I remember back in the early 2000s, when someone asked me to write a book. I thought it was one of the funniest things I had ever heard. I was a speaker. I spoke at churches, conferences, schools, and camps. That is what I did. I had my lane that I lived in, and I planned to stay in that lane.
One of the things that made me laugh was knowing how much I hate to write! I literally don’t enjoy it much at all. I was a Straight-A student in college. I only made four Bs, and you guessed it: They were all in English!! I really mean it when I say I don’t like to write!
But then, a month afterward, another person suggested that I should write a book. Those two people both said I had way too many good teachings and stories not to write, since they would make for a good book. One of them also said, “Keep in mind, books can go places you can’t go. I thought that was a very interesting statement.
So, a month or so later, I decided to take the plunge. Did I tell you how much I hate writing?! Writing a book is not just writing a book. It also means doing a lot of rewriting. Then it needs to be edited. It requires a cover design. It has to be laid out in a certain way, so it can be printed. It is a pretty lengthy process. Typically, it takes about a year from the time you start writing to actually holding the book in your hands. I heard a rumor that ladies have babies quicker than that!! Once I read about a guy who spent five years on each of his books. Umm, no!! That is never going to happen with any of my books!
This is how One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven came about. One other interesting fact about this book is my first editor let me know that, basically, the title wouldn’t work. I asked why, and she said, “It’s too long. Most titles are one, two, or three words. But I already knew this was going to be the title, no matter its length. And, of course, people have loved the title and been intrigued with it over the years.
When this book was printed, there was a small problem. I had roughly figured out in my head how many of them I could “move at some upcoming speaking events. Then I said to myself, “What am I going to do with all the rest of them?
As I was sitting in my one-bedroom apartment at the time, I told myself I could stack a few in the corner. I could also stack a few cases on top of each other next to my couch and put a lamp on them. That is a true story. All of those thoughts kept running through my head.
Matthew 8:26
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Even though this verse is talking about how the disciples were fearful of the tempest and the waves when they were in the boat with Jesus, I think there is a good lesson in it for all of us. Sometimes, we do have only “little faith. I have always read this verse to myself as, “O me of little faith! This is truly me at times. Now, I don’t mean this in a “name it and claim it kind of way or in a prosperity gospel kind of way. What I mean is, all we need to have is the faith of a mustard seed. And when we trust and have faith in the God of the universe, literally anything is possible. Anything.
And, now, look what the Lord has done; we have seven books in print. Kind of fascinating for a guy who didn’t, and still doesn’t, like to write! So, as I was paying off my recent printing bills, I decided to add up some numbers. There are now over 2 million combined copies of those titles in print! I couldn’t believe it. I sat there just stunned because I remembered back to when I thought the first printing of the first book would never run out.
I am so humbled. These numbers were beyond my wildest dreams when I started typing that first book on my computer. While I was working on it, I must have said to myself a million times, “Is anyone going to read this? Is anyone going to ever read this? I guess I have the answer to that question now.
Numbers are an interesting thing. We judge so much in life by numbers. But I would rather have one copy of one book that makes an eternal impact on someone’s life than have 2 million copies of a book that will be wood, hay, and stubble one day.
And, probably, the most humbling aspect to all of this is to see how God has used these books in countless lives.
Thanks again for picking up these books and getting them into the hands of people, literally, all across the world. The stories we get to hear because of them are fascinating. I can’t wait to see the eternal impact of all of these materials that y’all have given away as faithful stewards of the Lord’s Great Commission.
So, to have a little fun after hitting this milestone, we have lowered the suggested donation of all of the books down to $6 each. This means that every book in either English or Spanish in single books or bundles or cases, will be discounted to $6 each. This will enable all of us to have a great time explaining the gospel to others and giving these materials away to those we have conversations with.
https://markcahill.org/product-category/books/
From the bottom of my heart, thanks for all the seeds you plant for the Lord. We get a lot of the feedback and comments here at the ministry, but you are ones doing the work of an evangelist whenever you see a lost soul and decide to do something to reach them. Thank you.
Until the nets are full,
P.S.
