Christian Ministry Searches for New Children's Writer After 60 Years

Scripture Union is resurrecting its famous competition for writers after 60 years after the successful initiative first took place.

The Christian movement launched a competition in 1947 to find new writers of Christian fiction for children, which was won by Patricia St John, with her entry, The Tanglewoods' Secret.

The book has been a continual best-seller, having been translated into 40 different languages. 24 other novels followed.

Sixty years after winning the competition, Patricia St John's books are still inspiring children worldwide. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first competition and the ministry of Patricia St John, Scripture Union is once again running a competition to find new writers of children's Christian fiction.

The competition is open to people of all ages and writers, who will produce a 20,000 to 30,000 word novel that helps 8 to 11-year-olds to 'live God's way' and helps them 'move on in their journey with Jesus'. The winning novel will be published by Scripture Union alongside new editions of Patricia St John's timeless classics in September 2007.

Terry Clutterham, Scripture Union's Director of Publishing says: 'We're offering new writers the chance to get their work published and to make a valuable contribution to the vital area of children's Christian literature. We're really looking forward to seeing the next generation of Christian writers come through."

In connection with children, the new Bishop of Sherwood, Tony Porter, gave a rousing address during a Scripture Union training event earlier in the year.

The Scripture Union event entitled 'Tiddlywinks' sought to provide attendees with practical advice on working with children under the age of five. Many children's workers gathered for the occasion, which was led by Scripture Union's Training Manager, Alastair Wood, and the Children's Officer for the Diocese of Southwall, Nick Harding.

As he spoke to more than a hundred delegates at the training day, Bishop Porter said, "Children's workers are heroes!' and spoke passionately about the need for strong and supportive leaders in children's ministry. He also encouraged those in attendance to "not lose your sense of privilege to do children's work".