Author: Daniel Goppelt
Located in: Gonzales, Louisiana
Submitted: June 05, 2016
Tell us a little about yourself. Daniel Goppelt graduated from Crossways Academy, a Christian preparatory school, in 2006. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State University. Goppelt is passionate about raising awareness of worldwide Christian persecution. Hes seen the effects of persecution firsthand as a missionary in Colombia.
Goppelts first novel, the meticulously researched The Final Message to Rome, is intended to educate young people about the history of Christian persecution and to inspire them to stand fast in their faith today, despite an irreverent global climate that is often unfriendly to the faithful. He counts the stories of persecuted Christians around the world, as well as his own personal revelations from God, as inspirations for writing this book. Goppelt was born and raised in Louisiana where he currently resides.
What was your motivation behind this project? This story was given to me by the Lord as a parable. To communicate a spiritual truth in a way that was both exciting and thought provoking.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I pray that this story will raise awareness of the reality of persecution for believers around the world. Also, give readers hope when facing tragedy, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Writing this story was a spiritual journey for me. God has used this project to teach me his perspective on life, especially now as the world becomes more hostile to Christ and his followers. I have faced spiritual opposition in writing this story from the Enemy. I have learned patience and perseverance through the years in writing this book.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? My major sources of inspiration come from the sacrifice of believers around the world who have suffered for their faith. The lives of two young believers in particular have impacted me: Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev and Rifqa Bary.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: I hope that you will be both inspired and captivated by what your read and may God receive all the glory.
