By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Chaplain Mark Neddeau has penned his first book, “Words of Encouragement: 30 Ways to Know That God Still Loves You.” The publication is a culmination of works from the spiritual website www.apostolicsunite.org.
“It’s an encouragement website for people to come together in faith. It’s geared to Apostolic Pentecostals, but doesn’t focus on that,” said Neddeau. “It focuses on the core of faith/doctrine. I try to bring together that spirit of unity and faith.”
Neddeau said he tries to write an article every couple weeks, with about 170 of them included in the book.
“The website’s had over a million hits so far,” he said. “There are about 6,700 registered users.”
He said the site’s been so popular, he decided to put the most popular articles in a book.
“This way people without Internet access can enjoy them and give them as gifts. The website’s completely free,” he said.
While the book isn’t free, Neddeau said much of the money from its sale will be used “toward use in the community.”
“My No. 1 priority is to help the homeless shelter, with 10 percent of the money from sales going to the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter. I’m also giving 10 percent to our ministry partner downstate,” said Neddeau, a Presque Isle native and 1983 graduate of Presque Isle High School.
Neddeau said he’s been involved in public relations for Apostolic Ministries for four years now.
“Terry Tompkins is the ministry partner we give to. Pastor Alvin McCoy of Farrell, Penn. — he’s my mentor,” said Neddeau. “I saw this book as a way to give them some recognition, because I am part of that organization.”
Funds will also be set aside for the establishment of a men’s group.
“I want to use money to support and develop that,” he said. “I’ll have more information on the group at a later date.”
“The remainder of the money from the sale of the book will help support our ministries (he and his wife’s),” said Neddeau. “We do counseling, Bible studies, etc.”
Neddeau said he left Presque Isle at 26, when he joined the Air Force.
“That was in the summer of ‘88. I came back last year. I love being home,” he said.
Neddeau said he’s excited about the publication, which came about as the result of an injury.
“I had time to do it, so I put together the material and published my first book,” he said.
“This will benefit the community. The more I sell, the more I can help the homeless shelter. Their funding’s been cut from both the state and local governments. I’m glad I can help,” Neddeau said. “Anything we can do, we’ll try to do.”
The book is available online at lulu.com.
For more information or to purchase a book, call 768-1462.
