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FOREWORD
When Father Robert Kelly SJ first wrote this book he wanted it to be published under the name of 'A Joy So Glorious', but the original publishers thought it should have a title which would not only appeal to the converted but which might also attract the seekers and the curious to pick up the book and open it.
When I first read 'Give God a Chance' I found it impossible to put down. I read it several times before I returned it to the friend who had lent it to me. At the time Gina introduced the book to me she explained that her husband had found it 'very helpful' when his health began to fail, and as my husband was preparing for heart surgery, she thought I might like it.
After I returned it, Gina lent it to other people who were equally enthusiastic and while my husband was recovering he also read the book and reacted with the same passionate enthusiasm.
By then I had started to buy copies as presents, but found them difficult to get hold of. I wrote to Fr. Robert, wondering if he knew where I could get further copies, and he very kindly packed me up a parcel of three of each of his books, which sadly ended up lost in transit between Zambia and the UK. I began to use the internet to hunt for sources, and bought the book as far afield as California, Columbia (USA) London and Ireland. Eventually though, supplies ran out, which is when I had the idea of using the internet itself to publish 'Give God a Chance'.
Veritas seemed more interested in newer books that re-publishing older ones. Other publishers, now under much bigger umbrellas, had their own favourites and nobody was ready to publish 'Give God a Chance' again. My own reason for publishing 'Give God a Chance' on the internet is that I just love the book.
Father Robert works in Zambia, where he has spent almost all his priestly life. He is now 77, and works as an assistant pastor in a parish in Lusaka. He underwent heart surgery himself a couple of years ago but is now in much better health. A great deal of his work has involved giving retreats and he is very much concerned with the AIDS epidemic rampaging its way through Africa. He has written several books which include 'With God on Our Side', 'Be Still and Know' and 'In Love with God', and has become a real friend through his books - a second parcel did arrive! - and through our exchange of letters and the occasional phone call.
People everywhere have been kind and encouraging in this venture, from Fr. Robert himself, to Father Peter Jenner of the Catholic Internet Trust, to members of my own Parish of St. Francis of Assisi, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, England and to my family. I would especially like to thank the publishers in London and New York who hold the copyright for the Jerusalem Bible for allowing the quotations to be used without charge.
Fr. Robert's book is a beautiful and simply written book which reminds us again of many things we have either forgotten or shows us ways we never thought - or even knew of - about how to get to know God through the loving kindness and understanding of His Son, Jesus. It also teaches us about ourselves and shows us how we underrate ourselves compared to the way God sees us. Jesus, after all, thought we were worth dying for. The simplicity of the answer to the eternal questions starting 'Why....' is there in the pages for everyone who reads it.
As the saying goes nowadays....Enjoy! Even if you just start by dipping here and there into the book, persevere and may God bless you now and always.
Sarah Bell
April 2002