Hope for those trapped by Human Trafficking

Wishing to get more into this form of media, I'd like to introduce my latest book released by Amazing Things Press here in St. Joseph, Missouri.  It is a work of fiction, based on a true story that has been fomenting in my heart and mind for several years.

Putting it together and then setting it aside, I was compelled to pick it up again after going on a brief mission with a group who were fighting against the trafficking of children and young people.  Amazingly that trip was to New York City during the Super Bowl held there a few years ago.  It was called a "Prayer Bowl" and we spent time on our knees praying for the apprehension of the perpetrators of this horror and for the release of the innocents captured by them.

There were wonderful results with arrests documented by news stories.  However, it remains a tragic fact that this horror of human slavery is alive and well not only in the U.S.A., but around the world.  There is now an organization called "Protect Me Project".  It is dedicated to finding the vulnerable before the traffickers do, warning and educating.  It is in operation in several countries worldwide.

My book, Well of Despair deals with the issue of Human Trafficking.  It is hoped this novel will work to make people more aware of this scourge against humanity.  January was named as a month to fight Human Trafficking by former President Obama.  Whether or not I sell books, I want to join in the effort to make people aware so they will, pray, give to legitimate organizations such as "Protect Me Project" to fight and to prevent this horror.

While people may be aware, there is an apathy toward the reality of this problem.  Very young children are trapped, some kidnapped, some sold by their own families, some drawn into this perverseness because of hopelessness and a longing to be loved.

Be aware.  Be involved.  Be determined to pray first, give as you can, and get active in fighting against this evil.

My hope with Well of Despair is that this story will help to show the horror and hopelessness of those trapped in this slavery and reach out to them with love and compassion--no matter what drew them into it.  My character, Anna, was a real little girl--and there was only one source of hope for her.

Believe

My sermons always include the sage advice to spend time reading God's Word, because the answer to every question is found there.  Yet, I am amazed when I stumble upon a verse in Scripture that I've read over and over again--but failed to grasp the answer to a question I struggle with every day.  What an awakening as the Holy Spirit illuminates my mind, opening up a simple yet awesome truth. 


Because I feel compelled to answer the call to minister the Gospel at every opportunity--I take seriously the how, when and where as well as the doing everything according to God's plan and direction.  So, am I the only one who struggles, wondering if I'm following God's will--asking too if I'm fulfilling His call in the way He wants me to.


John 6:26-29 the multitude by the seashore ask Jesus:  "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?"  When I read this question, my pulse quickened, anxious to see Jesus' answer--and as always he took notice of sincere questions and gave a succinct answer.


"Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.'"


When we repent of sin and believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ, we are 'born again', become a new creature in Christ, are saved.  Whatever terminology you wish to use--we're promised eternal life--John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life."  That's a given and is repeated in several verses, stated as:  "believe and be saved", "Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved", and so forth.


Of course the thief on the cross only had to believe and Jesus told him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise".  He did no "works of God", he only believed.  As a pastor I have seen the mercy of God played out so many times with death-bed conversions where someone who lived a selfish, sinful life, cries out to God and is "saved".  These do not have an opportunity to "do the works of God".  But those who are granted life beyond our first awakening to who Jesus is, accepting Him as Savior through faith, believing on His name.  We have to look at what James says:  "Faith without works is dead".


Being inadequate to accomplish anything meaningful or dynamic...I still long to do the works of God.  This is where Christ's teaching shows us that our first and most important "believing in Him" can go much further as we launch out into the deep mysteries of God through total and complete trust in His Word. 


When we believe in His Word, our faith is stretched to ask for the miraculous to occur through us as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct our actions.  Our prayers become personal and intentional, seeking, not our own will to be done, but God's will.  Believing Scriptures like Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose"--that is when God will work--His works through even the worst of situations--because we believe he will.


Stretching our faith to trust Him to perform His Word will leave a trail of the miraculous in our wake.  Believing that God will be God, according to his Word and purpose is how we will do His Works.


Embracing all of God's Word helps us to accept when His purpose is not in line with ours.  Isaiah gives the promise (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), Chapter 55, verse 11.  "So shall my Word be that goes forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."


