about the book

The Earth is the Lord’s: Handle with Care

Environmental stewardship and evangelical Christianity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many devout Christians have long been dedicated to responsibly raising environmental awareness.

The first edition of The Earth is the Lord’s: Handle with Care, first written in the late 1980s, was published in 1990. The book was called “a beautiful family-friendly guidebook and devotional” by KPRZ radio, and “prophetic and ahead of its time” by a San Diego Channel 10 news reporter.

An inspiring, practical resource guide and devotional, it includes essays by Christians of various backgrounds, as well as relevant Bible passages, beautiful nature photography, original art, beloved classic hymn lyrics, practical tips on responsible environmental action, a section just for kids, and a list of related books and resources.

Editor Vicki Hesterman has long been encouraging others to care for and respect God’s amazing earth. She comes from a family of educators, artists, fishermen and farmers that respected, appreciated and conserved natural resources. As early as her college days, she and her boyfriend distributed flyers (printed on scrap paper) on saving water and trees. She studied literature, education, and biology, and enjoyed writing about natural places and the intricacy of creation.

She helped organize a group of like-minded believers in the 1980s. Originally called Christians for Environmental Awareness, they have had a presence as an informal volunteer group at various Earth Day events since 1990, and volunteer to speak in schools and churches. Unable to find the kind of book they felt was needed in the late 1980S to gently encourage Christians to be environmentally responsible, she and her family put together and published this unique, inspiring book. Many readers said they like to use it as a devotional, as it ties the concept of caring for the earth to honoring God, citing many Scriptures that tell us God continues to care about all his creation.

The first editions of the book are sold out. The new edition (updated reprint) is now available.

For information on getting a copy, sponsoring book giveaways, or obtaining books at cost for schools or other organizations, contact us at info@christiansforearthcare.org.