For the Christian, joy and pain are both integral parts of a life of service to God. This truth is clearly taught in the Bible and proved in Christian experience, both individual and corporate. The life of the churches outside the comfortable West reveals it with special clarity.

The Call to Joy and Pain explores the connection between rejoicing and suffering, and shows how our distress draws us nearer to God and makes us more effective in ministry. Ajith Fernando expounds Paul's teaching in Colossians 1:24–29 about suffering for Christ, and draws on his own pastoral wisdom and cross-cultural experience, to demonstrate that pain can be a blessing, both to the individual Christian and to the churches.

This book will help Christians to embrace gladly a life of service and devotion to Christ, despite the suffering this entails.

Read an extract

Listen to an interview with the author as broadcast on Premier Christian Radio:

Ajith Fernando is the National Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka, and the author of Jesus-Driven Ministry (IVP).

• View other titles by Ajith Fernando