I wanted to write a book of activity ideas and lessons for youth groups, that I searched for as a young Christian youth leader. It is now here: Not the Same Old, Done-it-before Youth Meetings filled with 360 pages of Youth Group Activities and Lessons for Youth Groups
Important tip ... the detailed index assisting the reader in finding, amongst the many lessons for youth groups, just the right activity for your group is best found when purchasing the soft cover version as opposed to an e-book version. There are two indexes - one by activity theme and one by Bible passage. As one purchaser shared: "Not the Same Old, Done-it-before Youth Meetings is a Godsend!! You have laid out in an organized and easy-to-read fashion so many lessons for youth groups and activity plans that we will never again feel uncomfortable when getting ready for our next Christian youth group meeting."
Find lessons for youth groups that will stimulate and motivate, used over many years.
These are lessons for youth groups that have passed the test of time. Not the Same Old, Done-it-before Youth Meetings is the accumulation of thirty years in creative youth ministry.
For Reviews and Purchase with Audio Version , please click:
The first lesson for youth groups included in a three part Christian Sci-fi Series
requested update - 30% longer
with new descriptive text with 12 lessons for youth groups at the end of the story
Third Place in Reader's Favorite Contest
"Engaging, exciting, entertaining, and easy-to-read! Ferguson's super-cool little book, "The Chest of Visions," brilliantly captures the essence of the Gospel message "
Melissa Jagel
Tim Ferguson uses parallel spiritual universes to illustrate that we are never alone in our journey through life. Page after page, he showed me his easy-to-understand writing style and stories, some personal and other inspirational ones, to demonstrate God's presence in life during the good and bad times.
Evelyn , February 12, 2021
Tim Ferguson skillfully combines his creative imagination into a story of hopefulness, fearlessness, and intrigue.
Richard Blake
"The Chest of Visions, Secrets of Caperston is a must read for everyone... I began reading it with my ten year old grandson one day. When I came back one week later he had finished the book on his own and said he cannot wait to read the sequel.”
"This story was written for young adults; however, I enjoyed it very much. Tim Ferguson is very creative and has found a wonderful way to reach youth."
Ann B. of Reader's Favorites
"I read this book with a thirteen year old girl and once we were finished I asked her how she felt about our experience. She said it definitely made her think about many things in her own life and in her walk with God."
Marie Haugh
Shirley Johnson
The Chest of Visions is "a brilliantly written piece of sci-fi. The writer has used a very simple way to tell the readers about the preaching of God."
He has done a brilliant job. The characters blend in perfectly. The concept of duo-universe conversation adds to the excitement of the book. The contexts are easy to understand and the readers can relate to the various situation quite easily. My favorite part of the book is when Matt helps Alex to overcome from the death of his best friend. It shows how people from different universe can connect and help each other.
Not the Same Old, Done-it-Before Youth Meetings" ... has lots of fun activities but, much more importantly, it addresses the need to challenge the minds and hearts of our young people.
Murphy Brown, February 23, 2019
" Is Tim Ferguson light years ahead of his time and could this story be brought to life one day? Tim Ferguson has done a fantastic job seamlessly weaving two parallel worlds together. This book needs to be stocked in every church, classroom, library and bookstore. A great introduction to religion. "
"I must commend Tim Ferguson for writing such a beautiful story in very simple words. It is a rare book, with a well thought out storyline, that presented the truth in its simplest form. ."
Sophie ... July 20, 2019
Updated Version with 30 additional pages of details about the world of Caperston, and the dreams of its youth. Additional lessons for youth groups are included in the novel.
For purchase, please click:
Kobi, July 2019
This novel establishes the place of God in the future of humanity in a creative and eloquent manner. Tim Ferguson is a great storyteller and he writes in prose that is gorgeous, at times lyrical, conjuring strong imagery to embellish the worlds he has created while stirring the hearts of readers with the beauty of the message. The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston is a story that communicates hope and assures readers that God finds a way to reconnect with lost humanity. It is gripping and entertaining and has a bonus 12 lessons for youth groups at the end of the book.
Grace Masso, Readers Favorite May 2, 2021
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The sequel story, The Chest of Visions: New Pathways 'cross Broken Highways with Lessons for Youth Groups focused on the value of Forgiveness
Alex, a troubled youth from Earth travels to the world of Caperston through a wormhole in spacetime. He meets a Messiah and his youthful followers, who are attempting to support the mistreatment of one class by a priveleged class in the world of Caperston. Great drama follows over an 18 month period, leading up to a climax connecting youth in Caperston and their friends on Earth. Themes of forgiveness and prayer are highlighted as the youth make efforts to fulfill their dreams for a more equal world, motivated by the calling of God.
The Chest of Visions: New Pathways 'cross Broken Highways, has many twists and turns . The heady turn of events and the numerous characters are easy to follow though because Ferguson is consistent and does not veer away from the message for young readers. Without sounding preachy, and without too many words, the story's theme comes out loud and clear and this is what makes the novel unforgettable.
Maria Beltran May 2020
Note: the drama that revolves between those willing to forgive and the refusal by others to accept forgiveness will open one of several lessons for Christian youth groups. These are lessons in the real life stories of individuals throughout the book.
Fourth Place
Reader's Favorite
Contest
There is a lot to enjoy in this short and epic fantasy. The characters are memorable and well-explored, the plot filled with surprising twists and intriguing moments. The writing is beautiful and the narrative voice exciting. Tim Ferguson writes with confidence and creates a setting that leaves readers with many vivid images in their minds.
Alex, a troubled youth from Earth travels to the world of Caperston through a wormhole in spacetime. He meets a Messiah and his youthful followers, who are attempting to support the mistreatment of one class by a priveleged class in the world of Caperston. Great drama follows over an 18 month period, leading up to a climax connecting youth in Caperston and their friends on Earth. Themes of forgiveness and prayer are highlighted as the youth make efforts to fulfill their dreams for a more equal world, motivated by the calling of God.
This story is filled with wonderful lessons for youth groups both at the end of the book and throughout the drama.
Matthew-Paul
from Earth
Alex from Earth featured on cover.
The sequel to The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston surprisingly has many twists and turns considering the number of pages. The heady turn of events and the numerous characters are easy to follow though because Ferguson is consistent and does not veer away from the message for young readers. Without sounding preachy, and without too many words, the story's theme comes out loud and clear and this is what makes the novel unforgettable.
Maria Beltran, Readers’ Favorite May 2020
Michaeling and Huchfee from Caperston
This is an amazing and unique book, filled with lessons for youth groups. It is a Christian science fiction novel about youth in parallel universes, who somehow have gotten into communication with each other by email. The entire story is told from the point of view of the youths themselves, through the technique of presenting just the text of their email exchanges. Mr. Ferguson is an experienced youth group leader, and this book shows his spiritual gift. He presents spiritual truth while making it very interesting to young people of all ages. The book’s most exciting event is the trial of Chihaysu, Christian leader on Caperston. Read the book to find out what happens!
I highly recommend it, both for entertainment and spiritual content. .
Steve Simon, May 2020