Introduction
I am delighted to introduce Nancy Hastings for this week’s "Author Spotlight", a writer whose career has been defined by the pursuit of a good story. With over three decades of experience as a journalist and freelancer, Nancy has spent a lifetime capturing the voices of her community. Now, she has turned her professional lens toward her own family history, transforming the adventurous missionary journals of her parents into a compelling narrative of faith and resilience.
A Legacy of Faith: The Journalistic Journey of Nancy Hastings
Nancy’s transition into authorship was a natural evolution of her long-standing career in the newspaper industry. From her early days writing for her high school and college papers to her years spent as a family living editor in Michigan, she has always been deeply involved in sharing the stories of others. When the fast-paced world of journalism began to shift, she found it the perfect time to pivot and record the remarkable adventures of her own parents.
Based in Lexington, Indiana, Nancy is the daughter of missionary parents who served in South America during the early 1950s. Her debut book is a heartfelt tribute to their real-life experiences, featuring actual sketches and illustrations drawn by her father. Nancy’s commitment to the project is truly a hands-on success story; she even navigated the complex process of recording the audiobook version in her own voice. Beyond her writing, she is a dedicated grandmother who views her work as a vital bridge, connecting the next generation to an ancestral legacy of sacrifice, hard work, and devotion.
The Works of Nancy Hastings
Nancy’s work invites readers into a world of spiritual surrender and physical adventure, grounded in the authentic records of her parents' lives.
- Mission Possible: This historical fiction narrative reimagines the true story of George and Alice, a young American couple who follow a calling to the Presbyterian East Mission of Brazil in the 1950s. Accompanied by their young son, they trade the familiarity of a Tennessee church for the "mosquito-infested" jungles of South America. The story provides a raw, honest look at the cultural barriers, language struggles, and physical perils they faced while raising a growing family in unfamiliar territory. It is a portrait of a life that was often weary but ultimately repaired and restored by faith, beautifully interspersed with original artwork.
What Readers Are Saying About Nancy Hastings's Work:
The authentic and heartfelt nature of Nancy’s storytelling has resonated deeply with readers who appreciate stories of spiritual grit and historical depth.
- "Mission Possible is an inspiring and heartfelt story of faith, courage, and purpose. George and Alice’s journey to Brazil beautifully captures the power of obedience and trust in God’s calling. Their determination and devotion remind us that with faith, no mission is impossible." - Janice Adams, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Reading Mission Possible felt like sitting down with a trusted friend over coffee and hearing the incredible, real-life journey of two people who truly gave their lives to something bigger than themselves...Alice’s quiet strength and adaptability, especially while raising a family in such unfamiliar territory, were especially moving." - Nataliesimmons, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Nancy brings George and Alice to life with such authenticity that their calling feels personal, their fears familiar, and their hope contagious. Set against the vivid backdrop of 1950s Brazil, this true-life–inspired narrative captures both the wonder and the weight of answering God’s call." - Hannah, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Inspiring, heartfelt, and deeply authentic. Mission Possible beautifully captures the courage and faith of George and Alice as they step into the unknown to serve in Brazil...This story of perseverance and purpose, woven from real life experiences, is both humbling and uplifting." - Lilah, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Nancy Hastings beautifully captures the courage, uncertainty, and quiet perseverance required to follow a calling into the unknown. George and Alice’s journey to Brazil is inspiring not because it is easy, but because it is honest." - Liora Ellington, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "What touched me most was the honesty. This isn’t a sugar coated missionary tale. The challenges, doubts, and cultural barriers feel very real, yet the couple’s determination and faith shine through every page." - Elise Freund, 5 Stars, Goodreads
A Call to Connection
Nancy is currently working on her blog and collaborating with other authors while dreaming of a potential sequel set in Brazil. You can follow her journey and stay updated on her latest projects by visiting her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Substack, and Goodreads.
You can purchase her book through the Amazon affiliate link below:
Conclusion
Nancy Hastings has successfully transitioned from chronicling community news to preserving a powerful family legacy. By taking the challenges of self-publishing in stride—from marketing hurdles to narrating her own audio version—she has ensured that her parents' story of faith remains accessible for generations to come. I am so pleased to share her journey and her heart-centred storytelling with you today.
Thanks for reading!
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