"Hello Mr. Tree. Do you remember me?" Shari whispered. "I was a little girl when you knew me as a slave, but I just wanted to let you know...I'm free now!" The beauty of Shari's favorite tree in its park-like surroundings was in stark contrast to this little girl who was once held as a slave. As Shari continued to speak to the tree, I tried to catch my breath as I looked up at the tree that was cut in the form of a square at the very top. Griped with a new-found sense of God's providence that completely amazed me, I realized that the name of my company Square Tree Publishing was no accident--nor the fact that Shari and I had been brought together by God's design.
Sold as a slave when she was only seven years old, Shari Ho endured much physical and emotional abuse until she got free twenty years later. Little did Shari realize the media firestorm her story would ignite. She would become a beacon of hope to a whole new generation both locally and abroad when she was the focus of the CNN Freedom Report that made headlines all around the world. Her harrowing story is chronicled in the book, My Name is Also Freedom.
Finding Freedom Was Just the Beginning is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her book. This four-and half-year journey and a trip to Taiwan, includes all the backstories, miracles, and God-stories that happened along the way. There were so many, they had to be recounted--amazing stories of God's providence intersecting with sheer faith that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I pray that these God-stories not only inspire you but give you a greater level of faith for your own life. I know that is what Shari would want for you, too.
"As the interpreter for our team in Taiwan, there were some things you just didn't need to interpret...like God's tangible presence in the room." -- Candy Chou, Chinese Interpreter
Review :
"I've seen the extreme depths of misery and pinnacle of joy in my experiences in law enforcement. I've not seen a better encapsulation of both than in this book."
--Special Agent, Homeland Security Investigations
"No matter how interesting a story may be, there is something equally intriguing about what happens behind the scenes. Finding Freedom Was Just the Beginning is that backstory, the behind-the-scenes parallel plot of all those who were there to help Shari navigate the tricky years after she was freed from domestic slavery. The star of this backstage show? God. We learn of His mind-bending, mysterious, clever, comforting, and constant presence in the process to get Shari's story told through the endearing and conversational narrative of Shari's friend, mentor, protector, and chauffeur: Sherry Ward. Sherry is both humble and trusting in God's plan, even when she had no idea where He was leading her, for as we know that while we plan, God laughs. Sherry was smart enough to see what He had in mind first.
Read Finding Freedom Was Just the Beginning; it will renew even the weariest of spirits and challenge the cynic. You will laugh, cry, and be inspired by the elegant presence of God in our everyday moments."
--Brenda Wells, Founder i-5 Freedom Network
