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Martin Roth - Christian Mystery Author
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Military Orders Novels In the Middle Ages, military orders like the Templars defended Christians and fought for justice. Now, in Martin Roth's latest series of novels, a church has established a clandestine new military order, to fight for today's persecuted Christians... |
Latest
"Love Lives On" - New Novel from Sidney W Frost
May 12th, 2013
Texas writer Sidney W. Frost is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and a minister with Stephen Ministries, which works to provide Christian care to hurting people. He was an Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College, where he taught computer courses for 31 years. As a singer with the Austin Lyric Opera Chorus he has appeared in 42 productions. His first novel, "Where Love Once Lived
* When did you first know that you would be an author?
My earliest memory of writing is when my older sister, Barbara Cagle, decided we would publish a neighborhood magazine. We were living on Pete's Path in Austin, Texas at the time, so I had to be about twelve years old. By "publish," keep in mind the magazine was handwritten and each copy was copied by hand as well. So there wasn't a wide distribution and the magazine only lasted for a summer. When school started we were too busy to continue it. It wasn't until much later that I had that feeling I think all writers must get that boils down to a need to create something. I started several novels, wrote short stories, had a newspaper column for a while, and was assigned writing projects at various jobs throughout my career in computing.
* Who are your favorite authors?
My all-time favorite author is James Michener. I love the way he researched and described a geographical area so that it came alive. My favorite authors of Christian fiction are Jan Karon, Dee Henderson, and Philip Gulley. I review books for several publishers and belong to a neighborhood book club so I read a variety of books by many authors.
* Share with us your journey to publication.
The idea for writing "Where Love Once Lived" came to me while driving a bookmobile back in the 1960s. I was a college student at the University of Texas assigned to drive for a feisty librarian who got us into trouble with the head librarian several times because of helping our patrons in ways unrelated to books. The nudge to write the bookmobile story came again in 2004, and this time I said no because I knew it was too hard. The very next Sunday, my pastor, Dr. Jeanie Stanley, said this: "Trust the Lord God with your dreams and he will help you achieve them." Four years later I had a good start for what eventually became "Where Love Once Lived."
* What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
I am often asked how one goes about writing a novel and getting it published. All I can tell them is about my own experience. However, I can add where I made mistakes so they can skip some of the trial and error I went through. For example, one thing I learned too late was that you should know the market before you start writing. Another thing I tell people is to take classes. Not just for what you learn from instructors, but for what you learn from reading your classmates' work and what they say about yours.
* Thank you, and good luck with "Love Lives On."
Read more about Sidney at his blog or his Amazon author page
"Shadow Stalker" - New Book from Barbara Ann Derksen
May 8th, 2013
Canadian writer Barbara Ann Derksen is the author of 17 books, including novels - particularly murder mysteries - and devotionals. With her gospel-singer huband she also operates the CatchFire Ministries for bikers. She has just launched a new series of novels, "Finders Keepers," with the first of these, "Shadow Stalker," out this month. I asked her some questions.
* Please tell us a little about yourself?
My interests have always included a book of some kind. As my husband and I were raising our family I read self-help, especially once I accepted Jesus as my Saviour when I was 27. I read to learn how to be a Christian wife and mother and to find out who Jesus was and why I was worth His death. In later years, my reading settled into mystery so when I began to put together my first novel, it was the mystery genre. By then I was working as a journalist in Iowa, where we put down roots for twelve years. It was also while living in Iowa that we were introduced to Christian Motorcyclists Association and the ministry we have engaged in for the last 13 years.
* What is your newest book about?
Shadow Stalker, is the first book in the Finders Keepers Mystery series. At the age of five, Christine Finder, alias Melissa Rompart, watched her parent’s brutal murder from a hiding place of her father’s choosing. She was spirited to a distant cousin’s ranch in Texas to keep her safe but the killer was never caught and she is the only person who can identify him. He stalked her to the ranch but only after she returned to Winnipeg, Canada 20 years later, her country of citizenship, and the city where her parents once lived. The killer’s shadow stalks her as she opens an agency to find missing people with the help of her service dog, Chief. She also plans to find him and see her parents vindicated.
* What inspired you to write this book?
Aside from the fact that I love a good mystery, I woke one morning after my last series was complete, with the entire story rolling around in my head. I believe the Lord is my inspiration and my boss so His plan becomes mine.
* Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?
My main character is a non-believer who begins to work out of the office of Jeremy Goodman, a strong believer who listens to the still, small voice of God. My readers will encounter in him an on-going active faith that walks with him daily. They will discover that God speak to all of us who call ourselves God’s children.
* Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
If God is calling you to write, then you need to do so and to write what He asks of you. I write devotions because He asked if I was going to obey Him or what, after I fought the still, small voice for three months. He gives me inspiration for mystery, I believe, because I obeyed Him with devotions. God uses our words to reach people where they are and to get them to notice Him. As a writer, you need to do your best and produce your best because it reflects Him and we want, always, to put our best foot forward for the cause of Christ.
* What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
In my ministry with Christian Motorcyclists Association, I once took wiper rags with the gospel message into a Hell’s Angel encampment. I passed them out, with a smile, to all the bikers assembled. Another time, I took fresh, cold water to bikers in a Sons of Silence camp. God uses me, a woman, in this hard core biker environment, to get their attention and, based on the reaction I got, He succeeded. One biker jumped away from me saying, “I can feel that God thing happening.” I didn’t have to say a word. I’ve also been dubbed the Spray Lady for hosing off 1000 or more hot, sun-burned bikers at another rally.
* Thank you Barabra, and good luck with your new novel.
Learn more about the author and read an excerpt from "Shadow Stalker" at Barbara's blog. Check out her books at her Amazon author's page.
"Nothing Good Is Free" - New Crime Thriller From Matthew Horn
February 26th, 2013
Matthew Horn is an American crime writer. His second book has just been issued. I asked him a few questions.
• Please tell us a little about your new book.
My new book is titled "Nothing Good is Free" and is the sequel to "The Good Fight". It continues to follow Jeff after the death of his friend and once vigilante mentor, Jim. Jim's actions in the months leading up to his death appalled Jeff, and he scours Jim's past searching for the reasons behind Jim's transformation. All the while, the Chicago Police Dept. has cooked up a new idea to try and catch the city's infamous vigilante. Jeff's one friend in the department, Detective Martell, has coincidentally been made the public face behind the scheme which only complicates their already strange relationship. To top it all off, Jeff's girlfriend, Brooke, has met someone new during one of her work assignments out of town. Jeff's romance with Brooke is stretched as he attempts to protect himself from changing for the worse, or from being captured by his only friend.
