Endorsements - Soul Friend
'This is a beautiful portrayal of the special role a spiritual mentor can have in a person’s life. It is deeply honest and courageous and would be an inspiration, not only to those who are seeking to find such a soul friend, but also to any who might feel the calling to guide and encourage another in their spiritual journey. I found it a great privilege to be invited into this journey, from its touching and tentative beginnings, to the profound depth of Godly influence which is shared so sensitively.'
Dr Carol Preston, counsellor and author of seven historical fiction works, including Mary’s Guardian, Charlotte’s Angel and Tangled Secrets
'Soul friendship is a very under-emphasised resource of Christian discipleship, particularly for Christian leaders. Jo-Anne has written honestly, beautifully, sensitively and powerfully. I trust this will be an encouragement to many of us to further seek similar enriching, God-blessed relationships.'
Dr Keith Farmer, mentor and past principal, Australian College of Ministries
'Soul Friend is a celebration of a spiritual friendship which began in the context of fulfilling the requirements of a program of formation for ministry but unfolded in a wonderful way to go far beyond that, showing how, under God, such a relationship can become mutual and enduring.'
Bishop John Noble
'Beautifully written, this honest and insightful memoir is an inspiring celebration of the ancient art of spiritual companionship. If you don’t have a mentor, this book will make you want one; if you do, it opens up new possibilities for going deeper and further.'
Dr Rick Lewis, author of Mentoring Matters
'This book embraces the outworking of a God-given dream for Jo-Anne. A story of transparency, honesty and vulnerability as Jo-Anne weaves her journey with that of her soul friend. In my twenty years relationship, Jo-Anne has always passionately communicated her desire to search for a deeper and more intimate spiritual life. This book Soul Friend is another phase in this journey. It will cause you as the reader to reflect on your own faith journey.'
Les Scarborough, John Mark Ministries Mentor, Trainer, Spiritual Retreat Facilitator and Consultant
Dr Carol Preston, counsellor and author of seven historical fiction works, including Mary’s Guardian, Charlotte’s Angel and Tangled Secrets
'Soul friendship is a very under-emphasised resource of Christian discipleship, particularly for Christian leaders. Jo-Anne has written honestly, beautifully, sensitively and powerfully. I trust this will be an encouragement to many of us to further seek similar enriching, God-blessed relationships.'
Dr Keith Farmer, mentor and past principal, Australian College of Ministries
'Soul Friend is a celebration of a spiritual friendship which began in the context of fulfilling the requirements of a program of formation for ministry but unfolded in a wonderful way to go far beyond that, showing how, under God, such a relationship can become mutual and enduring.'
Bishop John Noble
'Beautifully written, this honest and insightful memoir is an inspiring celebration of the ancient art of spiritual companionship. If you don’t have a mentor, this book will make you want one; if you do, it opens up new possibilities for going deeper and further.'
Dr Rick Lewis, author of Mentoring Matters
'This book embraces the outworking of a God-given dream for Jo-Anne. A story of transparency, honesty and vulnerability as Jo-Anne weaves her journey with that of her soul friend. In my twenty years relationship, Jo-Anne has always passionately communicated her desire to search for a deeper and more intimate spiritual life. This book Soul Friend is another phase in this journey. It will cause you as the reader to reflect on your own faith journey.'
Les Scarborough, John Mark Ministries Mentor, Trainer, Spiritual Retreat Facilitator and Consultant
Reviews - Soul Friend
Please visit this link for Amazon Customer Reviews.
Beryl Spencer, author and speaker
The author, Jo-Anne Berthelsen, escorts the reader on a beautiful journey through her life experience and the joy and value of having a mentor who is truly a soul friend. Jo-Anne opens her heart and shares her journey with integrity and without pretence, entwining many appropriate Scriptures. I felt I also came to know Jo-Anne’s mentor, Joy, and the wisdom that flows from her mouth. In the final chapters, Jo-Anne has taken time to tell of her challenges and frustrations firstly to actually put pen to paper and then the struggles of finding a publisher, the knock backs,and finally having her manuscripts accepted by a Christian publisher. She does not hold back and I feel this book would, apart from sharing the value of a trusted mentor, be invaluable advice and encouragement to any aspiring Christian author.
