Alumna writes kids’ Bible lit

Searching for books about brave, biblical women for her then-3-year-old, Rachel Spier Weaver ’99 found a gap in children’s literature. Where were all the stories about women who are disciples, prophets, evangelists and spiritual leaders? A human development and family science grad who works in recruitment and retention at HOPE International in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she pitched an idea to her friend Anna Haggard (a former executive writer at HOPE): Let’s write the type of books we want our children to read.

“I wanted to show my daughter—and now my son, as well—how the women of the Bible face overwhelming odds and find strength, faith and courage to join God’s story,” she said.

The two women ended up writing an entire series called “Called and Courageous Girls.” Geared toward children ages 3-8, the books highlight often overlooked stories of the Bible—dramas of dynamic women who risked everything for the Kingdom.

The books reaffirm God has called both girls and boys, created in God’s image … to use their gifts, talents and skills to bring God glory,” said Weaver.

Colleagues at HOPE—one of whom is CEO Peter Greer ’97—connected the women with Wolgemuth and Associates, a literary agency that promotes Christian authors. After the agency sent the series proposal to several publishers, Harvest House signed the women for four books. The first book, “A Brave Big Sister: A Bible Story About Miriam,” will be released Oct. 1.

She credits her time at Messiah with encouraging her to explore and deepen her faith.

“The relationships that were formed at Messiah have been some of the most important in my life,” said Weaver. “And now I get to work with many, many Messiah graduates at HOPE. God’s leading to Messiah was undoubtedly one of the most determinative points in my personal and professional life.”

— Anna Seip