On the Field for Jesus is a book Randall Lister produced with passion and perseverance.

“It’s a children’s book that relates the idea of becoming a Christian with the idea of becoming an athlete, specifically, a footballer,” Mr Lister said. “It’s a parallel. Somewhat of a parable even.”

In early 2020, during the first Covid-19 lockdown, when all the churches and football games were shut down, Randall was inspired to write On the Field for Jesus. However, the desire to write a book had been planted in his heart as early as 2009.

Mr Lister said: “ In 2015, my brother DJ, perhaps better known as Dennis Lister III, had also given me encouragement to author a book. His words, or rather his command, was: ‘Randall, you talk too much – go write a book’. This ensured I would write a book at some point.

“And, I guess, that is an older brother’s job – to persuade his younger brothers to pursue their dreams.

“Even before my brother’s words in 2015, there was a key event in 2009. I went to my cousin’s graduation from Hampton University. And one of the speakers at the ceremony said a quote that I will never forget. She said, ‘In your lifetime, do something worth writing a book about or write a book worth reading about.’

“And I put that quote in my heart and promised that one day, I would write a book worth reading about. And I hope that is what I have done with this book. I hope On the Field for Jesus is worth reading and can add value to readers' lives.”

The process of writing and completing the book took about four years.

“In 2020, I made a plan and began writing the book. Around the end of 2021, I finished writing it. In 2022, I got some trusted advisers to read through it, and then I decided to rewrite my whole book.

“Rewriting the book took me most of 2022 and in 2023, I finished. I felt it was the best version I could produce at that point, and I set about getting it ready to be published.

“By late 2023, the book was published. And now, here in 2024, On the Field for Jesus is completed and published. Writing this book taught me all about perseverance.”

On the Field for Jesus is suggested for children aged 8 to 16, but Mr Lister believes anyone of any age would enjoy this book. The theme of perseverance runs throughout the book – a trait that people of all ages can resonate with.

Mr Lister said: “The theme of the book, which I didn’t even realise until I had written half of it, oddly enough, is perseverance. Perseverance to become a footballer. Perseverance to become a Christian.

“Perseverance is required to achieve your ambitions. Too often, I’ve heard it said that ‘people today, especially young men, don’t have any ambition’.

“While writing this book, I realised that saying is incorrect. Young men today, including myself, have plenty of ambition. The ambition is there, but what is in short supply, perhaps, is perseverance.

“It took perseverance to write this book. So, I now think that perseverance is the bridge that connects ambition to achievement. It is needed to carry out your ambitions and make them a reality.

“Young men, including myself, have ambition; we need to develop a little bit more, or maybe even more perseverance, to turn our ambitions into achievements. That is one of the lessons I learnt from my own book while writing it. That’s why I know that this book must have some value.”

Mr Lister’s faith was significant in bringing On the Field for Jesus to completion.

“In writing this book, I was reminded of a few of my favourite Bible verses, such as Matthew 5:16 and John 12:32. I hope that in writing this book, I was able to “shine my light” – use my talents – to ‘lift up Jesus’s name’. Revelation 14: 12 also came to my mind, while I was working on this book. I surely needed the ‘patience of the saints’ to endure and to finish this book-writing process.“

The main takeaway for Mr Lister and his hope for the readers is this: “If you persevere, you can give yourself a great chance of bringing your goals to fruition – whether they be as a footballer or as a newly converted Christian.”

He added: “For me, through sheer perseverance, I was able to keep the promise that I had made back in 2020, 2015, and 2009. I finally wrote a book. I did it, at last! Thank God!

“I am still learning the lesson of perseverance, though, as I am currently studying for a Master’s degree in England after deciding to return to school as an adult.

“When talking about perseverance, I can’t help but think of Jesus Christ. Jesus said He’ll come back one day. Two thousand years ago, He made that promise.

“But on the day he finally comes back, everyone will see that he has kept his promise. No matter how long it took, Jesus kept his word. He carried out his promise. He fulfilled his ambition. Jesus persevered. Jesus perseveres, and so should we.”

Copies of this book can be purchased directly from Miranda Lister as well as on Amazon.