Dallas and the Spitfire: An Old Car, an Ex-Con, and an Unlikely Friendship

Ted Kluck

Language: English

Published: Apr 2, 2012

Description:

A Suburban Dad and an Ex Con Show What Discipleship Looks Like

Ted is an educated thirty-something father of two who's been going to church his whole life. Dallas is a twenty-one-year-old former cocaine addict with a prison record who has recently become a Christian. When they agree to meet regularly for discipleship, they know that chatting once a week in a coffee shop just won't cut it. Instead, they decide to get to know each other while restoring an old Triumph Spitfire. Filled with surprises and humor, Dallas and the Spitfire tells a gripping story of two lives changed, and along the way gives readers a new model for men's ministry.

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From the Back Cover

Discipleship Isn't a Program, It's a Relationship

Ted is a thirty-four-year-old father of two who's been going to church his whole life. Dallas is a twenty-one-year-old former cocaine addict with a prison record. When they agree to meet regularly for "discipleship," they know that chatting once a week in a coffee shop just won't cut it. Restoring an old Triumph Spitfire is more their style.

This is not "12 Steps to Mentoring a Man for Christ" or "The Blockhead's Guide to Discipleship." This is real life. It's the true story of a guy a lot like you and another guy nothing at all like you. It shows how real men can be friends with one another and get closer to Jesus. It isn't easy. It isn't a checklist. If you have a rigid system in place, you're doing it wrong. It's all about living life for others.

"The book is less about a car than about the lasting friendship that forms between the men. Despite a few flaws, the authors have put together a triumph." --Publishers Weekly

"At the risk of embarrassing these nitty-gritty guys, this is ultimately a story about love--learning to love God when life is hard and to love each other as brothers. I could hardly put the book down, and am very happy to recommend it."
--Justin Taylor; blogger, "Between Two Worlds"; managing editor, The ESV Study Bible

"If you are serious about making disciples who make disciples who make disciples, I recommend this book highly."
--Steve Sonderman, associate pastor Men's Ministry Elmbrook Church, founder No Regrets Men's Ministry

"With characteristic wit, humor and insight, Ted Kluck tells a profoundly moving story of faith and discipleship. It may be a book about an unusual friendship and a pretty cool car but [it's] ultimately a poignant and welcome reminder of the power of the gospel to change hearts and lives." Tim Ellsworth, author God and in the Whirlwind and coauthor, Pujols: More Than the Game

"A great read and one to give the men in your life...the story of their friendship made for compelling and even compulsive reading." --Amy Boucher Pye, Woman Alive Book Club (U.K.)

About the Author

Ted Kluck is an award-winning author and freelance writer. He has written seven books and his work has appeared in such places as ESPN the Magazine and Christianity Today. He's also the author of the ebook Jeremy Lin: Faith, Joy, and Basketball. His first book won a Christianity Today Book of the Year award. Ted lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan, with his wife and two sons.

Dallas Jahncke is 21 years old, has attempted suicide three times, and has been in jail twice, but is today sober, productive, and attending Bible college. He is a member of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.