• How did you come to write it? What attracted you to the crime genre?
The idea for "The Good Fight" stemmed from an idea I had about wanting to combine a young hero coming-of-age story with Christian symbolism about walking the fine line of faith, or fighting the good fight. I always wanted the storyline to be realistic, not fantasy. Basing the story off of a realistic hero led me to Chicago, a city whose landscape I've always loved. The rest of the details flowed easily off of that basis.
• It’s a very competitive genre. How do you market yourself?
"The Good Fight" was my first published book. I knew very little of what I was doing and being a first-time author, my publisher didn't put a whole lot into me. This time around I've got a much better feel for the game and am trying some new things. First, I've gone beyond just having a Facebook page and a Twitter profile. I'm involved with LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Youtube in much larger ways than before. I'm also making a much larger surge into a blog tour. I think I hit 14 or so over 12 months for my first book. This tour will do more like 30 in a 2 month period. Lastly, I'm involved with a great group of other writers who are helping me to launch by sharing ideas and resources. God has a plan, I need to let him show me the way.
* What else have you written?
My only other published book is "The Good Fight". However, my first ever book was a fantasy titled "Heroism." I've actually written the first and second books in that series already. I have a lot of rewrites to go through, however, before that work is ready for a publisher. I also have ideas started in humor, sci-fi, another thriller, and even a zombie apocalypse story in the works. I always seem to have eight ideas at once rather than just working on one until completion. I hope, as the years go by, that I end up with lots of books in lots of genres.
• Do you self-publish, or do you have a publisher?
I have a publisher. They are Brighton Publishing in Chandler, AZ. They did, however, sign me as a first-time author meaning that only so much money would go into the marketing of my book. The benefit though was that my books are being produced professionally and they do all the work getting them into the different eFormats.
• Please tell us a little about yourself.
Well, my mother taught me how to write. She used to make my sisters and I take writing classes from her in the summer when school was out. She has a Master's in English and never was very impressed with our public school. I've always had a very deep love for reading and remember trying to write my own work once or twice through my school years. When I did eventually write my first book, I shocked most of my friends and family. My mother, however, was very proud. I usually send every chapter I write to her before going back to edit it. The thing I'm most proud of is that I'm a new father. Our daughter, Ella, just turned one on January 31st. My wife and I are planning to take her on a trip to London in April. We're very excited.
• What advice would you give to others who wish to write crime fiction?
In my very humble and possibly inaccurate opinion, reality is a key for crime fiction. One of my toughest challenges has been to keep Jeff from becoming a "super" hero. He's not stronger and faster than everyone else. He's not invincible. He's just Jeff, but he had a good teacher and works hard to be good at what he does. That, and some intuitive equipment, keep him one step ahead.
My other piece of advice is to ask a lot of questions. The research for this book was a bit complicated, but not impossible. Marketing is a much more daunting task. Ask questions and don't stop learning. There's almost always an answer if you're persistent enough to keep looking.
* Matthew, thank you, and good luck with the book.
Learn more about Matthew at his website or at his Amazon author's page.
Teena Stewart - Treasure Seeker
January 3rd, 2013
Teena Stewart is an author and artist whose work reflects the spiritual message of being broken and yet valuable in God’s eyes—a message incorporated in her book "The Treasure Seeker: Finding Value and Love in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father" (Wine Press).
When she isn’t creating up-cycled treasure (artwork and jewelry) from discarded and found objects, she is writing articles and books or leading ministry for Java Journey, an innovative coffee shop ministry in Hickory, NC.
Teena understands firsthand what it means to go from something of seemingly little value to a beautiful and valuable treasure in God’s eyes.
What motivated you to write this book?
I have always been fascinated with stories of lost treasure. I am also an artist and for years have worked with recycled and discarded objects. The idea for the book developed over time as I read various treasure stories, including the ones in the Bible dealing with lost treasure, and as an artist began working with broken and discarded items making them into something valuable and beautiful. It is very much what God does with us…seeking out the lost, broken and discarded and making it into something truly valuable.
Tell us a little more about your book.
I weave treasure stories I have collected throughout the book. The first part of the book covers the concept of mutual searching and finding between us searching for the greatest treasure--a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father--and His quest to enter into a close relationship with us. The next part of the book looks at God as the Master Jeweler who takes us, his rough gemstones and polishes us and refines us.
You have a section in your book dedicated to gemstones.
Yes. As I considered how we are each unique with our own unique skills and personality traits, I began to see how we are like certain gemstones and every gemstone has its own flaws and inclusions. One section of the book talks about certain gemstones, gives a bit of their history. Readers can have fun identifying the ones they are most like based on their personality, etc. I also created a Treasure Seeker jewelry line and have designed necklaces and earrings based on these particular gemstones. Those who purchase my book can also order these handmade—for a 10% discount when they purchase my book.
What do you hope women will learn from this book?
Most of all how important it is to stay in a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we yield to him He will refine and develop us into the gemstone we are meant to be. I also want them to learn they are valued and that they can help others find value and worth as well.
What is the exact book title and where can people purchase it?
It is called "The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father." It comes in paperback or Kindle and is available on Amazon and through my website www.teenastewart.com and most bookstores.
Some of the book’s unique accompaniments include:
• Intriguing and exciting Treasure stories
• Treasure and gemstone trivia
• Points to ponder at the end of each chapter
• A chapter devoted to helping you understand your personality strengths and quirks and discover which gemstone you are most like
• Inspirational quotes and stories
• Spiritual gifts questionnaire
• A strong Biblical foundation
• A Treasure Seeker jewelry line designed by the author which ties into the book. Purchase the book and provide proof of purchase an you will receive a 10% discount on this beautiful jewelry
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
On Tuesday, January 8th ONLY, Teena has a special limited time offer regarding the Treasure Seeker. Purchase the book on Amazon on Tuesday, January 8th and you’ll receive free ebooks and a chance to win a hand-made pearl necklace and other free books! Here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/cktm28o
Trusting God When Bad Things Happen
December 18th, 2012
Here in Australia we struggle to make sense of mass killings like the recent tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. We have stricter gun control laws, although they didn't prevent our own mass killing in 1996 at Port Arthur in Tasmania.
