PLEASE WELCOME VANNETTA CHAPMAN!
Joshua’s Mission – Finding romance and grace in the midst of disaster
Thank you for allowing me to visit your blog today. I’m very excited about the release of Joshua’s Mission (2-1-16), which is book 2 in my Plain & Simple Miracles series. This book is a Christian romance story, but some of you may wonder … how do you find romance in the midst of a disaster? And how is this sort of story about the grace of God? Great questions!
First a short description of the story. Joshua Kline travels from his farm in Oklahoma to offer aid to an Englisch town on the gulf coast of Texas after a category 4 hurricane has ravaged the area. What will Joshua find when he arrives in Texas? A budding romance? A call from God? A possible healing of his relationship with his brother? Joshua’s Mission is a story of love, forgiveness, and the grace of God that carries us through even the worst situations.
1. Romance? I love writing romance. I adore happily-ever-after, and I can find those stories in just about any situation. Middle of a hurricane? No problem. While your brother is intent on finding trouble with the law? Yeah. I can do that. During a recovery mission? Absolutely! I think love is, literally, all around us. And sometimes, it’s when we have trouble in our lives that we’re most open to a new relationship.
2. Grace? Disasters are a terrible thing. If you’ve ever experienced a first hand natural disaster, or been on site soon after one, you know what I mean. It’s heartbreaking to see people’s lives ripped apart. So how can we possibly have a story about grace in such a terrible situation?
The answer is in the way that we comfort one another. Christ told us to be His hands and feet, and during disasters we find people doing that very thing. We put down our cell phones, unplug from the internet, turn off the television, and we become involved with each other’s lives.
I had the awesome chance to experience this recently after we had massive flooding in central Texas. On May 25, 2015, the towns of Wimberley and San Marcos were hit by catastrophic flooding from the Blanco River. The river crested at an estimated 41.5 feet, nearly 30 feet above flood stage. Lives were lost. Homes were destroyed. But the people in the area pulled together. Volunteers showed up in droves. Donations came in. Rebuilding began. The experience I had helping one family certainly changed my outlook. As one of the men told my husband, “We had no idea where to begin, and then you all showed up. You gave us hope.” Wow. Grace in the midst of disaster.
3. Fiction. Joshua’s Mission is a fictional account of a hurricane that hits the Texas gulf, but I was able to use first hand testimonies of hurricane victims in other areas, my own experience working on an emergency response team, and interviews with people in the area to weave together a story. There’s a little romance and a whole lot of grace. I hope that you’ll give it a try.
Now I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced a natural disaster or helped in a recovery effort? If not, maybe you know someone who has. Tell us your story. Leave a comment and enter to win a signed copy of Vanetta’s new book, Joshua’s Mission. Winner has three days to respond. USA only.
Vannetta Chapman
BIO: Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. Chapman was a teacher for 15 years and currently writes full time. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.
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I have never physically helped after a natural disaster but have aided by donations. I admire those who go and work so hard in helping victims rebuild what was lost. What a fabulous work.
Donations make the “helping” possible, Melanie. 🙂
I would love to have a copy of Vannetta Chapman’s book Joshuas Mission ! Love reading Amish books!
Awesome! Thanks for commenting, Teresa.
I love Vannetta’s books. Helping others in need is important; I do whatever I can – whenever I can.
Hi Donna. God bless you and your efforts to help others.
My heart goes out to all who have suffered losses due to disasters. I have not been personally affected, but have known others that have lived through them. I may not be physically able to help, but am always donating to help in what ever ways possible. Mother Nature is so unpredictable and can catch anyone off guard. If everyone helps, even in the smallest of ways, it will be a comfort to all and make this world so much better.
Every little bit helps, Jody. Donations, prayers, physical labor–I believe God uses them all equally. Blessings to you, my friend.
Love Vannetta Chapman’s books. Love to win. I love people and helping those in need. Have a heart for the elderly.
Hi Alisa. Thank you so much!
Thank you for an opportunity to win Joshua’s Mission! I love Vannetta’s books!! Blessings, Lorraine
Hi Lorraine. Thanks for stopping by!
Vanetta & Katie, I experience disaster in about 1965, I was 10 years old – we had never really had tornados in SW Ohio and one hit northern OH in Pittsfield, so it was Palm Sunday and Dad took us for a ride – that still sticks in my mind. Then again in 1974 the city of Mason my hometown was hit by tornado, many of my friends and classmates lost everything. Since I was old enough to drive and knew the area I helped the National Guard navigate the subdivisions. What an experience!
I have not gotten to read you books (YET) but I can tell you my next stop is Amazon to order Book one of this series. May you have a Blessed and Amazing day. Connie
Hi Connie. You have lived quite a life! Wow. God bless you, dear.
I worked for The Salvation Army when Franklin Tenn. had a Dam break. It was awful but yet a good time. We fed lots of people and helped in the clean up. God’s amazing love poured out. It’s an experience I have never forgotten. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks
That is one of the ironies of disaster work, Connie. What you’re seeing, is terrible. But helping others? Amazing. The grace … it’s amazing. Thank you for all you do!
