Providence

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Apologia Publishing!  

Just three months ago, Apologia Publishing was barely an idea. With our book, Can I Take My Bike to Heaven? fully illustrated and nearly ready for print, we (Emily and Ellie) met with our pastor to discuss whether to sign a contract with a small Christian publisher.  

During that meeting, Pastor Brian softly said, “I think you should start your own publishing company,” That is just like him–always thinking the impossible is possible, always an encourager and a truth-teller.

In less than three months, Apologia Publishing has been formed, a website has been built, and Can I Take My Bike to Heaven? has been printed and is ready to be shipped to families. It is surreal. God is amazing.

But this really started many years ago. Seventeen years ago, to be exact, when I (Emily) wrote the story early one morning, sitting at my dining table. In just a couple of hours, I jotted down the words as they came to me. I was encouraged to try to get it published by several friends and family members, but after a couple of failed attempts, I put it aside, only to pull it out every few years to see if I could find a publisher who fit my core beliefs and goals for getting it into homes.

For reasons now forgotten, I shared the first few stanzas of the story that I had long memorized with my pastor and a few fellow church members at dinner one night. I was encouraged by the eager responses I received and the urging to have it illustrated; however, another year passed without progress. Eventually, I sent the story to Ellie, who was working as an editor at a small Christian company, to ask for her professional feedback. On that very same day, Pastor Brian sent us a group text apologizing for the time that had passed; he recommended that Ellie, who is also an artist, illustrate the story. What was unusual about his text was that it was completely random and sent at that very moment I was texting Ellie, who manages the church prayer list, about a prayer request.

God’s providence.

God used those seventeen years to prepare us. Sitting under our pastor’s expository teaching filled a void and solidified our understanding that all Scripture points to Christ. We often gravitated to each other after sermons to ponder what we learned or discuss concerns about things within the broader church culture. In hindsight, it seems God was developing a relationship for something greater to bring Him honor and glory. 

We both have extensive experience with children and young adults. I have raised four sons, taught school, and written curriculum for children’s programs at church. Ellie has mentored young women, coached girls’ soccer, is a biblical counselor, and takes care of her young nieces. We love God’s Word and know that Truth is the only solution to combat the many lies that children face and parents battle inside the walls of their home.  

That is why we created Apologia Publishing– to share stories that kindle spiritual conversations between children and their parents or grandparents; to provide resources to equip parents for discipling their children and answering difficult questions they are asked; to illuminate the hope found only in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. After all these years, it is here, at Apologia Publishing, that the story I wrote at my dining table, Can I Take My Bike to Heaven?, has finally found its perfect home.

We’re glad you are joining us.

In Christ,