Here is a short guest post from Shelley Hitz, author of the recent book "Trusting God When Bad Things Happen."
My heart continues to be heavy for all those grieving today across our country. I don't believe it was a coincidence that I published a book this past week called, "Trusting God When Bad Things Happen." And even before the tragedy in Connecticut, I felt led to offer it free on Smashwords this month.
When bad things happen, what is your reaction? Do you trust God even when you don't understand?
There was a dark season in my life when it literally felt like an earthquake had occurred. Everything in my life seemed to be falling apart...my family, my finances, our church. And I asked God the simple question, "Why?" This book is the result of my own search for answers. In the end, God gave me illustrations that I will share with you and brought healing to my heart and my distorted view of Him. I was able to trust Him again, even though my circumstances had not changed.
I pray that God uses this short eBook to deeply impact you as well. I have included questions for reflection for you to go through individually or as a group.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world!" - John 16:33
One Reader's Response:
"This book has Biblical answers to the 'Why?' we are hearing so much today after the shooting tragedy in Connecticut. Thank you, Shelley, for the timeliness and wisdom." ~Barbara
Download This Book for Free
For anyone interested, you can download the book "Trusting God When Bad Things Happen" FREE this month.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/263666
100% Off Coupon Code: HB95F
Expires: January 1, 2013
This book is also available for $0.99 on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALLQW5A
Please feel free to share this book and coupon code with anyone you think could benefit from the topic.
The Legacy of Deer Run
December 4th, 2012
Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of the Deer Run Saga series of historical romances, with "The Road to Deer Run," "The Promise of Deer Run" and now "The Legacy of Deer Run." Here is a short promotional blurb for "The Legacy of Deer Run."
The Year is 1800.
A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman who seems so far above his station in life that he cannot win her.
The lady fights her own war against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker, who is distant yet disarming.
Love is the not the only entanglement. The nation's enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are being forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?
Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story—Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.
Elaine will be offering free gifts to those that purchase this book at Amazon on Tuesday, December 4 when they go to her page at www.DeerRunSaga.com. Be sure to save your receipt number from your Amazon purchase in order to obtain the free gifts offered!
"Love the Wounded" Launch
October 29th, 2012
I have already written about prize-winning Lynn Dove author and her latest novel "Love the Wounded," final in the Wounded trilogy of novels. This series has followed the lives of teenagers Jake, Leigh, Mike, Dylan and Tim as they come to terms with a series of tragedies and events that have made each of them question why God allows “bad things to happen to good people.”
She is formally launching the book on October 30th, and you can help her achieve "best seller" status by purchasing the book at Amazon on the day - and receive all kinds of free gifts while you are at it.
Here's how:
1. Go to the Landing Page on Lynn's website.
2. Buy the book at Amazon.
3. Go back to the Landing Page and fill in the form with your name, email and purchase number. You’ll be directed to your free gifts and all you have to do is choose which ones you want.
Canadian romantic suspense author Tracy Krauss has a new book out. I asked her about it, and about herself.
* Please tell us a little about your life.
Besides an author, I am an artist, drama director, worship leader and teacher. I’m all about the creative process, so everything I do has that bent to it. When I’m "making" something – be it a painting, directing my vision for a play on the stage, playing an instrument, or writing a book – I feel energized. Sometimes I tend to burn myself out because I don’t rest much, but I like to be busy and I love all my creative pursuits, so it’s hard to drop anything.
I currently live in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, known for its many waterfalls. However, my husband and I have moved around a lot in our nearly thirty years of marriage, and many of the places we’ve lived have been in the far north. Places like Churchill, Manitoba - the "polar bear capital of the world;" the Yukon, which is next door to Alaska; and the North West Territories – all north of the 60th parallel. This has given me lots of fodder for my stories.
* When did you start writing?
I first started writing when my eldest was just a baby. I could hardly wait for her to go down for her nap so that I could pound away at my mother’s old typewriter. That was more than a quarter century ago. Four kids, plus homeschooling for nine years, plus going back to work as a public school teacher full-time, and I finally signed my first contract in 2008. (This was after many, many rejections and a lot of hard work revising, querying, and revising some more.) My first book, "And the Beat Goes On," was released in 2009, followed by "My Mother the Man-Eater" in 2010, "Play It Again" in 2011, and now "Wind over Marshdale" in 2012. I’ve also had five plays published or contracted in that time with various play publishing houses.
* What authors have inspired your own writing?
Frank Peretti is still my favorite author. To me he is a groundbreaker. He’s tackled subjects that were previously considered taboo within Christian circles in such a compelling and thought-provoking way that his writing is almost revered as truth. For instance, "This Present Darkness" has almost become a manual on spiritual warfare, even though it’s fiction. I try to include some of this "edge" in my own writing. Francine Rivers is another that comes to mind. She has written about some pretty controversial topics as well, and her characters are always believable; they aren’t perfect in other words. Again, this is what I strive for with my characters.
* Tell us about your new novel.
"Wind over Marshdale" takes place in a small prairie town where, on the surface, everything seems quaint and happy. Underneath there are some serious issues, especially with racism, sexual promiscuity, and the occult. Thomas Lone Wolf is a Cree man on a mission to build a heritage site near the town based on some ancient archaeological evidence. He and his children aren’t prepared for the level of prejudice they begin to face. Rachel Bosworth is the new kindergarten teacher, fresh from the big city and running away from a hurtful past. Con McKinley is a local farmer, who also happens to be single and good looking. A love triangle of sorts develops, with the two men unwitting participants. As well, eccentric twin sisters bombard the town; one with her legalistic religious views and the other as a practicing witch. The local pastor has little effect trying to keep his parishioners in line since he is involved in some unsavory business of his own. The lives of these and many other unusual characters weave together into a surprising climax. Beneath it all is a thread linking everyone’s problems to the spirit realm; an ancient curse from the past that must be dealt with once and for all.
* What’s next?
