Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed reading A Secret Encounter! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book. Did you have a favorite character? Was there any part that stood out to you in particular? Did the book touch your heart in a special way? Let me know at jebspredemann@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jebspredemann. We have GIVEAWAYS often, so be sure to check it out!
A Secret Encounter is a work of fiction, but there are many aspects of the book that are derived from true stories. ‘Joe’, the hero of A Secret Encounter, along with Project: Vagabond (described below), was inspired by a real encounter. One day, while out shopping, I saw a young homeless man (whom Joe is an exact description of) in the parking lot of the grocery store. I thought that I would quickly run into the store, purchase something for the man to eat, give it to him, and while he was eating I would go purchase some clothing for him (he was in desperate need of it). I hadn’t been in the store long, but when I came out, he was gone. I drove around the parking lot and surrounding area in hopes of finding him, but he had vanished. I wanted to cry because this man genuinely needed help.
This presented a question in my mind: what could I have done differently? The conclusion I came to: Project: Vagabond. What if I’d had something in the car already? What if I’d been prepared? A couple of quotes come to mind: He who fails to plan, plans to fail. And Where there is no vision, the people perish. If I’d been prepared, I could have given ‘Joe’ something to eat and drink. I could have given him the Gospel – a chance at a new life. I could have offered him hope and encouragement.
Instead, I offered him nothing. NOTHING!
Despite all of that, I think God had it planned that way to open my eyes. To give me a vision, a plan, a purpose. Before I left the parking lot that day, God placed the idea for this book in my mind. It has been a burden on my heart. A burden and a blessing.
One of my children asked if I thought that perhaps ‘Joe’ was an angel in disguise. I thought of the verse from Hebrews, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. I don’t know if ‘Joe’ was an angel or not. Most likely not, but you never know.
I’m hoping that you, yes YOU, will become a part of Project: Vagabond. Perhaps you can print the last pages of this book and share it with those in your church: a women’s group, a youth group, or simply share it with your pastor. There is a special offer for those who sign up for Project: Vagabond. Not a bribe or anything, but my way of saying ‘thank you’. (Read Project: Vagabond page below for details.)
Another issue this book tackles is sexual abuse. Because this is such a sensitive subject, I did not delve into it deeply. Does this kind of thing happen in Amish communities? Unfortunately, it does. ‘Mary’ was taken from a true story as well. While the Amish are generally an upright People, they are human – and thus sinful – as well. There are wicked/depraved souls in every people group and the Amish are no exception.
Fortunately, God offers his love, healing, and forgiveness to all. And we can take comfort in the fact that God is the Righteous Judge. There is nothing that happens that He does not see. We have God’s Word on it, that someday He will destroy all wickedness, depravity, and sin. We must trust Him on this.
And we must trust Him with our very lives as well. God is a Father to the Fatherless, He is our Blessed Hope, our Righteousness, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the only way to Heaven. John 3:16-18 says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Lastly, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you for investing your time and intellect in this book. I hope it met or exceeded your expectations. Above all, I hope it was a blessing to you and touched your heart in a significant way. If you wouldn’t mind, it would be a wonderful blessing if you would leave a review or tell someone about this book. Denki!
Blessings,
J. Spredemann
(Rom.10:9-13 KJV)
Please see Project: Vagabond information below!