Erasing Passive Voice-Q and A with Camy Tang

15 Feb 2012 1 Comment

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

One thing I like about winter is the lack of bugs. In the summer, no matter what kind of pest control measures I do around the house, I know that I’m going to run into at least one creepy, crawly creäture that has decided to crash rent free in my house. I also know we’re probably going to run into each other in the middle on the night in the darkened kitchen or bathroom.

That’s the way I feel about passive voice in my writing. No matter what I do, Passive Voice sneaks its way into my story, popping up in unexpected places.

So I called in the professionals for advice on how to eradicate Passive Voice from my writing. I asked one of my favorite authors Camy Tang for tips. Camy answered my question over on her Story Sensei blog. Click over to Camy’s blog for her tips on how to avoid and fix passive voice in your story. Even if you’re not a writer, it’s fun to see how your favorite authors stories come to life.

For my interview with Camy and my review of “Protection for Hire”, click here. And for my review of her book “Stalker in the Shadows” click here.

I also want to give a shout out to author Darlene Franklin who offered similar advice about using find and replace to permanently erase Passive Voice.

I found Gail Gaymer Martin’s article “Love in Motion“  helpful in creating an active voice. For a treasure trove of writing tips for Gail Gaymer Martin check out her WRITING FICTION RIGHT blog.

Vickie McDonough

19 Dec 2011 25 Comments

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

“God had a plan for my life that I never saw coming.” Vickie McDonough, best-selling author

As a little girl whenever my family would go to town, I made sure I had a quarter with me. Having that shiny piece of change in my pocket meant I could buy a ride on the electric horse outside of Roses Department store. For sixty seconds me and my bucking horse could herd cattle or chase outlaws across the open plains.

Most every Sunday during the ’80s and ’90s my family tuned in to watch Mesquite Championship Rodeo on TNN. After the rodeo was over I’d pretend to be a sports reporter and I’d write stories recapping the events. In high school I interned at the local newspaper and every time the rodeo was in town I’d put on my boots and hat and bring my camera to get as close to the action (and the cowboys) as I could.

If I’d followed my childhood dreams I might be riding the rodeo circuit, traveling the country with my horse, or maybe working cattle on a ranch. Instead God’s providence provided a job as a children’s librarian.

One of the reasons I love historical novels is that for a couple of hours I can immerse myself in another time and place (while still having the creature comforts of electricity, running water, an indoor bathroom and air conditioning.)

Whenever I feel the urge to saddle up and ride into the Old West, I grab one of Vickie McDonough’s novels. (No stall mucking required.) Vickie has penned 24 books and novellas. Many are set in Texas and Oklahoma in the 1800s.

In the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series I loved experiencing the bumpy road to matrimony for three mail-order brides who arrive in Lookout Texas, with intentions of wedding the Marshall, who has no clue he’s anyone’s intended groom!

Vickie is giving one reader a copy of Long Trail Home, book 3 in the Texas Trails series. To enter, just leave a comment (make sure to include your name and email)-that simple. (See end of post for Bonus Entries.) You can enter now through Friday, Dec. 23.

Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

INTERVIEW WITH VICKIE MCDONOUGH

OA: Vickie, thanks for joining us. Tell us about the Texas Trail series.

VM: Texas Trails is a six-book collaborative series written by three authors. The first three titles in the Texas Trails series are Lone Star Trail by Darlene Franklin, Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis, and my book, Long Trail Home. Next spring, the final three books in this series will be released: Ranger Trail, Cowgirl Trail, and End of the Trail.

OA: What led you to write your first novel?

VM: For years, I’d prayed for God to give me an idea for a home business, so I could make some income but still stay home with my four boys. I never dreamed God would answer that prayer by sending me stories to write or that I’d one day be a published author, but that’s what happened. About 11 years ago, a story idea started running through my mind and wouldn’t go away. It was like watching a movie in my head. It was affecting my sleep a lot, so I thought maybe if I wrote it down it would go away. I ended up writing a whole book, but as soon as I finished it, another idea came…and they are still coming. Most writers say they always dreamed of becoming a writer, but I can honestly say I never did. God had a plan for my life that I never saw coming.

Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?

VM: For me, secular was never an option. I’ve been an avid fan of Christian fiction, ever since discovering it back in the 1980s. I’ve read hundreds of books in the genre. Writing an inspirational novel is a ministry. It’s a way for me to walk out—or rather—type out my faith in a story that’s entertaining, and hopefully engaging, with a message that will inspire readers.

OA: Which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey?

VM: Actually, it’s the characters that usually come first. I’ll get an idea for a character in a certain situation and built from there. The spiritual journey is a natural outflow of whatever is going on in the character’s life.

OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?

VM: It usually has something to do with what the character is currently struggling with. In Long Trail Home, my heroine is a pickpocket in the prologue. It’s the trade she learned from her father and all she’s ever known. After she hears a street preacher preaching about the ten commandments, she realizes for the first time that stealing is a sin. After that, it bothers her until she is finally able to quit.

A writer shouldn’t whack their characters or readers over the head with scripture. It needs to be a natural flowing part of the story.

 OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?

VM: It’s pretty much like I said in the last question. A character’s spiritual journey must develop naturally as part of the story. A character who is angry at God over the death of his wife isn’t going to be mad and hurting one day and happy and right with God the next. It’s a gradual progression. Think of it like a garment made on a loom. You have certain colors of thread running up and down. Then the weaver shuttles through a horizontal thread. It doesn’t look like much at first, but the more he weaves, the more the pattern develops. Writing a story is like that. You have a character’s physical journey interwoven with his spiritual journey, and hopefully when the book is done, you have a beautiful tapestry.

OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

VM: Yes, that is hard, but I do have a favorite. It would be Jack aka Jacqueline Hamilton Davis, a feisty tomboy and later a spunky young lady, who appeared in my Texas Boardinghouse Series. Jack is a girl in the first two books and the heroine in the last book, which is set ten years later. The book titles in that series are The Anonymous Bride, Second Chance Brides, and Finally A Bride.

OA: You’ve written several historical titles. What’s inspired you to set your books in the past?

VM: I’ve always loved horses and cowboys. I grew up watching the westerns of the 1960s with my dad. My dream as a girl was to grow up and marry a rancher. Instead, I married a sweet computer geek who’s scared of horses. When I read, I mostly read historicals. I love the slower pace of the 1800s.

OA: What kind of research do you do for writing historical novels?

VM: It varies a lot, depending on how familiar I am with an area and the subject matter. When I wrote my North Dakota and Charleston series, I had to do a lot of research, but not as much with my Texas books, since I’ve visited Texas many times.

How much I research also depends on my hero’s or heroine’s career, the time period, and the topics covered in the book.

OA: Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you?

VM: The first Christian fiction book I ever read was written by a Scottish pastor, George MacDonald. His books were a bit deep for me but I enjoyed the unique plot twists he always had. Next, I discovered Tracie Peterson’s and Janette Oke’s work and devoured their books. Gilbert Morris is another author I read early on. I believe that reading their books before I ever started writing gave me a fictional foundation to build on. There are so many other authors who’s books I love that I can’t mention them all, but these are the ones I first read.

OA: What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing a novel?

If I’m being totally honest, it’s the actual discipline of writing that’s hardest for me. Writing is hard work and takes a lot of time. I love the creating stage before I start writing and the “ah” feeling after the book has been turned in, but probably my favorite part is going on a research.

OA: Do you have advice for writers aspiring to be published?

VM: Yes. Try to get involved with other writers, either locally or online. Study your craft and learn all you can and then write and write and write. Most writers need to write a few practice books before they are ready to seek publication. A good group to join if you’re writing Christian fiction is ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Their website is acfw.com

OA: What do you have in the works for 2012?

VM: End of the Trail, which is the final book in the Texas Trails series, releases next spring. It’s the story of a returning Civil War soldier, and my pickpocket, who has grown into a respectable woman—for the most part. Whispers on the Prairie, book 1 in my Pioneer Promises series from Summerside Press releases Aug. 1st. It’s the series of a family who runs a stage stop at the beginning of the Santa Fe trail.

OA: Christmas is just around the corner. What special traditions that you and your family do each year at Christmas?

