The Next Target

Book Blurb:

The Next Target is a chilling tale pitting Austia Donatelli, the leader of an underground Christian ministry that brings the gospel to Muslims, against a powerful terrorist. Austia lives and works in an Islamic neighborhood and God’s call on her life seems to be a death sentence. But her ministry isn’t somewhere in the Middle East . . . it’s in Southern California. The plot takes unexpected twists and turns as the clock ticks and Austia courageously seeks safety for the Muslim women who have become her sisters in Christ. Her faith is tested to the breaking point as death stalks her and God seems distant. It is then, with terrifying certainty, she realizes she is in a spiritual battle with Satan himself.

Prologue:

In the great expanse between the dimensions of space and time, a luminous form arched itself above a spiritual universe. The transparent, multifaceted figure consisted of three faces, parallel planes ablaze with the power and glory of the eternal love that begat the genesis of man. Above the figure shone a brilliant white light. Its name, Truth. Below the figure, a spectrum of refracted light. Rays of incandescent color, ruby, sapphire, lapis, amethyst, amber, emerald, and gold, each forming an angelic being. They were called Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, and Faith. Each purposed to serve mankind.

Love heard His name called. Love, ruby red, the color of the blood shed at Calvary. Strengthened by the spittle, steeled by the nails, girded by the thrust spear.

He rose.

The air was thick with prayer. Words imbued with deep emotion and sustained by the fervent pleading of a small spirit-filled army. Followers of Christ. Devotees to the Word of God, they had discerned that the end times spoken of in the book of Revelation had begun to unfold. Persecution of Christians had begun, and the polarizing of nations was underway for a great final battle. A battle between good and evil. A battle between love and hate. Ushering in the Day of Judgment for all mankind. Their voices raised, petitioning the Lord, asking that He tarry just a little longer. Just a little longer so more might be saved.

Suddenly, Love, the only force able to defeat the principalities and powers and the demons of darkness coming against the Kingdom of God, the only answer to the prayers of the saints, was lifted up by the wings of Mercy and released.

Now, unfettered by time or dimensions, transported by the Spirit already indwelling every Believer, Love stands ready. Waiting only for the surrender of the human heart, the act of volition that empowers Him to work through the lives of His people and touch the hearts of His enemies. Changing the heart of man. Desiring that none die lost.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the winners for the 2013 Christian Book Awards. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978. The ECPA presented the 2013 awards at an awards banquet held Mon., Apr. 29, 2013, during the ECPA Leadership Summit at World Outreach Church outside Nashville, Tenn.

Five finalists are selected in each of seven categories, Bibles, Fiction, Children, Inspiration, Bible Reference, Non-Fiction and New Author. A stringent judging process is followed by judging panels specially selected for each category. The top scoring book in each category is named the Christian Book Award winner. The Christian Book of the Year is chosen among the finalists to represent Christian publishing’s highest quality and greatest impact for 2013. It is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in Christian publishing.

Arana’s novel, The Next Target, was inspired by her ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted, which helps keep alive Christians who are under the threat of death. She presents a powerful novel of intrigue with a compelling twist on Muslim-Christian relations. The novel’s heroine, Austia Donatelli, a young widow with an underground evangelistic ministry to Muslims near L.A., discovers a friend, someone close to her heart whom she recently led to Christ, has been murdered. Suddenly, Austia, her ministry, and everyone she cares about are thrust in the crosshairs of a terrorist organization. As the extremists zero in, she must unravel the deception surrounding her and protect innocent lives, including her own.

Set in the U.S. and focused on a challenging call to Christians in today’s world, The Next Target captures the drama of terrorist-themed novels while challenging readers to consider what price they would be willing to pay to share their faith. Publishers Weekly, in a rave review wrote, “Arana’s vivid imagery is imbued with spiritual force and her pacing is fiercely powerful.”

Past winners have included New York Times Bestselling authors Joel Rosenberg, Karen Kingsbury and Ted Dekker.