FEDERICO G. VILLANUEVA is married to Rosemarie, with two children, Emier and Faye. He has been in pastoral ministry in Manila for over a decade and recognizes the significance of lament for the life of the church there. He regularly visits other churches in the Philippines to preach, often on the Psalms, as well as teaching in seminaries on how to preach the Psalms. He serves as Scholars Care Coordinator in Asia for Langham Partnership and is the Publications Secretary of the Asia Theological Association. Dr Villanueva earned his PhD in Old Testament studies at Trinity College, University of Bristol, UK.
Federico Villanueva writes about one of the most di cult tasks any
pastor has in the face of tragedy. It is often not possible during
such times to rationally or theologically explain why such events
occur. This book is not about giving an answer as to why bad things
happen. Instead, it is about dealing with the anguish, the pain,
the anger, the questions, and the fears with which such events
overwhelm us.Villanueva draws from the wealth of material in the
Psalms. He warns against a wrong type of spirituality of denying
one's emotions and feelings, and then forcibly trying to be happy
and positive - somehow thinking that this is what it means to
always rejoice. Instead he allows people to experience the depth of
their God-given emotions and through that to find healing and an
awareness of God's presence. Besides the wealth of biblical
insights, this is a practical book filled with examples from
Federico's life and ministry. It is a resource for pastors as it
addresses the various issues and feelings that a tragedy evokes and
then points to a Psalm that deals with it. What then is most
helpful is that he provides sermon outlines that a pastor can
use.Rev Rupen Das, PhD
Research Professor
Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Canada This book
is a gem, containing both rich and sensitive pastoral wisdom as
well as deep biblical reflection. Dr Villanueva brings his academic
expertise as well as his pastoral heart to make this an accessible
and useful book that pastors and preachers will benefit from
enormously.Rev Paul BarkerAssitant Bishop, Anglican Diocese of
Melbourne, AustraliaAdjunct Old Testament Lecturer, Myanmar
Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, Myanmar This is a vital
book because, like its author, there are many in our churches
around the world who feel "out of place in the gathering" for no
reason other than their pain and sadness. Too often, our meetings
inhabit a different world from the real one, a world of constant
joy and easy life. But the Bible is not like that, as Rico's
faithful expositions make so clear. While drawing on wisdom from
modern psychology, the primary focus is on these ancient texts
which were ahead of their time and as relevant today as ever. This
is food for the mind and balm for the soul, and will restore much
needed realism to many churches.Mark MeynellAssociate Director -
Europe & Caribbean, Preaching Programme, Langham Partnership
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