VM: We always put up our tree the weekend after thanksgiving. The boys and my husband bring down all the boxes, my mom unwraps the bulbs, and I hang they on the tree. At Christmastime, we all usually go to my sister’s house, which is an hour’s drive from ours, and eat brisket, scalloped potatoes, veggies, and lots of pie and Christmas goodies. My granddaughter is five this year, and seeing the excitement of a young child again at Christmas is a lot of fun.

OA: In this spirit in the season of giving, would you tell us about a charity or organization that you support?

VM: My youngest son is going on a engineering missions trip to Ghana next summer with ORU missions. Their goal is to build a renewable energy source that will help the Ghana people. Here is a link to their website: http://oruteamghana.wordpress.com/

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

Now for the contest. But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to EVERYONE-US and International residents, US residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author.

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Long Trail Home.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post your name and email address.
2. Tell us about a prayer that God answered in an unexpected way.
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Visit Vickie’s website
• Visit the Texas Trails website
• Friend Vickie on Facebook
• Vickie is setting up a newsletter. To sign up, email her at fictionfan1@cox.net.
• Follow Vickie on Twitter
• Visit  Moody Publishers

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at

N. Carolina Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor Interview and Book Giveaway

14 Dec 2011 20 Comments

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

Now I’m a bit biased when I say Carolina girls are the best in the world (there’s even a song about it, so it must be true.) Today’s guest is Jennifer Hudson Taylor, who lives in the Charlotte area. Jennifer is a southern girl but the setting of her current Highland series transports readers across the ocean and back in time to 15th century Scotland. She’ll be sticking closer home with next year’s novella “Quakers of New Garden” which features four stories that follow  a Quaker family living in Greensboro in the 1800s. (My mom-who rarely reads historicals-is already excited to read this one, just from reading the summary!)

Jennifer has published two  books, and signed contracts for two novellas and four more upcoming novels through 2014. Her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader.

Jennifer is giving away a copy of her novel “Highland Sanctuary” to one winner. Just leave a comment to enter-that simple. Or if you’d like to purchase an autographed copy of any of her books for $10, check out her blog.

Don’t forget, you can enter each giveaway of the 12 Days of Christmas. Click here to see what (and who) you’ve missed.

INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER HUDSON TAYLOR

OA: Jennifer, why did you choose to write a historical series, particularly one set in Scotland?

JHT: There aren’t many Christian fiction books written in 15^th century Scotland. At the time in 1998, the market seemed saturated with prairie romances, and I thought it would be nice to write something in a time and place I had enjoyed in the secular market. When I switched to reading Christian fiction, I missed the variety of selections that were available in the secular market, but I craved books with Christian values that didn’t have all the bad language and sex in them.  I had always loved Scottish historicals and so that was the first thing that came to mind, even though it wasn’t published until 2010.

OA: What do you think readers can take away from a book whose time and place are so far removed from our own?

JHT: I think historical lessons can be discovered through an interesting story by way of skipping a boring history lesson, although history lessons are rarely boring to ME! I’m learning from my family that I’m in the minority on that. People never change regardless of gender, race, or period of history in which they live. People still want to be loved, valued, happy, and often are searching for a way to make their life count, for meaning and purpose. For this reason, Christian fiction will always have take away value as we writers are led by the Holy Spirit to inspire modern readers in their own faith walk, plant seeds in developing minds to dispel doubt, remind people of God’s hope when they are depressed or grieving, and show them the love of Christ through fiction parables.

OA: What led you to write your first novel?

JHT: I’ve always loved reading historical romance novels. I finished reading a book that inspired me when I was 12, and I decided to write a book. And so I did.

OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?

JHT:  I started out writing secular books even though I’ve been a Christian since I was 9. For a long time, I didn’t know that Christian fiction was available and when I first heard about it, my reaction was, “It’s probably so chaste that it isn’t realistic.” God called me to write Christian fiction, I know this now when I look back at all the signs I ignored, but I ran from it like Jonah. I didn’t think the market was big enough or that I could make a living from it. I was even so stubborn that I stopped writing for 3 years.

