WELCOME AUTHOR KAREN JURGENS

WELCOME AUTHOR KAREN JURGENS
Thursday, February 22, 2018 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: A Perfect Fit

AUTHOR: Karen Jurgens

PUBLISHER: Self-published/Karen Jurgens Books

GENRE: YA Contemporary Christian Romance

SERIES OR STAND ALONE: The Livingston Legacy Series, Book 1

TARGET AGE: 18+

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME TO THE OVER 50 WRITER. KAREN SHARES HOW SHE PROFESSES HER CHRISTIAN FAITH THROUGH HER FICTION.

KAREN IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR WINNER’S CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBBOK COPY OF A PERFECT FIT.

MINISTERING THROUGH FICTION

Karen Jurgens

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness

with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? ~ 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

How can a writer use fiction to minister to readers? Over the last four years, I’m still learning a great deal about not only how to write fiction, but also how to minister through that vehicle to reach hearts and change lives for Christ.

As a lifelong secondary teacher, I have a deep love for teenagers. During each decade, American culture adjusted, and so did I. Morality dropped first a little in the ‘80’s, then a lot in the ‘90’s, and finally plunged headlong into a deep abyss after 2000. Likewise, my boldness to mix in gospel with literature studies expanded proportionately.

Teaching literature fascinated me because of its endless ways to tie into some aspect of the gospel. As you might guess, characters’ committing sin was quite commonplace, and students loved analyzing and comparing it to today’s culture. I read many papers over the years where students would pour out their emotions, describing the sad pain of their lives.

Too many fourteen-to-seventeen-year-olds suffer with adult issues that they shouldn’t even know about, much less have experienced. How heartbreaking.

Unfortunately, laws against speaking out in favor of the Bible and its teachings have tightened progressively over the years, except in private schools. Even now as a substitute teacher, I keep my mouth closed in public schools, guarding myself from lawsuits against those who disagree with my Christian beliefs. I’ve had my hand slapped on more than one occasion from even entering into conversations that are pro-Christian. Students can discuss whatever they wish, but a teacher cannot comment or offer an opinion because the room is full of dissenters, just waiting to get an adult in trouble. Sadly, these dissenters often set live traps and wait for an unsuspecting teacher to step into it.

So, I’ve taken my show to the road, you might say. Now I minister from Young Adult Fiction, written for a gaggle of confused and hurting teens who are struggling to swim in a sea of muddied morality. I hope to show them how to trust God and His Word for every aspect of life, and how to find a godly mate in this unbelieving world. Through story, I show them how to live as a Christian and befriend unbelievers.

Yes, today’s teens must hear that it’s possible to find a Christian mate through prayer and a close walk with Jesus. The Lord has miracles waiting, tagged with their names. No matter what kind of pain or suffering, the Lord can bring healing and wholeness to bloody, bruised soul wounds. He can pour out joy unspeakable and full of glory. By surrendering to Christ, all stains of sin and shame are washed away by His blood at the Cross, and He gives us the gift of a beautiful new life.

My story is simple, but I pray the Lord will use it to reach out to those who need Him most—to shed light in the cultural and spiritual darkness of our unbelieving world. Teens need to know Jesus loves them, and He has a wonderful plan for each of their lives.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11 ESV.

Blurb for A Perfect Fit:

Formally titled Desire's Promise - Newly revised and expanded.

Carlie Livingston is steering into her last year of college in Oxford, Ohio, confident that she and Lance Holloway are headed to the altar after graduation. Those plans are wrecked, however, by her dad’s infidelity, causing her parents to walk through a messy divorce. Will she have the same fate if she marries her college sweetheart who comes from a secular family? Her mother insists she will.

She tests God’s Word by letting Him take the wheel of her life. But if God is in control, why are all her close relationships crumbling? Nothing makes sense.

Just when it appears hopeless, Clay McKinney two-steps into Carlie's life, promising to provide everything she’s looking for in a Christian mate. But if he’s God’s answer, why can’t her heart release Lance? Where will her final destination be on this journey of trust?

Anazon Buy Link

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF A PERFECT FIT BETWEEN NOW AND SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.

