A Story of Hope and Redemption

            One of my earliest memories is of my father teaching me to ride a bike. I was five years old. I lost my balance and fell. I wasn't hurt, I only had a minor scrape, but I was equally scared and angry. I wanted to quit, call it a day.

            My dad said no, try again. I obeyed and climbed back on. I tumbled once more. Dad picked me up, checked to see if I was okay, and put me back on the bicycle.

            By the end of the day, I was riding like a champ. I just needed the encouragement and discipline required not to quit.

            The only time I remember really disappointing my father was when I quit playing football in high school. He knew I hated football but loved baseball and basketball. It wasn't not playing football that bothered him; it was quitting mid-season. He believed quitting something before you've given it your best effort was the wrong thing to do.

            My father loved me very much. He tried to teach me life lessons that would serve me well as I grew up and became a man. He accomplished that goal, but unfortunately, I took his valuable life lesson to an unhealthy extreme.

            Whether it was school, sports, or going after the "ultimate" girl, I charged full steam ahead. I graduated first in my class from a major public university. I married the high school beauty queen, the girl every boy wanted. In my financial services career, I rocketed to the top and started my venture capital (private equity) company in the early 1990s.

            In my thirties, I thought I was invincible. My goals were righteous; I wanted to make all of my investors a ton of money. I dove in, gave it all I had, and pulled out all the stops.

             I had little experience in the venture capital world, so I made mistakes. For one thing, I chose the wrong people as some of my venture partners. Regardless, I had a duty to my investors to be transparent and straightforward.

            Rather than admit I was in trouble, reset and make the best of a bad situation, I doubled down. My robust confidence had turned into dangerous arrogance. I kept the bad news secret while scrambling to make things right. I thought, "I'll never quit" I'll get back on that damn bike and pedal away.

            I fueled my business expansion through debt. By the end, I had over ten thousand dollars monthly in debt service payments. I had to throw in the towel when most of my ventures failed. Remarkably, because now I see how morally deficient I was back then, my emotional distress came more from quitting than causing my clients financial harm.

            Years after my business went under, the feds indicted me for, in essence, business fraud. I was guilty of some of what they charged me with, but I was outraged that I was massively overcharged just before the statute of limitations expired. Rather than take sound legal advice, which I received, I told the feds to pound sand, and I refused to accept their plea deal. I don't quit; I fight.

            That was the worst decision I ever made. I spent years in federal prison because of my hubris and "the means justify the ends" business philosophy. What I didn't learn from my father is that determination, grit, and guts are good traits, but not when coupled with a Machiavellian morality.

            In my early 40s, I thought my life was over. I was not only a failure but a criminal. My wife divorced me, and the feds took all my remaining assets and tossed me into prison, another sad log for the pile.

            From an early age, I was a confirmed atheist. I attended church to please my trophy wife, but that was all for show. I was sure that religion was all mythology, a mechanism for social control, a lie to make people feel better.

            But all that changed after my arrest. Jesus found me in a jail cell and lifted me up. I knew that my conversion was genuine and that Jesus was the Son of God. From that day to this, twenty-two years, I remain an imperfect but committed follower of Christ.

            I understood how badly I screwed up. I'd damaged lives and deeply wounded those I loved the most. I vowed to never go down that road again – "that road" being an "ends justify the means" relativist morality. I've kept that promise to this day, but sadly, I should have added another commandment – "That shalt not go into debt to pursue your goals." 

            Solomon's Porch was written in a federal prison camp, first in hand on yellow pads and then typing it out on the ancient typewriters in the library. The story flowed easily from my brain to paper. At times I felt like I was transcribing more than writing it. When I finished the book in 2010, my mother got it published.

            In late 2011 I was released and promoted Solomon's Porch to the best of my ability. Over 100 people left 5-star reviews on Amazon for Porch back then. But when my publisher went under and my limited resources were exhausted, I had to set the book aside. I needed to focus on building a business to sustain myself and pay the bills.

            I built a small but successful book promotion company for the next six years. I also worked as a ghostwriter. Then Hollywood beckoned.

            I took a huge risk on a few projects, but all that came tumbling down when my film agent disappeared and my onerous business debt came due. It was an unfortunate, ugly mess but quickly resolved because I'd done nothing wrong.

