“The most obvious virtue of Bruce Smith’s book is the scope of what is included. There is something here for everyone—on-the-scene narratives from the Katrina disaster, autobiography, excursions into literature, philosophic reflection, biblical analysis, and meditations on the meaning of suffering. “
--Dr. Leland Ryken
English Lit. Scholar, C.S.Lewis Scholar, Wheaton College
"In this fascinating piece of literature Bruce Smith takes us into both the literal Katrina, and its devastating effect and into all the Katrina's that buffet our lives. Most especially, Soul Storm takes us beyond the Katrina's of life to show us the hope and new life of the resurrection, not only of the body, but of the soul."
--Dr. Robert Webber
Worship Studies Expert
Northern Seminary
“In SOUL STORM, Bruce offers us a compelling glimpse of God's providence amidst the worst life offers. In this book we find that broken dreams, destruction, fear, and misery can actually catapult people of faith toward God's best. Bruce reminds us, as a people and as a country, that only in turning toward God can we find a passion and purpose for rebuilding our lives amidst disaster. “
--Dr. William Hamel
President
Evangelical Free Church
of America
Katrina Damage:
The name on the large boat is “Stuff”.
When storms come, it’s not the “stuff” that concerns us.
|
|
Bruce Smith is a native of New Orleans. Though he is only 37 years old, he has already lived a full life. In less than four decades Bruce has seen life from many vantage points. Growing up in a “broken” home, he was forced to grow up quickly. His mother divorced his father when he was only two. Several years later after his mother had remarried a young and vibrant tennis professional the family came apart again. Bruce’s step-father, at the age of 27, died a painful death at the mercy of an aggressive and untreatable form of cancer, leaving Bruce, his mother and young sister, alone.
In the years following this tragic event Bruce watched his mother struggle with the seemingly insurmountable pain of losing her soul mate, and he took it upon himself to play a major role in raising his much younger sister. Throughout his teenage years he was a father to his sister, an emotional support to his mother, a student, an athlete, and an employee. His early maturity was accelerated in his teen years as he watched other family members die of cancer, emphysema, and suicide.
Rather than turning away from God and toward destructive habits and lifestyles, Bruce found his hope in God. In his latter years of adolescence Bruce found himself compelled to study and listen to the most gifted bible teachers and writers of the day. As a high school student he began to take a leadership role in his youth group and preached for the first time when he was only 16 years old.
His most recent work, Soul Storm, is his first book length project, and it is a testimony to God’s providence and grace in his life amidst many big challenges. Bruce’s greatest ambition is to contribute leadership and inspiration to people all over the world through his writing and speaking.
A father of three children, and two Labrador retrievers, Bruce spends his free time with his kids on the tennis court and playing the role of chauffeur. He is an amateur photographer, collects art, sports memorabilia and other collectibles, is a fanatical snow skier, and loves competitive sports of any kind.
Bruce is the founder of StormKat Ministries, an organization devoted to critical
thinking, speaking and writing. The aim of StormKat is to engage the culture and reach those who desperately need the message of hope revealed in the Gospel.
Bruce continues to be active in many arenas including finance, collectibles, writing, and speaking. His areas of study include marketing, leadership, organizational development, corporate culture, theology, history, politics, and finance. Since January of 2005, and until Hurricane Katrina came through town, he functioned as Director of Development and Teaching Pastor at Uptown Church, New Orleans (a Willow Creek model church). He is licensed as a minister of the gospel.
While at Wheaton Bruce’s focus was a historical, theological and sociological evaluation of the Church in America. To compliment his study Bruce spent time ministering in a variety of church settings, including Assemblies of God, Presbyterian, Methodist and others. Bruce was an exceptional student at Wheaton, maintaining a very high GPA while keeping ministry positions and taking care of a family. His focus for his Masters Thesis research centered on a very intensive evaluation of Willow Creek Community Church. While attending Wheaton, Bruce was particularly influenced by several major scholars, including Dr. Leland Ryken (English Literature), Dr. Mark Noll (American Church History) and Dr. Robert Webber (Worship Studies).
Since his days in theological education Bruce’s journey has taken him many
places. He has started a number of businesses in various fields including design, sports memorabilia, and art. For his investment work over most of the last decade he has gained notoriety as “the top rare coin broker in the country”. As a Senior Broker at one of the largest firms in America, Bruce was published in company newsletters and was known for his writing and presentation skills. He gained world-wide recognition for his sale of the 1913 Liberty Head “V” Nickel for a staggering sum of $3 million. Bruce has appeared on numerous radio and television news programs (including Tony Snow and Bill O’Reilly), and was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition with Scott Simon. He is a gifted communicator and trainer. His voice has been used by employers for high profile radio commercials, and he has been featured on various television news venues for his church work and professional investment work.
After seeing his aspirations for a major collegiate and professional tennis career get crushed by a back injury Bruce was called to a theological education. While at Southeastern College in Lakeland Florida he excelled in academics, sports and ministry. He was a four year Tennis MVP, an honor student, the founder of ministry outreach programs which still exist today, and he was selective by the faculty as the commencement speaker for his graduating class.
He was also selected, prior to his senior year, to be a guest speaker in special Senior Chapel services. He also served effectively on the committee for the Staley Lectureship Series. Upon completion of his degrees in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry (degrees earned while married, fathering two children, holding positions in church ministry, and working extra jobs), Bruce went on to study at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Wheaton College Graduate School outside of Chicago.
|
|
