What started you on your writing journey?
It was one of the worst days of my life that got me started on the road that ended up with a novel. I began the ministry of the gospel as a middle-aged man in a church that believed in redemption and ignored my past baggage. The people took me in, and I came to love them with all of my heart. Then they made me a pastor and I found my work as God’s servant in His kingdom. It was a shock when, after fifteen years, the Senior Pastor of the church let me go. I thought I would be a pastor there as long as I could walk and talk. I still have the image in my mind of the Pastor telling me it was over. I thought, “I am only sixty-two. It can’t be over.” I wasn’t prepared emotionally or financially for retirement. Bad day. But God and prayer carried me on.
The Lord took care of all of my needs and provided opportunities and resources for ministry. In 2011 I founded Following the Book Ministries, an international online ministry for the advancement of faith and Biblical knowledge. I continued leading several Bible study groups and preaching from time to time. It was in studying the eighteenth chapter of Acts that I became fascinated with the Apostle Paul’s journey into Corinth. He wrote to the Corinthians, “I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling.” I think those words were literal. Paul came into that great pagan metropolis alone, beaten down, and out of money. How did he find Aquilla and Priscilla? Who were the people of the household of Stephanas, the first converts in Corinth? Who was that mysterious man Titius Justus? I began writing a story about Paul and the people of Corinth, not just about what he did and the story of the redeemed people of Corinth but about the kind of man who could take on an impossible mission for Jesus. Three years later In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth was published by Brimstone Fiction. I thank God for His providence and the people He sent to help me.
Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Of course, since the novel is about Paul, his character dominates the story. But I became interested in the women Paul mention in his letters. People such as Priscilla, Chole, Junia, Phoebe, Lydia and others whom Paul referred to as deacons, fellow workers and partners in ministry. The one that interested me the most was Priscilla. Her husband was named Aquila and together they were a ministry team of whom Paul said, “…for my life they risked their necks.” Romans 16:4 (NASB) I developed her character in the book as a godly woman who, though small in stature, could courageously break out of the role that the culture imposed on women in the first century.
Why do you write in the genre you do?
Historical fiction, whether the main character is historical or fictional, is the kind of book I like
to read. But I am also interested in the message that is presented in the New Testament by Jesus and His Apostles. I think a ripping good story set in the reality of history is the best vehicle to spread the message of redemption that the world needs.
How much research do you do for each book?
The history and culture of the Jews and of the Greek and Roman Empires in the five hundred years on either side of the time of Jesus has been a long-time interest of mine. I think most of the critical research that I did on the book was in fact-checking my writing. In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth is not a history book or Scripture but has to be faithful to both to be believable. Solid research is critical when an author is presenting something that is a little different than the conventional understanding of history or the culture in which the character exists.
Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
Romans 8:31. This became one of my favorites when I was in Haiti. I saw this citation without the scripture painted on the top-top taxi trucks that are so colorful and ply the streets of Port-au-Prince. I did not have a Bible with me when I first saw it. Immediately the verse came to my mind, “…And we know that God causes all things to work together for good…” No, I thought, “that is Romans 8:28.” When I got my Bible and looked it up, I began weeping as I thought of all the horrible circumstances and problems of life in Haiti. The Christians in Haiti reply to these things with the inspired words of Paul, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (NASB)
![In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth by [Cargill, George]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ybwVEib5L.jpg)
find a way to survive the laws of both the Jews and the Roman Empire itself. Soon, Paul finds himself no longer seeking God’s will but being inexorably carried along by Divine purpose.
BUY the book here:
George Cargill is a fourth-generation pastor. His first novel, In the Grip of God: Journey into Corinth, chronicles the trials of the early Corinthian church through the eyes of the Apostle Paul. You can read more from Pastor George on his blog at georgecargill.com. Visit his ministry at https://followingthebook.org.
Follow George on Social Media
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/FollowingBook
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Thank you for joining me on Stitches Thru time, George. May God continue to bless your ministry!
Readers, do check out his books!
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