I have been very pleased to be one of the men Rick Lentz is mentoring. He introduced me to an effective tool for our journey, The Catholic Topical Memory System by Rich Cleveland. www.emmausjourney.org
The intent of the book is to help the reader memorize scripture verses. These verses may then be used in the everyday evangelization situations we all find ourselves in from time to time.
The reason I find it to be such an effective tool is that each verse to be memorized is “hooked” to a broader heading. For example, the first heading in the book is “Christ the Center”. The associated verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” . The “hook” of “Christ the Center” helps maintain the verse in memory, and probably more importantly, helps one recall the verse when it is needed.
I remember that the first verse I memorized as a new Christian, John 3:16 , was a real comfort to me on many occasions in my life. For those verses I memorize out of Cleveland 's book I get that same comfort.
The book offers various questions and meditation material with each week's reading. These really aid in breaking open the Word of God, seeking its meaning, and truly placing that scripture in your heart.
Prior to being exposed to this book, I was somewhat jealous of the knowledge others had of the Bible as they could effortlessly state verses from memory while in conversation. Now, I have the ability to quote verses.
I have found this new knowledge is helpful when working with others in an evangelization setting. The additional knowledge I have gained from my work with Rick and from Cleveland 's book has proved invaluable in such situations.
The book really lends itself to a missionary philosophy. In other words, as I gain knowledge and confidence with Cleveland 's book, I reach a point where it is time for me to mentor another man using the book. Likewise, that man reaches a similar point, and so on, and so on. This tool can help reach and strengthen many men. Please remember both Rick Lentz and Rich Cleveland in your prayers.