Finding God in Suffering

In Finding God in Suffering, Siu Fung Wu brings a rich East Asian and Australian perspective to his journey into humanitarian aid and teaching theology. This intensely personal and moving account illuminates Wu's commitment to serving the poor and to understanding suffering in the Pauline writings. I loved the book and the integration of Wu's own story with Scripture reflection and other personal narratives. Thoughtful readers will find this short book accessible and uplifting. --Jill Firth, lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament, Ridley College Siu Fung Wu knows suffering well--personally, pastorally, biblically, theologically, and missionally. In this book he interweaves his experiences, scriptural insight, and Christlike concern for others. It is compelling, therefore, not so much because Siu Fung's experience is unique, but because it is all too common, and because his own suffering and his scholarship merge seamlessly with his sensitivity to a suffering world. --Michael J. Gorman, chair in biblical studies and theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University As a Chin refugee who grew up under military oppression, I turn to Scripture to make sense of my life of hardship. Siu Fung Wu's reflections are true for me--the suffering of people and the suffering of Christ are clearly linked. Those with firsthand experience of poverty and marginalization have much to teach us, if we allow them. In a world of inevitable pain, Wu reminds us of the love of our God who suffers with us. --Sung Sung Lian Hrang, former refugee from Chin State, Burma This book is a challenge to us who seek to flee from weakness and shame in the pursuit of upward mobility. This can lead to blindness and a contribution to the suffering of others. Siu Fung Wu evokes the socioeconomic context of Romans and demonstrates convincingly from Scripture that power in weakness is not just an abstract concept, but when Christians lean into that which we seek to flee, there is encouragement, hope, and Jesus himself. --Grace Lung, founder, Asians Between Cultures Siu Fung Wu is a world-class biblical scholar and a beautiful soul, and in this wonderfully narrated account, he weaves together his personal experience of hardship with that of the apostle Paul. Deeply biblical and providing insight into the complex realities of suffering in the ancient and modern worlds, his compelling story of struggle is also one of rejoicing in the triumph in Christ. --Timothy Gombis, author of Power in Weakness: Paul's Transformed Vision for Ministry Combining intellectual integrity and deep theological reflection, Siu Fung Wu presents a compelling dialogue between the biblical text and the fragility of human life. Positing cruciformity as a roadmap, Finding God in Suffering appeals to the cry 'Abba, Father' as primal to our participation in Christ's sufferings and the paternal embrace of restorative glory. It celebrates the God of the margins, who sits with the vulnerable, transforming them to not simply know the message, but become the message. --Cass Kwakye, lecturer in New Testament studies, Whitley College Siu Fung Wu's book weaves lived experiences of poverty, suffering, and injustice together with careful study of Scripture. His work is personable and insightful, yet challenging--exposing systems that perpetuate abuses of power and reinforce injustice, not least in the church. What threads the entire piece together is a deep love for God, a desire to bring readers into closer affinity with the least of these and to encounter the God who suffers with them. --Sarah Do, TransFormation program coordinator, Whitley College Finding God in Suffering is an invitation to share in a journey of faith and suffering through the lens of a scholar, pastor, son, husband, and father. As an Asian migrant to Australia, Siu Fung Wu provides fresh biblical insights (especially from Romans) and honest personal reflection on racism, poverty, injustice, loneliness, disability, and much more. This book will inform, challenge, and inspire all who desire to keep following Christ in our broken world. --David H. F. Ng, lecturer in intercultural studies, Melbourne School of Theology Finding God in Suffering is an important contribution to our understanding of the gospel. A man of significant academic achievement with the ability to speak to the 'person in the street' is a rare find. Siu Fung Wu's ability to merge his deep understanding of Scripture with the reality of daily sufferings is a standout feature of this book. He shows us important truths about poverty and power imbalance. Suffering is real, but God is right there with us. --Jim Reiher, author of James: Peace Activist and Advocate for the Poor Having had the privilege of studying under Siu Fung Wu during my theological studies, his reflections on suffering were particularly formative in my own faith journey. In this new work, he takes the common experience of suffering in our world and, through sharing his own journey, brings a timely reminder about the hope and presence of God in the midst of it all. A compelling and enlightening read for people of all ages, stages, and contexts in life. --Mike Riddell, next generation pastor, Syndal Baptist Church It is one thing to study the Christian faith in a distant and cold academic way. It is a whole other thing to see the Christian faith lived out in someone's real life. Siu Fung Wu writes about his own fascinating life with authenticity and transparency--the good and bad, the darkness and the light. The theme of Wu's life isn't that Jesus takes away problems or suffering, but that he meets us there and knows our pain. He brings hope because he leads us forward on the path well-trodden by his weathered feet. I am thankful that Wu has shared the gospel in these pages, and shared his life as well. --Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary Siu Fung Wu's book is a rare gift for anyone who wants to understand suffering in its many forms. Wu deftly weaves memoir with biblical exegesis to explore the dimensions of human hardship in connection with poverty, disability, racial injustice, domestic violence, and other types of abuse. Wu does not shy away from addressing the stark realities and causes of hardship; ultimately, however, he offers a gospel of hope in the midst of suffering, especially for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised. --Megan Turton, lecturer in Hebrew Bible and language, Whitley College The Western church has never been in greater need of voices from beyond its own perspective. Siu Fung Wu's work continues to speak prophetically to those of us in the minority world, particularly around issues of culture and faith, biblical interpretation, and the nature of suffering. This is a book for anyone who has experienced the hardship of this life and who seeks to know the presence of God in its midst. --Andy Mitchell, lecturer in practical theology and ministry, Whitley College Siu Fung Wu's poignant book is part spiritual memoir and part guide, as he takes us on a journey to discovering God in the midst of sorrow and pain. His insights on biblical texts reflect not only his knowledge as a New Testament scholar but his deeply personal desire as a Christian to make sense of injustice and adversity in his life and the world. Without glorifying or minimizing suffering, Wu asks how we can glorify God in our suffering as God's image bearers in the pursuit of justice. --Janette H. Ok, associate professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary