East Hempfield Resident Publishes Faith-Based Recovery Book
"The message that I wanted to get out is that the God of the Bible is a loving, caring, and compassionate God who wants to help us and wants to forgive us regardless of what our past has been," said Greg Schmalhofer, author of the new book "The Hope Recovery Devotional: There Is Always Hope With God."
It took about a year and a half for Greg to write and self-publish the book. "It was a long process," commented Greg. "But it was a really good time, and I was very pleased with how it turned out."
Greg lives in East Hempfield Township with his wife, Brenda. He received his master's degree in theological studies from Liberty University and has spent the past 15 years working in recovery ministry. To gain some additional training in the field, Greg returned to school and is currently on track to earn a second master's degree in Christian ministry. In an interview with the Merchandiser, Greg said that he feels as if the Lord is using him to help and connect with people; he views "The Hope Recovery Devotional" as yet another way to minister to people.
Although the faith-based daily devotional book is intended for individuals in recovery from alcohol or drugs, Greg noted that it is also appropriate for individuals struggling with any addictive behavior and even for those seeking to refresh their faith. From Greg's time in recovery ministry, he has found that for individuals in recovery, daily encouragement is very important, and people will often turn to not only faith-based daily readings, but also other types of daily readings. "The first 100 days in recovery is very important, and so I wanted to focus that on the first 100 days (in my book)," he explained.
Greg expressed his gratitude to those who helped him write and publish the book. Among them are his wife, Russ Hammer, Frank and Sharon Burnside, Eileen and Zane Emrich, and Bridget and Tim Lease.
"Through recovery ministry, I desire to help people, but it absolutely changed my life as well and I have made so many dear friends," stated Greg. "It's been an amazing time, and I feel really blessed and humbled to be able to be involved this way."
"The Hope Recovery Devotional: There Is Always Hope With God" was released on Nov. 17 and can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Leave a Review