{A&E} Sneak Peek of the New Novel The Rent Collector

Read the first two chapters of the exciting and acclaimed new book by Camron Wright and learn about the challenges and triumphs of a family in Cambodia's Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump.

Learn more about the inspiring new novel The Rent Collector, or enter to win a copy in our September/October giveaway.

I once believed that heroes existed only in old men’s fables, that evil in the world had triumphed over good, and that love—a true, unselfish, and abiding love—could only be found in a little girl’s imagination. I was certain the gods were deaf, that Buddha was forgotten, and that I would never again see the natural beauty of my home province.

It was a time when I learned about shape-shifters, shadows, and redemption; when I finally grasped the meaning of a Chinese proverb whose venerable words still rattle about in my head: The most difficult battles in life are those we fight within.

It was also the year that I came to truly know the Rent Collector.

Beep beep beep.

The steady rumble of uninvited trucks tries to pry into the safety of my dream, a dream in which I am still a child prancing along the trail toward the rice fields where my family works in the Prey Veng province of Cambodia’s countryside. It is a cheerful morning as I pull at my grandfather’s bony fingers, tugging him along while he struggles to keep up.

{A&E} 5 Ways Texting Can Spread the Gospel

Texting is useful for quick reminders, setting up appointments, and simple expressions of love. Oh, and it's great for missionary work, too.

• Youth leaders: Using texting is one of the best ways for leaders to connect with youth. They can send activity reminders or thank you messages.

• Missionaries: Did you know texting is being used to build the kingdom? That’s right. Missionaries in many missions around the world are sometimes granted the privilege of texting their investigators. This allows missionaries to send simple reminders of commitments they left, or to remind them of church times and locations. They can also send investigators scriptures or other pick-me-ups.

• Parents: Texting can enhance parents’ face-to-face interactions with their teens through simple messages of love and encouragement. In doing so, there is no need to be wordy. A simple “thank you” or “I’m sorry” or “I’m praying for you today” can let kids know they are important and loved.

• Friends: There’s nothing like getting a text from an old friend that lets you know they are thinking of you. If something reminds you of a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, how about sending them a simple text before you forget?