Joel Trenkle: Book Leads to New Calling, Congregation in Montana

From time to time in this space, WestBow Press publishes brief accounts, written by our authors, about how self-publishing their books has affected their lives. The following are the words of Joel Trenkle; co-author of “AIM, Abide in Me:” 

I chose WestBow after researching several other companies. My decision was made in part because of a two-for-one promotion.  My expectations of WestBow have been more than met.  I have been amazed at the support I have had with the publishing of the first book and the writing of the second. In our book, AIM, Abide in Me, I used areas of my own life to demonstrate how a person can walk through their own personal journey and see how God has been with them through the good times and the tragedies. At the end of each chapter, there is a section for personal reflection and meditation on the key point of each chapter, whether it be forgiveness, repentance, or celebration. A person in Denver, Colorado, gave a copy of the book to her parents and to her in-laws who live in Montana for a Christmas gift. I received a message from her mother-in-law, stating that her pastor was trying to retire and that they had not found a replacement for him.  She said after reading the book, she thought I would be a good fit. My wife and co-author Doni and I prayed about this.  We told her we would not want to have to explain to our Lord why we would selfishly not do something He asked us to do.  We came to Montana and met the congregation. This was a forty-year-old church which had no ministries, no outreach; not even an e-mail address.  I preached on two Sundays, and we returned to Colorado. We received a call asking us to come and shepherd this beautiful congregation.  We sold our home and left Colorado, six children, and twelve grandchildren. We are happily serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus, at Dayspring Mission in Sheridan, Montana.

– Dr. Joel N. Trenkle
9/14/13