​It is always fascinating to read someone’s life story, and it is even more intriguing when you know the person and can ’hear’ their voice and ‘see’ their facial expressions as they recount the diverse adventures they have experienced.

Terry Jones is a talented storyteller who meticulously assembles the jigsaw pieces of his rich and varied life, one piece at a time. He has cherished the joy and laughter of family life with his wife, Ann, sharing these moments with humour and candour, and openly reflecting on their sixty-one years of marriage.

But he has also journeyed into the deepest and darkest valleys of shadows, where the missing pieces of the jigsaw ‘went astray’ for a brief season. In facing the loss of two of their children, he and his wife were enveloped by emptiness, pain, and loneliness. However, in time, God revealed how He intended to transform their sorrow and grief into comfort for others. These pieces of the jigsaw stand as a profound testament to finding joy amidst the sorrows of life.

Occasionally, readers may find it beneficial to begin with the final chapter of a book before delving into the earlier chapters. This may indeed be sound advice for this volume, as the author presents his perspective on the elusive jigsaw piece of life.

Terry and Ann Jones, now in their eighties, exemplify a vibrant approach to thriving in the later stages of life. The psalmist states that those who love and serve God will bear fruit in old age, remaining fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright’ (Psalm 92:14-15). I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a personal testament to the wisdom of these words.

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David Coffey, OBE

Past President of the Baptist World Alliance

Former General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

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You have a great gift of story-telling. One of the things I enjoyed was that you gave enough detail without overloading each story, to make it come alive. Short chapters seem to be a common thread in much book writing today. I also loved the reality you brought to the stories, with both hardships and victories unpacked. 

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Dr Nick Harding

‘Together for the Harvest’ Liverpool

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Terry Jones’ Jigsaw, The Missing Piece is a reflective and inspiring book that resonates deeply with those navigating later life. Using the metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle, Terry explores how our lives, with all their joys and struggles, can feel incomplete without God - the ultimate "missing piece." Drawing on personal stories and biblical wisdom, he gently encourages readers to embrace the fullness of life and faith, no matter their age or stage. Particularly relevant for older Christians, the book highlights how later life can be a season of renewed purpose and discovery in God’s plan. God wastes nothing! Jigsaw, The Missing Piece is a heartening reminder that God’s grace can bring wholeness, even to the most fragmented parts of our lives. A must-read for anyone seeking comfort, clarity, or renewed faith in their journey.

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Alexandra Drew

CEO Faith in Later Life

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​Thank you for the book, I enjoyed reading it, and found it easy to put down and pick up again. It is strange how it is possible to know someone for many years and yet not really know much about them. I was interested in reading about where you have been, and what each separate place that you called home involved. You have definitely, so far, lived a full and varied life, and are much travelled in your ministry. I love how you also have included Ann in the account of your journey together in Christ. Well done Ann for living with so many challenges but always coming out on top. The title, “Jigsaw, the missing piece” is a good title, Jesus is indeed the missing piece in the lives of so many people, and it is a joy to be able to show that missing piece to people who are seeking. 

Well done.

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Sheila Morgan

Spurgeon’s College Fellow Student

 

Hello Terry. 

Finally finished your book. Of course, everything related to the Tab/Toxteth was fascinating to read. I can't believe you finished with a reference to Jim Elliott. He had such a huge impact on my life as a university student. And the quote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" has stuck with me for over 45 years. Great read. Thanks for blessing your family and many others with lifetime memories.

 

Stan McFall

USA Missionary Pastor in Toxteth

 

Jigsaw is a joy to read. Terry tells his story in such an informal way that it is like sitting down with a friend to learn about the challenges he and Anne have faced on their life’s journey and their faith in a God who has provided miraculously for them.  I love a book that raises my expectation of God’s desire to act in and through us. Jigsaw does that!

Blessings.

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Lynne Burke

(Age with a Mission Coordinator) AWAM

 

Dear Terry

​I read your book. It's hard for me to write any review concisely because after almost every chapter I had some thoughts, mainly about my life. And now I know, after finishing, that there are many things that I must think about and sort out.

But regarding the book: I really like reading. I regret that I don't have as much time for it as I would like. When you told me that you were going to publish your autobiography, I had mixed feelings (sorry for being honest, but I can't do it any other way). I was surprised and thought that you were brave to share your life with others. I have read several autobiographies/biographies of famous people, and I have often wondered what the purpose of publishing them was. In my opinion (!), they did it for the money because the story described is not interesting in any way. 

When you told me that other people said that your book was easy to read, "rich", that they read it in a few days, I wondered what it meant because it doesn’t really encourage you to read the story. That's what you can say about any book. But I read it interestingly. And I want to thank you for sharing your life with others!

Yes, it's easy to read. Especially for me, a person who is still learning your language. I didn't have any major problems with the vocabulary. It's rich. Rich in emotions, experiences, thoughts, sense of humor, sometimes it even squeezed a few tears. Personally, it gave me a great sense of relief. Finally, I got to know the story of someone who experienced something, whose life was (and I hope still is) full of twists and turns, is not boring, full of situations and people to whom you can return in memories and beautiful anecdotes. 

Unfortunately, modern society lives in a huge rush. Looking at people with great attention, I see people living for work (money), without passion, interests, stuck in social media, often living the lives of others. Of course, I don't judge anyone! but it is an eternal pursuit of something that, in my opinion, is irrelevant to being happy.

Reading your story, I experienced an interesting life in which everything happened for a reason. I met a family full of love, supporting each other, understanding each other, surrounded by true friends. Friends who are there despite everything and not for something. This book is rich because it restores my personal faith in people, in the meaning of life. Thank you!

Great admiration for your wife. Loving someone is one thing, but staying with someone, taking on so many responsibilities to help the other person realize their plans, being so devoted - is another. She is undoubtedly a role model for people with disabilities. Many of them give up. She serves, travels, helps, is full of life, energy and love. CHAPEAU BAS!

Your book is also a picture of the problems other people face. In September, it’ll be 10 years since I left Poland and settled in Liverpool. I spent the first 8 years in Toxteth. I love the house that Karol and I bought and the area where we live now. However, even though I know most of Liverpool’s districts quite well, Toxteth is the closest to me. And no one can understand why, but living there I always felt safe, comfortable and accepted. So, reading about your work there, with each chapter I was more curious about what would happen next. 

The history of the pond, one of my favorite gardens, also interested me a lot. Personally, I like to know the history of the places I work in, how they have changed over the years, what problems the owners have had to deal with to bring them to their current state. 

Thank you for taking me on this beautiful story of your lives!

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Kasia Milczarek

(Community Pond Gardener River Oaks Estate Liverpool)

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