Yes, I’m back from Africa. And I’m alive! (I guess you figured that unless you thought I’m an imposter of me). I have lots of stories to tell you about Africa so please check back in a few days. But for today, since it’s time for our featured CSFF blogtour, I’ll add a short blurb in hopes that good Christian literature will grab more attention everywhere.

This month, the CSFF is featuring Karen Hancock’s Return of the Guardian-King : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0764227971

Although I have not read this book—hey, who can read when they’re crying so much?! (You should see those street children in Africa and see if you cry)—I know my fellow bloggers have, and they’ve written wonderful reviews so please visit some of their blogs:

CSFF Blog Tour
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa Annakindt
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jim Black
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
< Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
April Erwin
Kameron M. Franklin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Karen
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Caleb Newell
Nicole
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Robin Parrish
Rachelle
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Tsaba House Authors
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
Dawn King
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart

I will be back soon with more news on my recent trip. Let’s just say that God was very present. I do thank you for your prayers.

Gratefully,,
Janey

Into Africa

“I’m leaving on a jet plane. Let’s hope I’ll make it home again.” No, it’s not a new song I wrote. Just this week’s reality.

Some know the movie Out of Africa. Well my husband and I are going into Africa (again)—to four countries. Louis will, of course, train leaders and national pastors, and mentor in evangelism and church planting. I’ll teach the women and especially work with street children, poor children, orphans…in hopes of catalyzing a ministry to suffering children among the African churches. (I first did this in India in 1998, and then founded Orphans First to provide a support system for more needy children’s ministries: http://www.orphansfirst.org/). Anyway, please keep our trip to Africa in prayer. Back in April.

Meanwhile, the CSFF blogtour is set for March 19th – 21st, but since I’ll probably be either in a plane or in some African country when my co-bloggers post their reviews, I’m posting mine a few days ahead of time...

Double Vision by Randy Ingermanson

I love Randy Ingermanson’s book, Double Vision. Unlike Randy and his two main characters, Dillon and Rachel, I’m neither a physicist nor a computer geek, but my love for character-driven stories made this book a delightful read for me. Randy’s characters are distinctly portrayed and their lives intertwine with enough curious complexity so as to keep you turning pages—at double-pace.

Double Vision is the story of “three secrets, two women, one man and no time.” Dillon Richard is the one man whose unusual gifting of geekishness, integrity and good looks make him intriguing. He is a genuine genius who finds himself entangled in an adventure involving two lovely women: Rachel Meyers and Keryn Wills. One is a genius and extroverted beauty of Jewish background; the other an attractive novelist, down-to-earth financial officer and practicing Christian. Both work with Dillon on a project that, if successful, could revolutionize the world. A complex adventure ensues endangering their lives and their secrets. In the mix of the complot is the added complication of two women liking one man, and one man needing to make the right choice.

Christy Award-winning novelist. Randy Ingermanson is also a Berkeley-trained physicist. Double Vision is humorous, suspenseful, and romantic and Randy’s style reminds me of another of my “favoritist” writers and good friend, Bill Myers. Is the world ready for both Bill Myers and Randy Ingermanson? I’ll let you decide. Check out Double Vision here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0764227335
Visit Randy Ingermanson’s website - http://www.rsingermanson.com/index.html
And visit my fellow CSFF bloggers and see what they are saying about this book. Links to their sites can be found here http://csffblogtour.com/

Now, out of marvelous fiction and back to reality. I really am leaving on a jet plane…and really do covet your prayers. I’ve been to Africa several times but I cannot forget that on my first visit some pesky little mosquito made straight for me, took a long sip from my arm and ignored the fact I was taking the malaria meds. That mostinko was immune. I got the worse strain of malaria that exists and it almost made me extinct. I barely got out of Africa alive. But that was years ago, in my younger days when my blood was more appealing. Or so I like to tell myself…
Prayers appreciated – for health, traveling mercies, blessing for those here on the homefront, and that the work of God be done so that many Africans hear the Gospel and many poor children are concretely helped.

As we say in French, until soon (à bientôt). Que Dieu vous bénisse.

