Archive for the ‘Beyond the Manuscript’ Category

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

In January, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month brings together law enforcement and organizations across the nation in a strive to eliminate human trafficking.

Because trafficking is so prevalent now, Judy DuCharme wrote her latest novel, Who Will Rescue Us?: A Love Story, to highlight this endemic situation. She believes the more people know what’s going on, the better they can recognize someone being trafficked, and know who to contact and what to do and what not to do.

When Sofia sets out from South America to start a new life in the States, she discovers evil is just as prevalent in her new country. Working at a hotel, Sofia sees numerous children she suspects are being held against their will. After Sofie meets Hector, they devise a plan to help the most vulnerable. But will she jeopardize her own citizenship status? And more importantly, if she and Hector don’t rescue the children, then who will?

Who Will Rescue Us?: A Love Story is a new take on the dangers of trafficking, endearing the reader to the lives and personalities of the children enmeshed in this horrible crime and the love and humanity of the rescuers. Because it is such a heavy subject, DuCharme also wrote it to weave in the concept of forgiveness in difficult situations, and it has a lot of hope and even a sweet love story.

Dave Pratt highlighted the current problem of human trafficking in his latest novel, Home Team 2. In Home Team 2, after a successful mission for the Home Team, the government is ready to create a Home Team 2 to help thwart human and drug trafficking. But finding recruits who can handle the assignment is not so easy. And the measures that the Lees will take to protect their investments puts everyone on the team at risk. When Washington State Patrol Trooper Ellen “Ell” Evander is reassigned to spend time with the Home Team, motivation to find her kidnapped niece clouds her judgment and spurs her on a mission that may end her career. Army Ranger Alex Anthem soon finds himself side by side with the attractive state patrol trooper. As the pressure mounts, Ell and Alex both have decisions to make that could change the courses of their lives forever.

Dave’s goal in writing Home Team 2 was to show how a dedicated person, seeking justice for others, can get wrapped up in their crusade to do it all on their own, no matter the danger. All too easily, they forget that they need others and more importantly, that God is there to help when they ask Him to guide them and be on their side. As a secondary goal, Dave wanted to set the stage for the story against the timely, current problem of human trafficking and show that there is hope in the battle.

Human trafficking is a timely issue, with over 89,000 missing persons cases open at the FBI and 1,100 human trafficking victims counted in the U.S. each year. Home Team 2 shows how a person, even as ill-advised as the story’s main character, when motivated by good and guided by God, can make a difference.

The following resources are for those who have been trafficked or are in danger of being trafficked, for those who suspect someone is being trafficked, for troubled young people, and for those who would like to donate or volunteer:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888
Text INFO to 233733
www.Humantraffickinghotline.org

Tim Tebow Foundation

For info on anti-human trafficking and child exploitation, to join the rescue team as an advocate or to pray, to donate financially, to volunteer
www.timtebowfoundation.org

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

800-843-5678
www.missingkids.org (cyber tipline)
missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
Courageous and Free
Serenity Orchards, a place for girls who are survivors of
sex trafficking and abuse
1-833-ONEHOPE
www.courageousandfree.org

Love146

Journeys alongside children impacted by trafficking today and helps prevent trafficking of children tomorrow
203-772-4420
www.love146.org

Hope for the Children Ministries

Changing the Lives of Children and Families through Faith, Hope, and Love
Working with At Risk, Under Privileged, Foster kids ages 11-18
727-459-5055
www.hftcm.org

Ready for Life Pinellas

Supports former foster care youth in homelessness prevention, education, employment, and lifeline support
727-954-3989
www.readyforlifepinellas.org

Sak Suam

A ministry dedicated to the prevention, rescue, restoration, transformation, and rehabilitation of vulnerable and exploited women, men, and children through vocational training and community development
www.saksaum.com

Women At Risk, International

Provides protection for the wounded, voices for the silenced, dignity for the abused, hope for women
and children worldwide
(616) 855-0796
Tollfree: (877) END-SLAVERY
www.warinternational.org

