Other stories can be read on Skip's Web site: www.skipball-writer.com

You can contact him at: skip.ball@verizon.net
Surprised by Faith
by Skip Ball
Hometown:
Thousand Oaks, California
Place of Birth:
Pennsylvania
Church Affiliation:
Free Methodist Church of NA
Number of Years Writing:
Since 1965. My friend and Christian brother, Curt Brock, has been a constant source of encouragement in my writing. His belief in me spurs me on to paint word pictures of what God has done in my life.
List of Other Publications and Year Published:

In the height of gang violence during the 70's Skip published the true story entitled Sammy for Light and Life, a story of deliverance and redemption from drugs on the streets of L.A.

In the height of gang violence during the 70's Skip published the true story entitled "Sammy" for Light and Life, a story of deliverance and redemption from drugs on the streets of L.A.

Other stories published in Light and Life are: "Miraculous Transfusion,"[July/August 2004]
"A Breath of Fresh Faith," [November/December 2002] and "Lost and Found," [November/December 2003]. He is currently working on several projects in fiction.

A published work of his for secular industry, Armed and Secure, is marketed through Franzen International Corporation. "Justin's Song" is contracted for fall 2004 publication of Guideposts "Angels on Earth."

Skip is working on his third manuscript Stolen Memories, an action thriller.

Academy Award-winner Earl W. Wallace has turned Ball's manuscript, Stronghold, into a screenplay for the theaters. Wallace is best known for his award-winning story Witness starring Harrison Ford, for which he won the Oscar. Wallace said he chose Stronghold for screenplay material, "because I believe in the merit of the story and its power."
Education:

B.S. from Southern Nazarene University, M.A. from Fuller School of World Mission.
Employment:
Free Lance writer / Executive Sales
Family:

Linda and I have three adult sons: Chris, Dan and Jon.
Additional Info:
Skip is an ordained pastor in the Free Methodist denomination. His work has taken him outside the United States where he lived and worked as an effective church planter and itinerant evangelist in the British Isles and the European Continent for 17 years. He has traveled and ministered in 10 European countries and planted three churches in the United Kingdom.
He writes from many first-hand experiences. His ministry has allowed him to experience face-to-face terrorism in Northern Ireland, rioting in Belfast, the bombing of Black Friday in Northern Ireland, and numerous encounters with Druidic witchcraft in England and with a member of the Charlie Manson cult. Because of his vocal commitment to Christ, numerous threats have been made on his life from blood rituals to violent confrontations at gunpoint. He traveled to the East German border to disciple a newly converted German prisoner; worked with British police on a suicide case and led others to Christ on their deathbed. He's walked the path of sorrow on behalf of many and offered consolation and Christ's hope.

Skip has used the media of art to present the gospel in many forms, but always and foremost his primary focus is winning the lost. His first published short story won first place in the academic setting of Wesleyan College during his freshman year.