"Chuck Swindoll once referred to the ministry as his "friend." Rarely do you find pastors with such affection for this privileged calling. Jim Higgs is one of those. He has lived many of the highs and lows of pastoral ministry and, along with his belated wife Joyce, has done much to serve and advance the kingdom of God with a true pastor's heart. His love for Christ and the ministry will inspire you." -Larry Adams, Pastor, Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, California "Hopefully once in a lifetime we get to meet a pastor who is so grounded in Jesus and scripture that his gentleness is made out of titanium. With every testing that life sends, that gentleness grows stronger. As it turns out, such gentleness is usually the product of two becoming one in the pastoral role, Jim Higgs has Joyce and together their joy and gentleness touched thousands. This book contains comfort and courage for those in ministry whose flame and call is burning low before the winds of adversity trying to blow it out. This book has fresh fire for all of us. The stories and these truths are presented out of the fiery furnace of urban ministry where Jim and Joyce discovered that they weren't alone, that there was one with them who looked like the Son of Man. Take up and read. Read and be blessed." -Rick Durst, Professor of Historical Theology Director of the Bay Area Campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and interim pastor at Trinity Church, Livermore, California. "Jim and Joyce Higgs were-and in many ways still are - a dynamic team. When so many decry the difficulty of pastoral ministry, they celebrate it This book reminds us of the positive aspects of ministry leadership. There are hard days in ministry-but there are many more joyful, fulfilling days that leave us humbled that God would include us in such meaningful work. The pastorate is a privilege worth celebrating." -Dr. Jeff Iorg, President, Golden Gate Seminary