Contact: Adam Cothes, The Wine Press Group, 360-802-9758, adam@winepressgroup.com

ENUMCLAW, Wash., Mar. 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- Growing up during World War II, Joan Thomas has vivid memories of the sacrifices she and other children had to make due to a scarcity of goods and money – especially during the holiday season. But just as vivid, Thomas says, are memories of the customs passed on by her Moravian parents which brought peace and comfort during what could have been a very difficult time.

Drawing on Thomas’ personal experience, “Mimi’s Gift” is the tale of an eight-year old Moravian girl growing up during the turbulent years of World War II. With Christmas just eight days away, Mimi laments that she doesn't have the money to buy the new dress and winter coat she needs – much less a gift for the Christmas Eve offering at her church. Mimi’s mother intervenes and shares family history through the items contained in a mysterious trunk stored in the attic. This inspires Mimi to use her imagination and creativity to make a gift from the heart.

“Many children are asking the same questions about the Iraq War and the meaning of faith and Christmas that Mimi asked in 1943,” says Thomas. “My mother used to say, ‘Never be ashamed to give a gift you made. For when you act on faith, and give with love, you and the gift become one. Work follows faith.’ It’s a lesson I’ll never forget.”

As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Thomas says she wrote “Mimi’s Gift” to pass to future generations her mother’s teaching that “work follows faith” as well as to…

• Share the colorful and poignant Moravian heritage, traditions and customs;
• Promote the sharing of stories between generations; and
• Encourage families to cherish and celebrate time together.

Thomas is a liaison for the Moravian Northwest Fellowship as well as an avid collector of Moravian artifacts and a recognized speaker on the early Moravians. Her Moravian memories began in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was raised and attended the Moravian Church. Although not formally trained in art or music, Thomas decided to reinforce the message of “Mimi’s Gift” of using what is available by illustrating the story and composing the song for the book herself.

For a review copy or to schedule and interview, please contact Adam Cothes.