Author Spotlight: Bill and Donna Lea Dyck
We are pleased to introduce Bill and Donna Lea Dyck. Bill and Donna recently published Hope for an Unwanted Journey with us, which is now available through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Bill and Donna to share a little bit about their new book. But first, a little bit about them.
About
Bill and Donna Lea Dyck have served in ministry for most of their married life. They have spent the last 29 years as lead pastors of Toronto Alliance Church in downtown Toronto. They have a heart for the poor and marginalized and long to see God touch those He brings their way.
Their newest book, Hope for an Unwanted Journey is a devotional which is written especially for those who are walking through the valley of addiction/mental illness with a loved one. Each week is based on something God taught them while they walked this same valley with their son. Donna is the author of two previous books, Confessions of a Not so Average Girl and Confessions of an Unlikely Pastor’s Wife. She runs a blog called Don’t Forget Fridays. Bill and Donna have four adult children and nine grandchildren. They are both passionate speakers and their favorite topics are the power of prayer and the deeper life.
Q&A
Q: What moved you to write Hope for an Unwanted Journey?
A: We find much redemption in bringing hope from the ashes. Walking through this valley with our son was one of the hardest things we have ever done. God taught us many important things during this difficult time and we know we are not alone on this journey. We believe that Jesus asked to write this devotional and we pray that will breathe hope to those who are in dark and hopeless places with their own loved ones, whether is it mental illness or addiction.
Q: Is addiction and mental illness prevalent in the church?
A: YES. We just don’t talk about it. It is present and is challenging to find support in the church.
Q: If someone reads your devotional, will their son or daughter find sobriety?
A: No, not necessarily, but the reader may find hope and perspective in the middle of this messy journey.
Q: What is the most important thing you offer people through your book?
A: We offer hope for those who are discouraged and feeling hopeless while walking with a loved one who is struggling with addiction or mental illness. Each week is based on something God taught us while we walked this same journey. The reader will discover the truth of God’s presence and His promises that are still true even in the middle of messy and difficult times.
Q: Do you have any advice for new writers?
A: Our advice to you is to be honest and don’t give up. Even if the topic you are writing about has been done before, what you have to say is different and important. People benefit from hearing different perspectives.
Connecting Points
Find and follow Bill and Donna, here:
Website: www.donnaleadyck.com
Facebook: @hopeforanunwantedjourney