Janette Oke (24 page)

One day when Janette went for the mail, there was an envelope with an unfamiliar return address: Bethany Fellowship, Inc., 6820 Auto Club Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438. She turned it over, looked at it, pondered inwardly: “I wonder how
they
got my address,” and tucked it back in with the mail.

Later she couldn't believe she had gone to the post office looking for that
very letter
for weeks on end and then not recognized it when it had finally arrived. It was not until she got home and looked through the mail again that she realized what she had in her hand. She tore the envelope open and read the short letter. It was to the point, declaring simply that they had decided to accept her book for publication.

Janette laid her head on her arm and cried. Up to that point, she had had no idea of the tension building within. She had written a book, had given it to the Lord, and had endeavored to follow His leading to find a publisher. Now He had honored her prayer. He was allowing her the opportunity of sharing her faith through the medium of Christian fiction.

When word quietly leaked out that Janette's manuscript had been accepted, the assistant pastor's wife called up some of Janette's closest friends and arranged a little luncheon at a local restaurant as a surprise celebration. What a wonderful encouragement it was to Janette to have those dear friends share her excitement.

Love Comes Softly
came out in July of 1979. By December of the same year it appeared on Bethany's bestsellers list. Family and friends were thrilled for her and proud to tell about her success to anyone who would listen. It was strange, though, to have people consider her “famous.” She was Janette, yet her new success as a novelist was exciting and just a little overwhelming for her family of growing teens.

She was already thinking of her next story. It was to be the tale of an orphan boy, Joshua Jones. But reader requests began to come in the form of letters, wanting to know “what happened next” to the Davis family. After talking with Bethany, it was decided that perhaps she should write a sequel to
Love Comes Softly
. Though she had not considered that when she wrote the first book, she began planning the sequel. The whole thing was most gratifying.

Then Janette realized that she was scared. She knew she had relied heavily on God's help for the first book. What now? Did she think she was able to write one on her own? Instinctively, she knew that if she even dared to try, she would likely have the world's worst flop on her hands. So Janette desperately went back to God. She was sure she needed Him even more for the second book than she had for the first.

There was also a time factor now. There was a publishing date looming on the horizon. She had not had that pressure before, and she was still a very busy wife and mother. This time it didn't seem to work to use the dining room table. She would not have the luxury of months of thinking and plotting. This time she needed quiet. She needed to be able to concentrate totally on the task at hand.

Jean and Orville had a house with a small basement suite. They were not at home at the time and had told Janette that she was free to use the suite if she wished. The house would be totally quiet, and the offer sounded too good to be true.

She gathered her scribblers and pencils, packed a suitcase, and set off for some serious work. Again she wrote longhand, starting in the morning and writing all day with hardly a break for a snack. By the end of the day her arm would ache all the way to the shoulder. On one particular day, she wrote eighty pages, filled from top to bottom with her small script. That alone was about a third of the book.

Since she had not planned to write a sequel, she was uncertain how to go about it. She didn't want a carbon copy of the book that had just been published, so she set about deliberately changing the tone. The chapters were shorter and the book covered a longer time period. She hoped her work wouldn't be positioned in a confining way.

Edward called with news that Amy had been taken to the hospital. Janette forced herself to finish one more half-day of writing before packing up and going to her mother. The book had to be done, and she knew she would not get back to complete it once she left the small apartment. She had finished the first draft of the manuscript in four and a half days.

This incredible pace was a little miracle. She doubted she would ever be able to repeat the performance and could not believe she had managed to do it that once. Her only answer was that God must have steadied her hand, given clear thoughts, and “pushed the pencil.”

When she arrived in Rimbey, she was much relieved to find that Amy was improving. After a hospital stay she was able to return home.

Love's Enduring Promise
was published in September of 1980. Then Janette wrote the story of Joshua Jones, which she had planned, and it was titled
Once Upon a Summer
.

Janette's original pace of one book per year soon doubled. Then she wrote a children's story about a puppy, intending to submit it to a writing contest. She ended up sending the manuscript to Bethel Publishing in Indiana after clearing it with Bethany House, the new name of Bethany Fellowship's publishing division. Bethel, the denominational publisher for the Missionary Church of which Janette was a member, was just venturing into publishing fiction. Previously they had been involved in preparing curriculum materials for the denomination's use. They had asked Janette if she had something they could handle. So
Spunky's Diary
, the first of her animal stories written for younger readers, was published by Bethel in 1982.

