Shannon here: I got to meet Ruth Wuwong over dinner at a writer’s conference last month. It’s always fun to meet fellow Christian authors and guests on my blog. Today, Ruth shares a romantic excerpt from her latest Contemporary Romance, Detour to Agape. Want a free e-book? Find instructions in the post. Here’s Ruth:
At the shore of the Sea of Galilee
Have you ever wondered about the story recorded in the Gospel books regarding Jesus preaching from a small boat to thousands of men and women on the shore of the Sea of Galilee? Was it a miracle since they didn’t have electricity and microphones at that time?
When we traveled around Israel, we came across some tidbits of interesting information
I’ve written that experience into my new book, Detour to Agape (soon to be published on Amazon).
Excerpt from Detour to Agape by R.F. Whong:
Shawn’s colossal figure loomed over them. “What’s so special about the shoreline we’re going to this afternoon?”
“Ah, that I know, Uncle Shawn.” Josh perked up, his eyes bright and his shoulders straight. “I’ve just learned about it before our trip. Jesus and His disciples came here, and many followed. To keep them from crowding Him, He asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him, and he preached from it to thousands of men and women on the shore.”
“How could you believe such a ridiculous story?” Shawn’s chin jerked up. “Did they have electricity? Did Jesus use a microphone? How could He give a speech to thousands of people from a tiny boat? Absurd. Laughable.”
Tears welled up in Josh’s eyes, his lips quivering. He gave Yao a pleading glance.
Yao drew in slow breaths to suppress his irritation over Shawn’s harshness. Josh was only nine years old. Yet, Yao also had doubts when he came upon that Bible passage in the Gospel of Mark. He cleared his throat to calm the tightness gripping it. “Josh, Uncle Shawn raised an interesting question. Let’s wait until we visit the site. We can ask our guide.”
Shawn pivoted his heels to face the elevator door. “Here he is.”
Adam walked out, followed by the rest of their group. “Great. Everybody is here. Let’s go.”
A short drive later, the van dropped them off, and they strolled down a gravel pathway. Odd-shaped boulders lined the bank while water lapped the shore. Decaying leaves piled up on the ground, and birds chirped on the branches.
Adam halted before a cove shaped like a natural amphitheater and gave each of them a handout. “This is an article published in 1976 in Biblical Archaeologist.”
Yao flipped open the booklet. “Ah, an amateur archaeologist and a sound engineer conducted an experiment to test the location’s acoustic effects.” Thank You, Lord. This is what we want to know.
Josh tugged at his sleeve. “Uncle Yao, can you explain it to me?”
Yao pointed toward the steep slope behind them. “Two researchers observed how bursting balloons ascended the slope and took readings at assorted intervals until one hundred yards out.” A glance at others told him everyone, including Shawn, became engrossed with the information. “At the end of the study, they concluded that, because of the cove’s bowl-like setting, five to seven thousand people could see and hear Jesus in a boat a short distance away with no problem.”
“So, the Bible is correct?” Josh’s high-pitched voice echoed in the vast space. “Even without a microphone, people could hear Jesus’ words clearly.”
Nana Lee chuckled. “Josh, I’m afraid people a hundred yards away heard what you just said.”
“Awesome.” He cupped both hands around his mouth. “Hello, I’m Josh Ying visiting from Hong Kong.”
Shawn trod over and slapped a hand on Josh’s shoulder. “My smart little buddy, I’m sorry. You and the Bible are right.”
“It’s okay.” Josh flashed a bright smile. “I’ll pray for you so you can know Jesus.”
A surge of joy mingled with gentleness washed over Yao. He stooped to hug his kindhearted companion. “I’m so proud of you.”
He stood up, shifted one step forward, and came face-to-face with Ann-Ann. As their gazes locked, a gentle grin crooked up a corner of her mouth. With her so close, he could see the dark circles surrounding her irises. For a moment, his surroundings faded to gray. His soul connected with hers in a way beyond comprehension. He didn’t understand why but sensed his life wouldn’t remain the same.
About Ruth: While in high school, I used to go to the library, read every book on one shelf, and then move on to the next. Reading and writing are very important to me. It seems I have a longing that can’t be satisfied by reality. I love to escape into books and become someone graceful, witty, and popular.
Currently, I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers (under a different name). I’m a latecomer to creative writing. So far, I’ve published five books.
I’m married to my wonderful husband, a retired pastor who encourages me to pursue my dreams. We served together at three different churches from 1987 to 2020. Learn more & connect:
Ruth’s Website Ruth’s Facebook
Ruth’s e-mail: ruth@ruthforchrist.com
About the book – Detour to Agape:
Self-sacrifice… Love grows into agape.
A self-made executive with everything except a trophy wife. A woman with her life falling apart. A shared past they can’t forget and a future they fear.
Yao Chen and Ann-Ann Lee dated years earlier and broke up over their troubled history. Now Yao is courting a lovely girl with the right connections to expand his conglomerate, but he doesn’t love her. Ann-Ann is jobless after her company’s bankruptcy, and her fiancé called off their wedding when she revealed her wild past. As a trip through Egypt, the Holy Land, and Turkey throws them together, they can no longer avoid each other. When the mystery they unravel of his missing friends turns on them in Istanbul, they must decide how much they’re willing to give up for love.
While imminent danger lies before them, can they uncover their friends’ whereabouts and maybe even find their way back to each other’s hearts in a true Detour to Agape?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Ruth’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
If you’re interested in receiving a free eBook, please drop Ruth a note at ruth@ruthforchrist.com.
Come back Oct 13th for Regina Rudd Merrick!
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