I have two more finished novels and several works in progress. I’m just in the process of polishing up "Czech Out," about a hockey player who defects to North America during the cold war, and "Three Strand Cord," a romantic mystery about three friends. Once they’re ready for submission I’ll be pitching them to my agent. I’m also always pitching plays as well, since I write most of my own material for my drama troupe. Finally, I’m publishing an illustrated children’s book. I just finished all the artwork and it should be ready fairly soon.
* Tracy, thank you, and good luck with "Wind over Marshdale."
You can read more about Tracy at her website and her blog. "Wind over Marshdale" is available at Amazon
I first met Amanda Deed, writer of historical romance novels, at a meeting earlier this year of Christian Writers Downunder. She already had two novels published - "The Game" (2010 winner of the CALEB Prize for Fiction) and "Ellenvale Gold" - and was working towards publication of her third, "Black Forest Redemption." It has now been released, and I took the occasion to ask Amanda a few questions.
* Please tell us a little about your new book.
"Black Forest Redemption" is set in 1854 against the backdrop of the Victorian gold rush, in particular, the Eureka Stockade. Essentially it is a story of two people who find themselves victims of abduction, and their journey towards freedom. Of course, it is a romance, so they are drawn to each other in the process, but a relationship is not always as simple as you might think.
* It seems to be part of a series. What is the background to the series?
This novel is the second in my Jacksons Creek series. When I started writing "Ellenvale Gold" (the first of the series, which I started back in 2000), I guess was following the current trend of books I saw in the Christian bookstore - trilogies. I guess that trend hasn't changed much. I love the gold rush period and I live in Victoria, so it was a logical place to start.
*
What has been the response to your earlier books?
The most common response I have had over the past couple of years is "I couldn't put it down!" What more could a writer ask for?
* Nowadays marketing is important for authors. What is your approach to marketing? Do you have any tips for other authors?
I am constantly working on my internet presence. It seems that the more you put out there, the stronger your platform gets. The other thing I'm working on at the moment is trying to get into the speaking circuit. This one is not so easy, but I'm sure the opportunities will grow in time.
* What is the market like here in Australia for your genre, historical romance?
Historical romance is quite a popular genre. In Australia though, the market in general is hard for Christian authors. But we've all been working together, promoting each other, and I think we are beginning to break through at last.
* I presume you are working on a new novel. What can you tell us?
I've just submitted the third and final installment of Jacksons Creek for editing. It is entitled "Henry's Run" and the story line holds a bit of a surprise for readers (don't want to give it away just yet). It is due for release in 2013, hopefully around May. So, right now I am just beginning a whole new project - somewhat of a fairy tale, but very Australian, and of course set in the 1800s.
* Amanda, thank you very much, and good luck with "Black Forest Redemption."
You can read more about Amanda at her website and her blog. A Kindle version of "Black Forest Redemption" can be downloaded from Amazon
Bruce Park experienced what is every parent’s nightmare – the sudden death of his oldest son Nathan. He has now written an account of the events surrounding the tragedy and the grief he felt, titled “The Birthday Card”. It is a terribly moving story – a tale that, in my view, is ultimately about the work of God in our lives - and I highly recommend it.
* Why did you decide to write this book?
I wrote “The Birthday Card” because I am a words person...which does not mean I necessarily write in a grammatically correct fashion a lot of the time. I simply process things a little better when my thoughts are either verbalised or written down. However this can result in "half baked ideas", unless I go back and edit the words carefully.
I also wrote it because I so much wanted to express to my children and grandchildren some of my struggles and challenges which resulted from Nathan's death in an attempt to perhaps help them in their own journey and maybe understand their "old man" a bit better.
* What were your feelings while writing the book? Was it traumatic? (You mention how at one point during the writing you “broke down and sobbed uncontrollably”.) Or was it perhaps a kind of catharsis?
Mostly the writing was a challenge because of my natural tendency to do things quickly and first time around. However, because I knew I owed it to the kids, who were my audience, to try and be as authentic as I could, I had to go back again and again in an attempt to really understand what I was trying to say. I also found it quite frightening to write some of the things I did...eg: the chapter titled “Enigmas”…for it only unsettles me more to think that this world is not a friendly place a lot of the time.
* After reading the book both my wife and I commented on what seemed to be a powerful sense of God’s presence in your life during all the events you relate? Did you feel God’s presence while these events were unfolding? In retrospect, do you see it?
I have little doubt God's upholding presence was and still is with me as I have journeyed on after Nathan's death.... However, I can't say I have always felt it, or felt anything at times but a deep sadness and unhappiness. During these times it is hard to relate with the "birthday party" image of God that is so often prevalent in parts of our Christian culture...There is very much such a place as the "dark night of the soul" and by its very nature it feels dark and cold and lonely. But the hope and truth is that Jesus is in this place with us, albeit a bit anonymous...bearing our pain and sharing our tears. How do we know this...the cross. It always comes back to the cross and that is how life must be viewed...through the glasses of the cross....I guess that is what I was trying to convey in the chapter “The Wall”.
* You talk about life as a journey. How have all the events you relate changed you? How is your faith in God now? Stronger? Weaker? Different?
After Nathan died people would often ask me how I was going...dear people. They really were hoping for some sort of assurance that I was OK and all would be well. I realised I didn't know how I was going to be. So I used to say..."I am still breathing"...That sense of fragility never leaves you entirely...much to my sadness. Certainly there are times when the sun is shining and one feels quite strong, but there are other times when anxiety arises and one feels frightfully vulnerable in this hostile world. But in one sense it is at these times of great weakness that God's strength is made perfect...as Paul was told by God after being left with his thorn in the flesh.
So in one sense my journey of faith has left me feeling weaker and therefore perhaps in a better place to experience God's strength at times.
* During your trials you were forced to question God: “Was there no security left in the world any more? Was life simply a game of Snakes and Ladders, driven by the ‘luck’ of the dice?” I think many Christians sometimes feel the same. Based on your experiences, what is your advice to such people?
As Christians we are convinced of a loving, all-powerful God who is intensely committed to our well being. This can lead us to a belief, not necessarily a conscious one, that if bad stuff is allowed to happen to us, it must be for a good reason...Problem is we will not always see the reason...If this happens often enough to us, or in some tragic manner we are tempted to try and reconcile the tension that is created between our belief structure and our reality...or at least what we perceive is reality. How we go about this reconciliation process is critical and yet highly personal because it goes to the very core of our relationship with God and where it gets its power from. Consequently, I probably can't be prescriptive as there is no "one size fits all" solution. One thing that I could not escape from in my own process of reconciliation was that we are called to walk by faith not by sight and regardless of whether the fig tree blossoms or not, I am called to trust God. There is no getting away from that, no matter how uncomfortable it made me feel.
