Today's Child -- Tomorrow's Adult

His last words: "I'm sorry it's taken so long to have justice served for y'all, but it's being served now."

How does a youthful offender at the age of eight get to death row by the age of twenty-seven?  Allow me to tell you the story of John William Rook, an inmate I wrote to in 1986.

I first learned of John from a Christian radio program when we lived in Pennsylvania a year before we moved to Virginia.  The radio minister had several names of inmates on death row in the North Carolina State Penitentiary, and gave us the address. I chose John Rook.

J. "Rookster" Rook, 4/24/86

I saved his two letters and a gift he sent me, and I have them before me as I write; his handwriting is beautiful.  He taught himself to write very perfectly from a book on handwriting, he said. 

Knowing he was on death row urged me to write immediately about the condition of his soul and the afterlife.  He informed me he didn't believe in the Bible or in the devil, although he respected my viewpoint.  I will quote from his letter dated March 31, 1986, below:

"Mrs. Beachy, I've been in and out of lock ups all my life.  The first time I got put away I was 8 years old, and all that time I've seen guys use the Bible to get out, and before you know it they are back in and the first thing they do is pick up a Bible.  Yes, Mrs. Beachy, I got Bibles, but there no need for me to pick them up till I believe. . . If I do pick it up, the Lord will know I for real.  I had this "Grand" Grandmother and she was a believer, and she told me one time, John don't ever play with the good Lord, when you give your heart to him its for keeps. . . My grandmother, she gone now.  Oh I got my mother and father, brother and sister, we just don't talk anymore."

I sent John a book Dan Nicholson, our pastor at Indian Lake Christian Center had written: "From Hippy to Happy", where Dan tells his own story of how Jesus saved him.  I prayed the book would reach John in ways I could not.  In my reply to his March letter, I pleaded with him to give his life to Jesus, and assured him that Jesus would forgive him and take him to heaven if he would call on Jesus.  I offered to be sort of a "mother" to him.

The second and last letter (3 pages) I got from him was dated April 29, 1986. and I quote from that here:

"Look, I'm not going into details about my life, but yes, it was a terrible life, not since I was 8 years old, but from day one.  I was just kick out of my home when I was 8. . . Mrs. Beachy right now as my case stands I'll be the next one on death row that will die.  Why I'm telling you this is because I'm not going to change before then, and if it's true you go before God on that day, I want him to know I'm not a bad guy and I didn't use his words to help me out of this.  Could you tell him for me?

"When I read your letter and go the part of you saying you would like to be my adopted mother it really touch me.  I've never had a mother.  I had this woman who brought me in the world. I don't know what to say.  I think I would like haven you as a mom, but I'm too old now, I'm 27 years old. . .  I've been married, got one kid, a boy, never seen him only in a picture. . . Thank you for the book, it's like me as far as the Hippie, I don't know too many Happy.  I use to be a biker . . . they were my family. . .don't think what you read about bikers is true.  Bikers are loving people, they were the family I never had. . . Well, I'll close for now, but not my friendship for you.  Tell the family I said howdy.  With love and respect, J. "Rookster" Rook ---  Happy Mother's Day. . ."

Along with the beautifully-decorated envelope this letter was mailed in, he also sent a handmade Mother's Day drawing carefully mounted with scotch tape on a piece of cardboard and covered with plastic wrap.  I took a picture of it and the envelope.  I want to show this to you:

And the Mother's Day drawing --

I took the picture sideways in order to get it all in, but you get the idea.  He had such beautiful artistic talent.

Months passed and I didn't hear any more from him.  I prayed he was reading the book and taking it to heart.  I prayed the Holy Spirit was working in him.  I believed his grandmother's prayers were still working too. 

Then one Saturday morning I awoke feeling a supernatural happiness in my soul; I couldn't explain it.  Dave turned on the radio as I turned over in bed, and the news was on.  The first words I heard were: "John William Rook was executed by lethal injection at midnight last night, September 19, 1986, at the North Carolina State Penitentiary."  I went cold for a moment, but then realized through my tears that my happiness must have been the Lord's way of letting me know John made it home.  I still believe that to this day.


How can you measure the power of a book?  You tell me.

P.S.  Please go to my website now and order several copies of my book, "Biff and Becka's Springtime Adventures" at www.elaineandfriends.com.  Give it to children in your neighborhood or in your family; my goal is to diminish statistics like John Rook.  Our nation's homes are a mission field!

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

Making a Difference

Books are a powerful influence. In my book, "Biff and Becka's Springtime Adventures", the main character, Biff, tries to find the courage to tell his parents what's bothering him. One grandmother told me that her (middle school-age) granddaughter read my book, and just recently is opening up to her mother with her feelings.  That's the kind of fruit I love to see!

Parents and especially grandparents are deeply concerned about the children of today.   They are concerned about the content and values portrayed in movies, TV programs, video games and secular music.  Not to mention the influence of their peers in school and their neighborhood.  The threat of popular opinion, vulgar language, rude and violent behavior, experimenting with drugs and alcohol or cigarettes, sexual promiscuity, etc, can leave one exhausted when trying to combat such threats on their own.

I remember how at Salisbury Elk-Lick High School we had Bible reading and prayer every morning.  Students took turns reading a passage of their choice, and then we prayed the Lord's Prayer together.  We also saluted our flag each morning.  Somehow hearing God's Word read out loud in those classrooms seemed to carry a deterrent to bad behavior.  I seldom heard a curse word, and never heard of drugs or alcohol; they may have been there, but not to my knowledge.  The biggest shocker of a school in the '60's was to hear of a girl getting pregnant and not finishing high school.  Even that was extremely rare. 

Today's parents must also bear a large part of the blame for their children being out of control.  How can kids say "no" to drugs and alcohol when they see the parents do them at home?  Why should they?  The values parents teach them have the biggest influence on a child's life -- even more so than their peers.

What can a parent or grandparent do in keeping or reclaiming their children and grandchildren for the kingdom of God?  First of all, you must have a sure foundation yourself based on God's Word.  Have saving faith in Christ Jesus the Lord for yourself.  Second, find promises in God's Word and begin to read, believe, and declare God's Word as the truth over your children.  No matter what you see, hear, or feel, believe God's Word instead of the situation.  Faith in God is the victory.  Worrying over your child closes off God's pipe of grace flowing to him.  God tells us not to worry, because He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (mental poise).  (2 Timothy 1:7) Resting in His promises is faith in action.  And third, love that child in a way he/she preceives love.  Don't be harsh or condemning; speak the truth in love.  Ask God to help you show His love to your children.  Talk to God about your parenting; He's one too, you know, and His family is VERY large. :o)

I believe God has begun to send revival to us and especially to the young generation.  I've been so encouraged to hear reports of God using children even 3 or 4 years of age to heal the sick and do miracles in Jesus' Name.  I too feel God's call to the younger generation; I began to feel this urge inside me to write good, solid, worthwhile literature of lasting value for our young children.  Fairy tales won't do.

Here is a wonderful resource for you to encourage you and teach you what to do about your children:  http://www.savedhealed.com/childrenscriptures.htm

We are in a spiritual battle here on earth as satan tries to make Christ's victory over him of no effect in us and our children.  You are called to make a difference, too.  Be blessed and encouraged today!

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."  Isaiah 40:8

P.S.  Please visit my website at www.elaineandfriends.com and order one or several copies of my book for that young child in your life.

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy

Book Signings

You may be wondering, "Why do you want book signings?" and, "What do I do there?" or, "How do I go about hosting one for you?

At a book signing, I have quantities of my book for sale, but I sell myself -- not just the book, by talking with guests -- hopefully insipring and connecting with them.  The purpose of a book signing is for folks to come meet me, purchase a book and ask me to sign it.  If you bought my book elsewhere, you may bring it and I'll be happy to sign it as well.

If you're interested in hosting a book signing for me, here's all you do: 

1.  Call me to set up a date.  My phone number is 703-369-5587.  I can supply you with flyers.

2.  Invite your friends and acquaintances, take flyers to local churches, grocery stores, or any places that allow public notices.

3.  Serve simple refreshments such as cookies and a beverage.

I held one official book signing here at my house on July 1, and another one at my friend Jane's home in Stephens City this past Saturday, the 14th.  I am hosting another book signing at my home this Thursday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon; the address is 8908 Weems Road, Manassas, VA 20110 if you'd like to come.  Below is a photo taken at Jane's house on Saturday:

In the photo, left to right are Alexa, a lovely 12-year old girl who has read and loves my book, yours truly, Barb Kline and Mabel Gibbons, who is 91 years old.  They bought several books for their grandchildren.  (Barb and Mabel were the last 2 guests of the day.)  Quite a generation spread, don't you think?  It is my belief that the generations need each other. 

