According to Publishers Weekly, there are 3,000 books published each day in the United States alone. Making headway in a market flooded with new titles is a gargantuan task that would test the patience and resilience of any new author.

By chance I met two determined and faith-filled new authors at NRL Convention 2008. Twin sisters Darlene and Danielle Wibeto are not just fresh faces with considerable talents, they are also devout Christians who are passionately persuaded that Justice Loves Babies can help raise a generation that knows that life is precious and a gift from God.

"We live in a culture that doesn't value life," Danielle said. "I want children to understand that life begins in the womb and that this life is very precious to God."

The word "abortion" never appears in their beautifully illustrated children's book, which was published January 21, 2008, the day before the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But the story of a little African-American boy named Justice, who is eagerly awaiting the birth of his baby sister, Destiny, provides children with the raw materials out of which can come a life-long commitment to treasure life and to understand that life begins in a mother's womb.

We chatted between visitors to their convention exhibit booth, which made for a catch-as-catch-can conversation. But this also provided me with a birds-eye view. I watched how the eyes of parents and children lit up when they first saw the cover of the 37-page book.

Danielle explained how the idea of writing a children's book about abortion came to her. She was sitting in her Children's Literature class at Azusa Pacific University and they were discussing the enormous impact children's books can have on youngsters.

"God put this book on my heart," Danielle said. She immediately knew not only the characters and the basic storyline but also the sure knowledge that Darlene was to write the book.

They both fasted, Darlene said. "I woke up from my sleep five nights in a row and wrote the book." That was September 2005.

The plot is deceptively simple but powerful. Justice's mother is pregnant and she tells him that his baby sister, Destiny, "is getting ready to come out any day now." His dad is a doctor and will deliver Destiny. "Justice's dad always tells him that each baby is one of God's dreams." Before he goes to bed Justice prays with his parents for Destiny and "while they pray, Justice puts his hand on Destiny."

That night he has a nightmare and wakes up crying. He tells his mother that he dreamt "someone was trying to steal Destiny out of your belly."

That "someone" was a man dressed the same way his physician daddy dresses, Justice explains, but "he took them out of their bellies and never gave them the chance to live."   Frightened, Justice asks for reassurance that his mother will not allow anyone to take Destiny.

She assures him she will protect Destiny but confirms that "not all babies get the chance to live like Destiny does." His mother tells him "never stop praying for the babies."
Unable to sleep Justice prays to God, telling him that he loves his little unborn sister and asks God to "save the babies."

The next morning his dad tells him it is time. Justice leaps from his bed. "I'm going to help bring Destiny into the world"! he says. Soon, "Justice will be holding Destiny."

The Wibeto twins conclude the book with a dedication to the parents who have lost a child to abortion. They told me it is their hope that the book will "bring healing to parents who've experienced the pain of abortion."

After a slow start, good things are beginning to happen one after another. A prominent African-American pro-lifer has talked to them about making an audio-recording.

And it appears Focus on the Family will include the book as part of the materials its massive audience can order from its online store. Meanwhile Darlene is talking about writing another book, this time about adoption.

You can watch a promotional video of "Justice Loves Destiny" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxMIwwY93oU. The book can be purchased online at www.fotb.com/Shop/Sections/Section.aspx?section_id=1000000273.

As we ended our interview, I mentioned to Darlene how beautifully the book was illustrated. She told me that they actually had the illustrator, Sarah Atkinson, on board before the text was complete. Darlene said Sarah had her own child sitting in her lap as they read the book to her.

Their pastor believes that "their book could be instrumental in starting a children's prayer movement for the ending of abortion."

In the foreword, Darlene writes, "The Lord gave my sister and me a task: to create a book that will change the way that children think about life and that will open their eyes to the reality of abortion." Indeed, she adds, "We believe that we were born for such as time as this."

Please send your comments to daveandrusko@hotmail.com.

Part Two -- Honoring Tony Lauinger