This book will bring readers on a journey of introspection and reflection as some difficult questions may be asked and tough truths confronted. However, Benny has weaved his words with compassion and gentleness, with no judgement cast. It is written as a reflection of how our Saviour looks at us, living in our pain and wretchedness— with truthful lovingkindness.
As his articles and replies have done in the past, I am sure that, here, they will continue to help bring readers on a journey towards wholeness and healing, as much as can be had before Christ comes back. May you feel encouraged to embark on the difficult but rewarding and precious journey of restoration in the broken relationships in your life.
~ Bishop Philip Lim
God has created human beings for relationships, and this is the area in which we often have the greatest challenges. Benny Bong’s book deals with how relationships need to experience reconciliation and restoration, covering various dimensions: our relationship with God, with ourselves, with others, and with family members such as one’s spouse and children.
As an experienced family therapist and committed Christian, Benny uses the stories of people he has helped in his work to put forth wise principles, biblical frameworks, and encouragement for those who struggle with their relationships in life. In so doing, he highlights the faith, hope, and love we can find in Christ who leads us to the joys of abundant living.
~ Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
I first met Benny in 1985 when I was Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Counselling and Care Centre (CCC), and we were recruiting counsellors for the Centre. Our relationship was rekindled in 1995 when I was posted to Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC). As in all my previous postings, I had set aside time for counselling parishioners. However, in KKMC, whenever I encountered culs-de-sac in my work with parishioners, I would refer them to Benny. To date, Benny still partners me in this endeavour.
Benny’s knowledge and wisdom, garnered from years of work as a marriage and family therapist, came to good and wider use when the late Earnest Lau, then the editor of Methodist Message, took up my suggestion to approach Benny for articles.
Much of Benny’s style of writing is introspective and deliberately thought-provoking. The articles have no quick fixes, no magic wand. They resonate with me because they challenge the reader to be the change-maker, with God’s help.
My wife and I read Benny’s articles in every issue of Methodist Message. Why not? As a pastor, I could easily adopt a “been there, done that” attitude, but I would be poorer in my work if I did that!
I commend the selected articles in this book to you. Enjoy reading and reflecting on them. May God do His transformative work in you through them.
~ Rev Dr Kang Ho Soon, retired Methodist pastor
While Benny’s writing does not fit within the genre of an “Agony Aunt” column, there is no doubt that what he shares is the fruit of thousands of hours of careful and compassionate listening to individuals, couples, and families. Benny writes like he speaks—thoughtful and measured and always seeking to connect the dots. In this collection of articles from Methodist Message, he marshalls what he has heard and presents them in ways that will resonate with all who read them.
What is particularly special about Benny’s writing is the manner he weaves in his convictions of how Christian Scripture elucidate so many of the challenges and problems we face in our lives and how we can live differently through the perspectives they afford us. In his own unassuming way, Benny sheds light on the challenges we all face from time to time, making this book a gentle guide as we live our lives.
~ Joseph John, Counsellor