Now there was a second publisher who was interested in her writing books for them regularly. This meant three complete books each year, but it was enjoyable to change style and write the third manuscript from an animal's point-of-view.

Soon after Janette began writing, she was surprised to learn that because one's name appeared on the cover of a book, it was assumed that the author was also a speaker. But since speaking was another opportunity to share her faith, Janette felt she should take advantage of those invitations. Unfortunately, she soon discovered that she could not possibly say yes to all the offers. This would have required her to be on the road constantly, and didn't fit with her responsibility to family nor leave her the required time needed for writing.

But it wasn't easy to say no. Each request seemed to come with the subtle prompting, “Couldn't you just take
ours
?” She wished she could, but it wasn't possible.

One of the really gratifying results from her books was mail from readers. It was rewarding to hear how they had allowed God's Spirit to speak to their hearts as they read the stories about her fictional characters. Janette laughed and cried as she read some of the accounts shared with her.

The letters that brought her heart the most joy told of individuals many miles away, people to whom she knew she would likely never speak in this world, but who had opened their hearts to the Lord Jesus and asked Him into their life. In some way the books were able to help them discover this truth. How wonderful to be able to share a very
real God
through the use of fiction! Janette enjoyed each of the letters, although it was with great difficulty that she found time to answer them.

As her writing career blossomed, she tried to picture each one of her books as a little “paper missionary.” It had the potential, through the Spirit's working, to reach a heart crying out for truth and answers somewhere, and she prayed often as she wrote that this would be so. Then, she prayed again after the books were completed, and she knew that the people at Bethany prayed along with her.

The prayers were what made it all an exciting adventure. Writing was not just a dream, nor was it a marketable commodity of words—it was a ministry for a world hungry for the knowledge of the God who loves them. Janette thanked Him that He had allowed her the privilege of being involved in “one more way” to share the Gospel.

Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6, became increasing meaningful to Janette. Though she had memorized them as a small child, she felt she was just beginning to understand their deepest message and the wonderful truth: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Such a simple directive, she thought. Yet we so often try to work things out in our own wisdom or strength. But God can do little for us—or with us—as long as we insist on doing it our own way. When we truly trust and acknowledge Him for who He is, then we can have that wonderful “direction” for our path—our life—that He has promised.

Chapter Thirty-three

Moving Again

For a number of years, Edward had dreamed of completing work on his Ph.D. He had been putting it on hold because of the needs of the rest of the family, but as the twins neared high school graduation, it seemed a good time to pursue his degree.

Edward and Janette's preparations included another dreaded trip to Immigration. At this time, border crossings were hard to come by as the economy in both the U.S. and Canada was suffering. Edward would need to work, and Uncle Sam did not want him to take a job from an American. When he made his initial trip to the Office of Immigration it looked as if there would be no chance at all.

Edward had the promise of a job at Bethel College, the liberal arts school he had previously attended in Mishawaka, Indiana. This time he'd been invited on as a faculty member. But there was still the matter of getting across the line.

The lady at the Office of Immigration gave him a form to complete, and one of the questions asked if the applicant had a right, through parentage, to American citizenship. Edward brought the question home to Janette. “The clerk says that because your mother was an American, you might have right to citizenship,” he explained.

“That's ridiculous! Mom has been a Canadian since long before I was born,” Janette answered.

“Well, this woman says we should look into it. It's the only way we'll ever be granted permission to enter.”

After much red tape, they were both surprised to discover that Janette was eligible for American citizenship. They were required to obtain three documents proving her mother had been born in the United States and was, therefore, an American. Because Amy had never actively relinquished that right, the U.S. still claimed her. Canada operated under British law that allowed a woman to automatically take the citizenship of the man she married. Thus, to them, Amy was a Canadian.

As they worked through the papers, they discovered that Janette was the only one of her family of eight who was eligible for American citizenship. Because of the changing laws over the years, she had managed to just fit the specifications.

A big factor was their former residence in the U.S. from 1957 to 1960, and even their tiny infant son entered in. Brian had been born to them while in the United States, and he had never left the country. In a bizarre case of “legal logic,” it had not seemed to matter that the infant had not even lived a full day. Who would have dreamed that little Brian would “open a door“?

Because Janette was eligible for American citizenship, she could apply to take her family members to the United States with her. Laurel was the only one of the kids still in school and had always wanted a chance to live elsewhere. The timing seemed perfect.

Lorne and Lavon would stay behind to attend Mountain View Bible College along with Terry. Grandmother Oke lived just across the street from the campus and would keep her eye on the boys.