Karen Jurgens lives in the great state of Texas and writes contemporary Christian romance. Passionate about heavenly marriage on earth, she writes about how to find God’s peace through life’s storms at Touched by Him, her ministry blog. Connect with Karen online:

Touched by Him Ministries

Comments

Christopher Conner From Roswell, GA At 3/1/2018 1:19:40 PM

I would love a print copy of this book. I think it would to read it

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Christopher. Thank you so much for stopping by. You are in the drawing.

Angie Carroll From At 2/27/2018 9:08:11 PM

It sounds like a great book.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Angie. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here.

Jane Squires From Wasola At 2/27/2018 7:28:28 AM

I would love to win and get to know your work

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Jane. You are entered in the drawing. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Rose Blackardas a gr From Florida At 2/25/2018 12:09:01 AM

As a grandmom of 3 teens and one 22 year old, I appreciate you ministering to tees. I think your ministry is awesome. I am happy that you are a Christian writer. Thank you

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Rose. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for Karen.

Dawn Williams From Meridian, Mississipp At 2/24/2018 9:45:03 PM

The story sounds great. Who will she choose? I would love to find out.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Dawn. Ah yes, it's always fun when an author poses a question for which the reader seeks the answer throughout the read! Thanks for stopping by.

Lila Diller From North Carolina At 2/24/2018 2:19:10 PM

I love this cover! The storyline sounds very similar to my first novel, so I'm hooked! Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Lila. Thank you so much for stopping by. Glad you are in the running for the giveaway.

Claire O''Sullivan From Oregon (suthin'') At 2/23/2018 10:15:36 PM

Great post. I feel the same. I like to address age ranges from younger to old. Like me. WAIT. Yes, I am over um, 50. And then some. Writing is a ministry. I've found God uses my meager writing to share the Gospel with critique groups that are non-believers. Keep the faith! Claire

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Claire. Wow, what an interesting way to share your faith, with non-believing members of critique groups. I'm sure you get an interesting perspective on your writing. It takes a lot of courage to witness in what could be a hostile environment at times. Blessings! Thanks for stopping by and adding to the discussion.

Rose From Florida At 2/23/2018 7:01:31 PM

Thank you for the opportunity to win. Looks like a great book.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Rose. Thank you for stopping by and entering the drawing.

Cleo Lampos From IL At 2/23/2018 8:45:08 AM

Another teacher keeps reaching out to her students. We just never quilt. Your plot is great and your personal motivation for writing is just what my grandchildren need. Praying for success in bringing hope to this generation.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Cleo. Yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly. We need teachers who will stand up for what's right and teach it to their students any way they can. Thank you for stopping by and joining in the discussion.

Kathy Danheim From Cameron, Texas At 2/22/2018 10:28:29 PM

Hi Karen, I am in awe of you. Your willingness, as an author, to share the faith. If it brings even one to Christ, as God said, all Heaven will rejoice! Thank you for your commitment. Blessings to my sister in Christ Kathy

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Kathy. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining in the discussion.

Karen Jurgens From Texas At 2/22/2018 11:45:13 AM

Thanks for hosting me today, Patti! I enjoyed spending time with you and your readers.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Karen. It's a delight to have you here. I love to meet new authors and am thrilled when they are willing to share their stories and their thoughts with my readers.

Gail From USA At 2/22/2018 9:47:52 AM

Hi, Patti and Karen! Karen, I love the way you share your faith through writing. We need more faith-based stories in our world today. Enjoyed the interview.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Gail. It takes a lot of courage to put our faith "out there" and it seems Karen is doing just that. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Vivian Furbay From Colorado Springs, CO At 2/22/2018 4:58:57 AM

My first husband never became a Christian when we were married though he was told about Jesus several times. I don't know if he ever got saved before he died. So I truly know where being unequally yoked comes into play. john and I have been married for 31 years and we are both believers.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Vivian. I understand what you are saying. It is so difficult when a loved one, be it husband, parent, child, or other family member or close friend, is not saved. All we can pray is that somehow, somewhere, someone touched that person's life in such a manner that they accepted Christ before their death. Thank you so much for sharing.