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The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14).
Personal News
Hi Reader!
As Paul and I drove to my son and daughter-in-law's home, news broke that Charlie Kirk was shot on a college campus. Horrified, we waited for news. We picked up the kids, took them to the airport, and hugged them goodbye.
Leaving the airport, we learned Charlie had passed into the eternal love of God. He was just one year older than my son.
More than 200,000 people attended Charlie's memorial service, where the Gospel was preached to millions.
Charlie stepped into the fiercest part of the battlefield—college campuses—and fought for souls. He weighed the risks and kept going, providing an example of courageous faith.
Although I listened to Charlie’s podcast almost daily, I hadn’t realized how influential he was. He guided politicians. He had free access to White House phones because his advice was so respected and trusted. Megyn Kelly said, “When you met him, you just knew he was going to be President someday.”
But Charlie’s passion was reaching college kids for Jesus Christ. Where young people hear messages of hatred, despair, and victimhood, Charlie offered them the empowering Gospel message of accountability, repentance, and grace.
His compassion and interpersonal skills were God-graced. He knew when to speak gently and when to push back. Countless lives were changed by his obedience to God’s call.
Many people loved Charlie, but others celebrated his death. More violence followed at Turning Point campus events. Lies zipped across the Internet. Charlie was effective. Satan didn’t like that.
But God had the final word.
Charlie wanted to be remembered most for one thing: His faith in Jesus Christ. And it seems that is the legacy God has granted him.
The weekend following his death saw church attendance increase 30 percent across the US.
Overall church attendance rose 15 to 20 percent in the weeks after. Gen Z and young adults flooded services.
Bible purchases surged 36 percent in September 2025, over September 2024, with 2.4 million copies sold.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Sons from Afar brings the Gospel message and a biblical perspective to the corruption and suffering around illegal immigration. It’s controversial and could expose me to false accusations.
I wanted to be sure God was asking me to go forward with the project. That way, I could handle any trouble that might follow.
In the Old Testament, God called Gideon to take on a challenging mission (see Judges 6-8). To be sure this was God, Gideon asked Him to make the ground wet but keep a fleece dry, overnight. When God obliged, Gideon asked Him to make the fleece wet, but the ground dry. God did that, too, so Gideon moved forward, confident God was with him.
What if I “laid out a fleece”? I asked God to show me clearly if I should continue with this project. Later that morning, Charlie paid the ultimate price for the Gospel.
As I grieved for Charlie, his family, and our nation, I realized I had my answer. If Charlie could sacrifice so much to bring truth into hostile spaces, surely I could publish my little story. Surely I could present the truth, through fiction. I could take my stand. I could do my small part.
In other writing news, Sons from Afar is out with my wonderful beta readers. (A million thanks to you all!)
When I have the betas’ insights, I’ll make any necessary changes. Meanwhile, I’m reading a printed copy and seeing things I never noticed on the screen. The opening chapters, for example, need a less-sappy slant, which I’ve fixed. Lesson learned!
Prayer
Praying Hands by Albrecht Durer
Please join me in praying:
That God will guide me to the right publishing option
That He will show me anything in the book that doesn’t please Him
That when the book is published, the readers who need it will find it, and that it will minister the Gospel to them.
This debut novel grabbed me from the first page, with its unusual characters and interesting setting. A Catholic priest falls in love with a woman he doesn’t realize is an expensive trafficked escort. For her part, the escort is intrigued by her new friend’s kindness and respect—dynamics she’s never experienced.
Both keep secrets from each other, which builds tension. I found their growth journey riveting, and the ending was so special and heartwarming.
Watch out for a little profanity and some violence in the beginning. The author presents the almost-sex scene from a biblical perspective, and I didn’t find it offensive.
Photos & Extras
Here's a song that ministered to me recently. When we're feeling accused and downtrodden, let's remember the truth about who God says we are!
"Loved the characters. Heart breaking and tender. You will love it. It's incredible writing... I couldn't put the book down." - Amazon customer
Wonders in the Deep has sixty-nine ratings and 4.5 stars! Thank you for being part of that!
If you haven't read Wonders in the Deep, or if you know someone who would enjoy it, click here. Hint: There's a Christmas scene, so it makes a nice Christmas gift.
God's Word | Real life | Contemporary Christian stories to get you on your feet when life knocks you down. | Join my list for free stories and updates on my latest novels!
