About the Book
We Cannot Do Enough. And That’s Good News! Happiness and purpose—we work ceaselessly for them, but what does God have to say about our efforts? Through engaging and encouraging stories about serving the people of Uganda, Unexpected Joy challenges us to move beyond achievement and self-reliance, and instead embrace a life of sincere obedience and joy.
With wisdom and wit, Kelly balances foundational Christian doctrine with real-life experiences. Through the lens of his personal story—and all the hurts and hopes along the way—you will discover how the joy God offers is not a future prize to be earned, but a gift to be received right now.
As you contemplate Kelly’s reflections and insight, you will be encouraged and emboldened in your own whirlwind journey of God’s amazing grace. Kelly’s story will serve as a blessed reminder that the Lord is at work in your life, and that He is infinitely better than anything this world can offer!
About the Author :
After serving five years as the dean of a Ugandan secondary boarding school, Kelly Miller, with his wife Danlyn,founded the 314 Community—an organization that equips the secondary school’s graduates with the funding, resources, and discipleship needed to live God-glorifying lives that challenge and transform their communities. A successful software executive, Kelly has been actively engaged in ministry for 20 years—preaching, writing, discipling students, and leading trips worldwide to share the good news of Jesus.
Review :
“Unexpected Joy follows the journey to finding lasting joy in the midst of a chaotic world. Kelly does a great job of bringing good theology to life in this book written for everyday people who are seeking to find purpose and meaning in their contexts with all the challenges that come with them. Kelly shows how God uses broken people to extend His grace to the next generation because they are available to be used by Him. I would love to put this book in the hands of everyone; it won’t leave you the same!”
—Isabirye Daniel, secondary school chaplain of The Amazima School, lead pastor of Agape Community Church, Wakitaka, Jinja, Uganda
“Like Paul, who used his skills at work to not be a burden but to bless those he served, in the same manner, Kelly and Danlyn invested their organization skills to serve and love those who longed to be loved by Jesus. They truly were a kiss of the Holy Spirit to the sweet people of Uganda. Get ready to experience unexpected joy as you see the joy of generosity being lived out through humble and surrendered lives. A truly refreshing book!”
—Boyd Bailey, president of Georgia NCF (National Christian Foundation), author of Learning to Lead Like Jesus
“Unexpected Joy is both a challenging and inspiring read. Challenging in the sense that Kelly pushes the reader to truly explore what Jesus teaches in the New Testament and put it into practice. Inspiring with the countless stories of his time in Uganda, living in a culture that was the opposite of what he had known up to that time. God used that difference to deepen his love for everyone he encountered. This book will stretch you and deepen your walk with God.”
—Karen Stubbs, founder of Birds on a Wire, author of Survival Guide to Motherhood
"Kelly Miller is a great storyteller, and his stories of life in an African mission school are filled with emotion, humor, and deep spiritual insights. Unexpected Joy reminds us that faith is not just a collection of abstract doctrines, but a transformative way of life. Be ready to be entertained, inspired, informed, and challenged to rediscover the joy of living in the grace of Jesus Christ. Highly recommended!”
—Terry Glaspey, award-winning author, professor at Northwind Theological Seminar, author of Pathway to the Heart of God
“From the pinnacle of success pursuing the American dream to serving as dean of student life at a boarding school in Uganda, Kelly Miller’s story grips readers, draws them into the narrative of grace and joy, and stimulates every emotion, often several at the same time. This is a powerful story of redemption, demonstrating the privilege it is for God’s people to be involved in God’s work around the globe. You will be changed by reading this book.”
—Glenn R. Kreider, editor in chief, Bibliotheca Sacra; professor of theological studies, Dallas Theological Seminary; author of A Practical Primer on Theological Method
“Unexpected Joy is an experiential testament to the beauty and power of surrendering to the Lord. By sharing touching stories and personal experiences, Kelly invites readers on a transformative journey toward understanding how the simple act of daily submission can lead to a life of joy and purpose in the most unlikely places, through the most beautiful people. Kelly and Danlyn’s story encourages us all to embrace surrender and find beauty in the unexpected, ultimately leading us to a deeper connection with the Lord and a more fulfilling life.”
—Scott Bowen, cofounder, Champions United, Uganda
“King David carried a certain ferocity when it came to things that mattered most to him. Whether battle or dance, he went all in with abandon. Kelly Miller is just like that. His and Danlyn’s story is about courage in spite of fear.”
—Justin Dillon, entrepreneur, author of A Selfish Plan to Change the World
“For the past 20 years, I’ve had a front-row seat and witnessed the transformational power of the ideas presented in this book in the life of the author, “Uncle Kelly”—a title he and Aunt Danlyn earned in our family nearly a decade before their adventure to Uganda. The road to the promised joy of the Christian life truly is one of brokenness, grace, and the work of the Holy Spirit, and this book provides a map for the journey!”
—Joel Thomas, lead pastor, Buckhead Church, Atlanta, GA