Wisconsin Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation Indicator and Response Guide

dcf.wisconsin.gov

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

University of California: (310) 235-2633
Duke University: (919) 682-1552
nctsn.org/resources/all-nctsn-resources

5 Stones / Fox Valley

Three short films about the realities of sex trafficking
www.facebook.com/5stonesFoxValley

Hope for Justice

Non-profit organization that aims to end human trafficking and modern slavery in the U.K., U.S., Cambodia, Norway, Australia, Ethiopia, Uganda
www.hopeforjustice.org

National Science Fiction Day

While science fiction isn’t the main genre we publish here at Ambassador International, we certainly do publish this well-loved genre, and it might even be one of our favorites! If science fiction is right up your alley and in honor of National Science Fiction Day, here’s a breakdown of some science fiction novels we’ve published throughout the years.

When Legends Rise | Legends of Light | Book 1

A genetically altered assassin, whose job it is to hunt down and destroy the Christian Coalition in the Galaxy, finds himself about to be decommissioned. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him. What happens when an assassin awakens?

Learn more about When Legends Rise

The Withering

During the apocalyptic final days of Noloro, three orphaned teens have nothing left in the world but each other. A sardonic sorcerer offers them a way off their dying world, but at what cost? Family, courage, and faith are at the heart of this end-of-the-world adventure.

Learn more about The Withering

Serpentine

Determined to survive, an orphaned Esther must fight a rising new order in a broken America. This new order, the Federation of Acceptance, enforces directives that jeopardize human rights and beliefs. On the run from the Federation in an endless quest for truth, Esther must rise up to lead a resistance of people willing to lose it all for what matters most—their God, their freedom, and an everlasting hope.

Learn more about Serpentine

Solitary Man

Doyle is used to being on his own ever since the war devastated the land. With cannibals always a threat, alone is better. Until he has to stop at a city for repairs and provisions. One heroic act and now he’s the leader of a small band of Christians determined to spread the gospel to the rumored neighboring cities. It’s a task he’s qualified for, but he didn’t plan on the effect that this little group would have on him . . .

Learn more about Solitary Man

Remnant

The year is 2522. Anna is a Remnant—a secret Christian in a world that has banned any form of religion. She is also an astro-geologist working with her Robot, named Z, for the Planetary Science Commission. The PSC has worked for 200 years to find alien life on another planet, and finally, after two centuries, a primitive lifeform has been discovered. Faced with the reality of evolved primitives on a forested moon, Anna begins to question all she has ever believed. Anna and Z stumble upon a conspiracy that has universal implications. Will Anna discover the truth about the moon and its inhabitants? Can God still move within a culture that has abandoned Him?

Learn more about Remnant

Woe is Us

Lyrian Wallace was only ten years old when the Malevolence struck on October 10, 2056. She thought the next decade had numbed her to the grief, the death, the bots, and the daily struggle for survival. She lost her parents when they became Sleepers, but like everyone else, she had pieced together a new family. Lyrian was almost content when the Alliance began taking them . . . The world always took things away from her. She could only live for today and never dared to hope for any heaven. But when her circumstances change, Lyrian must choose how she might live for both this life and the next.

Learn more about Woe is Us

Made for Mercy

Barely out of their teens and trained as assassins, Rigel members are taught that the Kalideyes are evil and must be destroyed. As Maru prepares for her first mission, she realizes that relying on herself in times of crisis isn’t enough, but her teammates are as broken as she is. When she is forced to fight for her life, who will be there to save her? It won’t be long before Maru learns the truth behind the enemy and an even bigger truth that leads her to safety.

Learn more about Made for Mercy

Silent Altitudes

The world looks up to the sky in hopeful anticipation as the Pennychuck Atmospheric Carbon Reduction System comes online. Finally the chance to eliminate global warming will be obtainable. Within moments, something goes terribly wrong. As the system operates at progressively higher altitudes and causes so much destruction, two scientists must find a way to shut it down…or die trying.

