-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beyond Finishing Well: Writing Life's Next Chapter
US$20.00
May 2011 is undoubtedly a historical moment for Singapore’s political history, where the country witnessed not only the growth of a strong opposition front, but also a ruling party equally committed to leadership rejuvenation, a conviction well-exemplified by the retirement of its two most senior leaders. There is no better time, therefore, for the publication of Rev (Dr) David Wong’s latest book, Beyond Finishing Well: Writing Life’s Next Chapter, a series of biblical reflections on the importance of succession planning in Christian leadership.
According to Wong, succession planning is one of the most crucial aspects of good Christian leadership. It is with this in mind that he examines the lives of twelve biblical figures for insights into the principles of good succession planning. Wong begins chronologically with the story of Moses, where we learn that spiritual leadership is a feat not to be undertaken alone, but in partnership with others, in this case, with Joshua and the elders of the tribes. In his account of Paul and Timothy, we are reminded anew that good succession planning is not so much so a reactive or a short term decision, but a long-term and deliberate process of spiritual discipleship.
Moreover, when one’s successor is ready to take up the reins, a leader must become like an Elijah to Elisha, that is, willing to step aside and allow ‘room’ for his protégé to establish and prove himself. Besides these, crucial lessons may also be gleaned from lesser known figures like the Levites and Asaph. In the case of the Levites, we see the importance of a timely retirement of Christian leaders as a means of facilitating leadership rejuvenation. With regard to Asaph’s ministry, we witness the remarkable role that story and the arts can play in transmitting the leader’s faith and beliefs to his descendants.
Among the biblical figures discussed, there are some who function more as sober reminders of what not to do for good succession planning. This is surely the case for Kings David, Solomon and Hezekiah. David almost failed to follow through his plans to crown Solomon, while Solomon, being complacent, in his later years, did not even think much about succession planning. In the case of Hezekiah, his life was clearly one of missed opportunity since he failed to make good the additional years that God gave him by rising up new leadership.
Besides these biblical leaders, Wong also drew attention to some of the less prominent, but nonetheless, important factors in the continuation of good leadership. The first is the role that mothers can play in the spiritual preparation or downfall of their ruling sons. The second is the responsibility of the believing community in upholding their spiritual heritage and not lapsing into complacency, as in the case of the generation which came after Joshua.
On the whole, Beyond Finishing Well is a well-written, easy and enjoyable read. Moreover, each chapter is also accompanied by a series of reflection and discussion questions, which makes it an ideal resource for Bible study groups.
Book Review by Dr Lai Pak Wa
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finishing Well
US$20.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
“Finishing Well” presents a study of 13 biblical characters, how they started, how they finished and lessons on how we can close each chapter of life–and the final chapter–well.
Finishing Well
(Chinese Edition)
US$17.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Make Them Laugh, Help Them Learn Vol. 2
US$12.00
Regular Price: US$16.00 !
Save US$4.00!
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
After his immensely popular collection of stories in Make Them Laugh, Help Them Learn, David Wong launches a double volley of another 144 stories matched by 163 proverbs. Humour and wisdom are brought together in this second volume to make learning even more fun and unforgettable.
Love Above All
Music CD US$15.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Listen to the greatest missionary story of the 20th century. Jim, a young man still in college, falls deeply in love with Elisabeth, but puts their relationship on hold because he believes God is calling him to reach a savage tribe, the Aucas, in the jungle of South America. She feels that God is calling her to Africa. On graduation, they part. By God’s mysterious plan, they find themselves together in Ecuador. They marry and have a daughter.
With four other men, Jim fulfills his dream to meet the Aucas, only to be speared to death by them. Elisabeth and her daughter Valerie continues Jim’s dream by going to the Aucas and living among them. By their love, they eventually bring the whole tribe to faith in Christ. Jim’s famous line, penned in his journal, still speaks to us today: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
David Wong
Lyricist
Journey Beyond the Comfort Zone
US$10.00
Regular Price: US$16.00
Save US$6.00!
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
“For it is when we are open to change and open to God that we discover, outside our comfort zone, the greatest potential for growth. For this reason, this book is written – to help us grow as we journey beyond the familiar paths and meet unexpected challenges.” – David Wong
Make Them Laugh, Help Them Learn Vol. 1
US$12.00
Regular Price: US$16.00 !
Save US$4.00!
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This new book is a collection of 151 stories all ready for use. Interspersed with tips on how to use humour to make a learning point stick, the book is an invaluable tool and resource for speakers, teachers, facilitators and anyone who loves learning and enjoys laughter.
Love's Rough Journeys
US$10.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
A very interesting and biblically-based book aimed at helping couples prepare for marriage, and for singles contemplating serious relationships.
The Koi Pond
US$10.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Following his award-winning book The Jade Bangle, David Wong tells the story of how a 13-year-old boy and his father were taken to a past filled with mystery, surfacing an enigma which they had to confront and resolve. And through it all, stumbled upon the greatest lesson of life, indeed upon life itself.
Journey Mercies
US$10.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This book traces the author David Wong's years of ministry as a pastor, teacher and counselor, taking the reader with him on the wings of dreams.
The Jade Bangle
US$10.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Jade Bangle is a compelling story of love, sensitively crafted and delightfully told. It is a story that points to something greater. As a tale, it must be told. As a gift, it must be given.
This book also won the category award in the children’s section of ‘The Self-Published Books’ competition organized by the ‘Writer’s Digest’ of Ohio, USA, where more than 1,300 entries were received.
Missing Chopsticks
US$10.00
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Follow Kim as she pursued the mystery of the missing chopstick. Finally, when the truth emerged from a shadowy night out in the ocean, Kim must face a grief deeper than she could fathom, and make peace with a past darker than she can imagine.
Yet another heart-warming tale by David Wong, author of “The Koi Pond”.
Page 1 of 2