Amazing Grace the movie

The other evening some friends took my husband and I to see the movie, Amazing Grace for my birthday (sigh – another year rolls by). ‘Tis indeed an AMAZING film filled with grace. Grace needed for the call which is always too big for us to accomplish but which God is faithful to perform through us: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thess.5:24, NKJV).

Why do I love that movie and others of its genre? Because it reminds me why I do what I do with Orphans First (www.orphansfirst.org). It inspires me to keep going forward in the battle to save innocent souls. It reminds me that I have an impossible task to fulfill and am easily discouraged and overwhelmed. But since I am called by One greater than I, then surely I am also energized by Him. Certainly as I look back over the past year and see how many children were helped by Orphans First, then I know it’s surely because of Him, because of the help of others who give so generously, because of His amazing grace.

Although the film kept me riveted to my seat, and urged me to shout “yes” at every victory (a little too loudly much to the embarrassment of my hubby sitting next to me), there are two areas which I would have liked to see slightly differently. One was when England’s youngest Prime Minister ever—William Wilberforce’s very close friend, Billy, lay dying in bed very afraid. “I’m scared. I wish I had your faith”, he said, or something to that effect. Sadly, William Wilberforce, a man of strong faith, squeezed his friend’s hand but didn’t share the Gospel with him.(I’d like to believe that in real life William was bold with in his witness). Another area is that the tragedy and inhumanity of the slave trade could have perhaps been more greatly emphasized if by showing some of the slaves as they did in the film Amistad, an older film about the fight against slavery.

However, having said that, EVERYONE should see the film. It was rich in inspiration, character portrayal, humor, tragedy, history, culture, Britishness (and for a Brit to say that, you can trust it). I also LOVED the fact that Wilberforce’s house was filled with animals, showing a very humane and tender heart. As well as bringing about the abolition of the slave trade in England,Wilberforce was also instrumental in creating the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. His deep compassion and love are clearly the fruits of his intimate walk with Christ.

The timing of seeing this movie was perfect for me in my walk with Christ. Louis and I (and perhaps our son) are off to four different countries in Africa next week. It isn’t our first time by any means. (In fact, I almost died of Malaria when I first visited Africa some 17 years ago). One of the countries we’re visiting, Benin, is the original home of most African-Americans. Sadly, and unknown to most people, it was not only the fault of the white man that these precious souls were enslaved. It was especially the fault of the African dignitaries of the time. The King of Benin sold his people! I may write more on that later but for now, suffice it to say this French-speaking country has a sordid History. It’s a privilege bringing Christ to this people. Your prayers for our trip are appreciated.

I will be working with street children and teaching women in several churches and Theological Institutes (offshoots of our work in France), and Louis will be training pastors and investing in leaders—including some government officials who gave their hearts to Christ. We’ll be mostly in French-speaking countries and one English-speaking. More on that when I return next month—or whenever. I covet your prayers for every part of the trip, and for my son (whether he goes or not). And for my cats. Poor things. They’ll have to survive without me. There is no purrrrrrrrrrr-fect world, that’s for sure!

If you’d like more information on how the Lord is leading us at this time, please check out the following article in Assist News:

http://www.assistnews.net/mysearch/pagedresults.asp?SearchText=New%20Direction%20in%20Ministry%20for%20Couple%20who%20Faced%20Discrimination%20as%20they%20Ministered%20Together%20in%20France

As we say in French, à bientôt (until soon),

Janey

After a lot of technical difficulties, I was finally able to post my blurb yesterday about a great website. Check it out. Read yesterday's... Check the blog links to see what they wrote also. Sorry folks, no time to write more today. Just as the Beatle's sang, "Yesterday". So check yesterday's blog.

Janey's News

This month, the CSFF blog tour features a totally awesome website, Where The Map Ends: WhereTheMapEnds.

Owned and authored by Jeff Gerke, a man with a sharp mind and passion for fiction (I met him a few times at writer’s conferences), his site offers an abundance of cool features ranging from interviews, reading suggestions with a list of speculative fiction authors, speculative art, writing tips, publishing pointers, links to other great sites and wonderful posts from other writers.

Jeff’s website features a section where he introduces himself – “Who is Jeff?”. People can also subscribe to receive the "Where The Map Ends" newsletter. There will soon be a forum also, as well as a POD a press for Christian Speculative Fiction writer

The site is absorbing and I had to tear myself away to get back to my other responsibilities. Find out more by checking out what my fellow-bloggers are saying.