CS Lewis wrote in his book “A Grief Observed” that he did not know the life of faith he had built over the years was but "a house of cards"...he did not know it was a house of cards, until God knocked it down. The apparent random nature of suffering which resembles the game of Snakes and Ladders I refer to in “The Birthday Card” can be a very effective bulldozer unleashed on our house of cards...
What to do if faced with this dilemma...not sure??? I guess one thing we should not do is try and build another house of cards to replace the fallen one. Perhaps instead we should "call a spade a spade"...excuse the pun, and let the cards lie where they have fallen and amidst the ruins ask Father God to do the rebuilding this time. Be honest with God and tell Him about the pain you are experiencing and the deep anger and disappointment, even dislike, you may be feeling toward him...but still keep talking to Him... He's big enough to take it, and who is to say that angry, open, real shouting at God may be the beginning of building a more solid house of faith for some people...Authenticity is a very sought-after foundation that God can do a lot with.
* What sort of reactions have you had from readers of the book?
Those who have read “The Birthday Card” seem to have been genuinely moved and touched. I have been very encouraged by this. Having said that, I suspect there are quite a few people who have refrained from reading it because they know of its subject manner and wish to avoid it. I cannot blame them for this, for I think it is a very understandable reaction...one which I probably would have had before Nathan died.
* You write extremely well. Do you plan more books?
I would like to write further...I struggle with the discipline of writing, but do hope to get past this. If I manage to put pen to paper again, I would like to try to write in a different vein... We shall see...not sure how it will go.
* Bruce, thank you.
"The Birthday Card" is published by prominent Australian Christian publisher Acorn Press. It is available only as an ebook, and can be bought from Amazon,
August 26th, 2012
Yvonne Pat Wright is a former businesswoman, marketer and manager of Real Estate and a Radio and TV advertising executive. She’s always been in love with Jesus as an ideal, but her love deepened and became relational when she surrendered fully to Him at the stroke of midnight between 1999 and 2000. Children and persons much younger than herself make up the bulk of her friends. This makes her think young and sometimes act idiotically young. After Jesus, her daughter and her grandsons, are the joy of her life, as was her precious Mother who passed away on February 1, 2012
Her non-fiction book "From Spice to Eternity" is a teaser about her life, only barely hinting at separation from an abusive husband, grief when her elder daughter is shot and killed two hours after they had spoken, the pain of losing a grandson who has disappeared into thin air over ten years ago and other suffering she’s lived through, yet tinting those with the happy joyous memories that came along the way. After all that life has thrown her way, now in the twilight years Yvonne Pat misses the pleasure she believes she would enjoy if the Lord fulfilled the desire of her heart for a kind, loving, Christian husband. Her book can be variously described as inspirational, motivational, memoir and devotional. In it she shows a coping strategy when life throws unexpected balls, curved or otherwise.
Yvonne Pat describes herself as the most full-of-hope person that exists - should I have said hopeful? She hopes and waits eagerly for the Lord to come again, she hopes she will get married again, she hopes, her book will sell one million copies or reach one million people and that a great percentage of those persons will come to know and love the Lord through reading her book. She hopes that she will wake up one day and all the excess fat on her body (and she has more than she likes) will have melted away, she hopes she will come into enough money to set up a multi-facility home for homeless/wayward children on a paradise island. And she hopes that tomorrow will be the day when one of these hopes get struck off her list. In the meantime she’s happy just being hopeful. She loves the sun and struggles to make it through the dark gloomy days that are typical of the weather in the UK. The moment the sun comes out her mood changes and she’s enlivened. And that’s spawns another hope... to return to her island home Jamaica one day soon.
Although she loved to scribble as a child and used her vivid imagination to write engaging short stories in school, she does not describe herself as having a passion for writing. She always said she would write her autobiography so she could bare all, thinking its salacious contents would make good reading. The idea for that kind of book died a natural death when she became a Christian as she felt that some of those details would not glorify God. Being fully convinced that the Lord wanted her to write From Spice to Eternity because He has a mission purpose for it, she finally turned her mind to the task when it seemed the Lord was threatening to give the assignment to someone else if she did not fulfil it. She has a desire to write again, but finds it difficult to settle down to a consistent writing pattern as her mind flits from one idea to the next, from one project to the next, from one must-do thing to the next. Eventually she is so tuckered out with all the flitting that she just wants to relax and read what others have written and compliment then for their creditable work. But she is hoping that she will write that next book. What she is least happy about the prospect of writing another book is the dead certainty that she must be prepared to market and promote it relentlessly. That does take off the shine of being a writer and a published author.
Serving in her faith community, the Seventh Day Adventist church is a big part of her life. She eagerly accepts the call to preach and teach the Bible. Her most favourite subject is prophecy and as these unfold in the books of Daniel and Revelation, she is in awe of the accuracy and inerrancy of the Bible. The events of history were recorded thousands of years before they occurred and have happened just as the Bible said they would. This assures Yvonne Pat of the love of God for His children that He has told us what will happen and when, so that no one needs be lost but all can come into a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and have eternal life, now and for eternity.
The Bible is an integral part of her life and she studies daily, committing verses to memory which she will quote on demand. In her book "From Spice to Eternity" at least one Bible passage is quoted to show that the Bible is a practical help in providing a solution for every situation.
Because her book cites facts about herbs and spices and has some forty recipes drawn from around the world, readers naturally assume that she has a passion for cooking. They are half right and half wrong. She has a love for herbs and spices and uses them liberally when she cooks. Rather than the humdrum of daily cooking, she enjoys preparing special dishes for her family and friends for special occasions. This allows her to display her knowledge of the craft, especially learned from her course in the culinary art of using herbs and spices, i.e. Seasoned Chef – Cooking with Herbs and Spices from the South African Herb Academy.
