Faith, Hope and Mischief

Faith Hope and Mischief (2020) is a book of true short stories. Andrew Graystone describes himself as an Everyday Activist who believes that tiny acts can shift the status quo and make things a bit better. He works as a journalist, broadcaster and teacher but he says his real job is to try and bring light, hope and connection to people – often in rebellious or unorthodox ways.

He narrates many events and escapades from his life.  From these stories we can take what we will - they are sometimes surprising and frequently inspiring.  His first chapter describes standing outside his local Mosque after the massacre at two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.  The placard he held said ‘You are my friends. I will keep watch while you pray.’ This simple act struck a chord and within hours the message had been shared thousands of times on social media, and many copied his example.

In other stories he describes his campaign to keep open a library, his family’s decision to share their home with refugees and international students and his attempt to love his cancer and choose life.

I was struck by Graystone’s honesty.  Why does he want to change the world? He gives three reasons: he knows from experience that the world is a tough place to be, he wants to improve it for his children and their generation, but he also admits that he wants to be significant, he wants to be someone who makes a difference.

This book can be read in total, or you can pick and choose some narratives that appeal, which is what I did.  Either way I think you meet a living person and a Christian presence who shows us surprising ways of living with faith… and the possibility of changing the world, one small act at a time.    

Ruth Peniket