In 1982, Marie joined a ministry of the Church of New Life that brought the message of Christ to Tampico, Mexico, through the movie "The Cross and the Switchblade," which was shown on the streets. She had bought and given away many of the books of the same name, knowing the affect it had -- bringing others to Christ. After nine months, the ministry was alerted by American-Mexican citizens to quickly leave because of political unrest, so she left.

Marie decided to write 'Now I Can Go On' after she helped a girl who had attempted suicide. She realized that everywhere she worked God brought hurting and wounded people into her path. Though the wealthy had a more comfortable life than the street people, she noticed that all of them cried. Each needed to know God loved them and that Christ died for them.

As a waitress at night, she met many people who needed Christ. She spent countless nights, like the people (whose names have been changed) in 'Now I Can Go On,' hearing the cries of the wounded, broken, or addicted. The sniper's bullets she alludes to in the book are words and deeds of others attacking her characters -- either in the present or through past memories.

She has been a member of Victory Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the past eight years. She helped in Ladies Bible Study and assisted in setting up Mission Possible at the City Rescue Mission in 2000. Marie is currently ministering through prayer.

She left the ministries she was involved with to temporarily be a caregiver to three members of her family: her son Carl, who had multiple sclerosis; her mother, diagnosed with cancer, both of whom have died; and her husband, who at one time battled cancer and heart conditions.

Holy Fire Publishing (www.christianpublish.com ) has published hundreds of Christian books. They help Christian authors reach the world through the printed word.