Deep down there was a fear that I wasn’t qualified to write Christian fiction—that I didn’t know enough about the Bible or that I wasn’t a good enough Christian. During those 3 years, God took care of that. He allowed me to be humbled to a breaking point. We went through so many things that the Bible became my desperate search for answers. No more seeking sermons or ministry leaders for their thoughts, I wanted to read and find the answers for myself. The Word of God came alive and my relationship with Christ grew in such a way I never imagined possible.

After this experience I vowed I would never write another thing unpleasing to God. In my mind this meant I’d never write romance again. Of course, God had other plans. When I found Embrace the Dawn by Kathleen Morgan in the Religion section of Borders, I freaked. Since when did Christian fiction contain Scottish medieval romances? I bought it on the spot. Read through it and I was hooked from then on. It inspired me to convert my Scottish historical to Christian fiction and it became my debut novel, Highland Blessings.

OA: Which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey?

JHT: It depends, but most of the time it’s the plot and then the rest comes together. Since I started out converting my secular novels to Christian fiction, I’ve just sort of gravitated to that chronological order. However, some of my more recent books have had the spiritual journey integrated in the plot as it was developed.

OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?

JHT: It depends. Sometimes a verse will rise up from my spirit based on what my characters are facing. Other times, I have to do searches for key phrases on Bible Gateway.

OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader?

JHT: That’s hard because what one person considers too preachy another may not. I try to take my mind back to my younger Jonah days and look at it from the perspective of those eyes. If it seems like something that would have caused me to toss the book or keep reading and digging, I go by that. One thing that I try to do is limit church sermons and if I have a church scene, keep the pastor’s comments limited to a line or two. Also, I try not to have other characters preach to each other with long paragraphs of dialogue. If they give advice, I try to limit it to 2-3 lines, no more than one paragraph and then get the action going again.

OA: How do you do research when preparing to write a historical novel?

JHT: These days I begin with the Internet. Google Search is a powerful tool. I read a few articles and blogs, print out and highlight things I’m interested in and want to research further. Once I have the basic info, I go back to my highlights and questions and begin researching specific questions. If I need more details than what is provided on the Internet, I look up specific books. If they’re available, I order them from Amazon or Google Books. While I like reading novels on my Kindle and Nook, I still prefer a printed book for research. This may change since my shelves are getting full and I can store up to 3,500 books on my Kindle.

OA: Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you?

JHT: Kathleen Morgan, as well as some of the secular authors like Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, and Judith McNaught with some of their earlier books. I don’t read them now, for obvious reasons, but they did inspire me to want to write. God inspired me to want to write for Him. God showed me through Kathleen Morgan’s work that there is a place in the Christian fiction market for a writer like me. Now, I’m moving on to chart new territory with Quaker historicals based on some of my family history, even our Scottish Quakers.

OA: What is your favorite and least favorite parts of writing a novel?

JHT:  The doubt. I love all stages: the research, the writing, the editing, cover design, the promoting—but at every stage, doubt will always try to creep in and attack. I worry the current book isn’t as good as the last one—that it’s too different and readers won’t like it. I worry that I’m too tired with my day job and all my responsibilities and I’m not giving the same quality as before. I worry that no one knows about my books, and therefore, won’t buy them and no amount of marketing will make a difference. I worry stuff will happen and I won’t meet a deadline. On and on it goes, but I have to cast those thoughts aside and keep pressing forward.

OA: Do you have advice for writers aspiring to be published?

JHT: If this is something you really want/need to do, don’t give up. God’s timing isn’t your timing. Learn as much as you can. The more realistic your expectations, the better are your chances of not being disappointed and your ability to make valuable decisions when you are published.

OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

JHT: Highland Sanctuary has a special place in my heart. I based the heroine, Serena, and her seizures on my daughter, Celina, and her seizures.

OA: Do you have any special traditions that you and your family do each year at Christmas?

My daughter and I try to read at least one Christmas novel or novella together. We used to watch a Christmas movie each night in December, but my deadlines have kept me from doing that this year. I still have to work my full-time job, so writing is reduced to evenings and weekends. I used to send out Christmas cards through the mail, and I normally put out an historic Christmas Village, but this is the first year I’ve not done so in 18 years.

This has been a hard year. A few months ago we lost my father-in-law and my mom has been fighting an aggressive cancer and may need further surgery. The happiness that is usually part of the season for us isn’t as prominent as before. I think grief does that, but I know that things will get better.

OA: In the spirit of the Season of giving, can you tell us about a charity that you support and why it’s special to you?

JHT: The Ronald McDonald House Charities was a huge support to our family when our daughter was in Brenners Children’s Hospital. They provide a place for families and parents to stay while their child is being treated for long-term care in the hospital. This is why every city with a hospital needs a Ronald McDonald House. Some of these long-term hospital visits are unexpected and parents can’t afford the hotel expenses for weeks and months at a time. Emotionally, they are already dealing with enough. I was able to stay in the hospital with our daughter, but the Ronald McDonald House gave my husband a place to stay nearby. All he had to pay was a donation and it was no set amount. It was/is such a blessing! http://rmhc.org

OA: What do you have in the works for 2012?

JHT: Novellas

Highland Crossings Novella, Feb 2012 featuring Heart’s Inheritance (1815) by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.

The four stories in  Highland Crossings is centered around the lives of the McKay and McPherson cousins and their descendants. A priceless brooch is given to an ancestress for a good deed she once performed for the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots and serves as the motivation that tears the family apart. It plays a role in bringing the sisters together after twenty years of separation, gives a daughter a start on her dreams, and a granddaughter a new plan for the future. Each finds her way in the New World, the new nation, and a new century, finding God’s purpose for their lives and the loves of their hearts.

Quakers of New Garden Novella, Apr 2012 featuring “New Garden’s Hope” (1808) by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Quakers of New Garden is a collection of four stories centering around the generations of the Wall family starting in 1808 in Greensborough, NC with their assistance in birthing a new city and tracing their migration to the non-slave state of Indiana. There, they face new struggles in their involvement with the underground railroad leading up to the Civil War, and cling to the plain ways of tradition and faith for 200 years until present day when a new generation is tempted to abandon plainness and step out in faith to a new life and a new love.

OA: You’re also a speaker as well. What kinds of topics do you speak on? How can someone have you come speak to their group?

JHT: Yes, I have topics of Faith & Inspiration, as well as Writing & Publishing. People who want to have me come speak can either contact me through the online form on my Speaker page or send me an email at jt4novels@yahoo.com. Here’s a link to my Speaker page for a list of topics, quote recommendations and a speaking video: http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/p/jennifers-speaking-topics.html

Faith & Inspirational Topics

Writing By Faith
Climbing A Dream
Finding Your Island with God
Parenting & Discipling Special Needs Children
The Balancing Act of Faith, Family & Work
Choosing the Gift of Life

Writing & Publishing Topic
Writing 101
Publishing 101
Marketing 101
Building an Online Platform with Impact
Digging Deep into POV
Creating the Emotional Heartbeat of a Story
The Agent Search: It’s All About Faith
The Art of Researching Today & Yesterday

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

HOW TO ENTER THE BOOK GIVEAWAY

But First the Rules. Please read over them, they’ll likely answer any questions you have about the giveaway-if not, ask away.

This giveaway is open to US Residents, with the book mailed to the winner by the author. (Sorry international friends, postage is expensive!)

Here’s how you can enter to win a free copy of “Highland Sanctuary.”

1. Simply leave a comment under this post, with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win! Email addresses are used for this contest only. I don’t collect or sell email addresses.)
   

BONUS ENTRIES (Leave a Separate Comment for each action you complete stating what you did along with your name and email.)

• Watch the video book trailer for one of Jennifer’s novels: http://www.youtube.com/jt4novels
• Visit Jennifer’s website: www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com
• “Like” Jennifer on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferHudsonTaylor
• Follow Jennifer on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jt4novels
• Friend Jennifer on Goodreads
• Connect with Jennifer on Google+ https://plus.google.com/115153741517730789591/posts?hl=en
• Subscribe to Jennifer’s Quarterly Newsletter
• http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/2010/05/subscribe-to-my-free-quarterly.html
• Visit the website of Jennifer’s publishers
• www.abingdonpress.com
• www.barbourbooks.com
• Visit the Ronald McDonald House website

The giveaway closes on Friday, Dec. 23 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 2p.m. Please check back every day through Dec. 23 for a different giveaway and interviews with authors. You can enter all of the giveaways but you can only win once.

*This post may contain affiliate links.

Too nice?

17 Aug 2011 2 Comments

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

I’m just too nice! I told myself after agreeing to do a favor for someone who I judged as undeserving of this particular show of grace. My attitude felt justified, fueled by a memory of a similar situation from several years ago when this same person had been in my shoes and hadn’t extended me kindness. (Yes I said years ago. My big feet aren’t the only thing I have in common with an elephant.) I’m guilty of (?unintentionally?) keeping a mental notebook filled with the times I’ve been wronged by someone.
I say guilty because as I gave props to myself for being “too nice” and not repaying “an eye for an eye” my celebration came to a screeching halt when a scripture verse pricked my conscience.

“…(love) keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV

But I don’t love this person Lord, was my response.

My protests were immediately stopped as another verse cut to the heart of the matter.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:20-21 NIV

Tough words. They seemed pretty straightforward.  As opened my Bible app to see if there was any wiggle room I remembered the words of a DC Talk song “In the Light” inspired by 1 John 2:9-11.

“9Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”

My celebration turned to mourning the sin of my self-righteous attitude. I repented of my arrogance. And as I turn from this sin, I pray that next time I feel “too nice” that I’ll remember the adage

“Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve”

The day after reading these verses I saw an interesting article that relates to my situation. Check out the CNN article “Nice guys earn less, study finds.”

Would you rather make a higher salary or be known by your co-workers as Christian because of your deeds?

March Madness Prayer Challenge

21 Mar 2011 2 Comments

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

As a Carolina girl (think the state not the college team) I understand how March Madness can consume your month. So I’m issuing a prayer challenge to everyone watching the NCAA basketball tournament-and no I don’t think God accepts pleas on behalf or our favorite sports team. ;p

Here’s the challenge: for each of the final games in the tournament pick a country where Christians are persecuted and pray for that country before every game. Voice of the Martyrs provides resources on how to pray for the persecuted Christians in restricted nations. March Madness culminates on April 4 with the championship game.  The tournament gives us multiple chances to lift up the persecuted church in prayer. (Click here for a bracket so you can fill in the teams you’re pulling for (Duke will be on top of mine) and the countries you’re praying for.) Even if you’re not watching the tournament you can still pray along.

What is a restricted nation? According to VOM

“This includes countries where government policy or practice prevents Christians from obtaining Bibles or other Christian literature. Also included are countries where government-sanctioned circumstances or anti-Christian laws lead to Christians being harassed, imprisoned, killed or deprived of possessions or liberties because of their witness.

HOSTILE AREA
This includes large areas in nations where governments consistently attempt to provide protection for the Christian population, but Christians are victims of violence because of their witness.”

As I type this post from the safety of my home there are more than 50 restricted nations on 5 continents. It’s almost unfathomable to imagine that for millions of men and women around the world, professing Christ publicly (as the Bible calls us to in Luke 12:8), means risking your job, your home, the respect of family and friends… Or worse imprisonment, beatings, and even death.

Pray for those imprisoned for their faith as the Bible calls us to in Hebrews 13:3.

Next time I walk into a church (without fearing of being arrested), or wear a Christian t-shirt in public (without fearing of being beaten), or post a Bible verse on Facebook, or buy a Christian novel, or share the Gospel with my neighbor-I pray I will give thanks for these precious freedoms.

In February Said Musa was released from an Afghan prison where he’d been held since May 2010 when he was arrested after a TV segment aired featuring Christians worshiping and being baptized.

A Compass Direct News report says a source in Afghanistan believes Said’s release was secured with the help of international attention from John Piper, Rick Warren and several U.S. congressmen.

“When local churches and international bodies advocate for the persecuted in faith, they have the power to change things.”

In Isaiah 6:8 when the Lord calls on someone to take his word to the people Isaiah the prophet responds with

“Here I am. Send me.”

Most Christians will never feel the soil of a foreign country underneath our feet. We don’t have to risk our lives in a war-torn country to reach out to the persecuted church. We just have to pray.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

BE AN ADVOCATE

Here are some suggestions from Voice of the Martyrs on how you can be an advocate for the persecuted church.

By becoming an ‘advocate’ you are entering into the vital and important ministry of intercession and solidarity with those who suffer for their faith in Christ. As an advocate for our brothers and sisters in chains you will be encouraging them when you write to them in prison and supporting them when you write to officials on their behalf.

Your involvement testifies of the love and unity found among followers of Jesus Christ throughout the world. It is a witness to both your imprisoned family and to the authorities you write to or who may censor letters intended for the prisoner.

Your involvement is evidence to our persecuted family that they are not forgotten. Often the oppressors try to brainwash these Christians into believing that they are forgotten, that they are not loved and that no one knows about them. Through this isolation and loneliness the devil can prey upon their faith. When a prisoner learns others are protesting on their behalf or when they receive your letter, they know that someone cares.

Your involvement can result in better treatment for a prisoner. The authorities in many nations are very sensitive about their image abroad. When they realize that outsiders are monitoring a prisoner’s situation, conditions may be improved.

For this we have a scriptural mandate. Read and pray through the following verses, which will help you understand the role you are undertaking. This is no doubt front line spiritual warfare and you will also need to pray through all your thinking and letter writing.

Hebrews 13:3, Matthew 25: 34-40, Matthew 5:10, 1 Peter 3: 13-17, 1 Peter 4:12-14.

Faith, hope and soup

04 Feb 2011 1 Comment

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

I want to share an article about a group of Martin County Christians who are feeding those who are hungry in Martin County every Thursday.

By Cindy Markham

The Enterprise

Soup is not the only thing served at soup kitchens anymore.

Faith Hope and Charity Temple has opened a soup kitchen that is called Vision Kitchen.

Bishop Steven Peel said that congregation member Jeanette Spruill had the idea for the kitchen and since it was her vision to help to feed the hungry they decided to call it Vision Kitchen.

The kitchen is held in the back of Faith Hope and Charity Temple church.

You can either sit down and eat there or get the food to go.

Volunteers and church members run the kitchen.

The menu changes week to week.

It is based on what food they are able to have on hand that week.

Last week was the kitchens third feeding.

They were serving fish, slaw, hush puppies, and potatoes.

Local businesses donate some of the food to take some of the burden off the church members.

Leroy Little of Little’s Seafood and Dewight Peele donated some of the food to make sure the people had plenty to eat.

The feedings are open to everyone and are completely free.

There is no paperwork to fill out and sign in sheets to sign.

Spruill said, “I enjoy meeting the different people and no one is ever turned away that is hungry.”

Tiffany Best and Sawanna Jenkins both of Williamston were at the kitchen for the first time.

Best said, “This is a great idea,” Jenkins added, “Most churches wouldn’t give away food for free.”

Spruill said since everything is volunteer, donations would be greatly appreciated.

They are accepting donations of everything from food and drinks to plates and plastic cutlery.

The kitchen is open every Wednesday from 11 until 2 p.m. or until the food runs out.

For more information or to donate call Jeanette Spruill at (252) 508-4923.

Side note:

The ministry is located on Washington Street, Williamston (beside the old R and C.)

With Action and Truth

11 Nov 2010 4 Comments

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

My mom came home in tears one day this week because she’d encountered a man in the Wal-Mart shopping center who was holding a sign that read “Stranded and Hungry.” At that time she wasn’t in the position to meet his needs. Her heart broke for this stranger in want of a meal and maybe a friend.

I asked her if she’d prayed for him, and of course she had. I reminded her that sometimes prayer is all that God calls us to do for a person. She had to trust that God would choose someone else to help this man.

Leaving a situation in God’s hands is difficult for someone who’s accustomed to taking action. Like many mothers, my mom’s instinct is to do something that will make things better.

A few days later she was still wondering about this man. On the day she saw him he was standing in one of the busiest sections of town, surrounded by a grocery store and several restaurants, yet food was unattainable to him. Had just one of the people who saw him stopped and offered help?

In Martin County there is no shelter or soup kitchen where a person can find refuge. I wondered how many churches this man had walked past with an empty stomach?

The Bible calls Christians to serve those in need with our actions. 1 John 3:17-18 says… . 

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

And Hebrews 13:2

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

A few years ago I saw love action through a local pastor. He would offer the church fellowship hall to anyone who was passing through town and needed a place to bed down. I knew that if I met someone in need and wasn’t able to help that person, then I could call the pastor to address the situation. I pray that each of us are a part of a congregation that is ready to act at a moment’s notice to assist someone in need.

I know that there are Christians and congregations who are acting to help those in need by collecting food and clothing to offer.

My mother and I have experienced first-hand the love of brothers and sisters in Christ who have had an abundance of something and have heeded His call to share.

For decades Mrs. Lula Brown and her congregation served the community with a Thanksgiving meal. Several congregations pack food boxes on Thanksgiving and Christmas so that those in need can enjoy a meal in their home. Dozens of churches serve the community through the outreach projects of Operation Inasmuch.

But people are hungry more than just on holidays. It takes more than a few service days a year to meet the needs of the community.

This blog is not an admonishment. It’s not meant to detract from what is already being done.

But I wonder how much we could do if we blurred denominational lines and anything that separates and worked together as the hands and feet of Christ.

Lessons from a children’s book

31 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

There are almost 1,000 species of bats in the world; but it only takes one bat in the backyard to make me scream for my mama. (True story from my childhood.)

American culture has type cast bats as scenery in horror films and regulated them to haunted houses and caves.

Bats, along with spiders and their webs, black cats and even pumpkins, have been adopted as mascots of Halloween.

It’s easy to forget that these creepy creatures were made by God for a purpose. (Not to sell candy and Halloween decorations.)

One of my favorite children’s books (which I discovered as an adult) is “Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon. Stellaluna is a baby fruit bat who’s separated from her mother and forced to change her habits to conform to the family of birds of who’ve taken her in. Cannon’s book is gentle reminder that all animals were created by God-even the ones that look like flying rats.

At the end of the book are several facts detailing how bats are beneficial to humanity.  Bats are nocturnal animals and play a key role in pollinating plants that only bloom at night and pollinating fruits such as bananas, peaches and avocados.  They also eat up to 300 bugs an hour -including mosquitoes. (I wonder if I can adopt a bat from the local animal shelter to pick off the mass of mosquitoes that hover around my back door each night.)

There are lessons for the Christian to take from Stellaluna as she learns that you don’t have to change your ways to be friends with someone who is different.

This year Halloween falls on a Sunday. Christians take many approaches to how they will celebrate (or not celebrate ) the holiday.

Halloween offers challenges and possibilities for Christians.

Costumes can be a chance to indulge in imagination and creativity rather than glorifying celebrities or unsavory creatures such as ghosts and demons.

Trick or treating can be forgone for fall festivals at churches and community centers. One church in my area is hosting a Light the Night for Jesus event on Halloween.  Several local towns organized community wide festivals carnivals.

Events at churches are a chance to reach children and their parents who might never walk into a sanctuary on Sunday morning.

October 31 is also a historic day in the church. Reformation Day is a chance to remember Martin Luther and reflect on his 95 theses.

Whatever you call today, remember “This is the
day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 ESV

Your Advocate

31 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment

by Heather H. in Uncategorized

Deciding what to name a blog has to be on the level of naming your first born.

Much like a child, once you start calling a blog something, you’re stuck with it for life.

But unlike with  a baby’s name, you can’t duplicate.

Our Advocate was my first choice but I kept toying with other names (that were all taken.) I felt (and still feel) a little unworthy to use the name that is used to refer to Jesus.

The name comes from 1 John 2:1 (ESV) “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Like a criminal found guilty in a court of law, we have all sinned and been found guilty of breaking God’s law. But Jesus serves as our advocate, paying the fine for our sins.

I don’t have a set blog schedule or set of topics. My prayer is that this blog will be for God’s glory.

In Christ,

Heather