Quite a few people I know and have worked with have written books about their experience of living life as a Christian in a variety of situations, and the difference it makes, but this is the first time any of them have asked me to review their book.

I mean, why would they? I’m not a ‘famous’ Christian, or a blogger with thousands of followers, so who would read what I’ve written, let alone go out and buy the book as a result.

But…this is so typical of Paul, and, I suspect undergirds his experience of living and working in an inner-city area of Manchester which forms the backdrop to his book. Ordinary people and foresaken places matter. They matter to God, and so they matter to Paul and his family.

Unlike Paul, and in part due to the circumstances of life, I moved away, and now live in the Scottish Borders (an area with its own unique set of challenges for living as a Christian too). He has stayed, and I’m sure that the book will share some of his hard-won experience over most of his life so far

So…of course I said “Yes”, with a sense that this was a privilege, perhaps even a sacred trust…Now the pdf copy of the book has arrived and I will spend the next few days reading it before I try to do it justice in a review on my blog. Having flicked through the first few pages I am already certain that this will, for me, be an emotional journey. For a few years I lived close to Paul. We worked together, shared some family life together, went to the same church and watched our children grow up together and study at the same school. I think I will identify with much of the book.

Watch this space for my review. The book, “Mission with: Something Out of the Ordinary”, by Paul Keeble, published by Instant Apostle , is due for publication on 17th March 2017, and can be ordered in advance.

Please contact me if you’d like to order directly from Paul.