I'm back in Kansas City after two weeks "on the road" on my first-ever book tour, and I learned some things. First, I learned that there is a different perspective when you're on the road-a longer view of life. Of course, you have to pay attention to exits and speed limits, but a helpful GPS and cruise control help with those. Otherwise, I found my mind thinking thoughts that were perhaps a little larger and certainly a little longer about life.

            Second, I learned once again the value of making connections. On my trip, I met new people-and some of them actually bought my book! I also re-connected with people I hadn't seen for awhile. In particular, I had lunch with a man I had not seen in at least 35 years. He had been my next-door-neighbor when I was 20 years old and he was 15, and located me on Facebook last year. When he heard that I had published a book and would be traveling through the eastern states promoting it, he contacted me and we met for lunch as I drove from North Carolina to Washington, DC. It was a joyful re-union!

Third, I learned the thrill of sharing familiar thoughts and ideas in new settings. There was a hunger for sensing possibility and hope when it comes to religious faith. I found that ideas which people at my church have pretty well grown used to hearing from me and that I had gotten used to talking about, other people were passionate to talk discuss. Their energy energized me.

Fourth, I learned the joy inherent in the tangible process of selling and signing this book I had written. You can imagine the thrill of talking about it and then have someone choose to buy it-to give me money in exchange for it! I also experienced the joy of sharing my ideas with others, seeing them connect, and then listening to their responses.

            One of the challenges of self-publishing a book is the marketing. I have a website and have written about the book in the "Enotes from Jack." One of the best ways to get the word out, however, is to have people tell their friends about the book-especially if they liked it. My colleague, Keith Herron who is the Senior Pastor of Holmeswood Baptist Church in Kansas City, has written a review. He did such a good job that I want to read the book again. Following is an excerpt from Keith's review:

Finding Faith, Honest Answers about God, the Bible and the Church Today, is a book that lifts up the value of asking the right questions. It's a book that values the willingness to struggle for honest answers. The book is a fearless exploration of those pastor-congregation discussions built upon the assumption the church ought to be a place where the tough questions are raised in utter security.

[This is] a terrific handbook any small group could use to stimulate honest answers, real struggles, and to explore the rich diversity that exists whenever "two or three are gathered in my name." In the questions and a group's honest search for answers, there may not be unanimity of mind, but there at least will be the opportunity for people to laugh and to share in the community of faith.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.  

--Jack F. Price

To read more by Jack, be sure to order your copy of Finding Faith: Honest Answers about God, the Bible, and the Church Today at:  www.findingfaithnow.com or www.lulu.com/buy (download available)

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