Flee From Evil (38 page)

For my last novel,
An Insignificant Life
, I gathered a wonderful Launch Team to help me spread the word about my books: Chris Granville, Noela Nancarrow, Dana Michael, Robin Bunting, Jen Smindak, Susan Snodgrass, Sherry Hoover, Ann Ellison, Rachel Trautmiller, and Cami Pernell (and those who want to remain anonymous). I want to thank you all for your tireless efforts in making these novels known. It has been wonderful getting to know each of you a little better every day.

Thank you to the wonderful young woman who has contributed visual details to the last two covers—Jordan Almony. I hope to see more of your artwork in future covers.

David Crowder was the muse for this one—particularly the CD
Church Music.
Something about this band seemed to encapsulate the feel of a “redneck church” pastored by a former country clubber … not to mention the unusual friendship of Vince and Billy, whose joint love for Christ surpassed any other thing that would usually divide them.

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to the Young Life ministry for teens with special needs, called Capernaum. Our local group is led by the awesome duo, Kelly and Kristin Caprarola. This ministry has brought great joy to those often neglected by the rest of the world (and sometimes, even the church). A portion of the current sales of
Flee from Evil
will go to this wonderful ministry.

Reading Group Questions

1. One of the themes in
   Flee from Evil
   is about forgiveness. I wanted to write about real people who knew what God wanted them to do, and yet struggled with forgiving at the same time. Have you ever had a hard time forgiving someone? What happened that helped you forgive?
   
2. Another theme in this story is about how God can turn any evil into good (Romans 8:28)—not just what happens
   to
   you, but even the bad things you’ve done. Share how God has used bad things for His glory in
   your
   life.
   
3. As is mentioned in the Acknowledgments, I never like to show Christians doing extraordinary things unless I
   know
   Christians who’ve done those extraordinary things. This rule keeps me from painting Christians in a seemingly unrealistic light—making them out to be better than they really are. However, though the world may ignore these things, Christians are impacting many lives for the good. Share some examples of people in your life who have awed you with their generosity.
   
4. Vince and Cassandra have a conversation about whether or not all people are redeemable. Vince says the Holy Spirit sometimes tells us to avoid some, and guide those He gives us to guide. Can you think of examples of each of these ideas in your life?
   
5. What did you think of Vince’s friendship with Billy? How do you think two men can be such close friends even though they are so different?
   
6. When Kat shares her husband’s previous struggles with drugs, she says sharing her story of brokenness can help others, because Jesus meets us in our brokenness. What do you think of that statement?
   
7. Do you know anyone with special needs or a family dealing with disability? Has God revealed their gifting to you? If so, please share.
   
8. Do you think your church needs to do more for those with special needs and their families.
   
9. How has God met
   you
   in your brokenness?
   
10. Sophie wonders if she has really forgiven Sky. What do you think biblical forgiveness
    really
    looks like?