By the Rev. Captain Brian Kirby

I found this book by my good friend and colleague Rev. Dr. Ed Hird to be challenging, informative, encouraging and uplifting all at the same time.  I have read Paul`s letter to Titus, along with commentaries on Titus many times over my 32 plus years in Ordained Ministry.  One of the things which stuck with me this time was that the people on the island of Crete were Pirates.  I knew they were lazy, gluttons and drunkards and even though I knew these were all characteristics of pirates the two things had not fully registered.

As I have read what Ed has had to say about the Cretans being pirates, challenged me when he related that to people in North America being pirates.  This led me to do a lot of soul searching and re-examining both my life and the life styles of my fellow Canadians and North Americans to see what truth there was in this bold statement.  I have seen confirmation after confirmation of how not only are we as people in Canada and in fact North America are pirates, but that also I can relate where I can apply that term to myself as well.  How often do we steal time from our employers, our family or from other people through laziness and procrastination?

I find myself invigorated through reading and meditating upon what Ed has shared not only about Titus, but also about his own life and ministry.  I have been reminded of things which through our friendship over many years have been an encouragement to me in the fulfillment of the ministry to which Jesus has called me to boldly proclaim the Good News of Salvation to our local communities today.

I heartily recommend Ed`s latest book to all who are called into any aspect of leadership in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ whether lay or ordained.  By sinking your teeth into the meat of material in this book you will be encouraged and further equipped for the work of ministry to which Jesus has called you by the power of the Holy Spirit.  If you are a seeker, you will find humour entwined with solid teaching which will draw you to a Saviour who loves you and died for you that you might receive the greatest gift of all, the gift of new life.

Rev. Capt. Brian M. Kirby+(Ret`d)

Priest, Anglican Network in Canada

Interim Pastor – Arbutus Grove Reform Church, Parksville

Padre – Canadian Forces Maritime Test Range, Nanoose Bay

Zone Padre – Central Vancouver Island Zone – Royal Canadian Legion