The way the Amish reach out to help others has always impressed me. Not only the men folk but the women do too. This is our mission as Christians…to reach out to others no matter the need. I have had people tell me not to give money to the homeless that is on the street corner but I’m sorry, I just feel like if they need it, then I give what I can. Looking forward to reading this new book. Love Amish stories.
Exactly, Phyllis. It is men, women, older folks, and teens. Thanks for stopping by!
Very interesting and informative blog post. I learned a lot! I’d love to read this book!
susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com
Susan in NC
Thanks for stopping by, Susan!
Following the blizzard of 1996, we had a rapid thaw. At that time I taught at a small elementary school (one class of each grade) where the situation was totally different than the small city schools and the administration offices. As the waters began to rise from mountain run-off, some parents ventured in to get the children, but many were stranded with us at the school. Eventually our cars were moved to higher ground and one bus was sent out to move the students and teachers to higher ground as well. The National Guard brought food and the last of the students went home at 8:45 PM. This situation, though not grave, humbled me and remains with me today. Some of my students still keep in contact with me as we established a bond that day which could never be established in the classroom. As a side note, at that time cell phones were expensive and each call cost a lot. My bill was $345 that month, but I was able to contact the parents and let them know that their kiddos were safe. Money well spent!)
Karen, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think it helps people to understand just what these situations are like. Blessings!
Never a weather related disaster, but as a 1st Responder…have worked on scene with multiple injuries & situations. It can be quite chaotic and traumatic to all involved. Sometimes we never hear how the people turn out, sometimes we just have to be comforted to know we helped….Post Traumatic Stress debriefings are essential at times for all disasters!
Hi Nat. Thank you so much for being a first responder. It’s such an important job, and I know firsthand how exhausting (and rewarding) it can be.
In my younger days, I was a volunteer on the ambulance and fire department in our town. Assisted at many fires and helped many people who needed the ambulance. I just love your books, Vannetta and can’t wait to read this one. Have a blessed day.
HI DEBBIE. I imagine you have some stories you could tell! Thank you for being a volunteer.
Really enjoyed reading the interview about this new upcoming book. Can’t wait to read it! I absolutely love reading an amish book that puts a little different twist on the usual amish romance books. Up to this point in my personal life, I have not been struck by tragedy in the sense of disaster related or anything even our close surrounding community, but I am always looking to help those in my community that are elderly or are in need in some way.
Hi Tiffany. Thank you for stopping by!
Oh yes, through many huricane’s so lot’s of clean-up.
wfnren at aol dot com
Hi Wendy. Then you know exactly what this book is about. It’s something many people experience, but I’m not sure those of us in the middle of the country can really understand the devastation.
Looking forward to reading this story. 🙂
Thanks, Melissa.
Sounds like another great book Vannetta!! I lived in Florida over 40 years and been through many hurricane seasons. We didn’t have much damage where we were other than limbs down. Now I live in Tennessee! BEAUTIFUL!! I hope all is well with you and yours! Thank you for the chance to win your book!! 🙂 <3
Evelyn Cross
Hi Evelyn. Thanks for you comment. I need to come to Tennessee. If I’ve ever been there, I was a child. 🙂
I am involved with a group at church called G.O. (God’s Outreach). Each week we have 3 teams that go to various sites in the neighborhood of our church and reach out to the people who live there by cooking hot dogs and hamburgers to give out. We also provide food boxes at Thanksgiving and at other times as needed. I love reaching out to those who need help.
Hi Kim. Thanks so much for telling us about you group. It sounds like they do wonderful work! God bless you all.
Interesting sounding book
Thanks, Rebecca.
Very interesting post. I have helped by donations. Most disasters are too far away and physically I cannot help.
Hi Karen. Donations are so important – they allow the people who can go to have materials to work with.
I haven’t had the chance to physically help, but I moved back home to Oklahoma a year and a half ago, and now I live in Moore, where the giant tornados have happened twice in the past 20 years, so if we have another one anywhere around, I am going to do my best to help whoemver needs me. Thank you for the chance!
Yes, Moore was hit badly, and I believe that the Amish came and helped to rebuild there.
Enjoy read about the amish. helping other people, hope i can win one of your books
Thanks for commenting, Barbara.
Helping my uncle after his home was destroyed by a tornado. It is unreal the damage caused by tornadoes. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Hi Linda. Helping family is so important. I know your uncle appreciated all that you did.
I haven’t actually helped in a crisis but I, along with other church members, gathered items to aid the people of West Liberty, KY when it was hit ty a tornado a few years ago. Food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items were gathered to help them as they worked to clean up.
I look forward to reading your book.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Connie. Supplies are so important in these situations because the stores run out quickly. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for featuring Vannetta Chaoman. I enjoyed the first book, Anna’s Healing, in this series. I’m looking forward to reading this book. I’m a firm believer in assisting others. There are ways we can do that even if we cannot go–prayers, momentary donations and informing others about a project that needs to be completed. I’ve been on two mission trips but no building was involved. Blessings and prayers.
Thanks for writing, Marilyn! I enjoyed Anna’s Healing too. You are right about prayer, our most powerful tool, even if we’re housebound. I admire all who donate their money and time to mission trips like the one Vannetta described.
Kate
Absolutely Marilyn! Those are excellent ways to help, even if you aren’t able to physically help! Thanks for stopping by!