Learn more about Silent Altitudes

The Jordan of Algoran series

The Jordan of Algoran series starts with teenaged Jordan Lewis and her mother being abducted to an alien world and seemingly marooned there. However, God has a plan for Jordan’s life and all she has to do is trust Him. Along her decades long journey, Jordan matures, finds love and family, experiences extraordinary triumphs and devastating heartbreak. And yet, Jordan has one decision to make that surpasses them all.

Learn more about The Jordan of Algoran series

Shadow’s Secrets | National Day of the Horse

Imagine a dark brown and white horse, multiple spots on his hindquarters, prancing about with ears forward and nostrils flaring. He’s proud, happy, and eager to please. That’s our Shadow and he’s here to reveal a secret or two.

Secret #1

It’s December 13^th and horse owners and enthusiasts alike will celebrate National Day of the Horse today.

Why are they celebrating? It’s to honor the contributions horses have made to the society and culture of the United States. Throughout the ages, Americans have used the strong backs and legs of these beautiful animals to help us carry heavy sacks of goods, pull plows, carts, and sleighs, and even transport us for work, pleasure, and more. We’ve even used them to raise barns, carry our burdens, and traverse new heights.

Horses are extraordinary creatures, and some have an uncanny ability to help humans heal. Their intelligence and sensitive nature can free minds, reduce stress and anxiety, improve communication skills, and instill confidence and self-control. They are extremely aware of emotional energies, and they sometimes know people better than they know themselves.

Therapeutic horseback riding utilizes the special qualities many of them animals possess. Their tremendous physical strength and emotional intelligence help them respond to riders of all ages and needs. The rhythmic gait of the horses and the heat from their fur stimulate riders’ muscles and increase mobility. Throughout each ride, the change of gait and pace helps riders experience of wide range of sensory emotions.

Secret #2

Shadow is not just any horse. He’s a very special part of a therapeutic horse farm in the foothills area of North Carolina called Rising Hope Farm. Rising Hope Farms houses several horses who work with people of all ages with mental difficulties, physical and/or cognitive challenges, anxiety, grief, depression, etc. While there are many horses on the farm, Shadow is certainly the most popular because of Secret #3. What’s that secret, you may wonder? Well, we could tell you, but what’s the fun it that? You’ll have to read SHADOW’S SECRET to find out more!

To celebrate our favorite horse, Shadow, and National Day of the Horse, Ambassador International has a special offer on SHADOW’S SECRET. From now through the end of December, we are offering SHADOW’S SECRET for a discounted offer of $7.99 through our warehouse. We will also donate $1 from each purchase to Rising Hope Farms.

We love feedback! Please comment below and let us know what you think of SHADOW’S SECRET. Got a special horse in your life? Tell us more! We’re always looking for other amazing horse stories to write!

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Information on Rising Hope Farms: Ran by owner/operator, Gail Wartner, Rising Hope Farms is a therapeutic horse farm located in Claremont, NC, in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. To find out more about the farm, their animals, and the events and programs they offer, please visit them at risinghopefarms.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/risinghopefarmsclaremont.

Win the prize…

…for best gift giver with stories that are out of this world.

“There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.” —Emily Dickinson

When Legends Rise

: Genetically altered. Designed to kill. Trained to eradicate. Then he became more, and now those he hunted will be the ones to save him. What happens when an assassin awakens?

Solitary Man

: Prowling the broken remnants of a devastated America alone in an armored bus, a former Navy SEAL’s solitude is jeopardized after a brutal attack forces him to partner with a pastor on a mission. Battling cannibals, militant atheists and a mysterious super soldier, one man’s unbelief and the other’s faith collide in this action-packed, post-apocalyptic story.

The Withering: The moon will soon collide with the surface of Noloro, and three orphaned teens have nothing left but each other. As the world reaches its end, the fight for their future has only just begun. How far would you go to protect the ones you love?

Serpentine

: A rising new order in a broken America enforces directives that jeopardize human rights and beliefs. Orphaned Esther must decide where she stands as she faces disappearing teachers, murdered classmates and a traitorous ex-flame. Haunted by the mistakes of her parent’s past, she now has to make decisions that will affect the lives of everyone around her.

Holiday parties and potlucks are just around the corner!