           Allow me to define terms. I did "nothing wrong" in terms of breaking laws. I did everything wrong by believing I could use debt to propel my creative career.

           After this meltdown, I wrote a biography for my friend and personal hero, Bishop Themi of Sierra Leone. Very selectively, I helped others achieve their business and creative goals, although my days as a promoter of other people's work are essentially over. Life is good. I'm blessed.

            All the while, Solomon's Porch was out there waiting for a rebirth. Over the past few months, I rewrote large portions of the book and updated it so that all the events occur in the present day. The new version of Solomon's Porch is now done and ready to be shared with the world.

Solomon's Porch - Eternal truth conveyed in a breathtaking Christian suspense novel

            Over the past decade, comic book heroes have become movie stars. Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, and many others spawned films that have produced billions in revenue. The public, particularly younger people (15 to 35), are fascinated with stories of larger-than-life heroes with extraordinary abilities.

            The Bible is full of stories about heroes with superpowers. Moses splitting the Red Sea, Samson's incredible strength, Ezekiel and his zombie army, Elijah calling down fire from the heavens and, most of all, Jesus Christ rising from the dead.

            If you polled Christians, most would likely say that the supernatural events of the Bible were either allegorical and/or God would not do such things today. Atheists consider belief in the validity of ancient Christian miracles absurd.

            But I say, why not? I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and rose from the dead on the third day. So why is it so unbelievable to consider the possibility that God might act boldly now? Nothing in the Bible or Greek Orthodox tradition says that public miracles can't happen today.

            Consider this "what if" scenario. What if God deemed it necessary to publicly proclaim His existence and power to the world? Why would He do that? What would that look like? Who would His messengers be? How would the world react? How would God's enemy, Satan, respond?

            Solomon's Porch takes the reader on a speculative Christian journey, following the lives of God's 21^st-century messengers. The book's heroes are primarily former sinners, incarcerated men. Their holy message is clear – we must stop using violence as a means of social control and national policy. War must be abolished, and right now, or humanity is doomed.

            As the characters move toward their climactic battle with the evil one, no one is denied God's mercy or above His divine judgment. Whether you're rich or poor, a criminal or a judge, a man or a woman, Black, White, Brown or any race, American, Australian, or Chinese, it makes no difference.

            Miraculous events take place right from the start. Visions, healings, battles with demons, bringing the dead back to life, and even a worldwide "restriction" where God blesses humanity with a violence-free planet for a short time to show His creation what's possible.

            If you're a Christian who enjoys comic book hero films but has always wondered why someone hasn't created a Marvel or DC Comic like tale with a Christian theme, then Solomon's Porch is much more than just another cool story to you. It's answered prayer.

Solomon's Porch Book Excerpts

From Chapter One

Peter realized Gabriel was reading his mind, answering his unspoken thoughts. He trembled at the idea of being in the presence of such power.

"My God," Peter cried out. "Who are you, and what do you want from me?"

"As for me, St. Luke and Daniel can tell you enough. As for you, Panos, that is why I am here. For you. The Lord, your God wants to reveal Himself, to convey His message."

Then Gabriel raised his right arm and passed it over Peter Carson, like a priest giving a blessing. Instantly Peter was transported to another realm, to a place unlike anywhere on Earth. He became the reluctant recipient of a direct communication from the Immortal One.

Peter was entirely surrounded by this new reality and given a three hundred and sixty-degree view of what the Lord wanted him to see.

Out of the swirling darkness, he heard a Voice, one with authority unlike any other, call out, "Feed My Children!"

As these words were spoken, Peter was set upon by people on every side, most barely alive, all starving and emaciated. As they touched him, Peter felt their hunger, their intense misery. He experienced himself dying with them, suffering with each of them individually.

He looked down and saw that he was also nothing more than a decaying bag of flesh and bones. An all-encompassing malaise came over him. The agony of his hunger was genuine and acute. Peter was starving to death.

Peter thought, all of these souls, mostly brown or black people, where did they come from? Why are they all trying to touch me? What do they want from me? How can I possibly help them?

From Chapter Six

Peter rose, joined hands with Malik and Saul, and began to pray. Little Carrie Lynn Johnson was lifted to the Most High God in a short but eloquent plea.

