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Officer Dave Jackson never imagined that he would think about his own mortality at forty-two as he sat on the side of the road in front of the little white church at 2:00 a.m. His recent diagnosis isn’t the only thing weighing on his mind. For the last two years, he has really made a mess of his home life. He has made a habit of choosing work and friends over family, leaving them with a feeling of anger and resentment. Lost deep in thought and searching for answers, a sudden tap on the window startles him. It is a tap that will change his life forever and give him the answers that he is so desperately searching for.
Dave has never been to church, let alone entertain the idea of giving his life to God. After accepting an invitation to attend the local church service, he cannot deny the unequivocal truth of God’s grace and love for him. He accepts the gift of salvation and places his trust in Christ, pledging to serve Him with whatever time he has left on this earth.
Kurtis is a fifteen-year-old boy that life has beaten down. His mother left her home and family when she was pregnant with him at eighteen and has been running ever since. He has never met his father, a low life conman who he didn’t even know existed until recently. His only friend is a fifteen-year-old drug dealer, who is pressuring him to get into the same line of work. The only person in his life who seems to care about him is a pesky cop named Jackson.
Dave can see the writing on the wall. His body is giving up on him and his time is running out. He seeks God’s strength in spreading the gospel, repairing relationships, and showing Kurtis that God’s grace and love will lead him down the ultimate path of fulfillment, in a world that desperately needs, Salvation.
Author bio
Reese Barton was born and raised in, Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of two children. He was taught about the saving grace of God at an early age and accepted Christ as his savior at the age of seven. He has always loved to read and write, but after high school he studied criminal justice and embarked on a career in law enforcement.
He graduated with his AAS from Schoolcraft College, and his BS and MSBA from Madonna University (not the singer) in, Livonia, Michigan. He also graduated from the Northwestern University school of Police Staff and Command in June of 2018. He retired as a police lieutenant on, July 1, 2022, after over 26 years in law enforcement.
God remained a constant presence throughout his life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he really realized the importance of a daily relationship with Christ. That leaning on Him by building a solid foundation through reading the bible and praying daily was the only way to grow and experience His grace, love, and forgiveness.
Reese’s rekindled passion for writing has propelled him to start a series of Christian fiction accentuating the different aspects of faith. Fictional stories based on the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord. That those who, “Wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). His debut novel Salvation Blue is the first in this series, because salvation is the first step toward living a faith-based life.
Reese met his wife, Crystal, at Dunkin Donuts, and they were married in August 2008. They share a loving home with two spoiled German shepherds and enjoy traveling and spending time in northern Michigan wine country whenever they get the chance. They also love spending time with their two-year-old grandson because he is an absolute hoot.
Reese is also an avid sports fan who enjoys playing golf and watching anything Detroit sports.
VERSE(S) OF THE WEEK
Psalm 143:10 - 10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
“The grace that does not change my life will not save my soul.”
Charles H. Spurgeon