Step up your game with Margaret Johnson’s tour of the festive, fun-filled season in Ireland. Together, these books offer over 150 recipes, photos, and menu plans. This colorful collection will become an essential addition to your holiday bookshelf.

Christmas Flavors of Ireland

CHRISTMAS FLAVORS OF IRELAND INVITES READERS — cooks and armchair travelers alike — on a holiday tour of one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. From decking the halls to gathering around the family table, you’ll find timeless classics and exciting new ideas in this full color collection of popular Irish dishes. With easy-to-follow recipes — warming soups and crisp potatoes, wonderful puddings and dazzling desserts — Christmas Flavors of Ireland will awaken your senses to the festive, fun-filled season in Ireland. With over 100 recipes and photos, this colorful collection will become an essential addition to your holiday bookshelf and a gift that family and friends will treasure year after year.

Festive Flavors of Ireland

Festive Flavors of Ireland invites readers—cooks and armchair travelers alike—on a holiday visit to one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. From decking the halls to gathering around the family table, you’ll find timeless classics and exciting new recipes in this full color collection of Irish Christmas dishes. With easy-to-follow recipes for tasty nibbles, warming soups, wonderful puddings, and dazzling desserts, Festive Flavors of Ireland will awaken your senses to the festive, delicious Christmas season that runs from Mairgead Mór (Big Fair Day) to Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas). With more than seventy recipes and evocative photos, this colorful collection will become an essential addition to your holiday bookshelf and a gift that family and friends will treasure year after year. Nollaig shona duit . . . Happy Christmas to you!

Coveted Kirkus Review for Ambassador International Book House of Honor!

A gripping novel about the intersection of art and crime.

Kirkus Reviews is a leading source of book reviews, news, and interviews for fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books. House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity by Margaret Ann Philbrick has been awarded a coveted star review with a recommendation to purchase the book!

At the heart of this narrative is the great artist Caravaggio—the novel concerns the breadth of his work, in particular 1609’s “The Adoration of Shepherds with Saint Lawrence and Saint Francis,” which was stolen from the Oratorio della Compagnia di San Lorenzo in Palermo in 1969. Philbrick sets her novel in the 1960s and introduces readers to Orazio Bordoni, an art aficionado who moves to Rome and (at first) dismisses his new landlady’s warnings about the criminal element hanging out in the public square. In Rome, he meets Lena Condotti and quickly falls in love with her; he also encounters Don Giotto, a charismatic scion of the Sicilian Mafia who also excites a strong emotional reaction (“Something about him challenged me,” Orazio confesses) as he introduces Orazio to a world of crime and violence. The persistent surprise of this novel is its explicit depiction of evil—not only Caravaggio’s deeds, as chronicled in the story’s frequent Renaissance flashbacks, but also the hard, violent demimonde to which Orazio is introduced by Don Giotto. The author’s skill at drawing her characters is impressive; even the supporting players (especially Vincenzo, a curator of the Vatican’s Secret Archives, who believes his document work brings glory to God) feel entirely fleshed out. The main narrative is organized around an allegory of the New Testament parable of the Prodigal Son, but the story Philbrick tells is much more nuanced and moving than any simple moral lesson, and the characters she creates here are all memorable. By the time a heartbroken Orazio wonders if he can graft himself back to the Bordoni vine, readers will be eagerly asking the same question.

Learn more about House of Honor HERE.

National Day of Prayer

In 1952, Congress passed a bill that directs the President to declare one day each year as a National Day of Prayer, encouraging the people of the United States to “turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.” (Public Law 82-324, Sec. 119)

May 2, 2024 marks the 73rd annual National Day of Prayer, and the NDP Task Force chose “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World” as its theme, focusing on 2 Samuel 22:29-31.

For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens the darkness, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuse in him. (ESV)

Ambassador International asked three of our authors who have written books on the topic to offer some thoughts on the power and practice of prayer. We trust that their words serve to encourage and inspire your own prayer life. Watch our social media space throughout the month of May, as we continue the theme of practicing a meditative walk with the Lord.

Prayer is Transformation

By Reverend John Clark Mayden, Jr.