Nissa Annakindt
Wayne Thomas Batson
Jim Black
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Tessa Edwards
April Erwin
Kameron M. Franklin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
K. D. Kragen
Tina Kulesa
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nicole
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Robin Parrish
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
Timothy Wise

More coming soon…

Janey's News

Feb. 6th, 2007

Many years ago, before it was a phenomena, someone sent me the first Harry Potter book to review for my kids. They thought that I’d like the fact that the author is a Brit like me. But what I read shocked me, especially the focus on an orphan who suddenly discovers he’s got magic powers. I realized how this could impact needy kids who long to fit in, be loved, find a niche and even have power over the elements that foster their unhappiness. The magic provided counterfeit solutions to desensitize little minds from the real solution—Christ.

As this crafty witchcraft craze has grown and sown its seeds of darkness, I have become more and more excited about the Christian authors that God has raised up to perpetrate truth in kid format. I thank God for them.

That is why I delight in introducing the Mercy Force series written by Dr. Herbert J. Kellner, co-authored by Connie Penn. These books, beginning with the Secret of the Ancient Crowns, could revolutionize our young people and energize them to serve the cause of Christ in very practical ways.

The story centers around three children, Cameron, Jacqueline and Data, who are introduced to world needs and biblical principles through some mystical power hidden in three ancient crowns that release supernatural power to transport them to other worlds. Here they are introduced to animals—each one with a special story to tell, and each one’s story having a special lesson to teach—that the world needs compassion.

What particularly touched me in this first book is that the author touches on the very real, cruel situations in the world as recounted in each animal’s personal story. However, it’s not done in a way that would depress the young reader’s mind, but rather with a note of hope and redemption that serves to motivate them to go and make a difference for others. After their supernatural voyage, the children decide to become a mercy force in a fallen world where their compassionate actions can help others.

I highly recommend this book which rises far above spooky kid-lit and enters a realm of reality that we often seek to avoid—that this world is a cruel place. But instead of seeking to combat it with magic, this book proposes tapping into a higher source, God, and thereby making this world a better place for some. The message is beautifully woven within the fabric of children’s fantasy fiction which compels you further into the chapters.

Secret of the Ancient Crowns can be seen here: http://www.csnbooks.com/bimg/2226.jpg
(You’ll soon hear more on it as it is adapted into film format.)

If you’d like to buy a copy of the Secret of the Ancient Crowns, and benefit Orphans First also, please email me and I will tell you how: Janey@orphansfirst.org

Also, if you’d like to know more on how to teach your children about compassion, biblical truth, Bible wonders, and how their lives fit into God’s great plan, please check out my parenting book: Heaven Help Me Raise These Children: -- Biblical Direction For Practical Parenting Issues. Go to: http://www.carepointministry.com/ Click on Parenting and voilà. Or go to www.orphansfirst.org and click on the relevant link.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope it’s been a blessing for you.

Janey

Janey's News

CSFF tour for January.

For those of us who pray for the suffering children of the world, we cannot minimize the importance of good children’s literature—so that they don’t read godless kid-lit.


This month we are featuring Wayne Thomas Batson's Door Within trilogy—a great fantasy series for children who no doubt identify with the key characters, Aiden and Antionette. As an advocate for children, I’m thrilled to see good fantasy literature written with a biblical thread. I encourage you to check out the entire triology by Wayne Batson.
o The Door Within
o Rise of the Wyrm Lord
o The Final Storm.
Please check out the inspiring reviews and comments made on the blogs of my fellow writers. Don’t be shy about leaving a comment.
Jim Black
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
Chris Deanne
April Erwin
Linda Gilmore
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Joleen Howell
Kait
Karen
K. D. Kragen
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Caleb Newell
Eve Nielsen
John Otte
Robin Parrish
Tessa Edwards
Cheryl Russel
Hannah Sandvig
Mirtika Schultz
James Somers
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver Janey DeMeo
Notice I put myself in the list. That’s to make sure you stop by again soon as I’ll have more comments on good books, music, updates on Orphans First and some personal reflections.