Robyn Claydon, speaker, Bible teacher, author
Some people find the word "mentoring” rather daunting, but when you read the journey that Jo-Anne and Joy took together over a number of years, you realize that a mentor is someone who is beside someone else, supporting, encouraging, listening and praying with another person as he or she moves through life’s ups and downs, seeking to know how best to serve God and be a faithful witness using the gifts and opportunities that God opens up.
After a hesitant phone call to Joy, followed by a tentative knock on her door in the Blue Mountains, Jo-Anne began a journey of self discovery with a mature Christian alongside her whose own love for the Lord and years of ministry experience were willingly shared with a very humble spirit.
A few weeks ago I was at a meeting where each of us was asked to introduce ourselves and our ministry in a few words. I heard Jo-Anne give her name and say “I am a writer”. A few years ago she would not have said that. She was in a different ministry, a fulfilling and challenging one, but one which did not give her time to write books. I have read all of Jo’s books and have found each one of them helpful, interesting, challenging and worth passing on for others to read. Now I have had the privilege of reading “Soul Friend”, a very different book of a shared spiritual experience and I would not hesitate to encourage everyone to read it and to consider seeking a “mentor” or being one to someone else!
Kerry Osborne, writer
I picked up ‘Soul Friend’ to have a quick look and before I knew it I had finished three chapters without blinking. I loved every bit of this book. Jo-Anne wrote honestly and from her heart and graciously invites the reader in to share in a rich, sacred and enduring spiritual friendship. It is a memoir filled with delicious deep thoughts and references to intelligent, spiritual books, some of which are now on my ‘must buy’ book list. Jo-Anne’s personal and ‘down to earth’ account of some of the more mystical spiritual gifts makes them more accessible to all of us. I loved the emphasis on the importance of prayer, meditation and retreats–things that are often sadly neglected in our busy modern Christian lives. But above all, this book is a beautiful tribute to Joy, who touched me also through the pages of this book. I too felt I was sitting in that comfortable room in the Mountains, sipping Lady Grey tea, being heard and valued.This book is a strong testament to the power and wisdom of committing to loyal, lasting and authentic Christian friendships, and is also a living textbook which shows us what true mentoring looks like. ‘Soul Friend’ will be a book I’ll read again and again, and pass along to my friends, to encourage them too.
Review in 'Mia Mia', the quarterly magazine of MU (Mothers' Union) Australia Vol 97 No 1
I really enjoyed reading this book and could pick it up and re-read it over and over.
Jo-Anne leads a very busy life, about to begin her second year at theological college, involved in her church, her family and the support of her friends. She badly needs a spiritual mentor and I can see myself in that situation. Jo-Anne begins her story by writing:
I sat with the phone cradled in my hand, repeating over and over in my mind the words I planned to say. I looked at the number I had scribbled down yet again, trying to bring to mind the face of my friend I had not seen for almost two years. We were part way between friend and acquaintance really--two people who had been thrown together for a brief period only. Would she remember me? I knew her life was full and her skills much in demand. Yet she was the best possible person I chould think of to be my spiritual mentor.'
Joy, who agreed to be Jo-Anne's spiritual mentor, lives in the Blue Mountains and the description of her home is in itself spiritual. Throughout the book, there is constant struggle in Jo-Anne's mind to find the right place in her life for herself. Joy's continual calmness and serenity even during some difficult times, I found to be enormously helpful in my own busy and sometimes confusing life.
Kara Martin
I was thrilled to receive a review copy of a book about Soul Friendship, as it was the subject of my Masters thesis. However, Jo-Anne Berthelsen’s book is actually about spiritual mentoring, rather than soul or spiritual friendship, although there is some overlap in the terms.
In many ways she developed a friendship with Joy, her mentor, however they did not share their lives as intimately as would usually happen in a spiritual friendship, and there is always a sense that Jo-Anne looked to Joy for guidance, that is, there was a power differential.
Regardless of terms, what is described in this book is a vibrant relationship that enabled Jo-Anne to grow spiritually, and cope emotionally, with some traumatic times, including stress and exhaustion from pastoral ministry.
