Like most authors who have found themselves immersed in such a pro-

ject, 1 could write a short book about writing this book. Instead I ll

summarize the process by stating that watching this manuscript evolve has

been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life.

Acknowledging the critical technical help on this novel is best saved

for the end, where the final word can be of thanks to those who helped so

much. I do want to acknowledge that the historical quotations cited herein

are found in the works of Dave Barton ( The Myth of Separatian) and Gary

DeMar (American Christian History: The Untold Story and You ve Heard It

Said)both of whom helped me greatly.

I also want to thank Michael Youssef, Gene and Ruth Williams, Bill

Roper, Bradley and Susan Fulkerson, John and Laura Wise, Van Hudson,

Roy and Nell Ludwig, Jim and Sally Wilson, Gil and Bonnie Meredith,

Mike McDevitt, Roy Jones, Page Aiken, Mark Stiles, Sergey

Riabokobylko, Terry Parker, Chip Traynor, Bick Cardwell, Currell and

Margot Berry Charles Wilmer, Hank McCammish, and Loft Wells, all of

whom made significant contributions to the final text or gave crucial

encouragement. Their prayers, and those of many others, are particularly

appreciated. Special thanks goes to Jan Dennis for his constructive criti-

cism and to Ted Baehr for his prayers, suggestions, and encouragement.

Of course any mistakes or oversights are my responsibility alone.

It s hard to imagine a better editor than Rod Morris or a more

encouraging publishing team than the good people with Don Jacobson at

Questar. And a last special thank you is saved for Danelle McCafferty, who

showed me how to write ten words in only eight.

This is a novel begun and ended with thanks for all those who

added so much to what you now hold in your hands. I sincerely hope it

touches, entertains, and challenges you as much as it did me in writing it.