Kidologist.com: Karl Bastian's Personal Site and Blog
Archive for Order of the Ancient
August 10, 2009 at 8:51 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
As my blog readers probably know, I wrote a novel for kids called The Order of the Ancient. You expects kids to love a good novel, but I’m always so extra encouraged when I get notes from parents and adults on how my novel for kids impacted them as adults… which was always an intent in my writing it, and why the language of the books was never ‘dumbed down’ to simply kids vocabulary. Here is an e-mail I got today that not only made my day, but asked some key questions that showed great insight into what is coming in book two:
Hi Pastor Karl- This summer our daughter Breenah attended Timber-lee Christian Camp and loved everything you said and did. We purchased your book and read it as a family. The spiritual growth in our family as we were reading this book was awesome (especially for Mom and Dad). As adults this book spoke to our hearts about the way we take our Bibles for granite and our time with God. God used this to change the heart of our family- Thank you!!
We would like to know when the next book is coming out? If there is no more books in this series please answer a few questions for us. (1) Is Josiah’s father still alive in prison and will Jeremiah find him in there? (2) What about “Brent’s” Guardians, will they become believers? (3) Will Josiah and Amy grow up and get married? (4) Is this book taking place before or after the rapture? As you can see we are hooked and would love to hear from you!!! Love- The Seivert Family
because I answer e-mails like this often, but because they asked both the common quesions but also some rather unique ones, I thought I’d answer their e-mail publicly in case others may have similar curiosities. And if there happens to be anyone out there who would like to fund the printing of Book Two, let me assure you, we have the demand, we lack only the funds for the initial printing!
Dear Brooke,
Without spoiling the next book, which I am writing and lack only the funds to print, there are some VERY cool developments and I am very impressed with your insights into it… so I will tell you: Yes! Jeremiah is reunited with Josiah’s dad in a VERY cool way, but that’s all I can tell you without spoiling it for you. Brent’s Guardians? Hmmmm…. you’ll just have to pray for them (as much as you can pray for fictional characters!) Brent and Amy’s romance? I’ll keep you guessing, but tell you, I do like happy endings. Theologically, the book takes place before the rapture, in fact, in the same theological time period WE are in. The only difference is that the freedom we enjoy as Americans has been removed, so the challenges faced in the book are the same we would face if we didn’t have the freedom we have here in America and are the same many of our brothers and sisters in Christ face around the world today. I wanted kids to understand what it is like to live for God in other areas of the world. What would it be like to be a Christian if it wasn’t “safe?”
The next book is VERY cool, and very different. Rather than taking place during the next year of school, it takes place during the summer break. Less of a ‘Harry Potter’ in school feel, it is more of a Lord of the Rings journey feel, as they learn of other Remnant groups gathering in far away places without the Book of Books and set out to take copies of the Book of Books to them and have to travel on foot through dangers to get there avoiding capture while Jeremiah has an adventure of his own in prison being reunited with David and discovering a grander plot…. but, again, I’d said too much. While the last book emphasized salvation this one will emphasize missions.
Has your family read the Christmas short story I released last year? You’ll enjoy it! You can get it here:
Josiah, and the Mysterious Child
and there is a discussion guide if you’d like to dig a little deeper into the novel:
The Order of the Ancient – Discussion Guide
THANKS AGAIN for writing and please keep in touch!!!
It’s been several years since my novel was written and I am continually encouraged by the impact it in having on young readers young and old alike. It’s a unique book. It has a compelling and exciting story – and yet it delves into theological and apologetic issues in a way few children’s books do without every getting boring. If you haven’t read it – regardless of your age, I’d encourage you to check it out! And right now, the new discussion guide if FREE with a case order! Call it shameless promosion, but I’ve seen the impact of this novel on so many kids it’s worth the backlash if a few kids can benefit from it. Over and over I hear kids call it the best book they ever read and all the honor and glory goes to God for the story and the impact is all about Him!
December 12, 2007 at 6:25 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Christianity, Entertainment, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY and an
Open Letter to Philip Pullman
(discuss this post on Kidology.org)
“Here we go again,” was my first thought when I got my first (of many) e-mails warning me about the latest assault on Christianity in the form of a major motion picture based on a trilogy of children’s books written by a professing atheist. The Golden Compass became almost an obsession to parents and children’s leaders across the nation as blogs and church bulletins were filled with warnings against this “threat” to our children. The author, Philip Pullman, seemed pleased by the uproar and fueled the debate himself with his own anti-Christian, anti-religious, anti-God, and anti-C.S. Lewis comments. Unlike R.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, whose message may have been harmful or dangerous to an unparented child, but was not written for that purpose, Pullman practically boasted his anti-Christian agenda. And so the e-mails and blogosphere erupted in a frenzied panic to fight the message of this upcoming film. (Remember The DaVinci Code?)
