Hello Again: More Letters to My Friends
(Philip A. Gunther)
Reviewed by Traci Johnston
Philip A. Gunther, with 25 years of pastoral experience, currently serves as the Director of Ministry for Saskatchewan’s MB Conference. Many readers will recognize him from his contributions to the MB Herald and his first book, Letters to My Friends. In his latest book, Hello Again: More Letters to My Friends (Words of Faith, Hope and Encouragement), Gunther faithfully carries out what he believes to be God’s calling: to encourage everyday Christians, helping them feel valued, dignified, and seen.
This sequel includes 49 heartfelt letters arranged into seven weeks, making the book suitable for both personal reading and devotional journalling. Each week begins with a prompt to prepare the heart, inviting readers to lay one primary concern before God. Daily pages provide space for reflection, application, and prayer. At the close of each week, readers will find a poem and a Sabbath prayer, along with space to record insights gathered throughout the week.
Gunther writes with the voice of a friend — honest, vulnerable, and humble. He shares personal stories and spiritual insights with authenticity, never from a place of superiority but always as a fellow traveller. As he says, “I purpose to have any encouragement I offer come from a place bathed in prayer, anchored to the Bible, influenced by the Holy Spirit and done for the glory of God.” That is what makes this book so powerful.
Topics explored in the book include living courageously for God, honouring the spiritual legacy of past generations, allowing God to transform your identity and actions, setting spiritual growth goals, cultivating Godly character, and finding purpose even in difficult days or unfulfilling jobs.
One of the most moving sections describes a time when Gunther’s “life and ministry appeared to be crumbling… inner peace and joy shattered… and I was struggling to hold things intact.” He recalls the Scriptures that sustained him, asserting, “I can testify today that the Lord was the glue that held me together.” Moments like this make the book profoundly relatable and encouraging.
The guidance Gunther offers is rooted in Scripture and shaped by what has genuinely helped him in his own walk of faith. For instance, during a season of spiritual dryness, he shares that instead of asking God to remove the struggle, he has learned to ask how God might use it to refresh or restore his relationship with him.
Another meaningful letter explores the concept of “discipleship rutters.” Historically, “seafaring mariners heavily relied upon navigational journals known as rutters…. Rutters were personalized, experienced-based accounts from the ship’s pilot.” In the same way, our faith journey is shaped by the spiritual rutters we gather along the way — and this book serves as one such guide, rich in insight and grounded in experience.
It’s clear that Gunther is well-read, with a unique gift for drawing spiritual truths from nature, history, and current events. His skillful poetry adds another layer of depth, offering a heartfelt connection between biblical principles and the soul. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to every Christian. Within its pages, readers will find hope, encouragement, joy — and above all, the presence of God.