She is not intimidated by challenges and how could she as she has had to face so many in her life. She’s tackled the schizophrenic world of Information Technology and while she has the brain to assimilate the knowledge, it’s against her nature to dedicate those long hours to bits, bytes and gigabytes. She’s studied computer programming and other software training, but only retains enough of it to make working in the environment understandable. She attributes ineptitude to lack of knowledge but it really is frustration with the time it takes to execute. Patience is challenges her completeness in the fruit of the Spirit.
So what would make life most enjoyable for this over three score and ten going on thirty five grandmother, soon to be a great-grandmother. The ability to tame her fertile mind which never quits churning out things to do. To be able to have a functioning computer and not be tempted to switch it on and become caught up in the internet, but rather spend days upon endless days reading, the bible, any other books of interest, in some warm climate with nothing more to do than hope that all that she hopes for will be realised.....one day soon.
* "From Spice to Eternity" is being launched on Amazon on 21 August 2012. Visit http://www.yvonnepatwright.weebly.com for details and how you can get loads of free gifts.
August 17th, 2012
Prize-winning Canadian writer Lynn Dove is the author of the Wounded trilogy of novels. The third in the series "Love the Wounded," has just been released. I asked her some questions.
*
How do you describe yourself, Lynn?
I am a Christ-follower, a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a teacher and a writer (in that order). I wear so many different “hats” that I find prioritizing them tends to focus me better. I have been married to my best friend, Charles for over 33 years and we have three wonderful children: daughter, Laurelle (husband Matt, grandbaby Jaxon), and we have two live-at-home teenagers, Brett and Carmen. I have been a teacher most of my adult life, and I still substitute from time to time at the private Christian school my youngest daughter attends. I love volunteering and working closely with the youth in our church. I love to blog, camp and read.
*
Tell us a little bit about your Wounded trilogy.
"Shoot the Wounded," the first of the trilogy, is written for youth and young adults. It addresses how lies and gossip destroy a person's spirit and speaks to the heart of relevant themes such as bullying, teen pregnancy and family violence. The story points the characters, and ultimately the reader, to hope in Jesus Christ. It was a finalist in the 2010 Readers Favorite Book Awards.
"Heal the Wounded," the sequel, won a Bronze Medal in the 2011 Readers Favorite Book Awards in the Young Adult/Coming of Age category. This book delves even deeper into the real world of teenagers trying to live out their faith in the midst of upset and struggle. It continues to follow the characters as they deal with the aftermath of their friend’s death in the first book. Jake, one of the characters, is especially dealing with a variety of disappointments - “Job” experiences I call them - that cause him to question why God allows bad things to happen to good people. A new character is introduced into the story, Cassidy, a young cancer patient whose unquenchable spirit and faith impacts the others in a way that allows them all to experience God's grace and the power of His healing in each one of their lives.
"Love the Wounded" is the final book of the series. Released last month, it has already received a five-star review from Readers Favorite.
My books deal with a variety of social issues: family violence, bullying, teen pregnancy, gossip and are listed as resources on the largest anti-bullying website in the world: www.bullying.org
* Why did you become a writer?
I know this is a cliché answer, but I have always wanted to write. I have written poetry and short stories since I was in elementary school. I was always writing. In fact my biology teacher in high school signed my Grade 12 year book: “To the only literary biologist I know”. My teachers could always count on me to give a lengthy treatise on any subject. I did not have aspirations to be a novelist. My debut novel, "Shoot the Wounded," actually started out as a short story but, 100 pages later, I realized I couldn’t call it a “short story” any longer. Then it sat for ten years taking up valuable computer memory space until one day as I was deleting files I came across the story again. It was my husband who encouraged me to finish it and then get it published.
* Do you have any new book or writing projects now that the Wounded trilogy is done?
I am working on a more autobiographical account of my journey with breast cancer in 2001 called “Life Lived”. I have a few projects I am working on, a devotional for one, as well as a few more articles set to be published in compilation book works.
* Do you have any advice for beginning writers?
I am asked this question a lot and my advice is always: WRITE! If you feel called by God to write, just write. Decide in advance what your goals are for writing. Is it for pure enjoyment that you write? Is it something you do that is private or is it something you want to share? Decide to whom you are writing. Knowing your audience will also determine how you will write and what your focus will be when you write. Also determine your “success” goals before you embark on the publishing journey. Do you want to have a small, intimate audience or a world-wide audience? That will help you set realistic expectations when it comes to selling and promoting your work.
I had no idea when I embarked on this writing adventure that there would be so much work involved in promoting yourself and your work. As a Christian we revere humility. However, for you to be noticed in the industry and to get your books into the hands of readers, you have to create a “buzz” about your work. It takes a lot of time and it takes a lot of effort and purposeful networking. I spend a lot of time building online relationships with hundreds of authors and industry professionals. I read and review books and I have blogs that showcase new and “seasoned” authors. I have learned so much from those who have been in the industry a long time, and I have been blessed with incredible mentors along the way.
Lynn’s books are available on Amazon US and Amazon Canada. Readers may also connect with Lynn on her blogs Journey Thoughts and Word Salt, and her website www.shootthewounded.org.
Special Promotion: FREE books and prizes for purchasers on June 24-27.
June 22nd, 2012
Sassy Pants - The Sequel!
Earlier this year I read a remarkable book that changed the way I look at some people in church. It was "The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity" by Carol Brown, and in an Amazon review I wrote:
This book is a revelation. An "aha" moment. It is one of those rare works that changes the way you think. It explains something that, as a Christian, you have probably witnessed, but which, previously, you had not quite understood. More likely, you did not understand at all.
It is a book about burden bearing. As the author writes: "Do you become irritated and overwhelmed with people, lights, noise, or too much motion--like when shopping at the mall? Do you feel sad or angry when you have nothing to be sad or angry about? I want you to know that you are not crazy; you are different."
Carol also writes children's books, with a series about Sassy Pants, a mischievous pig. The second in the series, "Sassy Pants Makes Amends", has just come out, and I used the occasion to interview Carol.
* Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was raised on the farm on which this story takes place. I have four brothers and used storytelling for crowd control and helped all of them with their letters, spelling, numbers and multiplication tables. I always knew I would be a teacher, first in elementary and then after I completed my master’s work as an instructor for a community college, then a four-year college and finally as a university instructor for an “Intensive Language Program” where I taught English as a Second Language. I’ve also been a mom, pastor’s wife, foreign student advisor and an administrator.
