Hi,
I want to take this opportunity to tell you all about the first book in The Asquinn Family Saga. The James Bay Frontier is set in the more laid back era of 1945-1968. It's Mamcu's (Grandma's) story and tells how she, with four children, left all that was familiar in her home in Wales and followed Tadcu(Grandpa) to Canada, and eventually ending up in the James Bay Frontier. The town they settled in is the scenic little hamlet of Forest Lake, (fictitious name)where the family settles and Tadcu's preaches and prepares a people for God.
The story transcends ages and genres. There is a question page at the back so that readers can study the book with their book club group. Sunday Schools, Youth camps, and Church camps can use the book as well as Christian schools, and anyone that works with adolescence. If you are in the position do do so, please have the adolescence (or any age) in your charge read this book.
Excerpt from The Asquinn Family Saga: The James Bay Frontier
Chapter Thirty-One
“I’ve been a dunce,” Matt said.
This brought a chuckle from Erma, and a ripple of laughter throughout the congregation.
“No, seriously. I have been a half-wit. For ten years I willingly allowed Satan’s cunning ways fool me into thinking I was having a good time. I can only thank God I did not get hooked on any of those senseless drugs. I cheated on my lovely and long suffering wife, I took God’s name in vain.”
His voice broke. Tears glinted in the corners of Erma’s eyes. “Can you imagine that? I took God’s holy name in vain. And for what? But through it all my tolerate wife stayed with me; She prayed for me. Martha my beloved, when you get to heaven that’s when you will fully understand how profitable these prayers were.
I know my dreams were lofty, but fame and fortune came to nothing. Like Brother Ken, I did not once stop to seek God’s approval of my plans. Then all that other stuff, including money and position, lost its appeal. I can tell you now that God has steered me in the direction I should go.
I feel a lot more blessed and richer now that I’m walking again in harmony with God. I have great rapport with my wife and sweeter relationships with my sons and now a daughter. This is what truly makes a man rich in this life.”
“Amen,” said Pastor Asquinn and several others.
“Martha, I am sorry for all the heartache and loneliness I caused you. I thank God continuously for giving me a Christian wife. I know when we married, I bought you a very expensive wedding ring and fooled myself into thinking I did my duty towards you. I’ve since learned that rings are merely a symbol, only God can unite and make a couple.
I have a message to pass onto any young man. Start now to pray for God to send you a Christian wife. I did, and I’m glad. God chooses each partner a man or woman is to marry; God makes a couple, and after that he adds the family. These are rich blessings and should not be taken lightly. It’s only by the grace of God I didn’t continue in my folly and die in my sins. God was merciful enough to include me in His way of salvation and when His son decided I’d strayed enough, held out his hand and lifted me back into the joy of His salvation; And here I am, a picture of God’s grace. God has a pattern for us to live by and it’s written for us all to follow in this book,” he held up an open Bible. “From now on, I will use this as my guide.”
Erma's heart felt warm and fuzzy as she realized Ken was first with the “amens.”
Through, Matt returned to his seat where Martha waited. They embraced each other and kissed. Martha included their two sons and daughter in this embrace.
“Do you have anything to add, Martha?” Erma heard her husband ask.
“I have no regrets, Dad.”
“Not one of us should have regrets in the outcome of these two men's’ lives. They stumbled and have suffered the consequences. Thank God, they didn’t fall for good. I firmly believe because of what these two went through they both came out with a greater and stronger testimony. I’m privileged to know two such fine men and the women that loved and stood by you no matter how rough you made the road for them. This proves, further, my theory we need our own school to teach and train our children. Matt, I am certain your parents witnessed this blessed event. They are looking down on us now and rejoicing.”
“Thank you, Pastor Asquinn.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
“Ken, and Matt should be restored to the fellowship of Golden Ridge Baptist Church,” Pastor Asquinn said. “Those that agree raise your hands.”
Pastor Asquinn looked around. “Unanimous. Ken, Matt both of you are of good standing in this church. Matt, if you are interested, you can have the position of musical director and song-leader back.”
“Sure, I’m interested. If Ken’s interested in being my assistant.”
Ken nodded.
“But,the two of you have yet to be baptized. Charlotte, and Martha, that includes you two,” Pastor Asquinn said.
“We can do that in the summer when the lake water is warm,” Matt said and Ken and the girls agreed.
***
Erma arrived at her husband's side, where Mr. Greene sat during morning church service.
During the service Erma noticed Chester Greene’s actions. The elderly gentleman appeared to have something bothering his conscience; he could not sit still in his seat. He shook and trembled.
“I feel God telling me I need to be repent of my sins,” Erma heard Chester say.
Pastor Asquinn asked softly, ”Are you clear on the plan of salvation? I mean God’s plan of salvation. This doesn’t happen like magic, you must know.”
“I know there is no other way to be saved but through Jesus Christ. The Father sent him to die on the cross for my sins; we are bought and redeemed through His shed blood on the cross.”
“I believe you do,” Pastor Asquinn answered.
“Astonishing, isn't it? He’s used Ken's, and Matt’s lives to help show me how awful my life has been,” Mr. Greene said. “And, through your unwavering preaching, I have come to know the true way of salvation. Jesus died to save the elect, through the drawing to Him by the Holy Spirit.”
There was much rejoicing from church members as one sinner came home; there was also much rejoicing among the angels in heaven as The Great Shepherd sought, and found, another of His own, and brought him home. Now there were five to baptize, Erma said to herself.
Press link to the publisher which happens to be in the UK.
The Asquinn Twins Series:
BUY
Korah's Blog
The James Bay Frontier