When we trust Him, (believe), we do not question when things do not work out the way we think they should.  We realize He will work according to His will and turn evil for our good as we BELIEVE.


Hope you will be blessed by my musings about John 6:26-29.  I know it has been an eye-opener for me as I long to do the Works of our great and mighty God.  What a privilege!

Bittersweet Monday Musings

Today I join with the Rufibach and Schink family in grieving at the loss of one of my first cousins, Marian Rufibach.  When I was a very young and little girl, Marian--then a vivacious and energetic teenager was someone I looked up to.  I remember my Aunt Esther coming to visit.  Marian would be with her and would spend time entertaining me. 

I did not know how much these times meant to her.  I knew they were very fond and happy memories for me.  (You never forget people who are good to you when you're in your formative years).  :)  But, just recently when my younger sister, June O'Dell stopped and visited with Marian--on their way home to Oregon--Marian reminisced and spoke of those memories.  She was in the hospital and had just received her cancer diagnosis.  She had also just finished reading my book, Generations.  Her positive comments to June, later relayed to me, I will hold in my heart.

My thoughts are bittersweet today as I think of the loss of this family member--a kind and loving wife to Earl, mother to her children, and grandmother to her grandchildren, as well as loving her extended family and friends.  I say bittersweet, because our loss is her gain.  She's changed her address from Arizona to Heaven's Golden Avenue.  Our grief is not having her to visit with or hold in our arms.  Our joy is the assurance that we will see her again some day.  Her joy is that she has run her race, finished her course and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, my musings today are about my dear cousin, Marian.  Gone from us to a much higher plain where the troubles, sorrows, and pain of this life have no effect.  I love the Scripture in Hebrews 12:1

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

In my mind's eye I see a picture of Heaven's grandstand with a vast number of our friends and loved ones as well as the prophets and saints of ages past--cheering us on as witnesses to the race we are running.  They know the finish line is well worth the effort and they would tell us, keep running, carry on, don't give up--if you fall, pick yourself up and get back in the race. 

Take heart then, the Finish Line is almost in sight.  The promises of God are true and real.  Keep your eyes on the prize and run with patience, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". 

Reviewing "Finding Beth"

The word "captivating" comes to mind when I think of Linnette R. Mullin's book Finding Beth.  Tomorrow is the magic date of its official release.  However you can also order a copy today through Crossrivermedia.com   or Amazon.com.  My recommendation is get one right away.

Finding Beth drew me in from the very first chapter--actually the first few sentences.  Beth's story is one that I would recommend to young ladies to read.  It gives insight into the trap of abuse so many fall prey to.  Kyle--her abusive fiancée holds her captive in a relationship that will eventually destroy her if she cannot find a way out.

I further recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading a story that will keep them turning the pages in anticipation of the next page.  Although it is fiction, it is a story all too relevant to the world we live in-- that replays over and over as women endure silently  horrific lives of abuse.

An all-too-perfect new friend appears in Beth's life when she runs from the aggressive Kyle.  The lingering question--"is Adam for real" causes her to wonder.  After all, Beth thinks maybe she is to blame for Kyle's domineering behavior and constant critical comments.  She is wary of Adam's chivalry and kindness.

Beth's father blames her for her brother's tragic death--making her vulnerable to the hovering Kyle who has swooped into her life like a vulture.  The author takes us on Beth's journey in an artful way, making the reader feel Beth's anguish.  As Mullin creates this "masterpiece" of fiction--she weaves life lessons through the pages making it impossible to put the book down. 

The value of this story goes beyond being a good read.  It gives a valuable message of warning against abuse in a relationship.  I give it a 5+ star rating.  Make it your next book to read!  :)

For more information about the author and how to purchase, check out my blog from Tuesday where you will find the author's bio and her guest blog.

Finding Beth, A Powerful story

Today I am thrilled to host a blog for fellow author and friend, Linnette R. Mulllin.  December 20, 2013 her book, Finding Beth, will be officially released.

From the back cover of the book:

"Three years ago, Beth Gallagher lost her brother, Josh, in a tragic accident.  Grief-stricken and estranged from her father, she turned to the one man her brother warned her about--Kyle Heinrich.  Now she's discovered his dark side.

