About the Book

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book, passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.

Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

 

 

 

More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.

Interview with Michael

If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?

I’d love to spend a day with Pastor Charles Swindoll. He is a student of the scriptures, a great communicator, and a wonderful storyteller. I love his playful spirit and the joy he brings to his writing and teaching!

Cook? No, I cannot cook and wouldn’t do this to any of my friends! I think we’d go out for lunch or coffee.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Typically it energizes me. I love teaching, and writing is a form of teaching I appreciate.

How did writing this book grow you spiritually?

Mark and I wrestled through many of the principles in this book, not always starting from a place of perfect agreement. I think we both grew and gained a better understanding of many spiritual principles discussed in the book. A willingness to disagree, search the scriptures, debate, and then finally come to a common understanding was an important part of our own spiritual journeys. I believe the final book will also be a greater help to our readers as a result.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I spend most of my spare time with my best friend and wife, Mary. We work together, do ministry together, and spend much of our spare time together. We enjoy visiting with our adult kids and love to travel.

Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.

Mark and I, with our wives, founded Equip2Counsel, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to missionaries and ministers. In a typical year we will take 2 to 3 trips overseas, partnering with missionaries and local churches.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
Love Does by Bob Goff

Favorite quote?

“Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die.” –Nelson Mandella

When did you start writing?

For many years writing was more a chore than a joy. My gifts and passions are helping hurting people find their way to joy and the abundant life Jesus promises. I guess I started to enjoy writing when I realized this could be a tool for helping many individuals find the life God wants for us.

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

Bringing simple clarity to spiritual and emotional concepts is extremely challenging. I think this shows the absolute brilliance of Jesus’ parables and teaching in the gospels. For me, the most difficult part of writing is when I know exactly what I want to say but have no idea how to communicate it effectively. Sometimes I just need to step away and let the concepts simmer and bounce around in my head for a while.

How do you do research for your books?

I would not count myself a scientific “researcher.” Of course, I read, attend conferences, and continue to learn from experts and disciplined researchers. I personally tend to learn through mentor relationships and hands-on practice. Mark Henderson, my co-author, taught many of the counseling principles and tools we use and write about. These have been reinforced and proved out as we watch God’s Spirit work and bring miraculous healing to individuals and couples within our counseling ministry.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

For the Love of Literature, May 25 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 25

An Author’s Take, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, June 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/26263/forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway