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| Marianne Evans |
Once
upon a time, the seeds of a series planted themselves in my heart. I saw a
farm. A family. Midwest strong and vibrant. Within this harvest I saw three
brothers. A picturesque piece of rolling land in Indiana. There were low-lying,
rippling fields of soybeans. There was turmoil, faith, and overwhelming love.
For
the bulk of their lives, my brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Hilger, oversaw
the operations of a 400-plus acre farm much like the one I imagined. They bore
and raised six daughters, and life was good. Much like the family I imagined.
You couldn’t leave their home without a heap of fresh fruits and vegetables.
John’s laughter, his Christ-centered heart, resonated through all who knew him.
Mary’s spiritual artwork ( www.spiritualhands.org ) was acclaimed and
on-the-grow. Much like the faith I imagined.
John
and Mary not only helped me research and develop my series, The Fishermen of
Antioch, their example was something to which I longed to pay homage. Within
their large, boisterous, loving unit, they demonstrated Christ’s love at its
best. Plus, they were mentors to me and key to my spiritual discovery and growth.
So,
I began to write a trio of books that honored farm families, stories that
celebrated deep roots. I wanted to shine the light of respect upon those who
work the earth and harvest without thinking of anything else but community provision.
How much like our Father God? In John and Mary’s world, if strawberries rested
on the vine after the main harvest, those without means were bussed to their
farm to pick the fields clean. For free. Waste of God’s gifts was never an
option.
John
and Mary saw their family to fruition. As life’s golden-age came upon them, sons-in-law
joined the picture. A multitude of grandchildren blessed their lives and there
was retirement on the near horizon. They had plans. An art and Scripture-based ministry
they’d carry out from church to church was already taking off. John’s engaging
recitation of Scripture coupled with Mary’s ordained artwork brought souls to
the Kingdom. They couldn’t wait to embrace an exciting new season of life. A
few Christmases ago, their family gifted them with a river cruise through
Europe that would take them to Germany—a long-held bucket list destination.
Before
departing, John and Mary stopped by our house on their way to Detroit Metro
Airport. We shared dinner, and, in typical fashion, Deacon John prayed over me
as they prepared to depart for Europe. Selfless love. I prayed with and for him
as well, but nothing was as special as a blessing from John…
Less
than a day after they left, we received a panicked text notification from Mary
that read, simply: “PRAY.” We did, of course…but that’s where the story takes a
twist. Soon we discovered what prompted her outcry. Following dinner on the
first night of their cruise, John suffered a massive heart attack. Thanks to
Jesus alone he was in Amsterdam and was immediately transported to a world-class
hospital where he was placed in a medically induced coma.
We
prayed, we believed, we stormed the gates of heaven. Meanwhile, all six
daughters made their way to Amsterdam, battling horrific weather patterns,
botched deliveries of passports, and a nightmare of bureaucracy…but by the grace
of God alone, they all made it there.
Just
hours before John passed away.
My
sister-in-law has written a book about her journey through grief. It’s called ‘Finding Beauty in Ashes.’ The story is
amazing. Meanwhile, the final book of the Fishermen of Antioch series releases in
March. The result, I hope, will honor my original God-given goal, and the rich
legacy of a family’s love.
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But there’s one person in the small village of Antioch, Indiana who has noticed and adored the man since her youth. Hailey Beth Thomas. Hailey Beth’s sister is marrying Ben’s brother in a spring wedding that promises to be the event of the season. Thrown together as the heady romance of an upcoming marriage takes place, love and revelation come to life.
Unknown to anyone else, Ben wants to answer a call to the mission fields of North America that will lead him far from the life he has always known. Ben longs to serve, but he wants a life with Hailey Beth as well. Hailey Beth can’t leave Antioch, but can’t bear the idea of losing Ben.
Are they meant to be together, or will God’s call pull them apart just as they’ve found a way to one another?
*****
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.
