Foreword I am always impressed by people who are quite established in their ministries or careers who come to a place like Bethel Church in Redding, California, to learn as though they were novices. It’s humbling, actually. Often these are the ones who are already great leaders in their sphere of influence and have a significant following to their God-given gift and ability. Yet they come for weeks, and sometimes months, just to glean from the wonderful presence of God among us. Such is the case with Pete and Kim Carter. They came, not as experts but as hungry believers. We welcomed them as a part of the family ... our tribe. They had access to various members of our team and joined us for staff meetings, etc. It was a great joy for us, as I believe it was for them. The outcome is a friendship that easily spans distance and time to form a partnership for kingdom exploits. While this book is truly Pete Carter’s “material,” it is consistent with the mandate that we all feel is necessary for the Church in this hour. Not only that, our friendship is a practical example of the partnership that we are feeling is necessary between the Church of the UK and the Church of the US. It seems to be an essential heavenly mandate upon these two nations that will benefit us both, but more importantly will enable us to impact nations of the world much more effectively. Unwrapping Lazarus is a wonderful book that is both inspired instruction and a written record of a journey. And I can’t think of a better combination. The journey is that of this marvellous couple, Pete and Kim Carter. Pete made a dramatic change in careers, from doctor with a respected medical practice to pastor and church leader in the UK. His unusual combination of both ministry and medical experience affords him insights that would be hard to come by any other way. I love how he wove the experiences from 9
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