Wynema Atherton [pseud. Fries], author
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House
Copyright 1937
107 pages
Mary Katherine May's Review
I enjoyed reading this book. The process that Helen Kennedy experiences in committing her life to Jesus Christ is one that many experience. It also shows the importance of being equally yoked by faith in marriage. Both Stephen Leonard and Helen Kennedy understand that though for opposing reasons, the love they have for each other would not move to being married.
About the Story
Helen Kennedy, age 21, is living a life of gaiety and privilege. She is active in her fashionable church and social events in the community. Though she attends church regularly Helen is a Christian in name only as are most of the members of her congregation, including the pastor.
When Stephen Leonard arrives to live with his aunt and uncle while waiting to begin missionary work, things begin to change. Helen and Stephen are drawn together and though they care for each other, their relationship has stalled because of Helen's unwillingness to turn her whole life over to Jesus Christ. Though Helen hears the Savior's call she refuses to listen, fearful of what she thinks she will lose by giving up a worldly life.
At a social evening Helen challenges Stephen to participate in a way that she knows he will not do. When he leaves and then receives his call to mission, Stephen continues to pray for Helen's salvation. Helen then has an encounter with Mildred, Stephen's little cousin, she is given a message from the Lord that she cannot resist and surrenders her life to Christ.
Helen, now a committed Christian, is not the only one moved to commitment and re-commitment to the Savior. Stephen's uncle and the pastor are as well. When the pastor of Helen's fashionable church, the Rev. Paul Lynchfield, preaches a true Christian message instead of reason many of the listeners are shocked, yet some commit their lives to Christ.
The book ends with Stephen's return from the missionary field, and a happy ending to the story. A theme that runs through the story is a verse from the hymn, Loved with Everlasting Love by George Wade Robinson: Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue, Christless eyes have never seen...
Helen Kennedy: Christian is available as a vintage book and in print on demand format, as well as at libraries.
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