Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Rostocil, founder of SoleQuest International and author of BulletProof: Accessing the Favor and Protection of God in the Secret Place (Currently on sale for the Kindle at $2.99)
Would you tell us about your experience as a Christian leader? What’s your bio?
My parents met in Bible College, so I grew up in a well-grounded Christian home. Before the age of three, the Lord miraculously healed me of three separate conditions through prayer. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 5, I met Christ while praying with my mom in the backseat of our green, wood-paneled, family station wagon. I guess you could say I met the love of my life in the backseat of a car!
I had no ambitions of being in ministry as a teenager. In fact, it wasn’t until my college years that I sensed God’s call to preach and write. After graduating in 1994 from San Jose State University with a degree in business, I served for five and a half years at Chico State University and Butte College as a campus pastor. During that time, I was blessed to witness many devote their lives to Christ and be launched into ministry. Also, I had the opportunity to lead several evangelistic teams of students overseas to places like Thailand, Morocco, India, Europe, South America, China, Hong Kong and more recently Africa, Mexico and the Middle East.
Currently, I write and travel full-time as a kingdom communicator. My wife and I founded SoleQuest International in 2002. We have three children: Soraya, Keyani and Hadara.
Why did you decide to write Bulletproof?
For many years Psalm 91 has been a source of strength for me. I have meditated on it, taught on it and been comforted by its promises, and in the process have discovered that it has been a comfort to many believers for centuries. Poetically, it speaks of Christ. Prophetically, however, it speaks of the age being thrust upon us.
In light of recent shootings and violent outbreaks in our society, it is safe to say that we are living in uncertain times, even troubled times. People, even people of faith, are growing more concerned for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. As believers, however, we do not have to live afraid. Psalm 91 assures us of protection and catapults us into fearless living.
I wrote this book to bring comfort and direction to those who are going through trials and tribulations, as well as offer ways in which a person can practically bulletproof their world. I believe Psalm 91 is prophetic for the time in which we live, but will also serve as a vital and strategic prayer vocabulary for the persecuted church.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
I want every believer to live smack-dab in the center of God’s will and to know how to effectively dwell in the secret place of the Most High. This book is designed to give strategies for protecting our families, language to our prayer lives, and practical ways to prepare for what lies ahead. After reading Bulletproof, I hope the reader will find great comfort and faith in the promises of God’s Word.
What other authors/books have impacted your life?
My library is well-stocked with A.W. Tozer and Watchman Nee books. These two men have had a profound influence on my thinking and have mentored me through their writings.
How do you balance your commitments (personal vs. ministry)?
My perspective is probably a bit unique here, because I consider my entire life a ministry opportunity. I’m not sure I feel that I need to balance the two. Writing and spending time with my family is both personal and ministry for me. I don’t see them as separate but rather connected. Doing the dishes and raising my children is just as spiritual as preaching the gospel and raising the dead. I feel that so long as we dedicate our entire lives to Christ, everything we do can be offered as an act of worship to God.
What would you like readers to know about your ministry outreach?
My wife and I have traveled as a prophetic team since 2001 with a call to equip the believer, ignite revival and sound a trumpet for the Kingdom of God. We are contending for times of restoration that usher in times of refreshing. We have a vision to change the expression of Christianity in our generation thorough discipleship, obedience, Biblical training and the supernatural.
Is there a mentor or someone to whom you want to show appreciation?
I dedicated this book to Jane Manley, who is an unbelievable intercessor and a remarkable woman of God. She has been a spiritual mother to me and is responsible for imparting to me the majesty and glory of Psalm 91. I am so grateful for the many hours she has prayed with me, cried with me, laughed with me, encouraged me and prophesied over me.
Also, Sean Smith has had a tremendous impact on my life and ministry. He has been a true friend and mentor to me for almost 25 years.
How can people find out more about you and what you have coming up?
You can visit our website (www.SQint.org) for upcoming events and more information on connecting with us.
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