Siloam

After many years, a long-forgotten spring is discovered by a little boy, near the Oregon coast town of Safety Harbor. The indigenous people to whom it originally belonged, and who still live nearby, believe the waters of the spring have healing power. It was once used by their ancestors for such, until it was taken from them by white settlers, who eventually abandoned the area as the spring dried up. Now, in the present time, miracles are reported by those who visit the newly emergent spring. But, there are dark forces that want to claim ownership of the spring in order to control its access, prevent its use for spiritual healing, and who are willing to destroy anyone who gets in the way of their agenda. The people of the larger Safety Harbor community, and their indigenous neighbors, are challenged to put themselves on the line, to risk their lives, if necessary, in order to preserve this gift that has been restored in their lifetimes. The story is filled with colorful characters and high drama, as a spiritual struggle unfolds before our eyes that will inspire all of us to take risks for that which is of ultimate spiritual significance. ""A visit to Siloam and Safety Harbor is a fantastic journey into a world where people care about each other. The novel includes a rich cast of characters who are a delight to get to know."" --Kerry Parry, author of Conversations With the Faithful: Seeking Enlightenment Over Lunch ""In these dark days, Chuck Cooper reminds us that we are all Keepers of the Light, Keepers of the Spring. It is through being Keepers that we come together to celebrate, to live, and to serve forever side-by-side."" --Sharon Chinn, spiritual celebrant, confidant, and counsel ""Siloam is a community unwillingly tangled in a skirmish between the healing, redemptive effect of a grace-filled flowing stream, and the forces of greed, misguided religious zeal, and power. Siloam will grip you, have you cheering for the underdog, and rejoicing when 'the lost' returns home again. A new can't-put-it-down classic!"" --Karen Smarsh Chuck Cooper, a graduate of Claremont School of Theology, served three Christian traditions during his active ministry, before taking up a career as an author. He had a passion for the spiritual well-being of those who are marginalized and alienated by the institutional church. He enjoyed living in his adopted state of Oregon for over thirty years. He resided in Wilsonville, with his wife, Patty Pickett-Cooper, and their two dogs, Bugsie and Murphy.