How can a few words on a page change lives? Three authors from Ashland Grace Brethren Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Ohio (Dan Allan, senior pastor), have learned how they can use their words to teach, learn, and spread God’s word to many around the world.
For Joe Maggelet, a chaplain for Ashland University who authored “The ‘I’ Judgements,” learned that, though he may not enjoy writing, his words could be used to teach believers about God’s plan for nations like the U.S.
“I really do not like writing, but several friends asked me to write a book on that subject. I believed it would meet a need in the Church, so I took the plunge. I took the time to write it because I believe we [the U.S.] have crossed the lines that bring about God’s judgment on nations,” Maggelet shares.
Currently, Maggelet continues to write a weekly blog. You can read it here.
For Beth Duewel, author of “Fix-Her-Upper,” writing has taught her a lot about the good work the Holy Spirit began in us when we were saved.
“God wants to renew us. Refresh us. I’ve learned I must lean on His daily restorative Spirit to refresh me. And that’s been my favorite part of writing books. To encourage women that it’s really okay if you’re a mess. We’re all a good work in progress, and we can experience transformation for ourselves,” Duewel shares.
Her life verse comes from Ephesians 2. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christs Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
“He does the good work,” Duewel says. “We lean. We are transformed from the inside out, when we do the good things He planned for us to do so long ago. We are all ‘fix-her-uppers.’”
Dandi Mackall, author of “Wow!” and “With Love Wherever You Are,” has particularly enjoyed being able to use her words to encourage many readers around the world. The books she writes are covered in prayer, and nearly every story teaches her more about God’s grace.
“Writing is my ministry,” Mackall says. “Just when I start wondering if anyone is affected by my stories, I’ll receive a letter or email from a reader, detailing how God has used my book to change his or her life.”
Writing can be a difficult task, especially when we are hoping to reach people and change lives. However, these authors all share the same conviction: if you are gifted to write, you should.
“If you like to write, that’s something worth listening to, because maybe that yearning to write comes from God,” says Mackall. “I honestly believe that writing is one way God changes and encourages people all over the world. Not only that, but writing is one way God changes and encourages us.”
[Connect:] To send a note of encouragement to these authors, click below on their names.
Joe Maggelet
Beth Duewel
Dandi Mackall