After being struck with MS in 1995 I struggled with who I had become and wondered if there was a place for me. God graciously assured me that my new position was a promotion. The world is my classroom now! Big step up!
* Tell us about your new book.
It is "Sassy Pants Makes Amends." It is a sequel to "Sassy Pants," a story about a little pig who made a real mess of things. My husband insisted that I write a sequel and give her an opportunity to redeem herself. I didn’t have any more story in me. So, I asked the Lord what He thought about hubby’s insistence and within just a few minutes He downloaded the story line! In this story Sassy Pants models how to make a clean apology, ask for forgiveness and then make amends. Amends is a way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it. It goes waaaay beyond sorry and gives a person reason to trust you again. It’s simple but not easy.
* What inspired you to start writing, or did you always want to write?
I have always been a storyteller. I didn’t seriously think about writing for publication until about 10 years before the MS. I was working at Elijah House Ministries in the 90’s. One time John Sandford, the founder, wistfully said he hoped several of us would pick up one of his teachings and expand it, go deeper with it. I volunteered to explore burden bearing—but I never had time to write—and then the MS attack gave me lots of time. I wrote two books on burden bearing and told God that it was too hard. I didn’t want to write any more hard books. I guess that was okay with Him because that is when He gave me the ideas for the Sassy Pants series. It has been a wild ride since then!
* What made you take the plunge and finally do it?
Writing the burden-bearing books was my way of keeping my sanity after the MS attack, when I was well enough to do something but not well enough to do anything. The impetus to begin the Sassy Pants series was my mother’s strokes! As she recovered she had severe short-term memory loss. Trips up and down memory lane were her exercise. I heard “pig stories” until I thought I would lose my mind! Instead of pulling out my hair, I pulled out my pen.
* Carol, thank you, and good luck with the book.
Buy a copy of "Sassy Pants Makes Amends" on June 19th and get free bonuses. Details at www.sassypantsmakesamends.com.
Read more about Carol Brown at www.fromgodsheart.com.
June 15th, 2012
I now have seven novels up at the Amazon Kindle store, and have just spent some time changing the layout of each of these books. I took a while to plan this, based on what others are saying and doing, along with my own ideas.
I do not say this is the only way to lay out an ebook, or even the best way. It is my way. But what I did may prove of interest, and even of benefit, to others.
Right at the beginning, after the title page, I include a page of promotional material for my novels. I have two series of novels - my Military Orders international thrillers and and my Johnny Ravine private detective mysteries - and I outline these. Then I write a couple of sentences about each of my seven novels, with a link to the Amazon page for each book.
One reason for doing this right at the front of the book is that I do regular Amazon KDP Select free promotions of my books, usually attracting thousands of downloads for each promotion. I am sure that many (most?) of these books sit unread on readers' Kindles. So when these people start browsing through their collections, looking for something new to read, some promotional material might spark interest in my book.
At the end of the promotional material I write:
"Learn more, and check for new releases, at Amazon’s Martin Roth author page or at the author’s own website. Check the author’s Facebook page for special promotions."
I then have a standard page with information on when the book was published, copyright details, disclaimer ("This is a work of fiction..." etc), the name of the cover designer and a link to her website, and a link to my own author website. Some people have suggested putting all this at the back of the book, on the ground that no one reads it. But I think some people do read it, and they would expect to find it at the front of the book.
And after that I write, in capital letters:
GO TO THE END OF THIS BOOK FOR EXCERPTS FROM TWO OTHER MARTIN ROTH NOVELS, XXXXX AND XXXXX .Next follows the book itself.
Right at the book's conclusion I write:
"If you enjoyed this book please write a review at Amazon. Reviews help other readers to find good books, and help authors to promote their writing."
I then repeat the page of promotional material that is also at the front of the book.
Next are the initial chapters for two of my other novels, with links to their respective Amazon pages.
And then, right at the end, is an author biography, that also includes another list of all my novels, including links to their Amazon pages.
That's it.
What it means is that in each book I have, altogether, three links to each of my seven novels, plus more for the novels whose initial chapters I feature. I have four separate links to my author website and two each to my Facebook page and my Amazon author page.
Overkill? Perhaps. But I suspect that most Kindle readers scroll quite quickly through the pages, and it is probably quite difficult to catch their attention.
June 8th, 2012
Texas writer Sidney W. Frost is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and a minister with Stephen Ministries, which works to provide Christian care to hurting people. He was an Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College, where he taught computer courses for 31 years. As a singer with the Austin Lyric Opera Chorus he has appeared in 42 productions. His first novel, "Where Love Once Lived
I received an email not long ago that said, "I find myself thinking about the characters in your book even after I've set it down for the night."
That is music to a writer's ears.
For me, the characters became real so gradually, I can't say exactly when it happened. Early on in the writing of my first novel, "Where Love Once Lived," I would sometimes go to the fictional biography I had written for each major character to remind myself about something distinguishing about the character. I didn't know the characters yet. I don't know when, but at a certain point in the writing, I quit doing that. In addition, the biography was no longer useful because the characters grew beyond what was in it and it happened so fast I couldn't keep the biography updated. But it didn't matter. By then, I knew them intimately. I cried when they were hurt. I laughed when they were happy. I thought about them when I was writing.
One caution for writers.
As the characters take on a life of their own, it is important to maintain control of them. I feel it is good that the fictional characters evolve, seemingly on their own, but you can't let them do anything to mess up the story. No matter how much you like a character, don't give him or her full rein.
In my second book, "The Vengeance Squad," the main character Chris was a young college professor with little experience with the seamy side of life. To counter his lack of knowledge needed to go after the killers, I partnered him with Tex, a student in his mid-forties who had been in the marines as well as in prison. Tex was also in a wheelchair, but his positive attitude about life only added to his likeability and strength as a character.
At first, my writing instructor, Bonnie Hearn Hill, loved Tex. But, soon, she was warning me he was taking over. She reminded me my main character had to take charge.
I had the same problem with Liz, the bookmobile Librarian in "Where Love Once Lived." All my readers love her. She says what she thinks, and gets into everyone's business. It was easier to control her because there were two stronger main characters. Liz is in "The Vengeance Squad," too.
No use wasting a good character.
The Vengeance Squad
Where Love Once Lived
Ten years ago I launched the internet's first directory of Christian bloggers. I didn't intend to. But a misunderstanding with the Instapundit website left me little choice.
