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NEW RELEASE! Draw Near showcases forty poems by authors with an eye for detail, a talent for capturing beauty, and an amazing ability to communicate appreciation in Blessed Creation: A Christian Poetry Collection. I am pleased to introduce some of these poets…

Bear Jack Gebhardt I’m an old guy living in the foothills of northern Colorado with loving wife of a hundred years. I’ve been a free-lance writer for many decades. I’ve published nine books, two of the latest being, A Wave of Thanks, and Other Human Gestures: 31 Quick Stories and Practicing the Presence of Peace, a contemporary rendering of the 17th Century classic, The Practice of the Presence of God.  I’ve also published hundreds of articles, stories, essays and poems in well-known and little known places.

Bob (Robert) B. Moreland has a doctorate in biochemistry and works in biomedical/clinical research. He has published poems in Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Penwood Review, Red Cedar, the South Dakota Review, several anthologies and coauthored two books of poems. Bob resides with his wife Rebecca near Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin.

Christine V Mitchell I am an author (poet), musician, caregiver and administrator, a pastor’s wife, mother of 4 and grandmother of 2. God has blessed me with uplifting poems of praise, comfort and encouragement. My poetry books: Forever Grateful and Comfort & Hope are both available from Amazon. My 3rd book, Candle of Hope is due to be published shortly. I am the UK Ministry Leader and Staff Writer for The Lamp Newsletter of Detroit, USA. Website: expressionspoetry.com, Facebook: christinespoetrycorner, Email: christinemitchellpoetry@gmail.com

Connie Marcum Wong published her first poetry chapbook, Island Creations in 2005. and In 2007, Heart Blossoms. In January 2010, an anthology, A Poetry Bridge to All Nations, was published. Connie created the ‘Constanza’ poetry form in 2007 and ‘Con-Verse’ poetry form in 2010.

Daniel Turner is a retired truck driver who writes poetry as a hobby. He sometimes writes under the name of Poemdog. He lives in Arkansas with his epileptic beagle, Buddy and has an online book entitled, My Life in Three Quarter Time on Amazon.com.

Danny P. Barbare resides in the Upstate of the Carolinas. He is Catholic by faith and has been writing poetry most of his adult life. He has suffered from mental illness most of his life but says he doesn’t like to be labeled like a box. So he just thinks of the opposite.

David Subacchi lives in Wales where he was born of Italian roots. He studied at the University of Liverpool and he has 4 published collections of his English Language poetry First Cut (2012), Hiding in Shadows (2014), Not Really a Stranger (2016) and A Terrible Beauty (2016). His work has also appeared in numerous literary magazines and anthologies.

Eve Roper was born and retired in Texas,  majored in Early Childhood Education and taught in the public schools and catechism in the Catholic Church. She has a love for writing poetry and painting.

E.A. Francis lives, works, and worships in the same community as a Christian mother, grandmother, preschool teacher, and Catholic parishioner in Eldersburg, Maryland. She hopes to publish more of her God-inspired nature and spiritual poetry in her own collection soon under her pen name.

Funom Makama is a practicing medical doctor, trained in Europe and practicing in Nigeria.  He is a passionate writer, written over 1500 articles in 7 blogs and directories and has to his name over 600 poems published online. For more about his poetry, click on this link http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poems_by_poet.aspx?ID=27463.

Gordon McConnell has loved poetry for a number of years but in past 12 years has started to write his own. He is 62 , lives in Scotland, and has been happily married for 26 years to Christine. He has been a Christian for over 30 years.

Jenean McBrearty is a graduate of San Diego State University, who taught Political Science and Sociology. Her fiction, poetry, and photographs have been published in over a hundred and fifty print and on-line journals. She lives in Kentucky and writes full-time.

Joanna Daniel currently resides in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, along with her parents. She writes poetry for the glory of God. Her father, Mr. K. V. Daniel Raj, is a pastor-teacher involved in various church ministries.

Judy K. Haught, Christian 48 years. She began with short stories, and poetry. She discovered her writings were always ending with Christ as Victorious, showing Him as the “Great I Am.”

Kim Merryman is a wife, mother and grandmother residing in Niceville, Florida. She loves the Lord and enjoys writing poetry that honors Him.

Kim Rodrigues lives in Georgia and has served in the U.S. Navy. She currently works in the library. Kim loves spending time with her grandkids and all her family. Her current passion for poetry was ignited after taking some online classes. Kim’s greatest passion is for the Lord. She has earned a certificate in Christian Ministry through INSTE Bible College. She also loves to travel, dabbles in quilting, enjoys history.

Laura Urbaniak I am a dedicated Christian and am proud of it. The Lord has given me benediction and there is nothing more important to me than His unconditional love. He saved me and my family and I am forever grateful. All glory to the Lord, my personal Savior. God bless you all!

Mercy Susanna I’m a 21 year old girl from India who loves to minister through my writings. My interest is to indite poems, articles, commentary and storytelling. I’m always in awe of the aching beauty of God’s creation. I thank Kim for this opportunity who has let me plumb into the elegance of this nature. All glory to God. Visit my blog to read a new poem, ‘O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?’. Here’s the link: http://orisonbardsuz.blogspot.in/2016/10/blog-post.html.