At one level this is a “how-to” book for mentoring, describing various techniques to help the mentee explore and grow including prayer, silence, focusing, drawing, scripture reading, dream analysis, guided reading, poetry, confession, music, image analysis, questions, hospitality, meditation, the enneagram and simple conversation.
Jo-Anne initially contacted Joy Crawford to be her mentor as part of a requirement for her theological studies. The book goes on to document conversations and encounters over 15 years. During this time Jo-Anne made some major decisions including entering pastoral ministry, leaving pastoral ministry, and deciding to become an author.
Jo-Anne has now written five fiction books (Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna and Heléna’s Legacy), and this is her first non-fiction. It begins with language that is a little flowery and emotional, but quickly she gets into the groove of the story.
What comes through clearly is the benefit of having a spiritual mentor. Joy listens and questions, prays and guides, encourages and at times rebukes Jo-Anne. As well as providing her emotional support, Joy is particularly focused on the state of Jo-Anne’s spirit, and her relationship with God.
As part of the journey in this relationship Jo-Anne confronts her self-doubt, deals with issues that prevent her from being all that God calls her to be, and is helped to achieve the dream she felt given to her by God, that of becoming an author. Most significantly, the readings, books and poetry, and other aids used by Joy helped Jo-Anne to grow in spiritual maturity, becoming more like Jesus.
One of the paybacks of being a spiritual mentor, is that you cannot help but grow and be encouraged yourself, and Joy expresses this in the letters and cards given to, and quoted by Jo-Anne. After a couple of years mentoring, Jo-Anne also started formal mentoring relationships, and those relationships continue today with friends all over Australia and the world.
This book is an exploration of Jo-Anne’s inner thoughts and feelings, and at times I wanted some insights from others more objective, such as Jo-Anne’s husband, or even a chapter directly from Joy herself. As we become spiritually mature our focus increasingly becomes God and others.
One of the highlights of the book are the beautiful and encouraging quotes sprinkled throughout , such as this affirmation:
God is with me now, closer than breathing
And nearer than hands and feet.
God has made me for himself.
I come from God,
I belong to God,
I go to God.
God knows me,
God loves me,
God has a use for me,
Now and forever.
Amen
(Author unknown, however the first two lines are from Tennyson, The Higher Pantheism)
[Kara Martin is a lecturer with School of Christian Studies (www.socs.org.au) and Wesley Institute (www.wi.edu.au) and is an avid reader and book group attendee. Kara does book reviews for Hope 103.2’s Open House (www.theopenhouse.net.au).]
Beryl Spencer, author and speaker
The author, Jo-Anne Berthelsen, escorts the reader on a beautiful journey through her life experience and the joy and value of having a mentor who is truly a soul friend. Jo-Anne opens her heart and shares her journey with integrity and without pretence, entwining many appropriate Scriptures. I felt I also came to know Jo-Anne’s mentor, Joy, and the wisdom that flows from her mouth. In the final chapters, Jo-Anne has taken time to tell of her challenges and frustrations firstly to actually put pen to paper and then the struggles of finding a publisher, the knock backs,and finally having her manuscripts accepted by a Christian publisher. She does not hold back and I feel this book would, apart from sharing the value of a trusted mentor, be invaluable advice and encouragement to any aspiring Christian author.
Robyn Claydon, speaker, Bible teacher, author
Some people find the word "mentoring” rather daunting, but when you read the journey that Jo-Anne and Joy took together over a number of years, you realize that a mentor is someone who is beside someone else, supporting, encouraging, listening and praying with another person as he or she moves through life’s ups and downs, seeking to know how best to serve God and be a faithful witness using the gifts and opportunities that God opens up.
After a hesitant phone call to Joy, followed by a tentative knock on her door in the Blue Mountains, Jo-Anne began a journey of self discovery with a mature Christian alongside her whose own love for the Lord and years of ministry experience were willingly shared with a very humble spirit.
A few weeks ago I was at a meeting where each of us was asked to introduce ourselves and our ministry in a few words. I heard Jo-Anne give her name and say “I am a writer”. A few years ago she would not have said that. She was in a different ministry, a fulfilling and challenging one, but one which did not give her time to write books. I have read all of Jo’s books and have found each one of them helpful, interesting, challenging and worth passing on for others to read. Now I have had the privilege of reading “Soul Friend”, a very different book of a shared spiritual experience and I would not hesitate to encourage everyone to read it and to consider seeking a “mentor” or being one to someone else!
