The Christian Fiction Review Blog book for April is SAVE MY CHILDREN, by Emily Wierenga. This is redoubtably the most unique work of Christian fiction I've read to date. The reason I say this is that it's based on real people, real events, and it's difficult to figure out where the "fiction" in the story really is. Putting that aside, and the fact that many stories seem to be incomplete, another minor annoyance, SAVE MY CHILDREN, by Emily Wierenga is also one of the most powerful statements of love and faith in our world today, fiction or otherwise.
The story follows the Jespersens, particularly Harvey Jespersen, who from a youth had a calling of God upon his life to minister to children. The beginnings of this ministry are further off than he and his wife Elsie expected. Yet through this they learn patience and build upon the faith and trust they already have for their Lord. The ministry itself seems to be the burden of the local pastor, and a land owner who gives much of his land for the ministry. As people begin to grow cold to the idea and drift away they look and see Harvey and Elsie Jespersen continue on as if nothing had interrupted them. Soon they become "Mom" and "Dad" to the troubled youth who are sent there.
Youth come from all backgrounds, but mostly from some kind of abuse. Many, however, came simply because their real moms and dads couldn't afford to properly raise their children. You'll see story after story of these lives as they come in contact with the love of Jesus Christ as displayed in the Jespersens. This love is like an immovable rock that refuses to stop loving even under the most extraordinary circumstances. Yet once understood and accepted becomes like a healing salve to many wounded hearts. In the end, the children find that "Mom" and "Dad" Jespersen have become their real mother and father, people they have grown to love themselves and who will always be their for them.
The book takes you all the way to a bittersweet ending, where the Jespersens can no longer live on the place that has become known as Bethany House for Children. Their love for the children never dies. The book is a challenge to us to reach those around us with very real needs and to love them as Christ loves us. Whether your life or my life will be enriched by this challenge depends upon whether or not we respond to God in full obedience as did Harvey Jespersen. As far as fiction goes, you may want to skip this one. As far as good Christian writing goes, you'd be foolish to not read it.
You can find additional information, reviews and so forth by visiting the following sites:
Emily Wierenga, in additon to being a freelance writer, was once deeply involved in Bethany House for Children.
Learn more about Emily Wierenga by visiting her own website.
You can find informaton on purchasing her book at the following locations:
Amazon
Target
Castle Quay Books
Emily also has a links to Bethany House and Castle Quay Books on her homepage.
2 comments:
Save My Children is a powerful statement of love and faith. I was amazed at this couple's strength and how deep their love ran for each child that came through their doors.
This book, although reading like a biography more than a work of fiction, was extremely powerful, and challenging to me. It brought me back to a simple faith and trust in God to share His love with those around us, believing that as long as we are in His will He will always provide. Somewhere along the line the people of God seem to have forgotten this. So I am proud to tour this book.
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