Through God, prayer is transformational! James 5:16b echoes this statement: The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Our prayers have an impact.

My demanding six-year ordination process has given me a front-row seat to God’s move through prayer. Initially, I failed my preliminary theological exam twice, which delayed my being ordained. On the verge of quitting, ” I am not cut out for this,” were the words that circulated through my mind and arrested my spirit. However, the Lord prompted me to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and move forward.

Gradually, the Holy Spirit began to change me. I started to see these challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper Christian discipleship. My mindset changed, and I had a positive outlook on my struggle.

The Good News is that prayer is a vehicle the Lord uses to transform our lives. Set aside time every day to make this journey to God. We will experience God’s life-altering move.

It is reassuring to know that our prayers are not brushed aside. We are changed to handle the circumstances in our lives. Things may not improve immediately, but we must seek God in prayer. Prayer is effective and meaningful!

About the Author: Rev. John Clark Mayden, Jr. is the author of Prayer: The Most Reliable Wireless Communication. He is a Christian and the proud pastor of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Upperco, Maryland. He is married to Kirstyn, and the two have one daughter, Naomi. They reside in Baltimore, Maryland. Rev. Mayden is the author of four books: Breaking the Barriers: 31 Keys to Experience Inner Peace (2018), Breaking the Barriers: Keys to Unlocking Inner Peace (2015), The Victorious Life Prayers for Every Season of Life (2010), and Prayers for the People: A Book of Prayers for All People (2009).

Prayer Journaling

By Rosie J. Williams

I used to cringe when people would talk about being more disciplined with my “prayer life.” When I learned how to write and illustrate my prayers in a creative way, the connection with my Heavenly Father became intimate, personal, and life changing. Here are some ideas:

Read a passage of Scripture. Psalms or Proverbs is a good place to start. As you meditate, ask the Lord to show you how this applies to your life. Pray the words over yourself, your family, and others.
Get the YouVersion Bible app and sign up to receive a verse for the day to jump start your prayer time. Search for my Repurposed Faith Quiet Time Challenge (ten days) on YouVersion.
When I started journaling, I learned modern calligraphy and lettering. Mixing and matching lettering and images sparks your God-given creativity. Dayspring offers many varieties of prayer journals. My favorite, Lettering Prayer Journal by Krystal Whitten, offers demonstrations on YouTube.
“And when you pray, go into your room, and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

About the Author: Rosie Williams is the author of Repurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time. Rosie utilized her degree in Family and Child Development as a case manager, program director, and business owner. Rosie and her husband Steve work with Point Man International Ministries, a Christian organization for veteran families. She blogs at rosiejwilliams.com and has contributed to Faith Deployed Again; NIV, Military Wives’ New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs; and the Military Families Bible. The Williams have three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Ask, Seek, and Knock

By Curt Richards

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-12 NIV)

These are my favorite verses on prayer. I have never interpreted these words of Jesus to mean that all my request will be granted. When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, he explained that prayer was a continuous act. He was instructing his disciples how to develop a lifestyle built around active communication with the Father.

These words, ask, seek, and knock are words of action. I take this passage to mean that our prayer life should create in us a vigorous desire to communicate with God. We should ask God to develop in us a loving heart and to open doors as we seek opportunities to show our love to others.

About the Author: Curt Richards is the author of Misguided Passions and the Lord’s Prayer. He is a retired public school teacher from the Upstate of South Carolina. He has taught various science courses for thirty-eight years ranging from middle school to college. During his career, Richards has mentored numerous teachers and practice teachers. He feels that there is no higher calling than to guide young people as well as adults through their education. In his spare time, Richards enjoys studying nature, gardening, hiking, reading, socializing with family and friends, and writing across multiple genres.

A National Month of Awareness: Children Impacted by Parent’s Cancer

Children Impacted by Parent’s Cancer Month (CIBPCM) is observed annually in January. CIBPCM was founded by Kesem in 2018 to raise awareness of the more than five million children, or one in 15, facing a parent or guardian’s cancer in the United States.

