Jean Gibson has an extraordinary ability to draw us into the lives of the women whose stories she tells. I was completely absorbed, touched and challenged by the way they not only came to terms with a host of difficult situations, but faced them with courage, dignity and hope. This book is indeed a treasure trove of surprising joy in unexpected places." Michele Guinness, author and speaker "In his letter to the believers in Ephesus 2:10, the Apostle Paul wrote, For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. As Jean traces the story of one courageous woman ’s life after another, she invites us to wonder at the beauty of God ’s workmanship which shapes lives that, in the midst of the brokenness of our world, shine with His goodness. Read and be inspired to run with perseverance the race that is set before us." Mike Treneer, International President, The Navigators "What a wonderful compilation of personal stories lived in God. As I read, I was struck again by the faithfulness of this God who breaks into history and into our own personal histories.
Each of these personal stories told so vividly by Jean, drew me again into the wonder of our God who is at work in the intimate details of our lives. Our life journeys are times of graced light and graced darkness. Jean ’s book reminds us we live bathed in grace, and it is this that enables us to indeed live ‘joyfully in hope ’" Sally Longley, Retreat Leader, Spiritual Director and Hon Assoc Minister; Sydney, Australia. Encouraged and excited is the way that “Joyful in Hope †has imprinted my life. As I followed their lives and stories of 8 women I was encouraged by their faithfulness and hope in Jesus as they faced very difficult family and sometimes life threatening situations. I was gripped by the sensitive way each story has been written and felt a bond with these people. I was continually reminded that when we become Christians God promises to be with us in all situations. He never promises, however, to remove the trials of the world.
In spite of the difficulties faced these people have always felt God standing beside them every step of the way, pouring compassion on them even in very dark hours( Psalm 103:13). I found it difficult to put the book down and saw it as a great encouragement for my Christian walk. Julie F. Mathews, Head of Education, Wesley Institute, New South Wales, Australia This book is a story of real women living real lives. It shows us that there is hope in the midst of despair and that God does give inner strength to cope with life ’s tragedies. It is a reminder that faith in God is the greatest hope we have - here we see the reality of women whose living faith in Jesus carries them through. Women everywhere will draw much strength and encouragement from this book. Caroline Hawthorne, General Secretary, Presbyterian Women An accident, illness or trauma can change our lives in a moment.
How would YOU cope? We are indebted to the individuals who have been willing to be vulnerable and share their warts and all stories in Joyful in Hope. Jean Gibson's gift of sensitively documenting these accounts brings hope to all of us that God's grace and comfort takes many forms. John Brown, Operation Mobilisation.