Top Ten Perks to Being an Evangelist and Christian Writer

By Cheryle M. Touchton

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil 4:4 NIV

My Christian writer’s group asked us to come up with the perks of being a Christian writer. In 2002, I left a lucrative and exciting corporate career to answer God's call to evangelism and writing. Since then, I have traveled to all fifty states evangelizing and published five books. I had only planned a 2-month sojourn between executive jobs but life became so interesting, I simply forgot to job hunt.  If you don’t job hunt, I suppose you never find a job. I pondered my "Top Ten" list and altered it to include both my call to writing and evangelism. As I wrote it, I realized that I enjoy my life.

Top Ten Perks

1. I am no longer tempted by the "evils" of money.
2. Since I spend much of my life in campgrounds, I really enjoy nice hotels.
3. I can't always get showers on the road so I now appreciate showers. It is a real bonus when they are clean, hot, and bug-free.
4. Other people now get to talk at parties and Bible Studies. I now have an outlet for the stories running around in my head. 
5. My husband makes more money than I do, which is really good for his male ego. (He has offered to get over the ego thing in exchange for my former salary.)
6. My own ego is kept in check by humiliating book signings where people walk by me while avoiding eye contact.
7. If the writing thing doesn't work out, book signings have prepared me to work at carnival booths.
8. The galleys I deal with are less fattening then the galleys of yachts and cruise ships. (Galleys are the type set proof copy that writers review just before a book goes to press.)
9. I spend so much time with my dog that I hear her voice. My readers like her voice better than mine.
10. My clothes cost a lot less and are more comfortable and interesting.

I enjoyed my last job and I enjoy this one. In fact, I rejoice in my life. I love being with people when they pray to receive Jesus. I love people saying my books helped. Would you believe I almost rejoice in the Lord when showering with bugs? I once showered with a mouse and discovered just how well Baptists could really dance. I enjoy my life.