What a journey! When I started reading The Shack I was very skeptical. I had heard that it was a rather controversial book in the Christian circle. But that only made me more curious. Anyway, a week has gone by and I have finished reading the book. I know this is fiction and that Mac does not really exist, but I can tell you one thing. Mac is very real to me and he does not necessarily have a gender. I could see myself in him many times….I even felt like he was so much better than me, because I am not sure I could have forgiven the killer. It was a wonderful work of art. I can see why some Christians would have a problem with some of the stuff in it, but I understand you. I am a theater person – I grew up in Brazil as an amateur actress and now live in the US, where I lead a small drama ministry at my church and own a Drama Kids franchise – a school that teaches kids to be confident, through drama. Having an artistic background helps me not only to understand the beauty of your work, but appreciate the diversity and out-of-the-box interpretation you give to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I need to confess that it did change the way I see God. I have always been the type that would quickly judge Him in the face of tragedy. As I lived that weekend in The Shack with Mac, Papa, Jesus and Sarayu, I had so any emotions stirred and so many questions answered…not necessarily by what was on the pages, but by what the book made me think and pray about. I literally had to stop and meditate on certain issues of my heart. THANK YOU! I had not read a book like that in a long time and I definitely have NEVER read a fictional book that touched me so deeply. And to see that this is your first published book…amazing. God has used you in amazing ways. I know that many have been blessed by your work, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and your work. I wish you many blessings, fulfillment and that your relationship with Papa will grow even stronger.

I just saw a comment above about a movie. That would be awesome! I am in Columbus, Georgia. I would love to help out in any way I can. Maybe you need to hook up with the folks in Albany, GA…those who produced Facing the Giants and Fireproof…maybe you already have this all lined up. I can’t wait to see it become a movie and again would do anything on a volunteer basis to make it possible.

Blessings,
Valeria

I wasn’t sure to leave my comment but maybe I’ll follow this up with an email too. Well I did notice that, Willie, you’re coming into Colorado Springs on Oct. 10th? Oh, please say that somehow, someway that is open to the public?? I am in L.A. but have longed to take another adventurous journey there..

Also, as an actress/artistic-type person I’d been thinking “this would be a great film..” and am excited to hear things are well underway! I would love to be part of the production in ANY capacity! Whether it be a background actor to lead, or the coffee runner or assistant, please let me know! Even now I’m available for work if anyone has an opening for entry-level work in pre-production… I so believe in this story! I want to go back there…. I don’t want the Story to end… I want to hang out with The Trinity forever…

Thank you for such a glimpse into Glory for my heart… may we all continue to kindle that fire together!…

Hope to hear from you!

Love,

Linda from L.A.

Pastor Richard