Distant Thunder by Jimmy Root Jr.

Jimmy Root Jr., has served as an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God since 1982, including service in Nebraska, Missouri, and a seven year term as a missionary in Colombia, South America. Jimmy is the lead Pastor of Family Worship Center of Smithville, a growing suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. Married to his wife Jean for twenty-nine years, the Roots have three grown children.

Root is a 1981 alumnus of Central Bible College of Springfield, Missouri where he majored in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Theology. He is also an alumnus of Southeastern University, Lakeland Florida, where he majored in Intercultural Studies.

A lifetime student of Biblical prophecy, Jimmy is also the Professor of Eschatology, The Study of End Times, for Berean University through the Northern Missouri District School of Ministry. He is a featured speaker at Churches and other venues, and is the host of “The Bible Uncensored” radio broadcast heard on radio stations around the country.

His writings, both in book form as well as his blog, are purposed to be a wake-up call to a sleepy American church that seems to be losing a truly Christian World View. Distant Thunder and its sequels, A Gathering Storm and Then Comes Lightning, will reveal to the adventure/thriller aficionado the reality of the coming fulfillment of Biblically prophesied events. You can visit his website at http://www.lightningchronicles.com/ or his blog at http://www.prophecyalert.blogspot.com/. Connect with him on twitter at www.twitter.com/JimmyRootJr and Facebook at http://facebook.com/jimmyrootjr



The unthinkable has happened. Iranian terrorists are poised to strike the United States and Israel with tactical nuclear weapons. How will the world respond? More importantly, how will a sleepy suburban Church in America respond?

Ty Dempsey is a young American pastor who finds himself in a trial of grief after the loss of his younger brother to the war in Iraq. During his darkest hours, God brings to life a series of passages in the Bible that Ty had always considered allegorical in nature. They aren’t. With a strong sense of urgency that the message must be preached to his congregation, Ty dares to go beyond anything he has ever done before. Most of his people are intrigued, but others begin to stir trouble. The result is a church conflict that threatens to destroy his ministry. His only reprieve is found in a budding romance with talented and beautiful singer, Blake Sieler.

Meanwhile, Moshe Eldan is an Israeli F-16 “Lightning” pilot who is faithfully doing his duty to protect his increasingly beleaguered nation. But things have gotten more complicated than normal. Beyond the fact that Hizbollah fighters are administering their cyclical rocket attacks across the border of Lebanon, neighbor nations are beginning to act provocatively, even after a Palestinian State has been formed. Worse, his wife confronts him with a startling prophecy from the Bible that seems to be coming true ten thousand feet beneath his wings. Never one to be anything other than a secular Jew, Moshe is forced into a journey toward faith. Then, his Lightning jet is shot down by a Russian Mig 29, and things get suddenly complicated.

Strangely, these two men, from totally different backgrounds and cultures are connected in ways that can only be orchestrated by God. This fast plausible, paced thriller never stops moving, and the end will be shocking.

I was lucky enough to get the author to agree to answer some questions. Here is what he had to say:


Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Distant Thunder is the first book of a Prophetic Fiction trilogy called The Lightning Chronicles. The story poses a question that I believe needs to be asked: What would happen if radical terrorists somehow got their hands on tactical nuclear weapons, and then used them against both America and Israel? It is a frightening scenario that is becoming more and more plausible in light of current world events. But in the midst of unimaginable terror and tragedy, two unsung heroes rise to extraordinary heights as they begin to understand that everything has been prophesied.

Two main characters form the storylines of Distant Thunder. Moshe Eldan is an Israeli F-16 “Lightning” fighter pilot who is doing his best to defend his country against the latest cycle of attacks. Unbeknownst to him, the greatest horror imaginable is waiting in the form of a nuclear tipped missile. Moshe finds himself in an unlooked for journey toward faith as he attempts to save his people.

