The book “Unexpected Transformation: Being Conformed to the Image of Christ” by Bob Leland is highly praised by the US Review of Books because it is an “extremely thorough and wide-ranging devotional”

This uplifting and enlightening book, “Unexpected Transformation: Being Conformed to the Image of Christ”, will guide readers down a transformative path that will enable them to encounter God when they seek Him and be able to dwell in His presence.

Michelle Jacobs from the US Review of Books applauded Bob Leland’s book, “Unexpected Transformation: Being Conformed to the Image of Christ”, stating that it’s “with wisdom and experience, Leland carefully ministers to readers with thoughtful, biblical insight and probing questions that foster reflection and inspire action. He hopes all readers and followers of Christ will align themselves with God’s purpose through careful study and attention to the activities of Christ. This devotional is replete with Bible verses that serve as the foundation for the truths identified and explained with the hope that readers will “pursue and apply the truths of this study”.”

Bob Leland, the oldest of five children, grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. He earned a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Northern Illinois University, an M.A. in Biblical Education from Columbia Bible College, and a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (D.Min.).

He has two books in Indonesia: Memancarkan Citra-Nya (Reflecting His Image) and Leksikon Analitis Bahasa Yunani yang Direvisi (Harold K. Moulton’s Revised Analytical Greek Lexicon).

He and his wife, Amber, a registered nurse, spent 31 years in Irian Jaya (Papua), Indonesia, from 1971 to 2002, serving 8 years in the Citak Tribe on the south coast, two and a half years as houseparents at TEAM’s Hostel for missionary children attending the international school in Sentani, 12 years as Office Manager (Bob) and Bookkeeper (Amber) at TEAM’s field office in Manokwari, and 19 years teaching at the Erikson.

This incredibly extensive and comprehensive devotional exhorts readers to study the Bible in an effort to understand the qualities of Christ in order to demonstrate Christ-like behavior in all circumstances. The author organizes each chapter of this study by naming a quality of Christ, followed by biblical examples of how Christ displayed that quality. Leland provides strong and loving leadership throughout the course of this study.

Leland makes the lesson personal by using examples from his own life and ministry to illustrate the concepts or by recalling instances from history, his circle of friends, and other biblical encounters. Finally, each chapter includes a call to action that encourages readers to think about how they may exhibit a particular quality in their own lives.

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“For those seeking to strengthen their faith and connect to Christ, this collection of lessons offers clear guidance and a way forward from confusion and uncertainty about God’s purpose. Reading and following these lessons will likely help readers conform to the image of Christ. Leland offers a deep understanding of Christ’s characteristics and believes with unwavering faith that lives in pursuit of Christ can be transformed. With over 300 characteristics to consider, readers can delight in the multitude of teachings and continuously seek Christ through his words and actions.”