Introduction by Jeff 
Having followed my ministry for some time, you will know that I am no stranger to writing. We have been publishing the monthly FMI Report documenting the course of our ministry since 1998. That, along with a library of articles on our website, definitely shows no writer's cramp!
So, why has it taken so long to get this book almost out?
I confess that I have not been that obedient to the Lord in this regard! He has been reminding me for years that this book is a part of my assignment. There is no excuse! However, I take solace that God's will and His timing must be merged for success.
Even recently, at a point when I had completed a little over half of it, I lost steam and put this writing on the shelf for several months, being sorely distracted with declining health and treatments.
That was until I had a visit from a close friend in ministry who challenged me regarding any God-given assignments that may be in danger of being left unfinished! There was only one that immediately sprung to mind - this book!
My friend declared that God would give me the strength and energy to finish the task. I took heed of that word and got the ball up and rolling again!
I am currently in the finishing stages of the book and am very excited about its soon release. I will keep you updated on its progress.
For those who will get to know us through this book, I trust the semi-autobiographical format will set the scene for how I got to this point, through three cultures and some severe trials, leaving you with valuable pointers on how to endure based on what I have learned.
For those who do know us, I trust it will fill in a lot of gaps, answer questions and leave you with hope for the future.
Either way, I believe this book is what God wants for His Body, and what He wants for this time!
I am honored to include below some excerpts from endorsements offered by close friends in ministry.
Jeff Beacham
"Jeff Beacham has had the privilege of writing a book that will most likely be remembered as a summary of his final words to his friends, family, and the body of Christ.
I so appreciate his honesty and transparency, especially in these days when too many leaders are superficial and only deal with surface issues that merely excite the emotions but fall flat when it comes to preparing people for life's struggles!
This book is also unusual for a minister who moves in both Charismatic and Pentecostal circles since many in these movements fail to face the fact that not everybody gets healed. This denial of reality has made this book even more valuable for all to read - not just for those grappling with a terminal disease but also for any person dealing with pain, suffering and betrayal of trust, which can be even more painful than a terminal disease!
I thank God for my close friendship with Jeff Beacham! I thank God for this book! I thank God for having the honor of witnessing a leader like him who never quit under personal pressure or gave up hope even when it seemed as though his whole world was crumbling around him!"
Joseph Mattera, Founding Pastor of Resurrection Church, Brooklyn, NY and Overseeing Bishop of Christ Covenant Coalition.
"Walking closely with my brother and friend Jeff Beacham is one of the great honors of my life. He walks authentically in an 'overcoming faith' that is real and substantive, and never forced or contrived....
The gates of hell did not, and will not, prevail against him or his testimony of faith. This epistle that he writes to the contemporary Church will challenge and strengthen you in tremendous life giving ways...." Robert Stearns, Executive Director, Eagles Wings.
"Jeff Beacham has done us all a favor through his telling his story. Few people could walk through the fires of life and come out on the other side with such faith and joy." Cindy Jacobs, Generals International.
"All of us have to live life 'in the shadow of eternity.' Certain things can touch our life unexpectedly and cause us to face extreme challenges that can obscure our vision of what is possible for us in God.
Jeff has had to face a battle for life in the last few years, and yet his vision has not been obscured and his love for Christ, his commitment to the Gospel and to Christ's Kingdom have only intensified. His ability to endure a fiery trial and not have even the "smell of smoke" has been an inspiration to us all.
Jeff has been on an adventure from his beginnings. The spirit of adventure is in his DNA and his family history. That adventurous, fiery spirit refuses to be quenched no matter what he faces.
A 'tome' is a weighty, scholarly book. I would like to suggest that while the book you hold in your hands is a story, it too is a "tome". It reveals the weightiness of God's glory and the scholarship of the Holy Spirit in the life of a unique and treasured man whom God has given as a gift to His Church." Dr. Mark Chironna, Church on The Living Edge, Mark Chironna Ministries, Orlando, Florida.