Kerry Osborne, writer
I picked up ‘Soul Friend’ to have a quick look and before I knew it I had finished three chapters without blinking. I loved every bit of this book. Jo-Anne wrote honestly and from her heart and graciously invites the reader in to share in a rich, sacred and enduring spiritual friendship. It is a memoir filled with delicious deep thoughts and references to intelligent, spiritual books, some of which are now on my ‘must buy’ book list. Jo-Anne’s personal and ‘down to earth’ account of some of the more mystical spiritual gifts makes them more accessible to all of us. I loved the emphasis on the importance of prayer, meditation and retreats–things that are often sadly neglected in our busy modern Christian lives. But above all, this book is a beautiful tribute to Joy, who touched me also through the pages of this book. I too felt I was sitting in that comfortable room in the Mountains, sipping Lady Grey tea, being heard and valued.This book is a strong testament to the power and wisdom of committing to loyal, lasting and authentic Christian friendships, and is also a living textbook which shows us what true mentoring looks like. ‘Soul Friend’ will be a book I’ll read again and again, and pass along to my friends, to encourage them too.
Review in 'Mia Mia', the quarterly magazine of MU (Mothers' Union) Australia Vol 97 No 1
I really enjoyed reading this book and could pick it up and re-read it over and over.
Jo-Anne leads a very busy life, about to begin her second year at theological college, involved in her church, her family and the support of her friends. She badly needs a spiritual mentor and I can see myself in that situation. Jo-Anne begins her story by writing:
I sat with the phone cradled in my hand, repeating over and over in my mind the words I planned to say. I looked at the number I had scribbled down yet again, trying to bring to mind the face of my friend I had not seen for almost two years. We were part way between friend and acquaintance really--two people who had been thrown together for a brief period only. Would she remember me? I knew her life was full and her skills much in demand. Yet she was the best possible person I chould think of to be my spiritual mentor.'
Joy, who agreed to be Jo-Anne's spiritual mentor, lives in the Blue Mountains and the description of her home is in itself spiritual. Throughout the book, there is constant struggle in Jo-Anne's mind to find the right place in her life for herself. Joy's continual calmness and serenity even during some difficult times, I found to be enormously helpful in my own busy and sometimes confusing life.
Kara Martin
I was thrilled to receive a review copy of a book about Soul Friendship, as it was the subject of my Masters thesis. However, Jo-Anne Berthelsen’s book is actually about spiritual mentoring, rather than soul or spiritual friendship, although there is some overlap in the terms.
In many ways she developed a friendship with Joy, her mentor, however they did not share their lives as intimately as would usually happen in a spiritual friendship, and there is always a sense that Jo-Anne looked to Joy for guidance, that is, there was a power differential.
Regardless of terms, what is described in this book is a vibrant relationship that enabled Jo-Anne to grow spiritually, and cope emotionally, with some traumatic times, including stress and exhaustion from pastoral ministry.
At one level this is a “how-to” book for mentoring, describing various techniques to help the mentee explore and grow including prayer, silence, focusing, drawing, scripture reading, dream analysis, guided reading, poetry, confession, music, image analysis, questions, hospitality, meditation, the enneagram and simple conversation.
Jo-Anne initially contacted Joy Crawford to be her mentor as part of a requirement for her theological studies. The book goes on to document conversations and encounters over 15 years. During this time Jo-Anne made some major decisions including entering pastoral ministry, leaving pastoral ministry, and deciding to become an author.
Jo-Anne has now written five fiction books (Heléna, All the Days of My Life, Laura, Jenna and Heléna’s Legacy), and this is her first non-fiction. It begins with language that is a little flowery and emotional, but quickly she gets into the groove of the story.
What comes through clearly is the benefit of having a spiritual mentor. Joy listens and questions, prays and guides, encourages and at times rebukes Jo-Anne. As well as providing her emotional support, Joy is particularly focused on the state of Jo-Anne’s spirit, and her relationship with God.
