A Peculiar Journey
Understanding Joy in Suffering on the Road to Huruma
by
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Upon my return from a mission’s trip in Africa, I developed a broader and deeper understanding regarding the theology of suffering and poverty alleviation. At the same time, I had a burning desire to articulate to a lost world how suffering is never beyond God. I wanted to be able to point others to the One who alone, is able to make sense of the hardships we experience in a fallen world. After seeing a group of people experience extreme suffering and still retain their joy, I was eager to dig deeper and figure out how that was even possible.
As my research on this topic progressed, I began to realize that Scripture confirmed what I saw in a slum in Kenya. Those who are connected to Him can truly find meaning and comfort in their life regardless of their circumstances. The Word encourages us in Romans 5:3 that as believers, we can, “glory in [our] tribulations”, which the apostle James urges to “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2a). I had memorized these two verses when I was a younger and have come to understand them in a deeper and greater light.
I pray that you will read this book and come away with a deeper encouragement to study God’s Word more. I implore you to have a Bible in your hand, and look up the Scripture references in the end notes of each page as you read this book. I know that many of the concepts in this book will be difficult to comprehend or understand if you do not take time to reflect, which is why I included some questions for you to answer at the end of each chapter, along with a short testimony relating to the chapter. Although the names are changed to protect each individuals privacy, the stories are true. I know that you will find them inspiring.
For the untold numbers of people passing through extreme sufferings, understanding the biblical teachings on suffering will be enlightening as you strive to “make sense” of what you are experiencing or have experienced in the past. Finally, for those who are living a life of comfort and affluence, this book may serve as a wakeup call as you are constantly tempted to rely on and find happiness in the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world.
Suffering is real. True joy is possible. May God grant you wisdom as you seek the Truth.
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About the Book
Upon my return from a mission’s trip in Africa, I developed a deeper understanding of the theology of suffering. At the same time, I had a burning desire to articulate to a lost world how suffering is never beyond God. I wanted to be able to point others to the One who alone is able to make sense of the hardships we experience in a fallen world. After seeing a group of people experience extreme suffering and still retain their joy, I was eager to dig deeper and figure out how that was even possible.
As my research on this topic progressed, I began to realize that Scripture confirmed what I saw in a slum in Kenya. Those who are connected to Him can truly find meaning and comfort in their life regardless of their circumstances.
For the untold numbers of people passing through extreme sufferings, the understanding of the biblical teachings on suffering will be enlightening as you strive to “make sense” of what you are experiencing or have experienced in the past. Finally, for those who are living a life of comfort and affluence, this book may serve as a wakeup call as you are constantly tempted to rely on and find happiness in the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world.
Suffering is real. True joy is possible.
“Charles encountered the deep suffering of the residents in Huruma Village and allowed it to take him to a deeper encounter with The One who alone can help us make sense of our suffering.”
Irene Tongoi
Founder, New Dawn Education Centre, Kenya
“The words and thoughts throughout this book are truly a work of art.”
Timothy Woller
President, Saba International
“Powerfully inspiring and theologically rich!”
Robert F. Dees
Major General, USAF Retired
President, Resilience Consulting
At the author’s request, royalties will be given to help orphans and widows around the world through nonprofit organizations.
About the Author
Charles Prichard is a husband, father, teacher, mentor, and an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF). He feels passionate about teaching the importance of a biblical worldview and how we can mentor, teach, and encourage others to apply God’s Word to everyday life. He prays that people will find themselves both encouraged and edified by his book, as they seek God in the midst of the hardships of life.
Charles holds a BA in Systems Engineering Management from the USAF Academy and a MA in Human Services Counseling, specifically, Military Resilience from Liberty University. He is also a MS in Project Management candidate at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Charles and his beautiful wife, Whitney, are enjoying their growing family and currently reside in Texas.
Learn more at:
Facebook: facebook.com/prichardministries
Twitter: twitter.com/PrichardCharles @PrichardCharles
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCFvwgBD8ubvJ_x4USkXHeiA
Blog: prichardspassus.wordpress.com