This time Panos Kallistos was praying with total faith. The Holy Spirit had told him what to say to Gail McCorkle. Peter had complete trust that He would now finish the job.

"Call your sister, Gail," Peter instructed as the three men returned to their seats.

"What do I say? I mean, really, Mr. Carson, I can't just…"

"Call your sister, Gail. Use the speakerphone, please."

Warden McCorkle dialed her sister's number, unsure if she had lost her mind or finally found it.

When the call was answered, all they could hear at first were outbursts of emotion, but not the type made from panic or fear.

Gail had dialed into a celebration.

"Bernice! Bernice! It's Gail. Is that you, girl? What's going on down there?"

"Gail? Is that you? My God, honey! I can't believe you called. Do you know what's happened? Lord in heaven, sister!" In her excitement, Bernice dropped the phone.

Gail listened to the voices and tried to determine what was happening. She heard her sister saying, "It's Gail! Can you believe it?"

Bernice's husband, Larry, was having an excited but undistinguishable conversation on another line. Charlene and Diane, Larry's sisters, were carrying on as if they'd just won the lottery.

There was another voice, mild, soft, and sweet, that Gail could not place but was nonetheless very familiar. It spoke to her sister, and she could tell by its increasing volume that whoever it belonged to was about to pick up the phone.

"Auntie Gail, it's Care Bear."

Gail McCorkle let out a scream that could be heard a hundred yards away through concrete walls.

Carrie Johnson had never spoken, never walked, and never so much as fed herself. Care Bear understood some words and recognized a few faces, but those minutes without oxygen had decimated her mind and body. The doctors said she was physically strong enough to survive for many years but would never develop much beyond her "current capabilities."

From Chapter Nine

Fitting, he thought, since in that passage, Lazarus is raised. Was Peter Carson about to do what only Christ, His Apostles, and a few saints have been able to do? Restore life to the dead?

Despite the miracles each witness had seen and experienced, bringing back the dead seemed extreme, perhaps impossible. Yet they did believe, using the measure of faith God had given them, a measure being increased by the second.

The white glow that had formed around Peter suddenly extended itself from his person upward, opening a hole in the roof with its brilliance. As it did, a sound erupted like a hundred cathedral bells, all being rung simultaneously. It was both stunning and deafening, like being hit directly by a thunderclap.

No one could remain standing; the witnesses all dropped to their knees. The Power was so intense it enveloped the small group, temporarily rendering each of them unable to speak or move. That they could still hear and see what was happening was one of the greatest gifts God could ever give them.

Then Peter began to speak again, but now with an authority and eloquence beyond his human capabilities.

"Lord, I know that you always hear me, but because of the people standing by, I say thank you, Father, for loving us, protecting us, and allowing us always to be Your servants.

"Lawrence, get up."

As placidly as if he was waking from a casual afternoon nap, Larry Coleman sat up, stretched out his arms, and yawned. He seemed oblivious to the fact that he had been dead. While saying nothing at first, the look on his face was telling enough; he had no idea why all these people were on their knees surrounding him.

The white glow dissipated, melting away first from around Peter and then moving upward. When it reached the ceiling, the "hole" in the roof disappeared, and a sound like two giant steel doors slamming shut reverberated throughout the dorm.

When the Power was completely gone, Peter collapsed. Gail and Saul rushed to his side. They quickly determined that Peter was breathing regularly and that his pulse and color were normal. Peter was simply asleep and would remain so for almost the next twenty-four hours.

What we need to share Solomon's Porch with the world

            While it's never been easier to publish a book, it's never been harder for a book to get noticed, gain traction, and make significant sales. About 4 million books are published annually: 11,000 books per day. Unless you're a celebrity or have an established brand, you're swimming against a massive tide trying to get noticed in the literary world.

            But this is also true - thousands, tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of book sales are achievable if you have the right book, the expertise, and the resources to reach the promised land.

            First, you must have a great novel. I believe Solomon's Porch is a fantastic literary product. So did hundreds of people when the first version was published 13 years ago.

