There was no shortage of inspiration for Bishop Duane Fields Sr. to complete his first book, “From Verse to Victory: A 21-Day Devotional Journey to Transform Your Faith.”
Fields, a self-proclaimed “mama’s boy,” lost his mother, Joyce Fields in 2023, and his grandfather Thomas “Jimmy” Fields last September.
Jimmy Fields prayed for his grandson even while in hospice care, and Joyce Fields was a constant source of encouragement.
“Her legacy matters to me,” Fields said. “I wanted to do this even though she’s not here to witness it. I feel much better knowing that I got it done.”
Bishop Duane Fields held a book signing for his 21-day devotional March 8 at Oxford Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Fields, the senior pastor at Oxford Mount Zion Baptist Church in Caroline County, was also pushed by his wife, the Rev. Sheree Fields, who was his “sounding board and therapist.” In addition, his adult children, Duane Jr. and Destiny, implored him to finish the project that he’s discussed for many years.
The idea of a book helping new believers in their faith walk was born 15 years ago but never came to fruition.
That was until Duane Jr. and Destiny stepped up the pressure on their father in December to do what he’s always instructed them to do — follow through on their goals.
“They were adamant about getting it done,” Fields said. “They said, ‘Dad, you’ve been talking about it too long.’ I’m always fussing at them when they’re not following through. My kids threw that back on me. They opened my eyes and convicted me at the same time.”
Fields was full speed ahead since that conversation with his children. He used December and January to write the 21-day devotional designed as a daily two-to-three-minute read to provide a boost to anyone seeking to develop spiritually. In February, Fields fine-tuned his work, and it was released later that month. He held a book signing at his church following service this past Sunday, his mother’s birthday.
“From Verse to Victory is really designed to align our hearts with God, strengthen our faith, and activate the victory that’s already placed within us,” Fields said.
The bishop, who has pastored OMZBC since 2000, added that the book includes a cultural context to inspire Black believers. He noted that each chapter reflects on some of the struggles Black people endured in slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights eras, “yet we always came out victorious.”
“So, for me, victory for us is endless,” Fields said. “I just wanted the reader to understand from a cultural perspective that victory is ours.”
Fields said the devotional is meant to be simple and digestible for all readers. But he now has “writing fever” and is working on penning his next book. He said after nearly three decades in ministry he is focused on helping other pastors and churches develop spiritually. He also encourages his flock to be active civically and in social justice movements.
“I think one of the things we have to make sure of is that the church has influence,” Fields said. “During the civil rights era, the church was at the nucleus of everything. Even though times have changed, to some degree, we’re still experiencing a lot of the same things. So, I think the church must reclaim our rightful place in the community.”
From Verse to Victory is available on Amazon and Walmart in paperback and digital formats. It includes chapters such as God is our Strength, Trust the Process, Rest, Transformed, and More than Conquerors.
“Each day provides reflection and prayer to help you grow spiritually, overcome obstacles and walk confidently in your divine assignment,” Fields said. “This journey will move you from surviving to thriving and from simply reading the Word to living in its transforming power.”
