Alum Publishes Story about Victory through Adversity

February 27, 2012

At some point, every person has encountered a seemingly impossible situation. Every person must wade through a difficult problem, and every person inevitably looks for answers. OBU alum Judy Carpenter has experienced all these situations.

Carpenter's book, titled "In His Hands" and published by Xulon Press, is written for anyone who has experienced adversity and seeks God's direction in his or her life.

Years ago, Carpenter served as a summer missionary in Iowa. One day after Carpenter shared her Christian testimony, a woman approached her and suggested she write a book. Carpenter pondered the idea for several years, and as others also suggested she write a book, she felt a sense of urgency to write her story. She credited God and the help of other friends in completing the project.

"Basically, [the book] is my testimony of what God can do in seemingly impossible situations," Carpenter said. "I'm praying that God will use the book to show others … what God can do with a person when he or she places themselves in God's hands."

"In His Hands" shares the story of Carpenter's life before and after she decided to live at the direction of God.

"This book can be likened to a road map and a journal that has recorded places, people and purpose on life's journey," said emeriti missionaries Carter and Charlotte Davis. "Judy is transparent in her recording the many opportunities given and taken and the multitude of ways God used her life. She spares no words to describe her feelings and responses, which makes the book all the more compelling."

While at OBU, Carpenter majored in physical education and recreation with minors in psychology, biology and education. She walked through graduation in 1971 but finished her degree by correspondence in 1972, when she received a bachelor of arts.

"In His Hands" comes in three forms: paperback, hardcover and e-book. The book can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press and in many Christian bookstores.