The other character is a man named Ty Dempsey. His story is a bit closer to home. He is a suburban Kansas City pastor who, in working through the grief of losing his younger brother to the war in Iraq, has begun to discover the ancient prophecies of Ezekiel. So enthralled is he by the information that he preaches the prophecies to his congregation. Some of his people listen and are interested. Others, however, do not want the status quo of their comfortable lives challenged by something they consider allegorical in nature. A good old fashioned church conflict ensues. Ty decides to stay the course in face of tremendous opposition and is ultimately vindicated when nearby Kansas City is the target of a terrorist attack. Moshe and Ty become connected throughout the story in strange, spiritual ways that will only increase as the series progresses.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

I am a life-long student of Bible prophecy. It is stunning, not only in its predictions, but in the fact that prophecies are being fulfilled in the light of current world events. I wanted to demonstrate that the Bible is much more than a devotional, religious document. It is one hundred percent accurate, and one hundred percent true. With that in mind, I took another great passion, the military thriller genre, and blended the two into a relevant, fast-paced story.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My wife, Jean, is my most faithful, as well as prettiest supporter.

Your biggest critic?

That would be me. I show no mercy, give no quarter, and am absolutely ruthless in self-criticism. But that is not in the form of a self-image or perfectionism problem. I simply want to do the very best I can in every area pertinent to my life.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I am light years ahead in my understanding of grammar. My sentence formation has improved dramatically. This is especially true in the concept of making them short and powerful.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

The most important thing in my life will always be found in fulfilling my calling as a Pastor. My motto is: Serve God first, and everything else will find its proper place.

What are you currently working on?

I am multi-tasking. The second book of the Lightning Chronicles, A Gathering Storm, is in the editing process. That is keeping me occupied. Plus, I am nearly half way through the final book of the series. Throw in the publicity work for the release of Distant Thunder and you can see I am extremely busy.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Absolutely! Never, ever give up your dream. Persevere even when it feels hopeless. Hone your craft. Tell your story. A door will eventually open if you beat on it long enough.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

My favorite authors are Clive Cussler, Dale Brown, David Hagburg, and Joel C. Rosenberg. All are fiction thriller writers that have kept me sitting at the edge of my chair for years.

What are some of your long term goals?

After the Lightning Chronicles trilogy is complete I have a strong desire to write an extended series based on the life and times of Daniel the prophet. It would be strictly classified as historical fiction, but with all of the action germane to the sixth century B.C.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Getting the word out about how current world events align with Biblical prophecy has been the greatest achievement. That is also the purpose behind Distant Thunder and its sequels.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

Stick-to-itiveness. I will not give up.

Biggest weakness?

I probably enjoy football a bit too much. I am an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and an absolute freak when it comes to Nebraska Cornhusker football.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

Other books in the genre, like Joel C. Rosenberg’s recent series, are designed around the world of geo-politics. Distant Thunder was created to demonstrate that ordinary, unsung heroes are really the ones that make things happen for the good in this world. Though their deeds may go unheralded, they are incredibly valuable none-the-less.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

The Bible. It is filled with action. Every human strength and weakness is found in the stories. It is packed with wisdom, and it is the message of life. I would need nothing else.

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

Absolutely. If you are not growing, you are stagnant. Difficulties and trials come our way to build character and integrity. I am certain that those two ingredients are continually being refined in my life.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

It is actually a Bible verse, and a great one it is. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What is your favorite past-time?

Beyond football I love to fish, hunt, and take advantage of the great outdoors. I am also a gardener and a carpenter.

A Full House-But Empty by Angus Monro book spotlight and author interview

Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (September 25, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0595437192
ISBN-13: 978-0595437191

Book Synopsis:

A Full House – But Empty by Angus Munro

The author was born during the Great Depression in Vancouver, Canada. His father was from a prosperous farming family in Saskatchewan. When he married, his father leased farmlands for him to get established so eventually he could become independent. Unfortunately, when he received payment from his first wheat crop, a wild poker game was ensuing at the local grain elevator. He later arrived home with only one can of strawberry jam to present to his wife.

