I’ve done some unusual things during the course of my writing life, but my upcoming bus tour next month will be a first. The idea came from my friend Paul, who thought readers would enjoy touring some of the interesting sites from my novel, “Waves of Mercy.” The novel is set in the town of Holland, Michigan where Paul has lived most of his life, and it tells the story of the Dutch immigrants who founded the town in 1847. Paul happened to mention his idea to a friend from church who leads the 55+ Seniors’ Group—and the “Waves of Mercy” bus tour was born.
I imagined maybe a dozen of us climbing onboard the church van for a spin around town. Ha! I had no idea how popular this tour would be! The group has had to hire two chartered buses carrying 56 passengers each—plus the church van. The “Waves of Mercy” tour will begin at the church with a lunch of Dutch pigs-in-the-blankets and pea soup, then we’re off to see the sites. Here are just a few of them:
A typical settlers’ cabin from 1847
The first church built in 1856
The original light house on Lake Michigan
The Hotel Ottawa Resort on Black Lake
The town’s founding father, Rev. Albertus Van Raalte
I’ve been trying to figure out what makes this tour so appealing to so many people. The sites we’re visiting aren’t unusual ones, but places that can easily be seen in Holland every day. I’ve concluded that it’s the settlers’ courage and faith that makes their story so compelling. They left their homeland of civilized cities to carve out a town in the wilderness because they longed for religious freedom. Their boat caught on fire and was delayed for repairs. The delay kept them from their goal and forced them to spend most of the winter in Detroit. They walked through knee-deep snow to reach the town site because there were no roads. They ran out of food and starved. Their first summer here, so many people died from malaria that they had to build an orphanage to house all the children. But they worked hard, cleared the land, and built farms and businesses. Then, only twenty-four years after the first settlers arrived, fire destroyed the town.
I’m guessing that many of us would have given up—or at least questioned where God was in all these disasters. Had He really called us to settle here or not? It’s so easy to feel like our work is in vain when our carefully made plans start to fall apart. But the settlers’ faith remained strong. Today, there are more than 70 churches in this town of 33,000 people. What an example of perseverance and faith! If they had a life-verse, I think it would be this one:
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
Because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
That verse will give us something to pause and think about on our “Waves of Mercy” bus tour.
Latest posts by Lynn Austin (see all)
- Can An Old Dog Learn New Tricks? - November 15, 2021
- A 1951 Christmas - November 1, 2021
- Researching? - October 18, 2021
How interesting! I was just talking yesterday at church to one of our church staff members whose ancestors were from Holland, Michigan. If I lived closer, I’d want to go on that bus tour as well. It sounds fascinating!
What a fun event, Lynn! I know you will bring history alive for your buses full of eager fans. Even the snippet you gave in the blog post has me cheering for these brave pioneers who created such a legacy of faith. Inspiring stuff!
Your book sounds so interesting. I love reading historical fiction so that I can learn interesting facts that I would never know about. Faith did play an important part in the settling of our nation – faith to persevere. We live an hour from Jamestown, that went through similar struggles to become the first successful English settlement in America. I am always amazed when I read about daily life among our early settlers in every part of our nation. Sometimes I wonder how they had the courage to keep going – surely the hand of God.
Great news to hear how many churches are in that town when many are closing in so many other areas. Enjoy your bus tour, and safe traveling.
I loved that book (as I do ALL of yours), and would certainly have enjoyed being a part of your bus tour! Great idea for “Inspired by Life” authors, especially for Tamera Alexander! And think of the Chambers of Commerce who would love you. I think you’re onto something! I’m sure all participants will love this tour, Lynn.
Interesting that all of that history is still interesting to so many people. I grew up in GR and thought it was interesting as a young person but was sure those wonderful stories had been left behind. Have a good day on your tour!
The tour idea to go with your book is so wonderful.
Tours are so popular in many communities now.
It is great that so many have signed up for the tour.
The early settlers in that community survived so much and certainly
their faith, courage, and perseverance helped them
through all their trials.
Wish I could be there for the tour. I look forward to reading the book.