Your writing can reach people you’d never imagine.
by Andy Scheer
In his novel, a man returned to his home town after an absence of forty years.
Set in the American South, the story spoke powerfully of reconciliation, forgiveness, faith in Christ, and revival. Vivid descriptions let readers place themselves in each scene. His protagonist noticed all that was familiar — and all that had changed.
While the author targeted Christian readers in the United States, he got unexpected feedback. An English-speaking believer who’d just escaped persecution in a traditionally Islamic country read the novel. The story moved him. He saw how it could minister to other Christians in his nation — if it were translated into their language. So he tracked down the author and asked permission to make a translation.
That country is difficult for Americans to visit
and even harder for them to speak openly about Christ.
The author has a burden for the people of that country — one to which it’s difficult for Americans to visit and even more difficult for them to speak openly about Christ. But books, especially stories, can speak to people privately, personally. In electronic format they can cross borders. They can change hearts and lives.
The author may never get royalty checks for this translated edition. His reward will be far greater.
