By Dorothy Brotherton

INFORMATION technology (IT) is a tool for connection and growth, according to Kimberly Parker and Donna Lowe.

The two Kelowna women, who head a ministry called For the Sake of One, recently ‘published’ a book – with no paper pages.

While seeking a publisher, they decided to use IT to spread the word.

“We chose to release it first through Kindle for several reasons,” said Lowe. “First, we wanted to make it immediately available to those who could purchase it in that way. Second, there is a growing demand for eBooks.”

Radical Love . . . Forever Changed reads like a traditional spiritual self-help book, but there’s nothing traditional about obtaining it. Parker and Lowe started with Amazon Kindle, but plan to add other eBook readers.

Kindle, for non-techies, is a wireless reading device, costing upwards of $260. It can pull in books from a stock of more than 450,000 on Amazon, for $9.99 each. A whole pile of classics and pre-1923 books are available free. The Kindle device holdss more than 1,500 books.

Kindle doesn’t need a computer. This little 10.2-ounce battery-powered device operates by 3G wireless, with no annual contracts, monthly fees, nor hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. Amazon pays for the wireless connectivity. Blasting conservative readers’ earlier objections to eBooks, Kindle is convenient – and can go to the beach or into a back-pack.

“Whether or not [eBooks] will edge out traditionally printed books, we don’t know; but the reality is that since readers have the option to purchase books electronically, we chose to address that need,” said Parker.

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An eBook was a natural outgrowth of Parker and Lowe’s ministry, which makes lavish use of IT.

The two met through volunteer leadership at their church, Trinity Baptist. They had both seen lives changed when women consistently prayed and studied the Bible together.

“But the sad reality is that far too few women have the ability to get together with other women each week,” said Parker.

Twice weekly, Parker and Lowe post free audio, podcasted messages on their website, which can be loaded onto a mp3 player. Women can listen while exercising, running errands or sitting in traffic.  

Online, interactive Bible studies are offered through their teaching link. There’s a chat room and scheduled live discussions. A prayer connection link is offered.  

“There is a comfort in knowing that your needs are being specifically prayed for,” said Lowe.

Parker and Lowe emerge from the virtual world to the real world, to speak at women’s retreats and conferences.

“As we’ve been ministering to women in live and online settings, we saw a theme. Too many Christian women are going through life wounded – knowing  God has called them to love, but not knowing how to make God’s radical love a reality,” said Lowe.

Shortly after speaking to BCCN, the authors announced they had a publisher. The book will be released in August.

Contact: FortheSakeofOne.com.

June 2010