Latin American authors Wendy Colón, Elisa Padilla, Karen Suarez and Rossy Merino share the ways that God has used books to minister to them, and their unique experiences of His leading to write and publish for particular audiences. “I live with that burning desire for women to be free from shame, guilt and fear—and to spread their wings and reach very high according to God’s purpose for them,” Karen says. This story is part of the Journeys in Christian Publishing: Stories from LittWorld series.
In what ways have books played a part in your coming to faith and spiritual growth?
Elisa: My favorite books are the ones that challenge me to think more deeply on a given issue, especially related to Bible/theology in connection with social sciences. Though I do not find those books easy to read, they make the gospel relevant to my daily life. As a teenager, Scripture Union materials for Bible study got me started on deeper reflection. Having to do editorial work for Ediciones Kairós has exposed me to the thought of Latin American theologians and is shaping my faith.
Rossy: Thirty-five years ago, I took a discipleship course. What we studied still remains in my mind.
Karen: Many books have challenged me to change and helped me to better understand certain biblical truths through the experience of others. I believe that, if a book comes into one’s life at a time of specific need, it can impact us forever. For example, I was in a spiritual desert a few years ago and the book Deep Changes by Nicolás Tranchini from Argentina prompted me to make radical decisions for my life and experience a complete turnaround.
Wendy: As one who firmly believes that God speaks in many ways, the written word certainly ministers to my life. In the last few years, reading has saturated my mind with knowledge in such a way that it has broadened my view of the world, God, and the many ways He empowers and transforms us, including literature. As I am currently completing a doctorate, the reading that is for many a must for me is a delight, as I have been a reader since I was a child, so in addition to knowledge I delight in reading.
How did the Lord lead you into your writing or publishing ministry?
Rossy: I started writing at the age of about eight. During the pandemic I started to take courses and write stories.
Wendy: I understood that God was leading me in this ministry as I heard testimonies from people who identified with my writing and/or characters—when some told me how they cried, were confronted, or received peace from the experiences narrated in my books. The ease with which I do it, the images that run in my mind, the words—I believe these are a gift from God for writers.
Elisa: Though I only got involved in the ministry six years ago, my father always valued my writings. It was my privilege to work side by side for many years until his parting.
Karen: I have gone through several tough situations in the last few years, and God has allowed me to share with women about God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness and the ways He has led me through each process. I began to offer conferences and write materials geared towards women. Today, I live with that burning desire for women to be free from shame, guilt, fear and to spread their wings and reach very high, according to God’s purpose for them.
Please share some things the Lord has taught or shown you in your publishing journey so far.
Wendy: He is the one who chooses the subject matter and many times even the times in which we should write when we do it for ministry. That He speaks to people through any inspired reading, not just the Bible. He is the one who opens the way and the doors to expose our work.
Do not stop reading. Reading not only inspires and offers wisdom, but on many occasions, it is a channel of healing. The letters inspired by God will always do good. Read books but above all read the Word of God. As Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”
Rossy: We need to persevere and have discipline.
Elisa: The purpose of Kairos is not to publish books but convey a message. Books are just a medium. If other mediums come up that are better or more accessible, then we should use them. Scarcity encourages reducing waste, improving efficiency and depending on God to do the rest. Teamwork is the best way. High motivation makes voluntary work possible and powerful.
Karen: God is sovereign. In the midst of pain, suffering and road stones, God’s plans will be fulfilled in my life because He orchestrates everything according to His design for me. God loves me deeply—that is the unquestionable truth that sustains me every day. God adopts me.
What do you see as the greatest opportunities for Christian publishing in your context?
Rossy: In El Salvador, biographies are well received. People are very interested in them.
Elisa: If money and time were no object, I would seek to publish small books that contain profound theologies but expressed in a simple language that is accessible to all. I’d also write and publish children’s literature along the same lines.
Wendy: I would like to write more books that motivate those called to serve to understand that there are no obstacles for God, and that He enables us. I would also like to write more short novels where fictional but possible stories of biblical characters struggle with whether to believe or follow God. And it is in my plans and thoughts to write about church and community.
How might we pray for you and your ministry?
Elisa: I’d like to find other authors and publishers that share Kairos’ concern for God’s justice in economic, political, social, and environmental issues. Any help would be appreciated. Pray that God will keep providing just enough and show us how to reach a larger community.
Rossy: Pray for the work that we have among women and children. The stories for children I wrote are still not published. Pray too as I start writing my biography.
Wendy: Pray for God to direct my times and give me discernment to see the paths He has already laid out for me. I believe that Latin American writers have opportunities to write more about modern missions—and what it means for the church, the missionary, and the field.
There are also opportunities to share more stories of missionaries, both their accomplishments and struggles. Pray that more may write about missiology in Spanish—about why there is still missionary work and why it should be important for the church today.