by Kathy Norquist, Randy Alcorn’s assistant

I never realized how difficult and time-consuming it is to write a book until I started working for Randy many years ago. Observing the numerous stages of a book before it goes to print has given me a new appreciation for the work of an author. And what fun for Randy when he receives the first copy of his latest book in the mail—before it ever hits the bookshelves. It’s somewhat like the anticipation of the birth of a child and the day finally arrives!

Randy loves the fact that he gets to write books that can impact lives for eternity. But not only that, he and his wife Nanci have the joy of giving away 100% of all the book royalties for ministry purposes: 90% to other worthy Christian organizations and 10% to EPM to help offset the costs related to the writing/researching/editing of the books, as well as to help facilitate the giving away of our books to people all over the world. We’ve often commented on what a win/win situation this is. Write eternity-impacting books, give away eternity-impacting money.

One of the many benefits of my job is getting to read the encouraging letters we receive in response to Randy’s books. This month I’d like to share with you some responses from If God is Good, along with a recent review in WORLD magazine. Since no endorsements have been published with the book yet, this is the first place these are being made public (names used with permission). And not long ago we received an endorsement from someone who I’m keeping as a surprise until the end of this blog :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the Biblical balance which you have brought to the toughest subject of all. I have grown weary of trite and surface responses to the question of suffering and evil. I will cherish this book and use it in my classes I teach, for it defines and clarifies so powerfully what God's Word teaches about our suffering world.

—Pastor Ted Davis, La Grande, Oregon

Few books have the ability to inspire and admonish, convict and challenge, compassionately touch the heart and biblically educate, all at the same time. Not only does Alcorn’s book do this, but it is also full of touching stories of the challenges, struggles, and triumphs of suffering saints. It contains valuable and easily understood doctrinal information that is significant for biblically interpreting suffering and the issues it raises. I am requiring If God is Good for my course on “A Biblical Theology of Suffering, Disability and the Church” here at Dallas Theological Seminary.

—Dr. Larry J. Waters, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary

If God is Good is a treatise on theodicy, yet written for the common reader. It fed my hurting soul with its logic, and most importantly, with its constant reminder of Jesus and the Father's goodness and love for me in my fractured world. It should be in Bible and seminary classrooms, as well as gifted to every hurting Christian and seeker who has been crushed (and many times embittered) by life's sometimes terrible circumstances. This is Randy Alcorn’s best and most important work to date. This isn’t just a home run, it’s a grand slam.

—Jim Swanson, Tyndale Senior Editor of Bible and Bible Reference

I just finished reading If God is Good and am starting to reread it. What an inspiration! As a pastor for many years and as a hospital chaplain for 26 years, I encountered the subject of your book on a daily basis. I was sorry to read of your own suffering, but I am sure you would probably not have written If God is Good had this not come into your own life—certainly it would not have been the wonderful contribution for the ages that it will certainly be.

—Rev. L. K., East Peoria, IL

I can’t put down If God is Good. I can’t think of a book I’ve enjoyed reading more. It’s phenomenal!

—Pastor Keith Krell, Olympia, WA

If God Is Good is more exciting than any novel could ever be. It is a book I would have given a lot for as a young pastor, but even more in my aging process as I seem to get so many referrals from my family and friends to help their friends and comfort the sick, bereaved, dying, and fearful. It is a monumental masterpiece of revelation of God’s will and plan in the mysteries of the unsearchables.

—Robert L. Simonds, President of the National Association of Christian Educators/Citizens for Excellence in Education

As a pastor, I have read many books on this critical topic; however, I have found Alcorn's work the most satisfying. Alcorn combines sound theology with relevant application. The book is filled with Scripture, interviews, illustrations, and critiques. Throughout it all, Alcorn is humble, gracious, and transparent.

— K.K.

I am a pastor and want you to know how much I appreciate your many books. I am currently reading If God is Good and finding it to be a treasure of wisdom and insight.

—D.H.

And now for the surprise you’ve been waiting for!

I have read just about everything Randy Alcorn has ever written. He is one of my favorite writers. In If God is Good, he bravely tackles one of the most difficult questions mankind has ever wrestled with. I found this book to be absolutely enlightening and encouraging. Thanks, Randy!

—Jeff Foxworthy, Comedian and Actor

Thanks for taking the time to read this, my first blog post. It was fun and I’ll be back again some time.

Kathy Norquist
Executive Assistant to Randy Alcorn
Eternal Perspective Ministries
www.epm.org