Jotham's Journey

The Story Behind The Story

Jotham's Journey began not as a book for sale, but as a story for two special children. Author Arnold Ytreeide explains:
 

"When I began dating a widow with two children in 1994, I wasn't so sure that I would ever want to marry an entire family. But as time passed, and memories were made, the four of us formed a bond of love that was strong and genuine.
 

"Then in the fall of 1995 that widow -- Elsie -- told me their family tradition had always been to observe Advent. She told me of her struggle to find good Advent material, then asked if I would like to write a nightly devotional to share with her children, Jonathan (then 12) and Jessica (then 10). I of course agreed, and sat down to whip out a quick little pamphlet.
 

"Five weeks and two hundred pages later, Jotham's Journey had been born. As I read each night's episode to the kids, and watched the wonder and suspense in their eyes, I began to feel this was a story that might help other families enjoy Advent together."
 

The following June, under soaring stain-glassed windows and a garden created by plants brought by the guests, Arnold and Elsie were united in marriage. And in a ceremony that left not a single dry eye, Arnie, Jonathan and Jessica exchanged vows as Father and Children. Today they continue to grow as a family in Nampa, Idaho.

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Last Updated July 2001 -- Copyright 1997 Jericho Pictures