Becky Dean works in state politics for pay, and writes novels for fun. Not that politics isn’t fun. Just that writing doesn’t pay. She especially enjoys young adult sci fi and fantasy, and serves as president of her local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Becky grew up in Southern California and now lives in Austin, Texas, where she misses the beach, but loves the BBQ. She met her husband at Baylor University. (Sic ‘em, Bears!)
Tanya Eavenson grew up in a non-Christian home, catching a bus to attend church as a child. She accepted Christ at a young age after walking down the reddest carpet she’d ever seen. At sixteen, she received her first Bible for Christmas. Never in her wildest dreams did she think God would use her to reach others for Him. But that is exactly what she’s been doing since God called her and her husband into the ministry. Tanya is also writer for Christ to the World Ministries, has written for Novel Editions Reviews, Reflections In Hindsight, and The Bookshelf Newsletter. She is a member of ACFW and was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Genesis contest.
Shellie Neumeier holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a minor in Psychology, Sociology and Social Studies. A devoted mother of four, Shellie previously worked on staff with Northbrook Church as the King’s Kids ministry assistant (serving children in grades 2nd through 5th). Shellie’s YA novel, Driven (Risen Fiction) and A Summer in Oakville (Black Lyon Publising) are available online and at your local bookstores. Her middle grade chapter book The Wishing Ring will release February 2012. She is an active member of ACFW as well as a contributing author for various blogs. Shellie is located in southwestern Ohio.Now let's get to the interview. Welcome, ladies.
What is Proof, see the evidence?
Tanya: Proof, see the evidence is a website focused on teens, challenging them to live their lives differently than the world. What does that mean exactly? Well, to one teen it might mean to share the gospel for the first time or to go on a mission trip. For another, it could mean to stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves. Really, it’s about following in Christ’s footsteps.
Sounds great. Why target teens and not adults?
Becky: All three of us have a passion for reaching teens, and God really brought us together at the right time to do just that. The teen years are when people really discover who they are, who God wants them to be. One thing we want to do through Proof is look for creative ways to help teens in this process, whether through websites, or online chats, or novels, or music. We want to provide another way for them to explore faith issues, to seek, and to find answers.
How is Proof different than other teen websites?
Shellie: Proof is designed to share the best of many worlds with teens while providing a safe community for them to interact. We’ll host band and author interviews, hear from teens on tough subjects, and hopefully, enjoy a few youtube videos that’ll make us all smile. It’s informative. It’s interactive. It’s fun.
What will teens find on Proof, see the evidence?
Tanya: If you visit our site you will see a range of things. Interviews from authors, bands, and athletes, mission adventures, reviews on some of the hottest books, and topical discussions relating to what teens face today. We’ll also have devotions that hit the crux of the matter, even crazy contests. Next week we plan to start a flash mob contest. And that is something you won’t want to miss. =)
I'll make sure to see it. How is Proof different than traditional youth groups?
Becky: In a traditional youth group, teens are face to face. This can be intimidating for someone who is searching, who looks or talks different, who wants to seek in their own way or time. With Proof, teens can remain anonymous if they want. Or, we hope to provide lots of ways for them to get involved if that’s their style. Teens are the top users of new technologies, so we want to take advantage of that to address important issues in a format that appeals to them.
If you had one Bible verse to share with a teen, which Bible verse would you quote and why?
Shellie: Definitely 1Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” I’ve met amazing young adults in my life. Teens that go to foreign countries to serve people they’ve never met with no thought to personal gain. Teens that dedicate hours to small group studies and retreats when it costs them time on the job and time with their school work. Teens that have no shame in sharing what they know about Jesus. Just because they are young, doesn’t mean they aren’t to be heard. If anything, may we as adults listen to what they have to say, a little more often.
Well said. Thank you for coming and telling us about Proof, See the Evidence.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings,
Ginger
