Looking for something meaty to read?  Sink your teeth into Beyond Soup: Something to Chew On.  It’s one of two books written by former International Ministries missionary to South Africa, Rev. Dan Cole.  Beyond Soup delves into the important “meat and potatoes” of life, the church, work, and family.  This collection of spiritual allegories gives readers the tools necessary for discussion starters, devotionals, and for sharing their faith. Each story stands on its own and is beautifully presented in both words and art. The illustrations will certainly give you “something to chew on”.

 

The second book, What Faith and Love Can Do, is about Dan’s biggest challenges – the death of his wife, Sandy, from cancer and his simultaneous cancer diagnosis and treatment. After all, what hope is there for people who hear the word “cancer” or are taking their final steps to the end of life due to some other dreadful condition? His practical yet heartwarming writing style is captivating and memorable.  The message to his readers is clear: faith in God, love for one another, and surprisingly, a sense of humor are the secrets to overcoming grief and loss.

God’s call to ministry came to Dan in 1974 while he was working as Director of Personnel for a large company. After graduating from seminary, Dan and his wife, Sandy, with their three kids, served an American Baptist church in Indiana. During the next 15 years, they started two churches in Indiana and Illinois before becoming missionaries with International Ministries in 1996.

 

Following their first term of service in Durban, South Africa, the Coles returned to the states to share their ministry with the many American Baptist churches who had so faithfully supported them. It was in those first few months of home assignment that Sandy was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. A few months later, Dan was diagnosed with Burkett’s lymphoma. Shortly after, Sandy died in October of 2001 while Dan was still undergoing chemotherapy.

 

In 2002, Dan met and married Lucille Green and began a life together as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Moline, IL.  In 2007, Dan became the associate executive minister of Central Region.  Dan and Lucille reside in Collinsville, Oklahoma just north of Tulsa.

For information on ordering Dan’s books, go to http://www.internationalministries.org/artifacts/8594