Contact: Abigail Davidson, Publicist, WinePress Group, 360-802-9758, abigail@winepressgroup.com
ENUMCLAW, Wash., Oct. 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- Last year (2008) marked the 100 year anniversary of the SCA International, formerly known as Shantymen's Christian Association. Founded in 1908 by William Henderson, a Presbyterian Scot, the SCA was created as a vehicle to reach the Canadian wilderness for Jesus Christ.
Missionaries for SCA traveled on foot visiting miners, loggers, lighthouse operators, and others living on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the northern areas of the provinces in Canada. During their visits the missionaries shared the Gospel and provided physical aid when needed.
Darda Burkhart, the daughter of a former SCA Shantyman, recently authored a book "Forging Ahead for God: Percy Wills, Pioneer Missionary" (Pleasant Word, 2009), in honor of her father's memory.
"My purpose in writing this book was to tell about my father who had a great faith in God. He was a visionary who saw tremendous needs of the isolated people on the west coast of Vancouver Island. They had no medical help, no spiritual help, and life was very difficult."
A key message emphasized in the book, originating with Wills, is that of serving the needs of the people first, and allowing evangelism to come second.
"My father brought the first medical doctor there, built the first hospital. He put up a building during the Great Depression to house men who had nowhere else to go."
When WWII broke out, Darda's family moved to Victoria, B.C. to open a home for men and women in the armed forces. She became the kid sister to hundreds of service people who frequented the home during its six years of operation.
"My Father didn't just give a message, he lived the message. And he did it with a happy, upbeat attitude, whistling or sometimes singing. His presence was infectious with love, encouragement and good humor."
Darda is the proud mother to three adult sons, enjoys reading, writing, and travelling. A retired Senior Marketing Analyst, Darda makes her home in Lynden, Washington.
For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview, please contact Abigail Davidson by phone at 360-802-9758, by email at abigail@winepressgroup.com, or by fax at 360-802-9992. To purchase a copy of this book visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323.
