Dr. J. E. Wallace, Jr.
What can one expect to gain from reading this book? You may find something of great value in every chapter. Who are the intended recipients of this book? Everyone from student to seminarian or sales clerk to scholar can find enjoyment, encouragement and tools of empowerment enclosed within these pages. Who will not benefit from reading of this book? No one is exempt from the benefits afforded unto him or her by the reading of this spiritually reassuring, emotionally revitalizing, and devotionally rewarding book, which has been carefully constructed to be of counsel to all.
I designed this book with three basic contentions in mind. First, I hope to encourage readers with examples towards excellence singled out from select scripture passages proving that ordinary people can overcome extraordinary odds through exemplary faith. Second, I hope to equip readers through a series of simple, subjective, and straightforward ideas for everyday empowerment. These ideas are intended not so much as to change individuals, but to challenge them to make better choices (thereby producing better outcomes in the future than those experienced in the past as a result of poor decision making). Third, and finally, I hope this work will serve as a tool of empowerment to some, a resource of assistance to others, and as a work that, in its witness, wealth of ideas, and unique writing perspective, will provide enjoyment to all.
Dr. J. E. Wallace, Jr. is senior pastor (13 years) of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Southaven, Mississippi. He serves as adjunct faculty/professor in the Bible and Theology Department at Crichton College of Memphis, Tennessee. He also serves as a Police Chaplain (OBPD) in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Dr. Wallace is a graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and Crichton College and is also continuing his educational studies (Ph.D. program) at NorthCentral University. He is the husband of Evie Wallace (20 years) and the father of two daughters, Paige and Lauren.
I admire pastors who have the drive and desire to spend the time and energy it takes to write a monograph like this one from Dr. John E. Wallace, Jr. Dr. Wallace has taken ideas developed through sermons, counsel with other ministers and faithful laypersons, and in the devotional study of the Scriptures, and crafted them into this manual of guidance, encouragement, and strength for all who wonder what to do with the crumbs of their lives.
The themes of Dr. Wallace’s book are simple, clear, and relevant to all people. He beautifully balances trust in God’s promised provision with encouragement to run the race set before us, as St. Paul counsels, confident that God will bless and multiply our crumbs beyond our imagination.
Dr. Wallace’s gift for alliteration, learned through hearing and practicing the cadences of African American preaching, makes his advice memorable for young and old alike. I commend this work to all who need a word of encouragement, who need to know that their efforts are not in vain, who long to serve Jesus Christ in their own lives and in the world around them.
Daniel J. Earheart-Brown, Ph.D.
President
Memphis Theological Seminary
