Rev Peter Rahme, said that he set out to produce "a condensed but a comprehensive narrative, with a strong evangelistic emphasis, and an easy to follow historical account of the soul of John Newton and the story of his 'Amazing Grace'.
He believes "what Mr. Eternity was to Sydney, Amazing Grace is to the world!"
"This was the seed that God planted in the soil of my heart back in 2002," he said. "Following the successful project of 'The Life & Legacy of Mr Eternity' (in print and audio format), came three years of 'work and labour of love' to bring forth the fruit of 'The Man & the Story behind Amazing Grace'."
Rev Sam Baissari of the Glorious Hope Baptist Church, Prospect hill, served as MC for the Book Launch and invited Rev Steve Mayo, of the Cornerstone Baptist Church and Chairman of the AFBC (Australian Fellowship of Bible-Believing Churches) to open in prayer.
Guest Speaker Rev Daniel Scot spoke of the "amazing" grace given to him and Rev Danny Nalliah as their well-meaning lecture for Christians on Islam became a world wide sensation.
Although the charges against them have to be presented all over again, following an appeal, they have already had the opportunity to speak in the House of Lords, London and in America.
The Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC, who wrote the Foreword in the book, was also a guest speaker and officially launched the book.
In his address, the Rev Fred Nile emphasised the principle that "one person can make a difference!" He referred to Pastor Daniel Scot, Rev Danny Nalliah, Arthur Stace, as well as John Newtown, Charles Wesley and Wilbur Wilberforce. A person with a conviction and leading from the Lord will make a difference in his community and to the ends of the earth!
Musical items were presented by Rev Peter Rahme, a recognised musician, and his family.
Rev Dan Proctor, of the Allowera Baptist Church, Riverstone and the Rev Dr Peter Barnes of the Revesby Presbyterian Church and a lecturer at the Presbyterian Theological Centre in Sydney, closed the proceedings and dedicated the book and the author, to the Lord in prayer.
Rev Peter Rahme had the last word, thanking everyone who had contributed to the evening and to the book, especially his wife, Faith.
