FT. JONES, Calif., June 3, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Philip and John the Baptist are familiar biblical names. However, author Vada M. Gipson gives them new life in her recently released novel, The Quests (now available through 1stBooks). Only brief acquaintances, Philip and John are on their own separate quests as they make their ways through life.
As the story begins, Philip is utterly depressed. Wallowing in guilt after the death of his dearly loved wife, who lost her life while giving birth to their daughter, Philip goes to a religious commune called Qumran for a change of scenery. At Qumran, he meets John, a "cave mate," and Y'shua, a visitor. His depression soon turns into paralysis and his quest becomes a search for healing.
John has left the "shelter of his brotherhood" remaining devoted to his vow to "eat no food not prepared by our priests." He survives on only honey and locusts. His quest is to "prepare the way of the Lord."
Y'shua is not a focus character. Although he rarely appears, he plays an important role in both men's lives. "There would be no story without him," Gipson says.
Set in the area of the "Sea of Galilee, Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Machaerus in the Holy Land," The Quests is unique in that its focus location, Qumran, is the settlement that was on the mesa above where the Dead Sea scrolls were found in 1947, Gipson notes.
Gipson currently lives in Ft. Jones, Calif. She was born in Nebraska and was the youngest of nine children. She is a retired accountant and is currently a member of the United Methodist Church. She began writing after retirement.
Gipson has published several articles in magazines such as the Home Education Magazine, the Pioneer Press, World Radio, The Homemaker, Mature Years and The United Methodist Review. However, The Quests is her first novel.
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