According to their website, Kesem “aspires to create a world where every child who has or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. We support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. We pay special attention to this community because while there are many avenues of support for people with cancer, their children do not often receive the same level of support to address their unique needs.”

For families who must deal with loss after a cancer diagnosis, Look for the Pink Ribbons by Joyce McCullough provides an opportunity for parents to discuss with their little ones the loss of a loved one in a simple and easy-to-understand format.

Leona the Lion is well-loved among the animals of the jungle and is easy to recognize by the unique ruff of pink fur she has that is different than the others. But when Leona begins to change, will her friends and cubs be able to recognize her? And even more importantly, will they be able to handle the changes that are to come?

Is Christ in Your Christmas?: A Letter from Our Publisher

For many adults and children alike, Christmas truly is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Families come together, gifts are exchanged, and plenty of food is eaten. But with so much going on, we can find ourselves so wrapped up in the business and blur of the season that we miss what Christmas is all about. We become so enveloped in trying to find the perfect Christmas tree, sing the perfect Christmas songs, and find that perfect gift for loved ones that we forget that these minor things are not the true meaning of Christmas. It is so important for us to realize that we need to slow down and be reminded of our Savior’s birth and the story of the first Christmas.  Author Karen Straszheim shares her experience and thoughts about Christmas in her book A Sanctuary in Our Midst. She walks readers through that first Christmas night, shares of the events leading up to it, and explores what it means to us today. She reminds us not to get caught up or strung out in the midst of the holiday madness and rush. Her book helps place the focus where it should be during the busy Christmas season: on Jesus.

“People in the Bible were glad for what they learned about God from prophecy. At Christmas, we also can be glad for what we learn about God from Scripture. One day, we will enter heaven with everlasting joy. For now, we can enter Christmas with singing, gladness, and joy. He came so we can know Him.”

“If God had not loved and protected Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, what would have been the outcome for them? In Matthew, it says that “Herod gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.” There was heard among the people “weeping and great mourning . . . Parents weeping for their children . . . because they [were] no more” (Matt. 2:16,18). But Joseph and Mary returned to Israel with their child still living. God’s love was shown to them through the protection of their child’s life.

“Some people feel unloved or abandoned throughout the year and these feelings are noticed even more in the Christmas season. Our culture says this is a time to be with family. But for some, the people they’d like to be with are absent. A parent hasn’t been there for them as a child or an adult. For others, an important person has left, quit, walked out or died, leaving them feeling deserted, cast off, or rejected. A person who has been abandoned can feel lonely, forgotten, forlorn, or sometimes hopeless. ”God, however, says, ‘I will live among the [people] and won’t abandon my people’ (1 Kings 6:13). Jesus had a Father who loved Him and didn’t abandon Him to permanent death. We have the same Father who gives the same love and care to us He gave to His son Jesus (John 17:23, 26). We have hope in a love that is unfailing (Ps. 147:11). He shows us His love with the forgiveness He offers us. His compassions are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). He is merciful and faithful to us (Heb. 2:17). God is a parent who is there for His children. He listens to us attentively: ‘ . . . You will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jer. 29:12-13).

“If you are feeling lonely or forgotten this Christmas, call on your heavenly Father. Pray and let Him know how you are and what you need. He will be there for you.” “God is both supremely above us and with us. Jesus, He who saves, is also Immanuel, God with us. He is a king who is a servant to His people (John 13:1-16). God gave me a banquet of knowledge about Himself and then proclaimed a holiday. He “distributed gifts with royal liberality,” which included the gift of rest (Esther 2:18). This idea changed my thinking about Christmas.

“Christmas, for me, now isn’t the usual, a time to be busy. It has become a time for understanding what rest is: rest from sin and rest from work; a time for having joy in who Jesus is and what He came to do. Ezekiel 37:28 says, “The nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy when my sanctuary is among them forever.” As a sanctuary, God shelters His people. He watches over us and takes care of us. He is in our midst to help us in the ways we need. This Christmas, may you, too, find Him doing the unexpected in your life in ways that show you He is a sanctuary.”

To learn more about Straszheim and A Sanctuary in Our Midst, visit HERE.

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