Steinbach native releases second book: Behind the Mist

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This article was published 17/09/2024 (308 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A book with Generation X in mind has been written by a Steinbach native who wants them to know that they are not alone.

“I targeted Generation X because my impression, from numerous conversations, led me to understand that they had lost interest in religion because they equate religion with God,” said author Clint Toews.

Toews has written his second book, Behind the Mist, which deals with brokenness and that God is ever present in times of trouble.

“I’m 80 years old and it’s a journey through life, 30 to 35 years of working with people in prisons and in the inner city mostly, who are suffering with social issues and relational issues, and I witnessed a lot of brokenness and I felt that I should write a book. The sunshine of love is shining behind the mist of life in brokenness,” said Toews.

Born and raised in Steinbach, Toews lost his father Ben P. Toews when he was seven. That loss had a profound effect on him and later in life he wrote his first book about the loss and about being a father himself titled, In Search of My Father.

“When he died, I was heartbroken. So, I have gone through many experiences of anger and heartbrokenness that affected my life and actually prepared me for a career to work with youth in conflict with the law,” he said.

Toews, who was trained to be a minister, worked in Winnipeg for Youth for Christ as a director before moving on to the Sir Hugh John Macdonald boys’ homes as a child care worker and school liaison officer. Sir Hugh John Macdonald was the son of Sir John A. Macdonald and the eighth premier of Manitoba. Hugh opened boys’ homes in Winnipeg in 1929, according to Toews.

Behind the Mist premise is that Jesus was non-religious in his approach to healing human brokenness and rescuing us from our helpless pursuit of selfishness.

“That is not a criticism of Christian communities but it is inclusion of those who are outside of those communities and a declaration of hope for them. I want them to know that God wants to befriend us all. And help us in our difficulties,” said Toews.

Toews will have a book signing at the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. His book can be purchased at Hull’s Family Bookstore and at the Mennonite Heritage Village gift shop.