This study guide was written by Bishop Fears to compliment his book "Love That Endures." In it he uses a unique technique to cause those that have read his book to ask questions and discuss their findings. It is a wonderful to that will create much discussion and insight on how a believer is to live in this world. I really enjoyed using this study guide. It really made me think deeper. The book was good, but I see why Bishop Fears wrote a study guide. It really is an exceptional tool for study group. When we set down to use it the energy in the room was electrifying. I believe if the Body of Christ takes this book seriously, it could start a reformation of some sort. --Teresa Fears Bishop Joe Maurice Fears is a servant of the Lord who desires to see the Body of Christ come together as one. He preaches and teaches with great conviction the gospel of Jesus Christ. His messages are aimed at producing growth in the individual and deliverance for those that are bound emotionally, spiritually and physically. He strives to uphold the charge that Paul gave Timothy, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Timothy 4:2). His messages are passionate and appealing. His message is one of love and reconciliation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Bishop has been reading and studying the Holy Bible since he was seven years old. Although, there was not depth in his early years he grew to love the word of God through life s challenges. In fact, the only books in the Bible he read for the first seven years of his journey were the four gospels. Through reading these four books, the Holy Spirit left indelible marks within his heart and mind about the man called Jesus. At the age of 12, he openly gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized. Several years later, he had a divine encounter; whereby, he received a call from God to lift up his voice as a trumpet. Yet, it would take the Holy Spirit several more years of working with him before he had the confidence to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church that he started his journey. Although, he didn t preach there until years later this ministry laid a solid foundation for him. In 1983, he met the woman of his dream and married Teresa Clark. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy (1985). Bishop Fears moved to Mayport, Florida with his Family, where he met several awesome men of God. Pastor Dennis, Pastor Earl and Parson Carson of which, God used each man to mold him for his journey. While under Pastor Dennis and Pastor Earl, he was an intricate part of the street ministry, prisoner ministry and served as a home fellowship leader for Atlantic Beach Assembly of God. After leaving Atlantic Beach Assembly of God, his family attended Emmanuel Fellowship. Where Parson Carson showed him how to put family before ministry with emphasis on how he should love his wife. In 1989, Bishop and his family moved to Norfolk Virginia where they attended Oceanview Assembly of God for five years. His entire family learned how to serve and to become leaders. He served as the bus driver, Daycare Services, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday school teacher for Children Church, Youth, and a Royal Ranger Commander. Three years later Bishop and his family moved to Gaeta, Italy where he served as an Associate Pastor. He attended Pilgrim Outreach Ministry for four years and was ministering under the leadership of Pastor James Langston. On April 24th 2002, he was assigned as the Pastor for Sure Foundation Ministries International in Lago Patria, Italy, with Pastor James Ellis Edwards and Bishop Harriett Crawford. After six successful years as Pastor, he became the Bishop for Sure Foundation Ministries by Bishop the Honorable Fred Ormsby, who was the overseer. In 2003, he decided to leave the Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after serving 20 years.. Bishop Fears academic aspirations have earned him a Bachelor degree in Theological Studies, a Bachelor degree in Homeland Security, a Masters in Human Resource Management, Masters of Ministry and he is currently working towards a Masters of Divinity at Lancaster Bible College. Bishop Fears lives Abingdon Maryland with his wife Teresa, daughter and one of his sons. Bishop has three adult children (Melody, (Joshua), and (Joseph).