I’m all for this wave of helpful communication. Well written reviews have been written both by Christian and secular reviewers. (Focus on the Family and TIME magazine) My own website, Kidology.org, hosted a lengthy forum discussion on the topic with good spirited debate about how serious the threat may be, and shared resources to put into the hands of concerned parents. I shared my own thoughts on the movie there – echoing many of the concerns that were confirmed in my mind when I read the first book and viewed the film for myself on opening night. Some will not agree with my conclusions, and that’s fine. Debate is one of the realities that makes our freedom in America such a blessing, and the dialogue of ideas within online communities one of the best applications of the Internet. Bring it on! We all benefit from sharing and then being sharpened as others challenge our thinking. But in the midst of the debate do we miss a broader opportunity?
As often happens when the world infringes our assumption that everyone ought to be Christian – Christians turn on each other and miss a golden opportunity to get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach.
Read the rest of this entry »
December 4, 2007 at 11:18 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Christmas, Holidays, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
Forget the Golden Compass – Harry Potter – or boring familiar Christmas stories. Return to the high tech undercover world from the Order of the Ancient.
Josiah and the Mysterious Child is a short story that tells the Christmas Story in a fresh new engaging way. Our hero Brent is still living in a post-Christian world, but as a secret member of the undercover Remnant of believers. Struggling with how to share the Truth with his best friend, and wondering why December 25th, known as Gift Day, is such a big deal.
I wrote this story for parents to read with their kids, or for children’s pastors to give out to the kids at church. It includes some discussion questions at the end to help parents and teachers engage their children in discussing the significance of Christ.
Those who love the book and are buggin’ me for “Book 2″ will enjoy returning the world of Brent and Amy and the Remnant – but you don’t need to have read the novel to enjoy this story.
ORDER TODAY! Only $5 for Kidology members, and only $10 for permission for unlimited reproduction within your church! SEND EVERY CHILD HOME WITH JOSIAH, AND THE MYSTERIOUS CHILD!
I look forward to hearing your feedback, either here in comments, or in the official Josiah and the Mysterious Child discussion on Kidology.org
ENCOURAGING FEEDBACK ALREADY COMING IN:
I love the fact that from the very beginning this story starts with action and adventure even with the first chapter title “A Shadow.” There was a very readable progression in the story line and a very powerful plot being set up all the way through this short story. The Cliffhanger at the end was well I will just say the word WOW so that I don’t give it away. I as a father really appreciated the discussion questions. The great thing was that we all sat around our Christmas tree and really used the questions. This whole series of the Order of the Ancient has really been a catylast for brining my family even closer together. – Alan Phillips
Loved loved loved it. I’m so glad I found this on a Wednesday, so I could get it into the hands of my die-hard OOTA kids tonight. Thanks, Karl! I think my kids would be happy to have short stories every few months if they can’t have another novel next summer. - Donald Martin
November 29, 2007 at 11:36 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
My Blog Readers always get the inside scoop! So you can be the first to know that I have written an Order of the Ancient Short Story called: Josiah and the Mysterious Child. (A Christmas Special!) I get lots of requests for “Book 2″ – so this is my way to try and answer the calls for the further adventures of Brent Camdon.
This 12 page mini-novelette will be released on Kidology.org as a PDF download early in December. (I will update this post when it is live) It is currently being reviewed by a few select readers (several are expert kids!) and edited… and will be available soon!
The unedited teaser has been removed. The complete story is now available on Kidology.org:
ORDER TODAY!
March 16, 2007 at 10:52 pm · Filed under Blog World, Children's Ministry, Leadership, Life, Order of the Ancient, Spiritual Growth, Star Wars
Here is a picture of my Canadian buddy, Tyler, doing what he loves best:
READING!
