Suffering with Joy, letters on tragedy, loss and hope

On January 22, 2000, my sister, Joy Dyer, tried to pay for a purchase at a department store in Bryan, Texas in her usual way. But for some strange reason, she could not make her hand write out a check. That was the first sign that something sinister was attacking her body. One week later we were told that Joy had a “high grade glioblastoma.” The doctors said that there was no medical hope that she could be cured and that Joy probably had six months to a year to live. That news rocked our family. On January 28, 2021—almost one year later to the day—cancer took Joy’s life. The letters in this book were born out of a deep love for Joy and Dean by friends and family. We desired to walk with them through this hard journey and support them however we could. My hope is that these letters, originally written to support my sister through her suffering, will provide some comfort and encouragement to other fellow-sufferers who are walking a hard path.

Publisher: Founders
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9781943539710

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Tom Ascol has served as a Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL since 1986. He has a BS degree in sociology from Texas A&M University (1979) and has also earned the MDiv and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. He has served as an adjunct professor of theology for various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary, the Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, African Christian University, Copperbelt Ministerial College, and Reformed Baptist Seminary. In addition to being a pastor, Tom also serves as the President of Founders Ministries and The Institute of Public Theology, and edits the Founders Journal, a quarterly theological publication of Founders Ministries.

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‘Suffering has been our constant companion since the Fall. It is a great equalizer that eventually comes calling at the door of every family and is never a welcome guest. In this helpful book, Tom Ascol serves as companion, model, and teacher as he helps his loved ones, and us, navigate the deep waters of suffering and loss. This book is a timeless treasure to be shared with those inside the church as a guide to suffering well, and with those outside the church as a guide to knowing the one who is our only source of true and lasting hope.’ Voddie Baucham, Founding Dean, ACU, Founding Faculty, The Institute of Public Theology, Author of Fault Lines