Interview Today on India's Crown! FREE book!

Hop on over to India's Crown blog for my interview today! FREE book to one guest! 

http://indiascrown.com/2015/05/04/one-woman-one-god-one-passion/

Rev up Your Romance!

As an author, I love to write romance! Maybe because a good romance points me to God, who is forever wooing me to His divine heart.

This is the month when we emphasize love. Candy hearts fill the store shelves. Romantic cards--from the humorous to the endearing--vie for attention on racks.

Wives and girlfriends leave subtle hints on kitchen tables, in lunchboxes, and on pillows. 

February is known as the month for reaching out to that special someone with words and acts of love and devotion. 

With that in mind, I'm offering the Kindle version of Journey to Judah, a contemporary romance, to one lucky winner who leaves a comment below!

Here's how my JJ hero and heroine first meet . . .

Maggie awoke from a deep sleep to notice the stranger beside her staring at her. Blushing, she coughed and shifted in her seat.
           “Please make sure your tray table is stowed, your seat is in an upright position, and your seatbelt securely fastened. We are beginning our descent into Mumbai,” the British flight attendant announced over the intercom.
            Maggie fumbled to obey the attendant’s directive as the passenger beside her spoke.
        “You were sleeping so long, I thought I might check your pulse,” the handsome man mused. “But just as I reached for your wrist, you woke up. Hi, my name is Gavin…Gavin Munsfield.” The congenial young man reached for Maggie’s hand. His square jaw was etched with five o’clock shadow and his eyes laced with fatigue, yet he smiled with a warmth Maggie had not felt for days.
            Still groggy, Maggie rubbed her eyes, then reached to shake his hand. “Uh, yes, uh…nice to meet you. I’m Maggie Osteder.”
          “Please remain seated until the seatbelt sign goes off. Then you may move about the cabin and retrieve your baggage from the overhead compartments,” the voice interrupted. “Thank you for flying British Airways. We hope you enjoyed your flight.”
           As Maggie pulled her purse from under the seat, Gavin continued, “So is this your last stop or do you have a long layover here?  In Mumbai, I mean.”
          “Long layover,” Maggie replied, somewhat irritated by the man’s incessant chatter and intrusion into her private affairs. She was single, a slip of a girl, yet possessing strength that belied her physique. She had been warned to beware of men who might take advantage of her. Gavin seemed harmless enough, but she didn’t want to take any chances.
          “Ah, excuse me,” Maggie insisted, stretching for the overhead bin in the jumble of exiting passengers. She felt pain shoot up her right leg and realized someone had just stepped on her foot. She hoped this was not a foreshadowing of misfortune ahead. She had already endured a four-hour layover in London, misplaced luggage, and a nosy passenger trying to wheedle his way into her business. All she wanted was to get off the plane, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, if such a thing existed in Mumbai, and arrive in Chennai in one piece.   
           Maggie had waited ten years for this day. Now, at age twenty-five, she was finally on her way to India.
          “Perhaps I’ll see you again,” the towering man quipped, disturbing Maggie’s reminiscence.”
          “Excuse me?”
          “Who knows? We may run into each other again,” Gavin persisted as he gathered his camera and backpack and headed for the exit.
            Maggie shook her head. Who IS he, anyway? Brushing her hair back and straightening her blouse, Maggie stepped off the plane and into the Mumbai terminal, an entire world apart from anything she had ever encountered. (Excerpt taken from chapter one).

So, leave a comment below for a chance to win! Winner announced on February 14.

Releasing Rachel

With Mother's Day upon us in a few days, I thought I'd post an article close to my heart that revolves around my oldest daughter's adventure as a single missionary gal and my journey to let go.

(This article first appeared in Discipleship Journal/Nov.-Dec.2004 issue, and later adapted for Psychology for Living/June 2006).

My daughter Rachel, a missionary to India, was addressing a conference luncheon. As she spoke, my mind drifted to earlier days and the ways God had prepared her for this moment. Rachel hadn’t been the only one with lessons to learn from God. I, too, was in God’s school of preparation. And one of the hardest courses was learning to relinquish my single daughter to God’s service on the other side of the world. Through the lives of biblical women who had released their children to fulfill His divine plan, God taught me to release Rachel into His arms.