I have never met Tyler in person (yet!) but I hope to some day! His parents are missionaries in a remote part of northern Canada, where kids church looks like this:
(Tyler in the yellow shirt)
I got to know Tyler via his mom when I learned that he is a big fan of Toyboxtales.com, my novel (Order of the Ancient), and my blog. In fact, I am blogging about him today in order to encourage him with his new blog, since I just discovered tonight that he credited me as his “inspiration” to begin his blogging career:
Maybe some of the zillions who come here can visit his blog and leave a comment to encourage him!
Here is Tyler, at a local landmark–the moose head at the gas station, with the autographed copy of my novel I sent him after I learned that he only had the downloads and needed to clear up some harddrive space and was sad to lose it. (The book was released originally online a chapter a week, which is when Tyler read it)
Here is Tyler in trouble with the UFP, er, I mean, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police). Not really, this was at a police station open house.
According to his mom, Lori, in explaining her son’s fascination with my websites and ministry, said Tyler “was happy to find an adult with an unnatural fascination with Legos, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.”
I think he is just a Children’s Pastor in the making! But whatever God’s plan is for this young man, I’m excited to watch it unfold.
April 26, 2006 at 1:34 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Leadership, Order of the Ancient, Spiritual Growth
Be the FIRST (or 2nd or 3rd or…) to review the Order of the Ancient on Amazon.com!
I’m excited to have my novel on Amazon.com to hopefully increase the sales and expand the market. If you haven’t heard of it, or seen the book’s website, be sure to see www.orderoftheancient.com! We continue to pray that this novel would have a profound impact on the spiritual development of every kid who reads it – and yet many adults have said it made a huge impact on them too!
Seriously, those of you out there who have read and liked the book, I’d really appreciate some positive reviews on Amazon to help sell the book! THANKS!
November 23, 2005 at 6:12 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Leadership, Order of the Ancient, PK Cruiser
YES! It is one thousand four hundred and sixty-nine days since I got the idea for my novel!
Here I am – driving to meet our printer with the
first shipment of the books!
We met in an undisclosed parking lot. I pulled up next to him, looked both ways, and whispered, “You got the stuff?” He said, “It’s all in my truck.” He assured me it was good stuff. After examining a sample, I agreed.
After one more glance around, we began the transfer.
No one seemed to notice even though we were on a busy street.
How to fit them all in a PK Cruiser? Hmmmm…
The rest had to go in the building. But now I can have a mobile bookstore and can open shop in parking lots everywhere!
Here is the happy author excited to hold the
FIRST OFFICIAL COPY in his hands! WARNING: Shameless Promotion Ahead!
The PRE-ORDER SALE ends midnight Friday, so this will be your last chance to get 11 copies for only $9 each, plus a signed copy. AND FREE SHIPING! There will never be a sale like this, this is to help with the initial printing cost. (every order is greatly appreciated and celebrated!) ORDER TODAY before it is too late. Some churches and bookstores are ordering at this discount rate and selling them for $10 or $12. (Not a bad fund raising idea!)ALSO: INDIVIDUAL ORDERS are also being accepted now and will ship next week!
FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT:
www.orderoftheancient.com
November 17, 2005 at 1:14 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Leadership, Order of the Ancient
I just have to share a really really COOL e-mail from a ten year boy ‘down under’ who wrote to me this week about my novel, the Order of the Ancient. He was given the PDF version from Kidology.org (PDF version no longer available) by his children’s pastor and read it.
He writes:
Subject: Hi Man! Your Book Rocks!
Hi! My Pastor Printed Me A Copy Of ”Order of the Ancient”, And I Am STILL Reading It! It Is By Far On My Top 10 List Of Books.(Published Or Not!) Hey! I Was Thinking, My Name Is Jordan, Yes I Am A Christian, And I Am 10 Yrs Old, And Thought, Maybe We Could Start ”Remnant.org”, And To Sign Up They Need To Tell Us The Very Important Parts Of Their Lives, So We Can Tell Them Their Name E.g. Josiah, Jeremiah, Shaphan , Rahab etc. It Would Be Real Nice To Know You, Your Obviously A Very Strong Christian,….(info on how to chat online and his MSN name)…. You Probably Don’t Have Time Now For Someone You Don’t Know, But It Would Be Great To Get To Know You.
Jordan
Here is the Icthus he sent me to complete:
I replied with this:
I wrote back and promised I’d send him a free signed copy of the book once it was in print. Next I get an e-mail from the children’s pastor who gave him the book…. (Pastor Glenda from Highway Christian Church in Ormeau Queensland Australi) I guess Jordan called her as soon as he got my e-mail. Jordan has since written and told me that he started a “Remnant Club” at his school! How cool is that??
