In a rapidly changing and complex world, surrounded by so much uncertainty, we are faced with a choice. Either we can sit back passively, allowing change to overwhelm us, or we can choose to be the change in a way that will meet the real needs of others.

In his new book Be – A Disciple's Journey, Simon Edwards describes his own journey from the Army to business and social entrepreneurship, from prisons to the deserts of Arabia. As we travel with Simon we are introduced to some remarkably courageous people he met along the way – ordinary men and women who are overcoming suffering, tragic circumstances and devastating loss. What can we learn from an abandoned young woman with little in the way of resources who sets up a business from home using her own natural gift, and then shows other women in a similar position how to begin their own micro-businesses? Or from severely wounded young soldiers who have to make a new start as civilians? Or from parents who lose their children and need to find the release that comes from forgiving those responsible? And what about criminals who need the encouragement and inspiration to change?

The personal stories here are intensely human, often heartwarming and invariably challenging, recounted with humanity and compassionate understanding. There are tears of joy and sadness, but we are not spectators. One response would be to want to get on and ‘do’ something, but we may need to learn how to ‘be’ as well. By stepping into discipleship we begin to become the people we were created to be and by so doing are better equipped to serve.
Failures are not glossed over in this book, and we are encouraged to persevere despite setbacks. Simon tells us about the resources he found along the way, without promising slick answers. We all have our own personal 'disciple's journey' to travel, but we need never feel that we are alone.

We are shown some of the practicalities of service in tough areas, the relevance of good mentoring, and how authentic leaders (and that can mean all of us) may make a real difference for others.

We can be part of the solution, not passive observers; we can be fruitful encouragers, not merely critics of others' efforts. One vital key is that whatever your walk of life, whether in the home, at work, school, college, or indeed in any situation, you can give a helpful lead to other people, both by personal example and by taking positive action when appropriate. This requires authentic, loving service, sacrifice and self- discipline which in turn calls for self-knowledge. Christian believers need to know and reflect on what Jesus and his disciples did and said, and the relevance of that to our own journey.

Be – A Disciple's Journey explores how we can all give the sort of beneficial, caring, serving leadership the world needs today.