HANNAH’S SURRENDER TO GOD’S WILL

My first mentor was Hannah. Barren Hannah promised to give her child to God if He would enable her to conceive (1 Samuel 1). God provided Samuel, and Hannah kept her promise. When Samuel was weaned, she took him to the temple to live with the priest Eli. Samuel grew to be a godly judge over Israel, fulfilling God’s mission for his life.

I remember dreaming of the day I would be a mother. My husband, Chuck, and I prayed for children, and God answered by sending Rachel. We committed Rachel to the Lord before her birth, praying she would know Jesus as her Savior and Lord—and that He would use her for His kingdom’s glory. How naive I had been. Yes, my highest aspiration was to see Rachel walk with God. But when she chose a missionary’s life in India, I became nervous. I had imagined her meeting a nice young Christian man and settling down in local ministry. Yet, Hannah reminded me there is no surrender apart from full surrender. God takes our prayers and commitments seriously. He means us no harm, only good all the days of our lives as we walk in His will (Psalm 84:11). The highest good is to be conformed to the image of His Son (Ro. 8:28-29). This, I realized, was not only Rachel’s calling, but my own.

SARAH’S TRUST IN GOD’S PROVISION

During my years of adjustment, Sarah’s life reminded me that God would supply all of Rachel’s needs—and mine. This encouragement grew out of one of the most dramatic stories in Scripture. God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac, his and Sarah’s long-awaited son, as a sacrifice on Mt. Moriah (Genesis 22). I imagined Sarah kissing Abraham and Isaac goodbye that fateful morning. Perhaps not fully knowing what God had instructed Abraham, she trusted her mate to care for the beloved son of their old age, the son God would bless and whose offspring would be as plentiful as the stars in the heavens (Gen. 15:5). No harm could ever befall him, for God had promised. And God did provide! At the moment Abraham lifted the knife to strike his son, “the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ . . . ‘Do not lay a hand on the boy.’ . . . ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son’” (Gen. 22:11-12). In the thicket was a ram God had placed there to be the sacrifice.

After Rachel completed candidate school, she went on field assignment with a native missionary couple serving in a remote Indian village. During that time I would awaken around four every morning thinking, What will she do for electricity? How will we contact one another? What about medical care? What if she is bitten by a snake and not enough antivenin is available? What about loneliness and depression? The “what ifs” continued until I relinquished my thoughts to God and allowed Him to bring peace. He reminded me: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands” (Ps. 138:8). I slept soundly from then on.

MARY’S CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S LOVE

I also needed to learn that Rachel does not belong to me: She belongs to God, and He loves her more than I ever could. Tears would come when I least expected them, but I guarded my emotions around Rachel because I didn’t want to upset her. God tested my surrender to His will on several occasions. Rarely could I walk into a room of women without one of them asking, “How can you let Rachel go to India? The world is more dangerous now than ever! Aren’t you concerned for her safety? What if something happens to her?” 

I would clear my throat and calmly give this trained reply: “Rachel doesn’t belong to me. She belongs to God. If it were up to me, I probably wouldn’t let her

go. I ache because she will never stop being my little girl. But she is grown now, and I must let her go. Her purpose in life is not up to me. Her Father has called her, and He knows best. He can care for her far better than I can with my finite abilities.”

To further assure my heart, God gave me a dream one night. My little red-headed toddler was running across the lawn straight for the busy road. Cars were zooming this way and that. I ran after her, arms stretched out, reaching, grabbing desperately, but as is often the case in a dream, I could never quite get to her. At last, she plunged into the street. I knew for sure my precious baby would be killed. However, when the traffic cleared, I saw a lovely Indian woman clad in colorful sari on the other side of the road stooping and holding my little Rachel. She was safe. And my heart was comforted.  

Yes, God had loaned her to me for a time to love, train, and help prepare for His work, but she was never mine to control. Rachel belongs to God. Her purpose is to fulfill His mission for her. Jesus’ mother gave me a gentle reminder to let go. Mary testified in Luke 1 of God’s glorious purpose in sending Jesus to be conceived and reared by her.

 

With God’s help, Mary persisted in a lifetime of letting go, which ultimately led to the most painful release of all—the cross. Although Mary did not understand God’s ways, she was able to release Jesus into the safekeeping of His heavenly Father because she knew His love for Jesus was greater than her own. Through Jesus’ agony, God brought about good. Mary witnessed her Son’s resurrection, and later she joined Him in glory.

