PIQUA — Piqua resident Marsha Ball has published her first book, “Our Costs,” a Bible study, to help the disabled.
Ball is giving 100 percent or 2016’s proceeds of the royalties to her mother for her medical bills for three months and then to three other disabled people in Ohio for three months each. Her mother, Ellen, has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
“My Editor and mentor Sharon Oswalt is from Darke County,” said Ball, who works as an administrative assistant at Norcold Inc. in Gettysburg. “She lives in Union City, and is the one reason we wanted to have a story written in Greenville.”
Ball, who also has other friends in Darke County, replied when asked why she chose that title for her book, “Because living your life for Jesus will cost you. Everyday to show people who Christ is in you, one must give something of themselves. Time, compassion, service, mercy… Some part of you must be denied pride, selfishness, greed, self-righteousness.”
The book has 240 pages.
“It is 5 3/4” X 8 inches and 1.5 spaced,” she said. “It was published Dec 11, 2015, and right now can be purchased on Amazon. The Christian Bookstore in Union City, Indiana, will order it for you and so will Grace Christian in Piqua. I am still talking to other local stores.”
She started penning the book in 2011.
“I did not just sit down and write it straight through,” she said. “The different studies just came together and fit. Then I knew it was time to start working toward getting it published. I always loved to write, but never believed I would become a published author. I mean common everyday people do not just become authors; or do they?”
“Our Costs” is the first public display of Ball’s writings.
“I have served as a spiritual Armorbearer for the past 16 years in Freda Johnson Restoration Ministries (out of Anna, Ohio) an evangelistic prison ministry. I became one of the co-founders of this non-profit ministry where I have served on the board since 2004. Sharing the gospel through serving the lead evangelist and teaching classes on many occasions has given our team the opportunity to see many lives changed.”
While raising her only child as a single mother, Ball said she was able to become the first female to graduate college in her my family by successfully earning her certificate in computers. Many years later after overcoming the side effects of severe headaches caused by lesions on my brain, she was able to complete her certificate as State-Tested Nurse’s Aide.
“All of these accomplishments have given me opportunities to serve others who are less fortunate,” said Ball, who graduated from Piqua High, Edison Community College and Apollo Career Center.
What was the evangelistic prison ministry like? “The musicians are awesome, the dramas are amazing because of their brokenness…I love it! Serving in Freda Johnson Restoration Ministries is where I fit. Of course, not everyone comes to church services, the prison with pure motives; but if we can help one not return to drugs, crime, or abuse, then every mile is worth it.”
Her book, she said, covers three main topics: “Living up to the positions we possess;” “Exemplifying four characteristics that portray Jesus Christ;” and “Allowing God’s fruits to manifest in our lives.”
What’s inside her book? “Words commonly used in Christian conversation like disciple, forgiveness and compassion,” she responded. “A definition and a scripture so we understand how the Bible see the word. Then example of how to fail and succeed in living out each word.”
She went on, “I want to use my book to help other people. I’m hoping that it will show people that you can show Jesus in normal, everyday situations. It’s nothing profound that you have to do. A lot of people think that they cannot minister other people unless they’re on a pulpit.”
The new author is not married, but has a daughter Kris, son-in-law Thomas and one granddaughter Elizabeth.
Ball, whose hobbies are ministry, writing and quilting, plans on writing another book.