Interviews

THESE PIECES OF ME | AN INTERVIEW WITH IFE JAMES

By ForeRunner

Ife James had always known that he has a story to tell, it was just a matter of time since he loved writing fiction over time. Few years later, he has dropped his first book which centers on his thoughts on various issues and he definitely added a little bit of fiction in it as well. His book, Pieces of Me talks about his attempt to raise questions, challenge minds, remove veils and give perspective to issues that are troubling this new age and most importantly share unique solutions to crucial issues. One of the quote which strikes me as i was reading the section of ‘Is Heaven Real?’ in the book goes like this; “Another thing that makes me question the reality of heaven is the fear of death. It’s logical that if people are very certain that if they die in a third world or developing nation, they will wake up in one of the developed countries, how happy would people be, how long would the queue to die be? But why does fear grip believers’ hearts when they hear of death? Could it be that they know they’re not walking in the path of righteousness? Could they doubt the security that salvation brings? Or is the concept of heaven a scam”?

 In his book, Ife challenges people’s perception of heaven among several topics. The book which is divided into three parts explains his reasons for the issues he attempts to raise. They are;

• Thoughts to Individuals
• Thoughts on Relationships
• Thoughts on Church Life

 I had the opportunity to talk with Ife about his role and the role of his book in his Christian walk likewise his ministry at this time in our generation.

Q. Introduce yourself and walk us through your spiritual journey

I am IfeOluwa James, a graduate of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun state. By God’s grace, I have been gifted with the ability to systematically arrange my thoughts through writing to help people understand various concepts, and more importantly, God’s perspective on a wide range of issues. I achieve this through the gift of storytelling. I am also a public speaker and event host. I love the media and entertainment space; no one can doubt that media influences the world. It’s a channel through which ideas are planted, and mindsets are shifted to suit whoever has the strongest hold of it. My spiritual journey, I would say, has been by God’s grace. I got saved at a very early age and was privileged to live with parents in a home that had Christ at the center of everything. Also, my local assembly has been a place of accurate teaching and discipleship. So, I don’t take those foundational factors lightly. The foundation of scripture has shaped my mindset and worldview. The supply of such grace and opportunity then makes it possible to apply effort in the direction of His divine grace. Overall, I’m thankful for how far I have come. But the journey is yet far, and I know that the grace that saved me will keep me and strengthen me to keep the faith to the end.

Q. What was the purpose behind the book release? Walk us through the process

The release of the book is designed to give everyone the opportunity to read and understand the mind of Christ about many subjects. While some may not directly relate to the Christian faith, they definitely answer to different facets of life. The process of getting the book released took various stages. I think from writing to the release date should be about three to four months. Having written the first draft, I shared it with some friends and senior acquaintances who read through and gave their feedback. Then, I contacted my friend, who is a great graphic designer, to come up with a book cover, while yet another friend of mine was working on the editing. Once that was done, I reached out to a senior friend to help with the in-book design, after which the book was made public. One can see that effort was put into the book, but beyond effort, God’s grace was and is supplied and made available for the project. “These Pieces of Me” aims to challenge minds, remove veils, and provide perspective on issues troubling this new age. Most importantly, it offers unique solutions to crucial problems.

Q. What is the book centered on?

We live in a world where the truth lies outside the hearts and lives of people. This has led to many questioning everything they grew up knowing. Sadly, what should be a straightforward question and answer has led to a series of confusion. Simple questions often have complex answers when people attempt to evade the truth. This book does not evade the truth; it confronts it directly. The book delves deep into the hearts of many people, asking the questions they fear to ask, bringing to the forefront issues that many have chosen to avoid instead of facing them directly.

Q. What should people expect from the book?

Every reader should expect their minds to be flooded with the light of knowledge. Questions will be answered. Questions will be raised, and you will, in the process of this book, put yourself on a scale to see if you’re wanting in your faith walk. It is definitely a book for everyone.

Q. What were the difficulties and challenges that came with writing the book? How were you able to overcome them?

I really had grace writing it. The words flowed. The only place that proved difficult was writing about the author; I find it hard to write about myself. I tried, but it wasn’t easy. I had to tell my friend who came up with a draft, and I then modified it to what we have on the cover of the book.

Q. Should we be expecting more book projects or there are other plans?

Yes, definitely yes. I’m keeping a lid on that. When it comes, you will see it.

Q. Is there a reason the book was sold for free?

It is free because it was instructed so.

Q. What are you grateful for and what are your expectations for this year?

I’m grateful for everyone and everything, from my parents to my friends and people whose works have spurred me on to more. This year is going to be an amazing year, a year of Abba-aided doings.

---

  I’m thankful for Ife’s testimony and i highly recommend to you his book as it brings answers to our unending questions especially in our spiritual journey.

Shalom.

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Spotify
• Pinterest