Ajith Fernando, Joyful Perseverance: Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 161 pp.
We live in troubling times. The economy is in shambles. Crime is up. People are hurting. Compromise is commonplace. The church is no exception. Any pastor who faithfully wields the Word of God every week and faithfully persists in his ministry responsibilities is bound to face discouragement. Any Christ-follower who stands against the tide of worldliness is bound to face discouragement. Ajith Fernando’s book, Joyful Perseverance is designed to reach Christians who need strength to carry on.
The author ministers in Sri Lanka and approaches the topic of perseverance with biblical fidelity and pastoral sensitivity. He writes like a fellow pilgrim, not a lecturer. His approach is gracious and warm.
Fernando relays personal stories of discouragement and defeat in ministry and applies biblical wisdom to each encounter. The book is a simple read but avoids simplistic solutions. Instead of commending pragmatic strategies or worldly counsel, this seasoned Christian leader shares his heart and invites readers to continue their joyful pursuit of God in their respective ministries.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 