Jo-Anne Berthelsen and I met many years ago but it has only been since we have both become published authors we have really started to get to know each other and become friends.
I have enjoyed all Jo-Anne's Christian novels and it is a real privilege to feature her latest book, "Soul Friend." Although these days I personally read more fiction than non-fiction, this book is a compelling read. Jo-Anne shares from her heart with us the journey her mentor and "soul friend" has walked with her. She tells of her early struggles as she first of all prepares for ministry then some of the many challenges and decisions those in Christian ministry may face as well as her career as a published author.
This is a very challenging book and shows so very clearly how our Lord would love His children to share His love and Word with each other, support each other, not only in prayer, and showing real love toward each other but in many and varied practical ways. The last chapter, "Passing the Baton" reminded me that as we ouselves are blessed by another, we have a responsibility when opportunities come to share with others what God has been teaching us over the years about Himself and the journey HE wants to take us on with others.
This is not a book to be read in one sitting. I found I had to ponder, meditate, pray over various sections and try to apply them to the journey I am on with my Lord. Do read the following information about this book and the author.
Is Introducing
Soul Friend: The Story of a shared Spiritual Journey
(Even Before Publishing October 2012)
By
Jo-Anne Berthelsen
Available at Light the Dark for $16.95
About the Book:
Soul Friend is an honest and intimate portrayal of the author's own journey with her wise, spiritual mentor and the warm, life-giving relationship that developed between them during their fifteen years of meeting together. This story is written in the hope that it will inspire many not only to seek out such a spiritual friendship for themselves but also to provide such a friendship for another.
Beautifully written, this honest and insightful memoir is an inspiring celebration of the ancient art of spiritual companionship. Dr Rick Lewis
Soul friendship is a very under-emphasised resource of Christian discipleship, particularly for Christian leaders. Jo-Anne has written honestly, beautifully, sensitively and powerfully. Dr Keith Farmer
About the Author
Jo-Anne Berthelsen lives in Sydney but grew up in Brisbane. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne loves communicating through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five published novels – Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna andHeléna’s Legacy, with a sixth, The Inheritance, due for release in 2013. Her first non-fiction work Soul Friend: The story of a shared spiritual journey was released in October 2012. Jo-Anne loves music, reading, mentoring younger women, and sharing with community groups about writing. She is married to a retired minister and has three grown-up children and three grandchildren.
Thanks, Mary, for taking the time in your very busy schedule to read my book and post your thoughtful comments above. I feel very humbled that you took the time to ponder and pray over various things I included in the book and I hope you were encouraged in the process. God bless!
ReplyDeleteA real privilege, Jo-Anne!
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