Molly ~ wound dresser These are desperate days and people are losing hope in record numbers. “People need the LORD” just like the old Steve Green song said. My desire is to bring the gifts God has given me, of encouragement and teaching, to a world dying for hope and searching for the healing, I believe, only Jesus Christ can bring to the wounded heart.

Mr. Ben, famous for his acrostic G.A.N.G.S.T.A.R acrostic, which he construes as Generally Appreciating Notable Genres (by) Stating Their Applicable Relevance, is not only a writer, poet, speaker and a voice-over artiste, he is one whose Christian life is intended to be the Light Bringer in the Christian faith. Having written a number of Christian books, he is passionate about seeing people overcome the challenges they face in life through the power of God in Christ Jesus. Living in Lagos, Nigeria, the published author of over eight books loves to read, travel and communicate good thoughts.

Nicholas Froumis practices optometry in the Bay Area. His writing has appeared in Right Hand Pointing, Dime Show Review, Ground Fresh Thursday, TWJ Magazine, The Society of Classical Poets Journal, Calvary Cross, and Touch: The Journal of Healing. He lives in San Jose, CA with his wife, novelist Stacy Froumis, and their daughter.

Patricia Callan Before becoming a writer Patricia Callan was a choral director and voice coach. She is a member of the Powow River Poets and Pinellas Writers. In collaboration with composer Yoko Nakatani, she wrote “The Adventures of John Manjiro” a suite for piano performed throughout the United States.

Penny Peyser is a writer / actress / documentary filmmaker (Penny Peyser IMDB).

Phyllis McKinley is the author of four books of poems and one children’s book. Her work has won multiple awards and been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Contact: leafybough@hotmail.com.

Preston Graham writes poetry as a hobby and creative outlet. As a native of Utah, he enjoys spending time in the mountains and draws much of his inspiration from the beauty of nature. He currently resides in Oklahoma with his wife and two young daughters.

Rachel Lausier has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Arts in Secondary English from the University of North Georgia. She is a playwright, poet and fiction writer. In 2012, she was a playwright winner in the New Works and Ideas Festival for her play, Risk. Her short fiction, “The Guardian,” was published in the 2015 issue of Dark Gothic Resurrected.

Ramelle T. Lee, author, poet, businesswoman, contributing writer Lamp Newsletter. Founder and President of Touching Your Heart Ministries. Published  over 50 poems. Her third book, “Step into His Greatness,” revised 2015, is available on Amazon.com  Lives in Detroit, MI.

Ruth Asch writes in rare moments when tranquility and inspiration coincide. The rest of her time is spent with her four children and husband, or as a teacher. Her first book of poems ‘Reflections‘ was published in 2009 and pieces in many journals since.

Sally Clark‘s award-winning poems have appeared in numerous Christian and secular magazines, gift books, journals and anthologies, as well as receiving recognition in American Poetry Review and Poetry Magazine. In 2015, WorthyKids published her first children’s lift-the-flap book, Where’s My Hug? Follow her at http://sallyclark.info.

Sandra Haight‘s poems have appeared in publications including Ideals Magazine, Cat Fancy, as well as many other magazines, newspapers, poetry anthologies and journals.  She is a member of Poetry Soup.com. Her favorite forms of poetry include the Sonnet and Iambic Pentameter. She has shared her thoughts in her book of poetry entitled TIDES – Life’s Ebb and Flow, published June 2014, and available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Sandra Hickman is an Australian author, writer, poet, songwriter, she is an Evangelist – Missionary serving in Africa, India and China, a Church Ministry Leader and Intercessory prayer leader. Sandra graduated from Bible School In 2005, she is the Australian Headquarters Ministry Leader and Staff Writer for the Lamp Newsletter in Detroit, and a Contributing Author to four Christian Publications. She will soon be publishing her first book entitled “THE LETTER”,  Sandra’s contact is : sandrevival@yahoo.com.au   Facebook/sandra.hickman.503

Sandy Loam is the pen name of a work at home mom from the Philippine islands. She has worked on music and science research in the past. She now tends to a garden God lent to nurture and explore.

Sara Chansarkar is a software professional who loves reading and writing poetry. She immigrated to the USA from India twelve years ago. She is passionate about enriching her vocabulary and command over language. Visit her at http://sarasid.blogspot.com.

Simon Cockle is a poet and writer from Hertfordshire, England. He has had poems published in iOTA, the London Progressive Journal, Pantheon Magazine and Poetica Botanica. He teaches English at a local school and plays rhythm guitar to anyone who will listen.

Vince Suzadail is a graduate of Marian Catholic High School (Coaldale, PA) and retired US Navy Chief Boatswain Mate. He has been married 50 years (1966). He worked as a youth counselor, advocate, and mental health tech for kids.

Wanda J. Burnside is a poet, author, writer, playwright, and educator. She also is the founder and publisher of the Lamp Newsletter. Wanda is the founder and president of Write the Vision Ministries and Media Productions, International. She has written and published 14 books and plans to publish three more in 2017.