Stumbling toward Zion

Stumbling toward Zion is an outstanding book that makes a unique contribution to understanding a spirituality of lament in the era of world Christianity. There is a deep authenticity about David Smith’s approach. He listens carefully to the biblical text, is attentive to a rich diversity of voices from the Majority World church and, crucially, demonstrates an honest and vulnerable spirituality in his own writing.

Peter Rowan, PhD
Co-National Director, OMF UK

In Stumbling toward Zion, Dr David Smith brings an age-old biblical tradition back on the table. He points out biblical examples of what was sometimes a long and hard struggle between things promised or hoped for and fears arising from a contradicting reality. Such tension between promise and brokenness is still with us to this day. 

While acknowledging that human suffering is universal, this book brims with examples of adversity from non-Western contexts, underscoring how such hardship can breed unique perspectives on the spirituality of lament, thereby leading to hopes of social transformation and healing.

For all who yearn to see a bridge in the gap between faith and suffering, promise and reality, vision and limitation, divinity and humanity, through deep reflections on prayerful lament, this book is a very promising read. 

Samuel O. N. G. Nwokoro
Department of Public Theology,
Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Jos, Nigeria

Stumbling toward Zion offers a penetrating analysis regarding the loss of lament amidst global and cultural changes that are overtaking Christian faith and witness. The book is pregnant with biblical scholarship and insights from the world church; David Smith weaves personal stories of loss and hope and includes thoughts for reflection at the end of each chapter. I recommend this treasured gift warmly to mission workers and church leaders for careful study and application.

Kang-San Tan, PhD
General Director, BMS World Mission