Pender Authors: Sharing Faith Through the Written Word
During his sermon, “What’s Right with the Church,” on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Pastor Bruce Johnson highlighted two talented authors from our own Pender family whose books offer inspiration, encouragement, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
Saundra Sandrock, author of A Closer Walk: Spiritual Awakening Through Poetry, invites readers on a journey of faith through heartfelt poetry. Her reflections encourage us to draw closer to God, discover His presence in everyday life, and deepen our spiritual connection.
Some books are read. This one is quietly lived with.
A Closer Walk: Spiritual Awakening Through Poetry is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and let the Holy Spirit speak through verse. Organized into seven deeply felt sections — Poems of Praise, Prayerful Petition, Health Issues, Holidays and Seasons, Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, and Renewal and Awakening — this collection accompanies readers through the full rhythm of the Christian life.
From the quiet trust of a morning prayer to the raw ache of illness, from the wonder of the manger to the weight of Good Friday and the joy of resurrection, these poems meet readers wherever they are. Each one carries the warmth of someone who has walked the faith journey herself — through pain, gratitude, doubt, surrender, and praise.
Whether used as a daily devotional, a companion through a difficult season, a gift for a loved one, or a resource for private reflection and group study, A Closer Walk offers words that linger long after the page is turned.
For every heart that longs to draw nearer — one poem at a time.
Chris Hanak, author of Following the Shepherd: Devotional Reflections on Missionary Stories from Around the World, shares devotional reflections inspired by the experiences of missionaries serving around the globe.
Her book offers glimpses of faith in action and reminds us how God’s love reaches across cultures, communities, and continents.
Both books reflect the many ways God works through the gifts and talents of His people. As Pastor Bruce reminded us in his message, there is much that is right with the Church—and the faithful witness of people like Saundra and Chris is certainly something worth celebrating!
Congratulations to both of our Pender authors! We are grateful for the ways they share their faith, creativity, and love of God through the written word.