But it was hard for Janette to leave them behind, especially the twins. They were only seventeen, so young for breaking the close family tie. Though Edward and Janette knew they would miss him, Terry had already been out of the nest for a few years.

Edward and Laurel left with the hired van packed tight with household belongings, while Janette stayed to drive the car accompanied by Jean and the twins who would make the trip and then return in time for school. Dear little Curious, now old and arthritic, had been given to friends from church who had a farm. The family knew he would be well taken care of and happy there, but it was still very difficult to walk away that last time.

The van crossed east to Manitoba and then started south to the border. Janette and her crew drove directly toward Montana and met with a discouraging and lengthy fuss at the port of entry. The Chevy they were driving was not approved by U.S. emission standards, but after wasted hours and a promise that the boys would agree to return with the vehicle, they were allowed to cross.

Edward and Janette met in Minneapolis, where Bethany Fellowship had invited the travelers to spend a night as guests. It was their first trip to the facility, and they were all impressed. Bethany was developed as a training institution for young people wanting to enter missions work. The idea of a profitable business to support the ministry had evolved later.

Now the publishing company worked to expand and develop the training programs and to support missionaries sent out to various fields. It was as if there was a double bonus. First the publication of the Christian books themselves was a ministry, and then the profits from the book sales helped to train and support workers for mission fields abroad. Janette was sure she could not have found a better publisher and thanked God again for His leading.

In Indiana, arrangements had been made for the purchase of a house across the street from Cliff and Eleanor Quantz, who had returned to Indiana some years earlier to pastor a church. It seemed almost providential how the paths of the two couples continued to intertwine over the years.

The house needed a great deal of work since it had been vacant for a few months. Even the swimming pool in the backyard that had once been emptied now oozed with muddy rainwater and harbored a number of frogs and innumerable crickets. There was plenty of work to be done.

Jean pitched right in as usual and the house was made “livable,” though it was some time before all the desired changes were made. The bank from which the home had been purchased had completely repainted the interior of the house, but the carpets and drapes were in need of immediate attention. Not long after the moving process was complete, Janette began using her decorating skills to make the home her own.

In the meantime, Laurel began her junior year of high school in the United States, and the boys returned to Bible College in Didsbury. Janette looked forward intently to Christmastime when the boys would drive down, bringing Grandmother Oke to celebrate with them. Those family times together would be all the more cherished as her kids grew older and went their separate ways.

In the spring of 1982, Edward was asked to speak at the graduation ceremonies at Mountain View Bible College, which prompted another trip back to Canada for a visit. It was so good to see those left behind again.

That Sunday evening, Janette and Edward were invited to a friend's home. When they arrived they were very surprised to find the gathering was being held for their benefit. Although their anniversary was not until May, the local church people would not miss out on the opportunity to share the celebration of their twenty-fifth anniversary. It was a wonderful surprise, and when they returned home, Edward and Janette put the money they had been given toward a patio set for the back deck.

The spring of 1982 brought exciting changes for Laurel, and yet somewhat nerve-wracking moments for Janette and Edward. She had begun dating a young man named Marvin Logan. Janette chose to wait up on the evening of their first date and was ready for a mother-daughter chat, anxious for all the details of this new friend whom none of the family had met. The mother in her wanted to be sure that Laurel was safe at home, but they had long been sharing confidences about Laurel's teen years, and Janette wanted to hear all about the evening. The first words were, “Was I ever wrong about him! Marvin and I will never be anything but friends. He didn't even walk me to the door, just stood beside his car and waved as if he was afraid I would misunderstand his intentions.”

But the relationship did develop. Edward and Janette were concerned because Marvin had not made a commitment to the Lord. And though they wanted to make him feel comfortable and accepted in their home, they were wary of the possibility of the relationship becoming “too serious.”

After talking one evening with Roy Souza, a youth sponsor at church, Laurel decided on her own to have a chat with Marvin. Even though she enjoyed his company very much, it seemed important to let him know that they could never start a long-term relationship while he was not saved. Janette was relieved to hear that they had talked for some time about why Laurel was so determined that this was necessary—and that Marvin had accepted her terms for the relationship. And even more pleased to hear that he had requested that she get him a Bible.

Janette and Edward were even more grateful when Marvin made his own personal commitment to Christ shortly after graduation from high school, though there was not much time to spend with him immediately afterward.

Edward, Janette, and Laurel were planning a trip with Aunt Jean and Uncle Orville. In a two-week period, they drove through the American states until they reached the Atlantic Coast, seeing several of the historic sites along the way, and then proceeded north to the Canadian Maritime Provinces. For the first time, they were able to visit the area where the Steeves family had first settled in Canada.