I was a fairly new Christian blogger myself at that time. And there didn't seem to be a lot of other Christian blogs (by which I mean blogs devoted largely to Christian issues).
But there were some, and often they were offering extremely provocative commentary. Yet back in those days relatively few Christians were even aware of this new phenomenon of blogging. So these excellent articles were being read by the bloggers' families and friends, but by few others.
I decided that an article about Christian blogging could prove a consciousness-raising exercise. So I sent questionnaires to all the Christian bloggers I could find - a few dozen - and then wrote an article, "Blogging for the Lord," based on the replies. At the end of the article I added a list of the 12 Christian bloggers who had responded to my questionnaire.
I posted the article on my site and sent off an email about it to Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit. Just 10 minutes later the following appeared on his site:
HERE COME THE CHRISTIAN BLOGGERS. I think he's left out some, but I don't tend to sort people that way so I'll have to think a bit to see if I can remember who it is.
And just a little later:
UPDATE: Well, there's Amy Wellborn, for one.
I realized that Glenn had taken the list at the end of my article - of respondents to my questionnaire - as intended to be a list of all Christian bloggers. It was by now already after 11pm in the US, and Instapundit had shut down for the night. It was too late to alert him to the misunderstanding. So I decided to compile my own comprehensive list of Christian blogs, and over the next 12 hours (I live in Australia) worked to track them down.
To my surprise I found about 60, and the next day I posted the names on my site, under the title "The Semi-Definitive List." The implication was that while I had no doubt missed one or two blogs, this list was about as complete as possible.
Glenn Reynolds linked to me again, and a week later John Leo cited me in an article at US News and World Report. Quickly the list took on a life of its own.
I soon learned that it was far from definitive or even semi-definitive as I began receiving emails, dozens and dozens of them, from Christian bloggers asking to be included. The list rapidly grew to 100 blogs, then 200, and was occupying hours of my time each week. When I received an email from Dean Peters - a computer guru - offering to take it over and turn it into a comprehensive, fully searchable tool of Christian ministry, I was delighted to let it go.
So in July 2002 the directory moved off my site. For the benefit of cyber-archaeologists of the future I have preserved the final list here. More than 250 blogs. Amazingly, some continue to this day.
Recently on Amazon I came across the writing of Roberto Ornan Roche, a young Cuban Christian. I read his book “The Cuban Christian Writer: Redemption, Encouragement & Restoration Stories
* You are a Christian writer in Cuba. Please tell me a little about your life.
Life in Cuba is somewhat routine and boring, though to be a Christian makes it worthwhile. I work as a small business landlord for computer facilities. My wife and I have a baby of ten months, and it is very difficult to make ends meet. For example, some strained fruit for our baby costs 25 pesos (about US$0.95), but the average wage of a worker in Cuba is less than four hundred pesos a month (about US$15.00).
When I have some free time I go on the internet to see how things are going with my books. But the internet is expensive and difficult to use, and sometimes I spend more money checking my books than I make from them. The internet is prohibited in Cuba, but we can pay to obtain some hours, and hope that the State does not take reprisals.
It is important, amid all that, to maintain our spiritual life and not lose sight of the Lord.
* How did you start writing?
I began to write because I felt that it was the best way to express my feelings about my life, and as an expression of my faith. For that reason my writings are devotionals, testimonies and simple stories. I wanted to express my devotion to God, who has a purpose for my life.
* Is it easy to be published as a Christian writer in Cuba?
The churches and denominations in Cuba have small magazines, but with few pages and very low circulations. These magazines are the only means for a Christian writer to say something. A national seemingly Christian publishing house exists, with the possibility of printing a great number of copies. This Publishing House is named "Roads."
However, they also mix in politics, and they live ostentatious lives, backed up by donations from overseas Christian organizations. But that type of "Christian" is known well and the true churches don't mix with them, although they are powerful and can offer useful opportunities, because they enjoy the privilege of the State.
* Is it easy to be a practicing Christian in Cuba?
I remember when I was a schoolboy that our teachers made us stand at the front of the classroom, so that the other students could make fun of us, because we didn't believe in Darwin's Evolution or in the ideas of Marx, Engels and Lenin. We were simply Christians, and the other children were trained to hate us.
This was not an isolated practice. Rather, it was mandatory for the teachers to embarrass the Christian children. Likewise, it was necessary for parents to deny their faith, so that their children could study in the University.
Currently, with the decadence of the socialist society, the State has been allowing certain freedoms and has been taking advantage of Christians to heal our society, although in no way do they want a Christian society. They simply want us to participate in the formation of a solid society – taking the good of the churches, but without giving much ground.
* Are there many churches in Cuba?
Yes, we have many churches, although we are not allowed to open up or build new churches. This has always been forbidden. Our local church is more than eighty years old.
* Please tell me a little about your church.
Our church is small, but after waiting decades for a construction licence, and jumping over thousands of bureaucratic barriers, the construction of a new church building, on the site of the old church, is almost finished.
Due to the construction work, some church activities have been rescheduled. But normally we have men’s, women’s, children’s and youth worship. We also have prayer groups, Sunday School in the morning and evening worship.
Our Pastor is a very good preacher. He is very inspiring and his sermons attract a lot of non-believers. We also have home prayer groups, and fasting and prayer in the mornings.
People in our church are simple and humble, very poor and unpretentious. Over many decades a lot of very good Christians have left their imprints on the hearts of the congregation. These were church brothers and sister who always stood up and gave moving testimonies.
A brother who traveled overseas remembered us with a donation that we used to buy an electronic piano for the church. We call these brothers and sister the Pillars of our church, and although they have moved to be with the Lord, we always have other older men and deacons who are the new Pillars of our church.
My mother Migdalia has been a very active person in the Ladies department and a teacher of Sunday School. In her youth she traveled hundred of kilometers to study and also to teach at Summer Schools in small towns.
* Roberto, thank you.
Roberto's two books can be downloaded from the Amazon Kindle store.
* The Cuban Christian Writer: Redemption, Encouragement & Restoration Stories
NB: The same book is also sold under the title The Lighthouse of Asaph: Unforgettable Christian Reflections
Rayy Zar writes for Shaverama.
Books
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Military Orders
Johnny Ravine