"She flies to the Smoky Mountains to clear her mind and seek God's will about her impending marriage.  With the help of a new friend, she finds the answers she needs, but will she have the resolve to follow through?  And, if so, what will it cost her?"

Linnette R. Mullin is an author of life-changing romance.  She has been married to Johnathan for over twenty years, and they have been blessed with four amazing sons.  Some of her writing credits include Charles Stanley's "In Touch" magazine, "101 Facets of Faith", Guideposts "Extraordinary Answers to Prayer", and  "Public Health Alert".  She is the founder and coordinator of Palmetto Christian Writer's Network in Lexington, S.C. and she runs the "We are Writers" group on Facebook.  Her favorite things in life are her family, her church, reading and writing and her Savior most of all.

 

LINNETTE R. MULLIN

 

HER GUEST BLOG

 

“Finding Beth” from Conception to Publication

 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my writing journey, it’s that there is no such thing as a typical writer’s journey. There certainly wasn’t anything typical about mine. I won’t inundate you with my whole history, however - just the path to publishing “Finding Beth”.

 

Beth’s story started out as a means of writing accountability for me in January, 2008. My husband was being laid off and I needed to go to work for the first time in our marriage. I didn’t want to stop writing altogether. I needed something that would help me continue to hone my skills. The HACWN writer’s conference I attended in the Fall of ‘07 encouraged writers to start building a platform through blogging. So, I started my blog, “An Odyssey in Prose”, and “Finding Beth” was born.

 

I published a chapter once or twice a month, limiting myself on my word count. My goal was to always start with a hook and end with a hook that would bring the readers back for more. My precious readers encouraged me to keep writing. They wanted to know how the story would end. After a year and a half, I realized that Beth’s story was anything but a short serial story. It was a full blown novel. I stopped publishing on-line so I could focus on finishing the book and on October 31, 2010, I finally typed “the end”.

 

I spent the next few years editing, rewriting, peddling Beth to agents and publishers, and investigating the possibility of self-publishing. During that time, I visited home for Christmas in 2011. Author Mark Littleton advised me to contact Pamela Sonnenmoser about her publisher: CrossRiver Media Goup. I sent off a very unprofessional query letter to Pamela. After all, she was a friend through HACWN. I had no idea at the time that she was the acquisitions editor. She eventually got back with me and asked for a few more details. I sent what she asked for and then continued investigating the self-publishing route, not realizing I’d sent her a very unconventional book proposal.

 

Weeks and months went by and I nearly forgot about Pamela’s publisher. I’m not sure I even knew the publisher’s name at that time. It wasn’t really that important to me as the more I investigated self-publishing, the more convinced I became that it was the route for me. In July, however, Tamara Clymer contacted me, asking for a full proposal. I submitted it reluctantly, I admit. After all, I had just made the decision to self-publish, I had lined up a cover artist, and I was at peace about the decision I’d made. So, instead of getting excited, I found myself saying, “Okay, Lord, what are you doing?”

 

Once CrossRiver received the proposal, it didn’t take long for Tamara to ask for the full manuscript. Tamara was very gracious to let me put off sending the full manuscript until I “finished editing”. I finally had to call it quits, however, or I’d never get anywhere. I sent her the manuscript and before long she let me know that CrossRiver liked it. They offered me a contract and, on December 5, 2012, we signed!

 

Here I am one year later with my book in my hand, waiting for the UPS man to show up on my doorstep with my first 100 copies. My readers will keep me busy signing books and packaging them to send off just as soon as those books arrive. God is good!

 

If you’re a writer, let me encourage you with these words. Your writing journey is your own. Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Your journey is your own just as mine is my own. Trust God with it. Do your homework. Seek publication. Investigate different avenues. Through it all, God will teach you and strengthen you and guide you down the best path for you

 

                                                                  *****************

 

I have previewed Finding Beth.  It is a captivating story.  Watch for my complete review on my blog on Thursday!  :)    Preorders are now available at www.LinnetteRMullin.com

 

Here are some links for more information on this talented author and her book:  Finding Beth

 

www.LinnetteR.Mullin.com

www.Facebook.com/LinnetteRMullin

Twitter:@LinnetteRMullin

 

Purchase Links:

www.LinnetteRMullin.com--Finding Beth tab

www.Crossrivermedia.com

www.Amazon.com--http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Beth-Linnette-R-Mullin/dp/193650118X/ref=sr

 

 

My Monday Musings

Seeking Whom He May Devour

My husband and I made A quick trip to Children's Mercy Hospital after church Sunday to pray for a sweet little girl.  On the way home, traveling north on Interstate Hwy. 29--I glanced up from my reading and saw a huge hawk perched high atop a tree.  His head was turned toward the highway, looking down.