I'm doing another book signing at my friend Sahar Smith's home from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on August 4 in Catharpin, VA.  

The following Saturday my husband and I are attending the First Mennonite Church Reunion to be held at the Springs Mennonite Church in Springs, PA, and I've been invited to bring some books along to sell there.

Regina Clemons from our life group at church wants to set up some library book signings for me. 

I've contacted the Family Christian Store in Manassas about carrying my book and a possible book signing there too. 

If I can convince and inspire parents, grandparents, kids, and even older children with my message that 1.) kids need Jesus too, 2.) kids need wholesome reading material; 3.) kids need the truth for a solid foundation for life, then my goal as an author will have been realized.

Doing book signings is one of the best ways to generate book sales and get my message out there.   Nobody throws matches at a big log to try to ignite a fire.  Rather, one uses kindling -- something small -- and lights a match to that.  One can set a whole forest ablaze with kindling and just one match.  So it is with my book: word of mouth is the kindling, and enthusiasm is the match.  I pray my book sells like wildfire!

P. S.  Please order my book at www.elaineandfriends.com, and give several for a child's birthday, Christmas gift, or Easter basket.  Remember a child who is convalescing or in a wheel chair; it'll brighten his day!

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy



To Market, To Market. . .

My website, http://www.elaineandfriends.com  went live about the same time my book was ready.  Even before my book went into print June 4, 2012, I ordered 500 matching bookmarks, 200 lime green book bags, 500 business cards and desk-top holder from vistaprint.com, and two easels to display 2 books on my book signing table.  (At my signings, anyone purchasing 2 or more books gets a free book bag, and everyone who buys a book gets a free matching bookmark).

Business cards and bookmarks go with me in my purse everywhere I go, to give them out as the Lord opens an opportunity: bank tellers, parents with kids in CVS Pharmacy, WalMart, grocery stores, people in church, etc.  I've given them out to moms watching their kids in a play area in the mall; they were so appreciative and glad to meet me, a local author. :o)

I posted notices on my facebook page about my website and book, and this blog.

One day I happened to notice Manassas Christian Academy as I was driving, so I went in and talked to the Administrator.  She invited me to do a book signing sometime this summer and I left 50 bookmarks with her to hand out to parents of the pre-school and kindergarten school.  They have summer events there as well.

I've recently contacted seven churches in our area, including our church, Manassas Assembly of God, about making my book known and available.  The pastor's wife at Dynamic Life church in Front Royal, VA is excited about my book and may carry it in their bookstore.  I have not heard from the other churches yet.

I sent out 80 pre-printed postcards (vistaprint.com) announcing my book and website to my Christmas card list friends whose e-mails I don't have.

My son-in-law, Keith, critiqued the press release I wrote and sent out to all local area newspapers, and the Washington Times and the Post.  So far, a local "freebie" called The Discover newspaper responded to my press release.  The publisher, Ms. Harper, called me and was elated that my book would fit quite well with their August edition and the theme of "Parenting in a Fast-Paced World".  A reporter will call me for an interview and pictures at Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Wine Press offered me an ad spot in their book catalog that has a circulation of 20,000 for homeschoolers and bookstores.  I took it. I also paid Wine Press to display my book at the International Christian Retailers Show in Orlando, Florida, in August where book publishers and bookstore buyers congregate; they will take orders for me there. 

My dear cousin Dottie McClure in Georgia is excited about my book, and plans to put my website and book info on their 200+ family e-loop for homeschoolers!  Thank you, Dottie!

By invitation, I mailed a copy of my book along with a letter to Mr. Bomberger of Choice Books along with a copy of his e-mail to me.  If they like my book, I would need to do offset printing for them which costs thousands of dollars and would need a minimum order from them of 2500 books to make a little profit.  But at least the message of the book would get out there on their distribution racks.  I am praying for God's favor on this.

My friend Jane just this morning suggested contacting Cracker Barrel restaurant also; they carry the Gaither's CD's and family-friendly videos for sale.

Any business establishment or church that would like to carry my book needs to contact my publisher, Wine Press, either by phone: 877.421.7323 or e-mail at orders@winepresspublishing.com.  They will receive a re-sale discount.

Please visit my website, www.elaineandfriends.com and order my book to keep in your library when kids come to visit, or to give as gifts to kids at Easter, Christmas, or birthdays!  Makes a thoughtful gift for the child who is recovering from an illness, too!  Thanks!

Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy