The Precious Gift
What scholars, pastors, and early readers said — before a single copy was printed.
Featured Endorsements
“Shame, Joe Asiba painfully reminds us, is in the ‘air we breathe.’ The Precious Gift: Finding Wholeness In A World of Shame is a compelling story of personal struggles and pedagogical signposts with no claims to easy victories. To borrow the words of Ben Okri, Joe is a storyteller who is fully conscious of the importance of his gifts. In this book, he confronts the tyranny of shame with candour, vulnerability, and creativity, reminding us, as Okri pointed out, ‘people are as healthy and as confident as the stories they tell themselves.’”
“In a world dominated by celebrity quick-fix solutions to complex problems, Joe calls for deep reflection on the tyranny of shame in our lives and how unhealed wounds leak into everything we touch. Like many of us, Joe sought refuge and transformation in the performance arts and his work as pastor of a church, but these only provided temporary salvation. ‘Transformation,’ in Joe’s own words, ‘is not a destination. It’s a daily receipt. A constant opening of hands. A perpetual surrender to grace.’”
“The Precious Gift is no longer Joe’s story. We have received the gift, and it is now our story.”
Dr. Babu Ayindo
Storyteller, Teacher, and leading scholar-practitioner in decolonial peacebuilding and arts-based trauma healing
Author of In Search of Healers · Co-author of Stories and Reflections on Peacebuilding from Africa
“The Precious Gift offers a radical path from shame to wholeness, weaving Joe’s own story of devastating failure with a deep analysis of the biblical woman who anointed Jesus. This book reveals an ancient blueprint for transformation. It’s an invitation to trespass into forbidden spaces, break the containers of our false identities, and receive the one gift we can’t earn: a new beginning with our Creator.”
Iona Rossely
Author of Racing on Empty & The Unexpected
Founder, Prayer, Praise & Pecan, Farm Church · Australia
“In The Precious Gift: Finding Wholeness in a World of Shame, author Joe Asiba examines the subject of shame in a manner that is theologically enlightening and culturally congruent to any context — secular, spiritual, African, and even Western cultures. The authenticity of this masterpiece is underpinned on the author’s sincerity and vulnerability as he shares his own story, but also on its theological fidelity. The unwrapping of the biblical truth and practical application of the story of the woman in Luke chapter 7 is both captivating and challenging. The storytelling approach makes the book relatable and easy to read.”
“All the chapters are engaging, however chapter five delves into the frowned-upon discussion of tears as it examines the subject of vulnerability of tears. In our context in Africa, shedding of tears is interpreted as a sign of weakness. Joe brings the thought of tears as worship. This book is a tool of God’s healing and restoration in our generation. May it speak to all who will take time to read it.”
Pastor Fred Auma
Former Associate Pastor, Ridgeways Baptist Church — one of the largest Baptist churches in East Africa
Co-Pastor, Praise Hill Church · Nairobi, Kenya · East Africa
How Readers Described the Tone
Early Reader Voices
“It’s emotionally powerful, uniquely structured, intellectually rich, and spiritually trustworthy — the kind of book that doesn’t just give insight but gives the reader a felt experience of transformation.”
On Chapter 3: “My favorite chapter is The Alabaster Jar because it serves as the most powerful metaphor for the book’s central theme. It highlights that achieving wholeness requires a complete act of surrender — the breaking and pouring out of one’s most precious possessions.”
“This work is uniquely positioned to speak to a generation grappling with chronic shame and the anxiety of imposter syndrome. It is a timely and invaluable contribution to the literature on faith, healing, and self-acceptance.”
Collins M.
Nairobi, Kenya
“I was physically transported into a 2,000 year old story, where I saw — step by step — the actions and responses of the woman who was a sinner and Lord Jesus respectively. This allowed me to ask critical questions on my own life.”
“The whole book moved me. As a witness, this is a book that calls you out to live it and not just read it.”
On who needs this book: “Christians running daily in religious works yet scared to engage in a relationship where vulnerability is the foundation.”
“From a man whose struggle is as real as the Lord’s encounter — this book needs to be read by everyone. All religions, all races, all nations. This is the best book I’ve ever read. God bless you.”
Calvin Karuiki
Director, Didache Sales
“This is a deeper manuscript which is meticulously drafted. Certainly best for personal and group study.”
On shame vs. guilt: “It was relevant due to the lucid language, the right cross references, and the very fact of taking the reader from concrete to abstract.”
“Imagine the number of Joes God is going to birth through His Precious Gift!”
Who needs this book: “Pastors, leaders, ministers, every individual who wants to live in the resurrected power of the Cross.”
“Joe, it has been a privilege to read this through and experience the Goodness of God. A big God Bless to you, Carol & Emmanuel.”
H.S.
India
“Outstanding. The flow was splendid. I liked all stories. Each story was from the heart.”
“This book is a powerful witness of faith. The combination of scripture and personal testimony makes it both enlightening and inspiring. It invites any reader to reflect, repent, and renew their commitment to live by gospel principles.”
“Reading this book was a deeply spiritual experience. Every page carried a sense of peace and purpose, and I felt uplifted by the testimonies shared. It strengthened my faith and reminded me of God’s love and guidance in everyday life.”
“This book is a wonderful reminder that our testimonies are precious gifts meant to be shared — to strengthen others and bring glory to God.”
Reader
Gold Coast, Australia
“Serious and passionate. Vulnerability is the glue in the manuscript.”
Who needs this book: “The Lord’s wounded soldiers.”
“Great work. We really need more of this.”
Pastor
Kenya
“Reflective. Gets you thinking a lot.”
“The book’s message and the way it is laid out is very profound. When you finish a chapter you want to just sit and think. The action steps are very practical.”
“Many people need this message — it’s very relevant.”
“More than I expected. I’ve read books on shame — this book goes even deeper.”
Reader
Nairobi, Kenya
In their own words — who early readers believe should read The Precious Gift.
“Pastors, leaders, ministers, every individual who wants to live in the resurrected power of the Cross.”
— H.S., India
“Label carriers and high-achieving imposters who feel defined by past mistakes or are exhausted by the constant need to perform for validation.”
— Collins M., Nairobi
“The Lord’s wounded soldiers.”
— Pastor, Kenya
“Christians running daily in religious works yet scared to engage in a relationship where vulnerability is the foundation.”
— Calvin Karuiki, Didache Sales
“This book invites any reader to reflect, repent, and renew their commitment to live by gospel principles. Many people need this message — it’s very relevant.”
— Readers, Gold Coast & Nairobi
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Not sure what to say? Here are some prompts: What label were you carrying before you read this book? What moment in the book stayed with you? Who would you give this book to, and why?
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