I'm not sure that this e-mail will even make its way to you, however you have helped God change my life, and I really wanted to tell you how much your work and ministry have meant to me.
I was a part time youth leader for four years while I was in college, and a full time youth and family ministry director for about a year after I graduated. I ended up in XXX doing ministry 1000 miles away from all of my family, and in a church that was so unhealthy it ate me alive.
I was working for the XXX church, and our Synod leader urged me to get a copy of your book, A New Kind of Christian, as they were meeting soon for a book discussion, and she thought it may help me to read it. Before this time I'd barely even finished a book, as I'm dyslexic and reading was always hard for me, but I read the whole thing in just a few days to be ready for the discussion.
I never thought I would feel that way about a book, but it started to change my life. I was feeling like I was loosing my faith and myself. I remember telling the other ministry professionals at the book discussion that I felt so much relief after reading your book because you were putting into words all that I was feeling. I was sitting in a situation where I felt the church choking and dying, I knew that something was happening, but no one had ever been able to help me understand why, nor give me the vocabulary to articulate what I was feeling before.
After finishing A New Kind of Christian I immediately went out and got More Ready Than You Realize, and The Story We Find Ourselves In. They helped me get through one of the darkest times I've ever had in my whole faith walk. After the experience I had in full time ministry I quit my job feeling defeated, hurt, exposed, angry, and faithless. I wasn't walking with God I was attempting to sprint away from Him.
Right before I ended up leaving the church for good someone told me that you wrote a book with Tony Campolo. I was totally disenchanted with everything Christian, but as I had come to love you as an author; and I have had an affection for Mr. Campolo since I was about 15 years old, I went and bought that book, as well. It has been XX months since I left my job, and last week I started going to church again. I am still not feeling ready to be involved in a church community; I am going to the Taize service at a local XXXX church on Saturday nights, as it is a way to be involved in worship without the pressure to be part of the community. I know that some day I'll heal enough to be an active member of a congregation again, and my heart is mending more every day.
I've taken the whole year and a half to finish Adventures in Missing the Point, as I've really tried to digest the whole thing, and I've really enjoyed going on that journey with both of you.
Over all, I just wanted to say thank you, because I know how difficult it can be when you choose to dedicate your life to ministry, and I know that although you've done amazing things in ministry, some days are still very difficult. You are really doing awesome things, and helping God speak to so many people. I have found so much peace and relief in your writing, and that means more that I can ever express to you. Thank you for what you do, and who you are. I never thought a stranger would have such an influence on my life, but I am ever grateful that you have.
Tonight I bought your book A Generous Orthodoxy, and I'm looking forward to continuing on this journey you've had me on for a few years now. May God's peace be with you each day!
Answer: Thanks for this encouraging note. I wanted to include it here on the website even though it doesn’t ask a question because it represents many notes, letters, and conversations – deeply moving, deeply gratifying. These notes help me when I receive strong criticism for my work.