We find renewed meaning in life when we encourage our children to pursue what God has called them to do. Rachel’s commissioning service brought this truth home to me. As her father and I watched our daughter approach the platform and calmly testify before her sending church and mission family, our tears flowed freely. Rachel knelt and veteran missionaries, her pastor, and deacons surrounded her, laying hands on her and offering her up to her Father in prayer. After the service a woman hugged me and said, “It’s hard when your kids leave you!”

“It’s bittersweet,” I replied, wiping my eyes. “We trained Rachel to answer God’s call, no matter what that might mean, but nothing could have prepared us for the pain we would endure in actually letting her go. Certainly, knowing that she has a wonderful mission family to love her and watch out for her helps settle my mind and heart.”

“Yes, we will look out for her. And remember, in heaven, it will only be sweet.” 

True, I thought, no sad good-byes. No letting go. All will be sweet.  

That evening, I learned that God’s plan for Rachel was bigger than me, bigger than her. Resting in His loving plan is the best and safest place she could be. 

That commissioning service was eight years ago. As God would have it, there have been many Indian "mamas" over the last few years who have taken Rachel under their wings. In addition, the Lord provided my girl with a godly husband only two months after arriving in India. Nathan, a third generation missionary kid who had returned to the States, sensed God leading him back to India to serve. While there he met Rachel and they were married in June, 2005. Their love story inspired Book One, JOURNEY TO JUDAH, in my Born for India trilogy. Through this account, God has reaffirmed Psalm 84:11 in my heart: "The Lord God is a sun and a shield; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Eileen Rife is the author of the Born for India trilogy. All three of her daughters are involved in mission work around the world. She and her husband, Chuck, conduct marriage seminars in the states and overseas.  www.eileenrife.com.

 One woman. One God. One passion. In an exotic culture of 7.5 million people and over 3 million gods, one woman resolves to make the journey. Could love await her, even in India?

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Judah-Eileen-Hinkle-Rife/dp/1602900914/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399392399&sr=8-1&keywords=journey+to+judah+by+eileen+rife 

If You Could Take a Missions Trip . . .

View from our plane on the way to India!

The Born for India trilogy was inspired by my travels to and experiences in India.

One woman, One God. One passion.

Could love await her, even in India?

One brother's dark secret.

Another brother's scorn.

Will family ties be strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed?

A couple in crisis.

A child taken captive.

When their worlds intersect, they each will receive a precious gift, but will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different from what they expected and hoped for?

Okay, time to play!

 

If you could take a missions trip, where would you go?

 

Answer that question below for a chance to win the Born for India trilogy Kindle versions!

 

If you've been on a trip, where did you go and what did you see?

 

Hurry! Contest ends March 26! 

Looking for a delightful romance?

Looking for a delightful romance with a meaningful message for Valentine's Day?

  

One woman follows her heart . . .

Could love await her, even in India?

http://echristian.com/journey-to-judah

Ebook, only $5.99!

Indians Like Christmas Programs too!

Take a look at those cute sheep!

And of course, every sheep needs a shepherd!

 

 

And every program needs the telling of the Christmas story, for sure :)

In Journey to Judah, Maggie hosts a Christmas play for the Oasis Compound.

Gavin, the mission doctor, stands at the back watching, hoping she'll notice him. 

Could he be falling for the new missionary on the block?

 

 

Like Mary of Old

Like Mary of old my little granddaughter who lives in India cradles her "baby Jesus." At three, she received a doctor kit for Christmas. She and her cousin reenacted the Christmas story over and over again. At one point, Kylie pretended to be Mary. She lay on the couch writhing in pain. Suddenly, she raised up and said to Jesus, "Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

Once He was born, they gave Jesus His first postnatal exam. 

~~

As you can see in the picture above, my granddaughter is sitting on a tiled floor. Indian homes typically boast flooring of marble or a variety of other materials, such as porcelain, tile, marble, stone, or brick, in keeping with one's budget. The cool flooring soothes the bare feet on a hot Indian day.

But not to worry this time of year . . .

December yields mild temps of 80 degrees during the day and 60 at night, only requiring a light sweater. 

Spring time, here we come!

~~

By the way, flooring in India is hard to keep clean. My character Maggie in Journey to Judah complains about all the dirt accumulating on her floors. She has to sweep and mop every day! 

