Author: James Gabriel Marshburn
Located in: New Bern, NC
Submitted: January 29, 2026
Tell us a little about yourself. I have an MA in Biblical Literature from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. I have been in ministry fifty years as a pastor and hospice chaplain. I have two married daughters and six wonderful grandchildren.
What was your motivation behind this project? As a pastor and hospice chaplain, I met many people facing great trials and challenges in life. Those who had a strong faith in God and supportive loving relationships had better coping mechanisms. However, there were others who needed answers to the questions of life and assurances not only about the present but also about the future. Many of the people I met were a great inspiration to me. I wanted to share their stories to inspire others.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? Hopefully, people will understand the following: 1. The importance of a personal relationship with God. Our relationship with God affects all of our other relationships. 2. The power of love, compassion, and human connection. 3. Understand why there is pain and suffering in the world. 4. Recognize the brevity of life and certainty of death. Thus, we need to make wise use of our time and talents. 5. Encourage and educate caregivers and individuals facing terminal illness and end of life issues
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Every chapter in the book is about someone I knew personally. They were either a hospice patient, church member, family member or friend. They were people of all ages and backgrounds. They had different hobbies, interests and beliefs. Yet they shared a common desire for someone to love them. They also wanted to be remembered. My relationships with these people forced me to become more extroverted and become willing to share not only my beliefs and values but also my emotions (especially Christian love and empathy) in public. The case that impacted me most is shared in chapter 1 about Selena who was only twenty-one when I met her. I had to re-examine my own beliefs about "Why is there pain and suffering?" and "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? The people who inspire me most are those who have faced some of life's greatest challenges, endured hardships, and overcame adversity. They usually did so with little help, encouragement or recognition from others. Some of my favorite authors are John Eldredge, John Ortberg, Lee Strobel, Lysa Terkeurst, Joni Eareckson Tada and Dave Roever
