Have you ever heard the biblical story of the prodigal son? Does a father lovingly-even happily-forgiving his wayward son seem too much like a fairy tale? Is it hard for you to believe that people who have failed or made bad choices can be redeemed? And that there's a God who actually wants to restore and heal those who make mistakes and battle with consequences?
John Cox served as a Christian pastor for sixteen years sincerely believing in God. But the moment he kissed another man's wife, he lost the ability to see God. Unable to step back, acknowledge his mistake, and ask for forgiveness, his despair and disillusionment lead him into a disastrous, adulterous affair, which eventually resulted in broken ties with his wife, his church, and God.
Divorced, from the ministry and his marriage, John plunged into a depression, which he fully expected to be the end of his story. But when a visit to his dying father starts to unpack the emotional wounds he'd buried throughout his life, a new self-awareness begins to dawn. Slowly but surely, God reveals to John the truth about grace, forgiveness, and love.
Encounter redemption and hope through this authentic, transparent account of failure and faith.
About the Author: Born in Cape Town, South Africa, John Cox attended Bishops School, completed his compulsory military service, and earned a BA in psychology from Cape Town University, a certificate of theology from Oxford University's Wycliffe Hall, and a BD from London University. Ordained in the Anglican Church, he served for a few years in Cape Town before immigrating to Vancouver Island, Canada, with his wife to lead St. Alban's Church in Port Alberni as its senior pastor. After twelve years, John's personal life started to unravel-resulting in his resignation from ministry, a divorce, a crisis of faith, and depression. But, by the restorative grace of God, he eventually experienced healing and renewal and returned to the ministry he thought he'd left forever.
John is now married, and he and his wife Sheryl have four adult children between them. A lifelong learner, he went on to earn an MA in leadership and development from Royal Roads. John is currently Senior Pastor of Jericho Road Church on Vancouver Island, Canada. He is also the author of Googling God (to be relaunched in November 2014).
