Shannon here: Shirley Gould shares insight into her missionary travels and the books they inspired. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a print copy of Shirley’s Romantic Suspense, Escape From Timbuktu, U.S. only. Deadline June 28th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Shirley:
Real-Life Interview:
- Have you ever wanted to travel to Africa?
I can take you there.
They say, write about what you know…I know Africa. As a missionary, I worked in several countries on the continent. It was dangerous, adventurous, and rewarding. As an author, I want to take my readers to the wilds of Africa, allow them to see it through my eyes, and feel what I feel when I walk the dusty streets. Then I throw in a deadly snake and a terrorist or two, and my character gets stalked by some lions. We have a novel that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
- Tell us something we may not know about Timbuktu.
*The gauze headwrap they wear when they ride camels in the desert is much like an air conditioner. You perspire due to the high temperatures, it dampens the cloth on your head, and the air blowing through the fabric cools you.
*It was once an ISIS stronghold…as I mentioned in my book.
*There are some tabernacles, but only one church in Timbuktu. My husband took teams to the city and built the facility.
* There are only a few cars in Timbuktu. A few old taxis run the streets. Citizens walk or ride donkeys to get around.
*Muhammad once considered making Timbuktu the headquarters for Islam, but a dog barked and he moved it elsewhere.
Question for Readers: Have you ever been a missionary or gone on a mission trip? If you did, share where and what you learned. If not, would you consider it? Where would be your dream mission field?
About Shirley: Shirley Gould is an inspirational speaker, an African missionary, and an author. She’s the founder of Kenya’s Kids Home for Street Children, an orphanage in Kenya. Her passion for missions drives her to share her stories and adventures to inspire others toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
Shirley has written non-fiction for thirty years and is writing Christian Fiction novels. Her debut novel, The Sahar of Zanzibar, was released in May 2021. On July 25, 2023, Escape From Timbuktu was released. The sequel, Sunset Over Swaziland, hit the shelves on March 23, 2024. On November 19, 2024, The Kissing Ball was released. Her novels are sold on Amazon.com. She lives in the Nashville, Tennessee area, enjoying her seven amazing grandchildren and her Yorkie, Zoey. Learn more & connect:
Shirley’s Website Shirley’s Email Shirley’s Instagram
About the book – Escape from Timbuktu:
Elliana Bendale can’t believe that her first assignment as a photojournalist is in…well, Timbuktu.
Yes, it sounds remote, but it’s actually an enchanting ancient city in West Africa and if she does this right, this project could open the door to a world of exotic assignments. And even better—her translator is a ruggedly handsome Frenchman. What could be more exciting?
Beau do La Croix is not who he says he is. But posing as an interpreter is exactly how he’ll gather intel about the presence of ISIS threatening Timbuktu. No one needs to know that he’s a double agent—especially not Ellie.
Unfortunately, the number one enemy in the world, ISIS, has figured it out, and suddenly Ellie’s photojournalist adventure includes dodging bullets, traveling down a crocodile-infested river, and generally running for their lives.
What has Beau gotten her into? And if they live…can she say goodbye to the man who’s kept her alive? Or is his life as a double agent too much excitement for one small-town girl?
And when Beau’s worst fears come true, what will he do to save the feisty reporter he can’t seem to shake?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Interested in Shirley’s other’s titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Escape from Timbuktu Shirley’s Books
Come back June 18th for R.F. Whong!
Shirley’s book sounds fascinating!!
Yes, I’ve served on several mission teams and many more countries than those listed below. My favorites were three times to Russia, two times to Moldova and I also stayed for two months in Burkina Faso living in a grass hut and driving a motorcycle. I loved all of these. I learned the people in Africa are loving, generous and kind. I also learned when a baby starts wiggling on your back while wrapped in the cloths around your stomach, you’d better undo them quickly and hold the baby out over the sand because it’s not wearing a diaper and needs to use the bathroom.
I also learned not to speak English on the street in Russia. After turning in my passport, my interpreter and I were talking in English. We were beaten and robbed. Fortunately, it was winter and our heavy coats kept us from being hurt.
My favorite place was the communist run part of Moldova (Transnistria ) because I dearly loved the people and my work there. Yes, I would go back in a heartbeat to any of these countries, but am no longer physically able.
I was a missionary in England for over 11 years with my husband and kids. We helped plant a church, worked with children, led an Alpha course, did regular town outreaches, discipleship, school lunch clubs, worked with some homeless guys and addicts, etc. We learned that if God calls you, He will always provide, but it is a life of faith! England isn’t the first place people think of when they think of a mission field, but we also learned everywhere there are people is a mission field!
Hey Shirley,
Glad to have you. I’ve never been on a mission trip. Several years ago, there were tornadoes in my state and a church group was going to the area with a food truck and to take supplies. I wanted to go. But our son was young and it was during the school year. That’s as close as I’ve ever come.
Barbara, wow. I’m impressed.
Sounds like a great story. I have never been on a mission field. At this stage of my life, with my injuries and health issues, it would probably be too difficult for me to go on an international one. There are still ways I can serve the Lord locally.
Hi, yes I went on a mission trip outside the United States once when I was a senior in high school, to a little town called Tecate in Mexico! We helped to build a church and played with the kids there!