Description

Written by Mary Haarmeyer

Faith Beyond the Fire…

Fire tornadoes spiral across scorched earth, tree tops burst into flames, dry sagebrush ignites as a wildfire speeds out of control. A sudden wind change causes the crew of smoke jumper Ryan McClain to make a hasty departure hoping to intersect with their recuse copter. Ryan, true to form, puts himself in harm’s way to save his newest recruit from a falling fiery branch, and in the doing suffers minor burns and a concussion. This is the world of Ryan McClain, 30, a world of danger and responsibility. Ryan’s world also involves grandparents he adores, a girl, Megan Scott who he wishes he could love, a tragedy in the past that keeps him from loving and a separation from the God he usaed to trust.

Ryan’s life was different as a teenager. Even though when he was seven, he suffered the loss of his mother to cancer, his father Sean continued to be his hero. At the children’s home, Sean was instrumental in helping young people in troubled situations often leading them to knowledge of God. Megan Scott and her brother Bailey were recipients of this help and Ryan and Megan grew very fond of each other. Gabriel was another boy seeking help and rescue from an abusive father; he became Ryan’s best friend.

Tragedy struck when Gabriel’s father, Greg Flores, attempted to take Gabriel from the ranch, shots were fired, and Ryan lost both his father and his best friend. Enter anger toward God, hatred toward Greg and emotional shutdown for Ryan.

Suddenly now because of his concussion Ryan finds himself placed for recovery in the very place where he will have to face his tragic past, the Children’s Home that Megan Scott now operates and also the place where the regenerated Greg Flores is working. Restoration begins as Ryan connects with the children at the home and trust emerges between he and Megan. Then anger erupts when Ryan sees Greg, harsh words are spoken and Megan prays “Dear Lord, please grant me wisdom; please show me how I can help Ryan find his way back to you.”

Then the report comes in, “We have a major storm front moving in from the west. We’re expecting dry lightning, low humidity, winds over fifty miles-per-hour with possible wind gusts over seventy.” The order is dispatched to evacuate the Children’s Home, all the animals and the firefighter base camp. Ryan is put in charge and he faces his biggest challenge. One of the children is missing; Greg Flores has gone in search of him and the fire is fast approaching. What will Ryan do? Leave and hope Greg found William and they both found refuge or face the inferno and risk his life for the one who caused him such pain. Ryan chooses the high road, finds the lost pair, and while sitting in a cave with his arch enemy and an injured boy, surrounded by fire, he learns the real truth of the tragedy, saves the life of Greg and young William, and regains his own heart to be able to love again.

The fire of a lifetime forces a proud, strong willed smokejumper home for the first time in years where he must protect loved ones while battling the traumatic events of his past.

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