As part of the journey in this relationship Jo-Anne confronts her self-doubt, deals with issues that prevent her from being all that God calls her to be, and is helped to achieve the dream she felt given to her by God, that of becoming an author. Most significantly, the readings, books and poetry, and other aids used by Joy helped Jo-Anne to grow in spiritual maturity, becoming more like Jesus.
One of the paybacks of being a spiritual mentor, is that you cannot help but grow and be encouraged yourself, and Joy expresses this in the letters and cards given to, and quoted by Jo-Anne. After a couple of years mentoring, Jo-Anne also started formal mentoring relationships, and those relationships continue today with friends all over Australia and the world.
This book is an exploration of Jo-Anne’s inner thoughts and feelings, and at times I wanted some insights from others more objective, such as Jo-Anne’s husband, or even a chapter directly from Joy herself. As we become spiritually mature our focus increasingly becomes God and others.
One of the highlights of the book are the beautiful and encouraging quotes sprinkled throughout , such as this affirmation:
God is with me now, closer than breathing
And nearer than hands and feet.
God has made me for himself.
I come from God,
I belong to God,
I go to God.
God knows me,
God loves me,
God has a use for me,
Now and forever.
Amen
(Author unknown, however the first two lines are from Tennyson, The Higher Pantheism)
[Kara Martin is a lecturer with School of Christian Studies (www.socs.org.au) and Wesley Institute (www.wi.edu.au) and is an avid reader and book group attendee. Kara does book reviews for Hope 103.2’s Open House (www.theopenhouse.net.au).]
Readers' comments - Soul Friend
Here's what some readers have commented (contact Jo-Anne by clicking here to give your feedback!):
I have just finished 'Soul Friend' - my first time through as I will need to read it again to absorb more of this very special gift. I loved it. I could hear your voice and your heart as well as that of your friend Joy. We have known each other for so many years and shared many joys and struggles. I know that what you have written in this beautiful book is true and it is its authenticity that spoke to me as it will to many others. Marjan, Qld
'Soul Friend' is everything the blurb says and more. I really congratulate you, Jo-Anne. We need books that are honest and for real and I am sure it will help many. Marjorie, Sydney
I have just finished reading my copy of ‘Soul Friend’ and want you to know how much I enjoyed reading it. I feel that your previous experience as a storytelling writer of novels shines through this very readable book. Because you have been willing to listen to God and respond obediently, you have been able to give words to the struggles of many Christians who feel as though they are square pegs in round holes within the typical structures and activities of church communities. You have also given them a great deal of encouragement to dare to be different and to find contentment in their unique calling, whatever that may be. Thank you for your faithfulness and diligence, Jo-Anne. Coral, Sydney
I resonated with so much of your journey and was deeply moved by your honest sharing. I've been a spiritual/prayer companion to quite a number of women over the years and your story underscores the importance of such friendship and inspires me to press on. May God use it to move all those who read Soul Friend to develop similarly empowering relationships! Jenny, Sydney
I have just finished 'Soul Friend' - my first time through as I will need to read it again to absorb more of this very special gift. I loved it. I could hear your voice and your heart as well as that of your friend Joy. We have known each other for so many years and shared many joys and struggles. I know that what you have written in this beautiful book is true and it is its authenticity that spoke to me as it will to many others. Marjan, Qld
'Soul Friend' is everything the blurb says and more. I really congratulate you, Jo-Anne. We need books that are honest and for real and I am sure it will help many. Marjorie, Sydney
I have just finished reading my copy of ‘Soul Friend’ and want you to know how much I enjoyed reading it. I feel that your previous experience as a storytelling writer of novels shines through this very readable book. Because you have been willing to listen to God and respond obediently, you have been able to give words to the struggles of many Christians who feel as though they are square pegs in round holes within the typical structures and activities of church communities. You have also given them a great deal of encouragement to dare to be different and to find contentment in their unique calling, whatever that may be. Thank you for your faithfulness and diligence, Jo-Anne. Coral, Sydney
I resonated with so much of your journey and was deeply moved by your honest sharing. I've been a spiritual/prayer companion to quite a number of women over the years and your story underscores the importance of such friendship and inspires me to press on. May God use it to move all those who read Soul Friend to develop similarly empowering relationships! Jenny, Sydney