            Here's a sampling of book reviews from back then:

Midwest Book Review

"The call and faith and ministry can strike anyone, even those written off as the scum of society. Solomon's Porch tells the story of Peter Carson, a prisoner with little to look forward to in life. He soon finds himself split in between Satan who is calling him to return to the path that led him there, and the call of God which puts him as a divine messenger. An uphill struggle, to find his own faith and his own place in life as well as delivering God's message, Solomon's Porch is an intriguing read that shouldn't be overlooked for Christian suspense readers."

Amazon.com Reviewer, September 2011

"This is a fast paced read with well-developed characters that engages the reader in the only true battle we are all interlocked into...it underscores that our battles are not with each other, but with a real insidious enemy that would like nothing more than to turn us against each other."

Light and Life Publishing Spring 2011

"One would hope that many a sermon in our churches could be as powerful as this book and as fully consistent with orthodox Christian teachings. Solomon's Porch brings home an important message to those led astray by the shallow materialism of contemporary society. Riveting, it offers much to ponder. Christian fiction at its best."

The Bread of Life (Canada) January 2012

"Mr. Bear tells a wonderful suspense story filled with conversion and forgiveness, where past lives are changed and each personality is used by God for a great purpose...this is a good book written with the intention of showing miraculous conversion and the spiritual power of God's Holy love."

Yvette Clinton, Charlotte, NC August 2011

"I found this book very exciting and interesting and also very scary at the same time. It also captured my imagination and drew me in to the point that I could not put the book down....The book's message is, "God loves us! He is not giving up on us unless we give up on ourselves." He wants us to stop hurting each other, feed the hungry, clothe the needy and accept the path that He has chosen for us.... Solomon's Porch has surely made me think about the way we live our lives. It has made me question my faith. Is it enough? What is enough? I will tell others about this book and hope that it makes a difference in their lives and that they understand the message which is "God's precious gift of love".

                I have been promoting books for many years. Over the past decade, I helped two dozen authors reach USA Today Bestseller status, many more became Amazon Bestselling Authors, and I directly sold tens of thousands of books. I'm knowledgeable and experienced in the business of book marketing and promotion.

            The primary difference between a New York City-based traditional publisher's ability to promote a book and my ability to do so is resources. And by resources, I mostly mean funding.

            This time my vision is clear. I want to share Solomon's Porch with the broadest possible audience, and I will only do that the right, debt-free way. With your help, we can promote this culture-altering book worldwide and share this incredible story of hope and redemption with all who desperately need to hear it.

            The more money I receive from backers, the greater the promotion of Solomon's Porch will be. I have big, bold plans –the sky is the limit, but I need your support.

            My minimum funding level of $2,000 will get us out of the gate and onto the literary stage. But that's only the beginning. Once we exceed that threshold, I'll post regular updates with new funding targets and specific promotional steps I'll take when we reach those goals.

            What can we accomplish with more than $2,000 in funding?

• Greater advertising exposure on Amazon, Google, and other social media platforms. The more you turn up the ad volume, the louder the music plays, and more people will hear it.
• Public relations. PR firms are expensive, but good ones are worth the money. With enough funding, we can hire a top-notch PR firm to get exposure on podcasts, websites, television, YouTube, and many other platforms.
• Porch's main protagonist is a Greek American. He's a Greek Orthodox Christian. Translating the book into Greek, Russian, Arabic, and other languages will open markets to us with hundreds of thousands of potential new readers.

            And much, much more…

Rewards

            Please pick whichever version of Solomon's Porch for your perk that suits you best – an eBook, paperback, hardback, or the Limited Edition hardback.

            The new version of Solomon's Porch is written and ready to be published.

            God bless you, and thank you for your support.

Perks:

A Solomon's Porch eBook

$15.00

A Solomon's Porch eBook (Kindle or PDF).

A Solomon's Porch Paperback

$30.00

A Solomon's Porch paperback book.

Perfect bound, color cover, b&w interior.

A Solomon's Porch Hardback

$45.00

A Solomon's Porch hardback book.

Case laminate, color cover, b&w interior.

The Limited Edition Solomon's Porch Hardback

$85.00

A Limited Edition Solomon's Porch hardback w/dust cover.

Each book is numbered and signed by Eli Bear. Only 200 Limited Edition versions of Solomon's Porch will be produced.

Plus, a one-year subscription to Eli Bear's Poke the Bear Substack blog (a $60 retail value).