A little about Barbara...

Canadian born and bred, the Derksens have returned to the land of their birth, at least for part of the year – the cold part. Their ministry – Eagles Nest Ministries – serves to encourage professing believers toward a closer walk with the Lord and into an active ministry to those around them. Currently, the bulk of that ministry is on the American side of the border as they minister to fellow members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association as well as anyone they come in contact with between rallies. Barbara’s books and Henry’s music are the tools God has given them to be effective wherever He leads.

Over this past year, the Derksens have travelled over 27,000 miles. They have been to 11 rallies in 9 different states and then took a 4 week sabbatical in Florida. Now the work of producing new work begins. Barbara is working on a third devotional, a compilation of children’s stories – Shih Tzu Puppy Adventures – and the completion of The Hidden, a mystery – the first of a trilogy. Her inspirational cards, now 27 designs, have been used to bless many. People continue to ask for prints of the photos used for her card designs so this year she will add several matted prints to her book tables.

Henry is working on a new album, as well as several singles, that will be used during the rally season 2009. His music is the catalyst to open doors for the Derksens as they expand their ministry into Canada. Already, interested churches are looking to book HC (Henry’s stage name) for a concert this coming year. They also plan to open their schedule to concerts in the US between rallies.

“Writing has become a full time winter project with travel taking us through the summer months” Barbara writes.”Henry and I have become somewhat involved already in a church close to us, where God’s word is proudly proclaimed but we both know that once summer arrives, we’ll be gone for five or six months. That makes building relationships difficult but we are treasuring the most important ones, our children and grand-children as well as our siblings and their families. Two sons and their families live within walking distance so during the winter we are able to spend time with them and then during the summer, we plan to stop often at our daughter and son-in-laws in Iowa, as we crisscross the US.

Having lost five family members this year, we have become aware and have gained a new appreciation for their contribution to our lives. Each one has left us with something to think about and something to carry on as we endeavor to leave behind our own legacy. I encourage all of you to look within yourself and find the amazing treasures your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, have given you – treasures that are so much a part of who you are that you tend to take them for granted.

My books continue to inspire and bring a smile to the faces of those who read them. The amazing thing is that I also get as much enjoyment out of writing them as others do when they read them. God is so good. Straight Pipes and Two-Up, devotionals that I never set out to write when I began this journey, have, according to the comments I hear, spoken to the hearts of their readers in a way that brings them face to face with the Lord. I guess God does know best, although, I will have to admit, He surprised me with these ones. I have learned never to question Him when He asks me to write something.

‘Mind Trap’ has surprised a few people this year. One man wants a sequel because two secondary characters interested him so much. This book is designed for entertainment but still feeds the soul with it’s simple gospel message. ‘Dance With a Broom’ is being used as a gift for young, active moms who need some extra ideas for child-rearing and scheduling. ‘Second to None’ honors all veterans and many purchase this book as a gift for a veteran in their family.

 ‘Alexis Learns to Trust’, the first book in the Shih-Tzu Puppy Adventure series, was added a year ago with a Christian thread. It has sold so well that this winter I will compile all six stories from the series into one book, each with some small biblical truth for children to enjoy. One grandmother stated that her grandchildren only want that book read to them when they visit. ‘The Trumpeter Swan CD series’, as well as ‘Shih-Tzu Puppy CD Series’ still draws parents and grandparents from all over the US who are looking for something for their children and grand-children to listen to. ‘Scruffles Finds a Home’, my first Christmas story for children based on the Christmas attraction in Storm Lake Iowa called Santa’s Castle, sold out in three weeks last year. This year it has been reintroduced and will be added to my book tables this summer.

I hope that, as you scroll though my website, you will find something that interests you. If you are looking for a speaker, I have spoken to a variety of women’s groups on several topics. Most are interested in my story of involvement with Christian Motorcyclists Association or how the writing began but I have also spoken on the topic of love, and parenting many times. If you would like to invite me to your church women’s function, please travel to my contact page and I will check my calendar.”

Fans and friends alike can visit http://www.cdbaby.com/ to listen to HC Derksen’s latest CD and to purchase his music. You can also visit his website at http://www.hcderksen.com/.