Read About Your Faith

One, two, three … Walmart.

With these four little words, Malachi Marble enters a new world and begins a new life. After a fall from faith, the former associate pastor at St. Amos Community Church tumbles into the late night world of Walmart in Manistee, Mich., on the shores of Lake Michigan. His job is an ISS, in stock specialist — fancy name for stocker, he’s told.

In his new book, “Jesus at Walmart — a Reed Shaking in the Wind”, author Rick Leland brings together two favorites — Jesus and Walmart. While doing research for the book, Leland spent 14 months working overnight in Department 13, just like Marble did.

  “Well, not purely for research,” Leland told The Log. “Actually I needed the money to live on. But I knew God was working something out in my life, as inspiration for ‘Jesus at Walmart’ emerged through ideas, snippets and concepts even before my first night's work was over. I have found that God speaks to us by His still, small voice.”

Although the book is not by definition autobiographical, characters are based on those Leland met while working.

“Many scenes from the book and emotions the main character experienced were drawn from my life,” he said. “Associates at Walmart, in this aspect of ‘Jesus at Walmart’, significantly influenced me. For the most part I blended two, three, or more personalities into one character.”

“Jesus at Walmart” contains the classic elements of a good novel, according to Leland.

“Heart, tension, believability, the love interest, the antagonist. This framework is girded up with spiritual messages brought to light by the life of a very imperfect main character, Malachi Marble. Bottom line — expect a trip to Walmart like no other.”

When a false accusation leads to Marble being terminated as associate pastor, he loses not only his job, but also his wife and his faith. Leland said it was “Marble’s idealized Christian life that stunted his ability to cope with reality,” and, facing this dilemma, Marble sets out on a journey to find himself — and possibly find God again in the process.

Through a new set of friends and associates at Walmart, Marble begins to rebuild his life — and his faith begins to build. He returns to a new church and when he hears the pastor say, “People need Jesus at school, people need Jesus at your workplace, people need Jesus at McDonalds, and people need Jesus at Walmart”, he knows what his next step must be and sets to work. Marble makes plans to begin a Bible study, Jesus at Walmart, while people on the overnight shift are on their lunch break at 3 a.m. But, will anyone show up?

Although God did not stir Leland’s heart to start a Bible study, he said, “God did stir in me a great love for my coworkers and opened many doors for me to serve their spiritual needs and to share the hope I have in Jesus Christ.”

Leland will continue Marble’s journey when he begins the second book in the planned trilogy, “Jesus at Walmart … the cost.”

Leland writes from his home in Three Rivers, Mich., where his wife of 30 years, Nancy, assists him. He has a degree in Christian ministry from Indiana Christian University and has written one other book, “Inspiration Point. Living the God Imprinted Life”. He also contributes columns occasionally to The Log.

The message of “Jesus at Walmart” is one of hope and encouragement.

“Life is tough,” Leland said. “Expect the unexpected. Let Jesus sustain you and bring the unique person you are into the fullness of life He has for you.”