During this trip, they also had a chance to visit the home that Janette's grandfather, Robert Steeves, had built for his wife, Kathryn. Though the house stood empty and well past its prime, it was thrilling to be able to walk through it, admiring the workmanship and reveling in the stories that they knew of its original occupants. There were also visits to local cemeteries, the museum home of William Henry Steeves, and an opportunity to visit with distant Steeves relatives.

Though Laurel shared the excitement of the trip with her parents, aunt, and uncle, she was also anxious to get home to Marvin. And once there, all were astonished at how quickly things had progressed during their brief absence. Marvin had met regularly with Roy, the youth sponsor who had advised Laurel to set limits on the relationship, and had devoted himself wholly to his newly established faith. By the time they returned from vacation, he was committed to being baptized before the summer's end and was actively growing in his personal walk of faith. Almost immediately, Laurel agreed to commit to the relationship. They had graduated in early June and were engaged by the twenty-sixth. Marvin had a private little chat with Edward and asked for his daughter's hand in marriage—but not until after he had already discussed the idea with Laurel.

During the same summer, Edward and Janette traveled back to Canada, to Winnipeg where his nephew Brent Hannah was going to be married. Grandmother Oke was also there, as were Terry and his new fiancée. This was the first time Edward and Janette had met Barbara Dieterman, and they were very pleased. Barbara was lovely, poised, and charming. Terry had made a good choice.

It was with mixed emotions that Janette joined Laurel in making wedding plans. They feared that she and Marvin were too young and that there would be many hard adjustments ahead. But the wedding date was set for spring of the following year and that gave everyone some time to adjust to the idea. In the fall, Marvin went off to Purdue University to study engineering, and Laurel enrolled at Bethel College, even signing up for and thoroughly enjoying a course taught by Edward.

Lorne and Lavon moved to Indiana the same year, after completing two years at Mountain View, and began attending Bethel. Except for Terry, the family was together again, and when Christmas arrived and Terry came for a visit with his bride-to-be, the family was complete. The house seemed much more lively and full with the “extras” around that year.

After Christmas, it was time to dive into wedding plans. The problem was that whenever she had free time, Laurel preferred to drive to Purdue to visit with Marvin. Janette was frustrated to realize how much there was to do and to have the date creeping closer and closer. In the end, she decided to cut some time out of the planning by hiring a woman to do the decorating.

In May of 1984, Marvin and Laurel were married at St. Mark Missionary Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. They had four attendants each, and Laurel chose Janette to be her special “matron-of-honor.” When first asked, Janette was reluctant.

“People don't do that,” she said. But Laurel insisted.

“I'm supposed to pick my best friend,” she maintained. “You are my best friend.”

So Janette conceded, though she still worried about walking the aisle with the young girls. They eventually worked it out that Janette would be ushered in as the mother-of-the-bride and seated at the front. After the wedding party entered, she would slip quietly up and take her place beside Laurel. Then Edward, together with Rev. Cliff Quantz, was to perform the ceremony, and all three brothers were all involved as well. It would be quite a family affair.

Many relatives and friends were coming from Canada for the occasion, and Janette had been busy arranging for places for them to stay during the few days they would be visiting. Aunts and cousins had volunteered to help in whatever way they could and the decorations began. For each table, June had made centerpieces out of hurricane lamps and silk flowers; streamers, mints and nuts completed the table decor. June had also created a beautiful centerpiece for the head table, bearing the shades of blue they were using in the wedding.

The decorator was responsible for setting up the head table. The poor woman was devastated to find that the tables provided were smaller than planned for. She had already measured and cut the table covering before the mistake was discovered. She paced and worried, upset that she could not offer her usual perfect job.

It no doubt added to her distress that the bride seemed unconcerned and the mother-of-the-bride was clearly too busy and determined not to be upset by minor details to fret with her. Janette calmly suggested that the underlying blue be slightly overlapped to cover the table, then covered with lace, flowers, and ribbons. And no one even noticed.

At age eighteen Laurel and Marvin packed their few belongings and were ready to start for Purdue and their new life together. Edward's voice broke as he prayed that they would be blessed in their marriage and in the coming years. It wasn't easy to see the youngest of their family, and the first to be married, really leave home.

Just two months later, Terry and Barb were married in Calgary. This time it was Barbara and Mrs. Dieterman who had the last-minute bustle. Janette was able to relax and enjoy the wedding.