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closeLocal author Billy Powell is known for writing historical accounts of local events. Powell penned both “Pride of the Panthers,” the story of Coach Eric Staples and Perry High’s eight state championships and 25 region titles in basketball during Staples’ tenure, and “Echoes from the Valley,” a history of the Fort Valley/Peach County area that includes the establishment of Fort Valley State University and a couple of shocking murders.
Powell’s latest book, “Butterflies in Heaven,” might seem a complete turnaround for the writer, dealing with death and what lies beyond from a Christian perspective.
Maybe turnaround isn’t the best description, since Powell has been writing weekly religious columns for local newspapers for the past 35 years.
In fact, he interrupted writing “Butterflies in Heaven” to do the other two books.
When Powell was 31 years old, he accepted Christ as his savior and got involved with a witnessing program at Fort Valley First Baptist.
As he went out once a week to talk about his faith, the idea occurred to him that instead of talking to one or two people an evening, he could talk to thousands through the newspaper media.
Only problem was, Powell wasn’t a writer.
Powell contacted a local newspaper and was told to bring a column by and “we will see.”
Thirty-five years later, Powell, currently published in four newspapers a week, is still using his writing talents to witness for the Lord.
He took witnessing for Christ to another level by following up on his desire to write a book about the mystery of death. Powell researched all he could about the subject, not only from the Bible but also he investigated what other world religions, such as Buddhism and Islam, say on the subject as well.
“I wanted to write a book for people that had lost loved ones, to give them a better idea of what lies beyond the grave and for anyone that wanted to find out about the afterlife,” he said.
Through 20 years of research on the subject, Powell says, he learned something as well.
“God placed in every human being a quest for immortality,” he said. “It is hardwired in our psyche.
“We contemplate death, immortality, the afterlife, which is something the animals never do. God made us different and He would not place this desire within us and then abandon us at the grave.”
Powell’s intent on writing “Butterflies in Heaven” was to ease the pain and fear associated with death and bring people closer to the Lord.
The book is full of both scripture and stories that touch the heart, some from Powell’s own life. The author covers the physical aspects of the beauty of heaven and the fires of hell as well as end time events such as the battle of Armageddon.
“Butterflies in Heaven” is book that promises to bring comfort to anyone who has lost a loved one and questioned why, and will answer questions for anyone who has contemplated the end of life and what lies beyond. It is also an excellent source for witnessing to others about life, death and the love of God.
The book is available through Indigo Publishing, Amazon or from the author’s own Web site, billypowellbooks.com, where many of Powell’s newspaper columns are also posted. The cover of the book was painted by local artist Deanna Griffin.
Contact Alline Kent atallinekent@cox.net.
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