This is so encouraging because the book isn’t even in print yet, and yet it is making an impact in the lives of kids, and literally all over the world. The #1 purpose of the book was to show kids that being a Christian is as exciting as any Great Story, and has REAL potential for drama, danger, and adventure!! I am hoping that this book will get kids all over the world excited about being a Follower of the Redeemer, and that they would be challenged to Seek the Sovereign!
THE BOOK WILL BE IN PRINT NEXT WEEK… THE PRE-ORDER SUPER SALE IS ALMOST OVER! Order copies now at a HUGE saving, PLUS FREE SHIPPING!
Order NOW before it is too late! For more info see: www.orderoftheancient.com
November 7, 2005 at 5:07 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
Guess what arrived by messenger today?!?!?!? The PROOF for my novel, the Order of the Ancient! This was my last chance to review it before the presses start running!
Steve Clindaniel, one of Kidology’s board members, was in the office, and snapped these pics of the happy author…
While a few super duper minor changes will be made, overall, it was perfect, and the PRESSES CAN NOW RUN! Which also means that the ADVANCE ORDER OFFER will soon be over! That’s right, if you missed it before, there is an advance order special running right now that will be discontinued AS SOON THE BOOKS ARRIVE!
It was an AWESOME feeling to hold this final proof in my hands after YEARS of working on this! It was in ten bound sections with a color cover proof… soon it will all be bound and available for kids everywhere! :) The arkwork by Todd Hampson is amazing, and really brings the book to life! It could be ready in about TWO WEEKS, so order your advance copies today! Every order is a huge help toward our initial printing costs and is greatly appreciated.
Here are some quotes about the book already:
Perhaps the most damaging thing about the way adults present Christianity to children is the anemia. We’ve given our children faith stripped of adventure. Karl’s new book “Order of the Ancient” changes all that. Your kids will love the high adventure and colorful characters of Karl Bastian’s universe. – Larry Shallenberger, Erie, PA
It’s not often you come across a book that has excellent morals and an excellent storyline. Pastor Karl presents a believable, adventursome boy with whom kids (and adults!) can relate. Reading this book will not only entertain you, it will present you with truths that challenge you to view your life and relationship with God in a different light. Good luck putting it down! – Melissa Hunt, Centerville, OH
“Why?” It’s the question that all kids ask, but for Brent, it leads to the most incredible answer possible. Your kids will find themselves swept away to a place in the not so distant future where God is forgotten by the mainstream populace. As they read this incredible story, they will find their faith challenged, strengthened, and anchored in a very powerful truth: God’s Word is precious and powerful! Do yourself a favor and purchase several copies to hand out to all of your family and friends. What I want to know is when do we get to see the made for TV movie, comic books, action figures, t-shirts, Monopoly Games, and other cool spin-off stuff from this most excellent of children’s literature. I can’t wait for the sequel and maybe even a prequel. – Tony Waller, Jonesboro, AR
I loved this book! Spiritual lessons delicately interwoven with a fascinating story. Who is this Sovereign and what did he do to make people take such high risks in following him? It makes you wonder! I believe kids of all different backgrounds will love the story of Brent getting answers to (some of) his many questions. – Els Zuidweg, Amsterdam (NL)
I just finished. WOW! I thought it was great – you’ll have to write a sequel!! My church group loved the book as well. How refreshing to have a group of kids so into a book of this nature. Thanks! – John and Cindy Martin, Virginia Beach, VA
For more info visit: www.orderoftheancient.com
DON’T MISS THE PAGE WITH THE COOL WALLPAPER DOWNLOADS!
October 31, 2005 at 12:04 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Kidology, Order of the Ancient
INTRODUCING…
www.orderoftheancient.com
Well, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… I hope! My novel is now at the printer and will be in print by the end of November! (hopoefully sooner) We have opened up advance sales so that those eager to get their hands on it, can!
For complete details visit the SPECIAL OFFER on Kidology.org, or check out the OrderoftheAncient website! This is a GREAT DEAL – free shipping and a great low price for ten copies, PLUS a FREE signed copy, for a total of 11 copies at one low low price. This will greatly help us offset the initial printing cost, so we will appreciate and celebrate every order!
Post your feedback on the book and/or website as well, and it may get included in some marketing materials. (Your chance to be famous!) Looking forward to hearing from y’all.
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