Angus’ father decided to throw in the farming towel and moved to Vancouver. The Great Depression had started and sometime later the grandfather died and left all of his estate to his other son. As the Depression deepened, Angus’ father went back to Saskatchewan to seek financial assistance from his brother. He received nothing and returned home unexpectedly one evening finding his wife in bed with a cheater. The cheater jumped out of the nearest window and he pointed the front door for his wife to leave. Thus, the father became a single parent to Laura, age 6, Angus, age 3 and Marjorie, an infant. The following day, Angus was rushed to the Vancouver General Hospital with acute appendicitis.

Needless to say, with a horrible Depression and three small children, the father had his hands full. However, near the end of the Depression and the beginning of WWII they lived with another family. A father with five children and he had been from a farming family and his marital problems were similar to Angus’ father. They spent four wonderful years together.

At age thirteen, while in the seventh grade Angus was wrongly accused of an incident that took place. Angus was extremely upset and refused to study. He played sick at every opportunity to avoid attending classes. He failed and had to repeat the seventh grade and he dropped out thereafter.

At age seventeen, Angus was working in a sawmill tossing lumber ends off of a conveyor belt – a total dead-end position. At that time, his father was an outside foreman for a large oil and coal company. He worked hard and highly respected at work and in the community. However, he had that penchant for poker games and/or parties of which occurred in their home frequently on weekends and either one lasting all night.

One Saturday evening, a group from his father’s pub club arrived bringing a young theological student from the University of British Columbia. George, apart from studying theology, was very active in working civic pursuits – such as teen town organizations, etc. He and Angus became good friends. One quiet evening, during the week he stopped by and delivered a Dutch uncle speech to Angus. He informed him that he had above average intelligence and wondered why he was working in a dead-end job that had no future options. Angus informed him that he was a total failure and an uneducated grade-school dropout with no skills.

His response was, “You need to get off of your ass and get moving!” He further challenged Angus’ comments by saying he wanted to discuss his potential not the unfortunate circumstances relating to leaving school. He further stated that Angus needed to enroll at a local high school taking evening classes in typing and accounting to acquire some basic skills. Additionally, Angus needed to immediately seek a white-collar job at an entrance level that would have future promotional opportunities. His rhetoric was so compelling – Angus did exactly what he suggested.

To summarize, Angus eventually spent nine years in the petroleum industry in both Canada and the USA and he was being groomed for a junior executive position. He decided to change fields and spent thirty-nine years in hospital administration in both California and Alaska. As a director, his staffing complements were from fifty-five to seventy employees.

I was lucky enough to be able to ask the author some questions:

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

This is my first book. In terms of content, my greatest influence was my father.

Do you write every day?

When I was writing this book – usually every day.

What has been your greatest achievement as a writer?

To receive 5-star reviews!

Have you always wanted to be a writer, or did you aspire to be something else growing up?

As a grade-school dropout – survival was my key focus.

Are you currently working on anything?

No. I am working mainly on promoting my book. However, I am mentally gathering thoughts for a new book down the road.

What authors do you enjoy reading?

I am an old movie buff. In my library, I particularly like Bob Thomas, Anne Edwards and Adela Rogers St. John. I think Ellis Amburn has great writing skills too.

Is there a particular author who you feel don’t get the recognition they deserve?

Not offhand; however, I assume there would be many.

What is your favorite book?

Thalberg, written by BobThomas. I have a signed copy that I treasure.

What is a book that has been highly acclaimed but you haven’t liked?

I cannot think of one.

What word or phrase do you feel is overused?

Wrongly used, “ Like I say.” Instead of “ As I say.”

A FULL HOUSE BUT EMPTY VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR '08 will officially begin on September 2, '08 and end on September 26, '08. You can visit Angus' tour stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in September to find out more about him and his new book!

As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author with a recent release or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available. The winner will be announced on our main blog at http://www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.wordpress.com/ on September 26!

Angus Munro's virtual book tour is being brought to you by Pump Up Your Book Promotion and choreographed by Dorothy Thompson.


Add to: Technorati Digg del.icio.us Yahoo BlinkList Spurl reddit Furl