The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Hi Reader!
Paul and I just celebrated our fifth anniversary! We had a long-delayed reception at The Sesnon House, in Aptos.
You see, we got married just as everything was shutting down because of COVID/governmental overreach. We couldn't have a reception then--just a beautiful, private wedding in a friend's garden, overlooking the ocean. Only family members were present. Our lavish reception was delayed. And delayed. And delayed...
Finally, we buckled down and gotter done. What a joy it was to join with family members and friends, all under one beautiful roof, to celebrate five wonderful years together. God has been so good to us.
Before all that, though, we took a trip. My work-in-progress is set at the US border in San Diego County. Some questions could only be answered by a visit, so, days before Christmas, we flew down and did some digging.
Writing News
What if a married woman raising four children has a dark memory about a church ministry to illegal immigrants? What if, as a teen, she witnessed something so terrible that she closed herself off to serving in any type of ministry? And then, what if her husband gets hired by a megachurch on the southern border, and she is expected to serve in a ministry to illegal immigrants?
Soon, afraid of the outcomes, she retreats—until events force her to risk obedience to God’s call or lock herself forever into a prison of self-protection.
You understand why I had to see the border for myself!
Oh yes—the title! After prayer and perusing Scripture, I have named this current novel Sons from Afar.
“Bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth” (Is. 43:6).
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).
Download the report about my research trip here!
Stay tuned for more updates!
Prayer
Please join me in prayer for children - the most vulnerable demographic in illegal immigration. Although some are being rescued, many languish in trafficking situations.
To highlight the plight of these children, Sons from Afar features one of them.
If you suspect a child is being trafficked, use the ICE tip form here. Or, call 1.866.DHS.2ICE.
Dear Father,
We know from Your Word that little children have a special place in Your heart, and that Your eye is upon them. We lift up the precious little ones throughout our country who are lost and very likely in trouble. Please protect them. Please deliver them from evil. Please restore their lives and heal their wounded spirits.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
Life-Changing Fiction
Message Sent Through Time by Pamela G. Baker
This time-travel novel takes you right into 1870. The main character, Cassie’s, awkwardness with that era’s customs and manners is endearing. I loved the details that made the farmland setting so real. I felt the cold and the backbreaking work, saw the mud, and enjoyed the constant interactions of community that were so necessary for survival.
Most of all, I loved the author’s ability to bring real biblical truth into the weirdness of time travel. Cassie’s decisions resonated with my faith.
Toward the end, I didn’t think the author would be able to wrap things up with a satisfying ending, but she did!
This was a fun read that increasingly pulled me in. Enjoy!
See you next time!
With love,
Columba
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Last weekend, Wonders in the Deep reached no. 12 on Amazon's Contemporary Christian Fiction bestsellers list! It now has sixty rating and 4.5 stars.
If you haven't read it, or if you know someone who would enjoy it, click here.
Thanks for your support! It really does mean the world to me.
Get Wonders in the Deep here!