Now on sale at $5.99

http://echristian.com/journey-to-judah-eileen-hinkle-rife-ebook

Packing for India!

Getting read to join my character Maggie as she journeys to India in Book one, Journey to Judah, of the Born for India trilogy. While all her friends plan dream weddings, 

Maggie follows her heart . . .

But could love await her, even in India?

Spend the next few weeks exploring the exotic land of India with me!

But first, gotta pack . . . 

 Only $5.99 on echristian!

http://echristian.com/journey-to-judah-eileen-hinkle-rife-ebook

Christmas in India begins tomorrow!

While others are singing, "I'll Be Home for Christmas," I'll be flying over the Atlantic Ocean on December 19 to the exotic and varied land of India, birthplace of my Born for India trilogy. I'll keep you posted on all my adventures--the sights and sounds of India--via blog pics and video commentary. You won't want to miss this exciting glimpse into the heart of India. To enhance your experience, be sure and pick up my Born for India trilogy (Journey to Judah 1, Restored Hearts 2, Chosen Ones 3).

From adorable children

To lovely ladies (and handsome gentleman :)

 To the bizzare

And the ridiculous

To the everyday

Join with me as we explore the wonders of India!

Read the Born for India trilogy along with your tour!

JOURNEY TO JUDAH

"As soon as Maggie got off the plane, the Weavers hung a large garland of pungent jasmine around her neck and escorted her to the van. The breakneck ride to their home was nothing short of memorable. Black and yellow auto-rickshaws, autos the Indians called them, powered by Petrol, puttered along the sun-baked earthen road. Vans, motorcycles, oxen, cows, and street dogs intermingled on the roadway. With no lanes, everyone drove wherever and however  they pleased, never fully coming to a stop, merely yielding occasionally to avoid collision. Maggie had to laugh out loud when she saw a sign: Drive Slow, Avoid Death."

Experience India with Maggie--the adventure, the heartbreak, the life-threatening illness, the tsunami, the romance. Could love await her . . . even in India?

RESTORED HEARTS

"He's lied to me, Maggi." Gavin pushed from the table. "A man who heads up a business just deciding he's not going back for awhile? I knew it sounded fishy."

Gavin watched her drape the garment over a chair. She ambled to his side and placed a hand on his arm. "He must have a good reason."

Pulling away, he paced the floor. "How could a man just up and leave a prosperous business? . . . unless, it's not as successful as he's led us to believe." He halted and faced his wife. "He's running. He's never been one to stick to his guns."

"Now, Gavin, don't jump to conclusions before you've heard the entire story."

"I know my brother, Mags. And yes, I will hear the entire story. You can count on that." He grabbed his keys and darted out the door. He could hear Maggie yelling after him to calm down and think over the situation, but he ignored her. He knew what to do, and he was going to do it!

Continue your India experience as Gavin's brother Tim joins the slate of characters at the Oasis Compound. One brother's dark secret. Another brother's scorn. Will family ties by strong enough to bind two wounded hearts, once the secret is revealed?

CHOSEN ONES

The couple sat in silence. At last, Dan broke the stillness that had settled over them like a blanket of thick fog. He walked to his desk and powered up his laptop.

"What are you doing?" Yvonne said.

"Some research. Let's check into this slavery thing."

Yvonne moved around the side of the desk and watched her husband google "human trafficking." Several websites appeared on the screen. Dan clicked onto a site, and the couple silently read the home page. Yvonne slumped against the desk. "I had no idea. It's as if my head's been buried in the sand."

Dan leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms. "Nearly two million women trafficked in Asia alone and half of them children." He swept his hand over his mouth. "If Geetika is a trafficked victim, where would they have taken her?"

A couple in crisis. A child taken captive. When their worlds intersect, each of them will receive a precious gift, but will they find it in their hearts to accept an outcome so different from what they expected and hoped for?

Immerse yourself in India this holiday season with the Born for India trilogy!

http://www.cheapestbookprice.com/search/eileen-rife

Warming up to Christmas in India

East meets West

~~

Warming up for a delightful tour through the exotic land of India, 

the birthplace of my Born for India trilogy!

Join me over the next month for the sights and sounds of Christmas in India 

via videos, pics, and blog posts!

Share in the familiar, and the not so familiar.

Develop a heart for the peoples of the world.

Learn about another culture. 

Experience the spices, foods, clothing, and customs.

Beginning Monday, December 10!