The Fellowship of the Suffering: How Hardship Shapes Us for Ministry and Mission

Review "If you are like me, you tend to gloss over your suffering, thinking it unspiritual to dwell on it. The pain is like a friend whose visit you really do not want. Paul and Dave teach us the importance of sitting with this unwelcome friend, learning from him, and, in the end, being transformed. When we do, we find we have been with the Suffering Servant whose friendship graces us in the pain, bringing us what we did not expect: peace and joy. And we find ourselves strangely warmed in the company of the saints of every age." -- Scott Arbeiter, president, World Relief"Awesome book?so absolutely needed! The Fellowship of the Suffering explores the ‘why’ behind our suffering while presenting practical, genuine steps for converting our pain into promise. We recommend this book to anyone brave enough to consider how suffering forges uncommon faith and authentic love in a world desperate for both." -- Stephan Bauman, former president and CEO of World Relief, author of Seeking Refuge and Break Open the Sky, and Belinda Bauman, founder of One Million Thumbprints, author of Brave Soul: Lessons in Love, Risk, and the Power of Empathy"There is a deep richness that comes to people who have faced suffering biblically. A key to this richness is a joy and a contentment that tough experiences cannot take away. But many Christians do not look at suffering in this way. This book helps us to develop a theology that works in giving us the courage to look positively at suffering after experiencing the painful emotions that inevitably come with it. It does not give glib answers but faces squarely with the pain that suffering brings. This is indeed ‘theology that works.’ It is biblically profound, practically alive, easy for lay persons to understand, and motivational for mission and ministry. It will help nurture the kind or authentic and vibrant Christianity that we so badly need today." -- Ajith Fernando, teaching director of Youth for Christ Sri Lanka, author of The Call to Joy and Pain"I’ve lost my husband to Alzheimer’s and survived two bouts with cancer, so I read anything about suffering cautiously. The Fellowship of the Suffering has touched my heart and encouraged my spirit. While we all acknowledge the reality of suffering, we struggle to discover the why. Paul Borthwick and Dave Ripper, experienced sufferers, do not offer trite answers or slick formulas, but rather guide us to and through the how of the dark and disappointing days. There is great comfort from fellowship with others who are also walking through a season of suffering, deep wisdom in the words from those who really understand, and rich hope in the journey to the One who has suffered and invites us to join him on the mourning bench. This is a book that will not sit on my bookshelf but will be taken down again and again so I can draw from its refreshing and honest insight." -- Cynthia Fantasia, former pastor of women’s ministries at Grace Chapel, Lexington, MA“Paul has jokingly said that this book will obviously not be a bestseller like one on health and wealth might be, but I think he’s completely wrong. Suffering and brokenness are the common experiences to which all who live in this world can relate. As the authors share their stories, you will be drawn into their pain and find yourself saying, ‘someone does understand.’ The book contains wonderful gems such as, ‘to choose faithfulness in the face of suffering is a process.’ There are no simple answers or platitudes, but instead genuine, realistic thoughts that will help you find your way through the pain." -- Jane Overstreet, President and CEO, Development Associates International"When I first broke my neck and landed in a wheelchair, I thought the Lord was being grossly unfair. I wondered, isn’t God being too heavy-handed? Is this kind of suffering ‘normal’ in the normal Christian life? Those were honest questions, and I wasn’t about to settle for anything less than honest answers. However, over the years the an