I nudged my husband and said:  "There's a hawk eyeing the road.  He's looking for roadkill.  I'm sure he feasts often on the remnants of animals that unwittingly try to cross the busy road."  (Do I really talk that way--well no--I've edited for publishing on BlogSpot).

I then said:  "Hey, there's a sermon in that--or at least a  blog."

What the Hawk reminded me of was the roaring lion who roams about seeking whom he may devour; I Peter 5:8.  He watches from the sidelines, waiting for us to open the door to him with a foolish move, like darting into the "traffic lane" of peer pressure or seeing grass that is greener on the other side of the road.

We then get splatted onto the roadway of life, hopelessly waiting for the hungry enemy of our soul to scrape us up, clawing and pecking at what is left of our life.

Of course, with us--unlike the flattened road kill--we have hope and a wonderful Savior who takes our broken vessel, reshapes, remolds, restores, and makes new when we look to him for rescue from taking the wrong road.

Now, let me say, the road was clear as we drove home.  There was no visible road kill.  The hawk was just lying in wait--hoping against hope that he would feast on a vulnerable and careless possum, deer, or even a skunk.  He wouldn't be particular--just hungry to devour! 

That's why Peter gives the warning for all of us:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a

roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

All that glitters...

If it sparkles, I love it.  Jewelry, Christmas lights, sequins, glitter.  I was making snowflakes for our Christmas program at school and sent someone to Hobby Lobby to buy glitter.  They called back asking how much they should buy.  Our principal made the comment:  "If it has anything to do with Pastor  Sharon--get a 5 gallon container."

Well, that was an exaggeration, but I must confess there is now silver glitter spread from one end of the main learning center to another.  Yes, I do love glitter.

It's amazing how just a little of it can transform a piece of plain white poster board into a shimmering snowflake.  Even more amazing is what happens to that piece of cardboard when it is draped over the shoulders of a group of Kindergarten through fourth graders.  Have them stand on a platform and dance around singing, "Let It Snow, let it snow, let it snow." 

Suddenly you have proud parents and grandparents thrilled as their little one performs a 3 minute segment of a school Christmas program.  All the effort of those directing, preparing costumes, practicing songs, and the diligence of the students--is all worth it when we see the enthusiasm of the students in their performances.  When the kids erupt in jubilant song, ending with adoration to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords--the glitter fades in comparison to the Glory of Christ and the Joy that we feel watching our children sing His praises. 

Their energy and excitement about Christmas is contagious.  I realize there's a lot of criticism of the commercialization of this sacred holiday.  Many people won't observe it because there is some history of it being a pagan celebration.  I'm not going to take time to argue any of those points.  But I will say with verve and vigor--that I love celebrating the birth of Christ, my Lord and Savior.

There's no doubt in my mind that he was not born on December 25.  He was born, perhaps, as late as March.    However, the fact that the world takes pause to celebrate His birth is an awesome thing--regardless the day.  Oh, yes, this Holiday--or Holy Day has been commercialized, with greed and selfishness raising its ugly head long before Sleigh Bells Ring.  Santa takes center stage in most stores and in the minds of children everywhere.

But the truth remains, and cannot be denied that God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son to be the supreme sacrifice for my  sin and yours.  Even the most devoted "Christmas haters" cannot erase "Christ" from "Christmas".

So, forgive me if I shake glitter on everything I can, put up my tree as early as I dare, and string lights in every nook and cranny.  Jesus is Lord of my life and I love celebrating His birth and I don't think I'm too far amiss to think Heaven will smile as our little snowflakes sing on stage, dancing some of the glitter off--that I so painstakingly applied.

Shine glittery snowflakes and celebrate the birth of the Christ Child!