"[Beneath] the Sky of an Angry God" and "The Invisible Empire" are the first two titles written and published by an ambituous duo aimed to enrich the children's literary landscape of Manassas, and if plans work out, the country.

Reconciliation Press is the name authors and publishers John Jenkins and Mark Weaver chose for their company, which is dedicated to providing quality literature dealing with historical events from a Christian perspective.

By writing primarily for middle school-age boys, Jenkins and Weaver want to fill a gap identified by many educators: Stories that fascinate by using male protagonists and action-rich adventure plots.

The focus remains the same throughout the planned 16-book series; namely, to examine historical events that put people to the test by demanding choices between good and evil and to teach crucial lessons about life.

"If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it," said Jenkins, and "we go to the Bible for guidance in our lives."

Reconciliation Press targets bookstores, private Christian schools, Christian bookstores and home educators as potential business partners.

"We provide educational material and good adventur stories in one for upper elementary and middle school levels," Jenkins said.

However, this is not done by glorifying the past.

"We don't shy away from grittiness, like the theme of death. It was a major experience for the Cherokee nation when they took their journey, known as the Trail of Tears, that we depict in our book 'Under the Sky of an Angry God.' Racism and injustice are two major hard-hitting issues from the past that we didn't just leave behind. They are still influencing our present lives," Jenkins said.

Weaver said: "We want to help people like us, white middle-class American Christians, to become more sensitive to and aware of injustices. To share compassion and care is a major part of our motivation to write."

Weaver's and Jenkins' literary work derives power from the presence of very different characters who provide a variety of perspectives on certain issues, according to their experiences and views of the world.

"We try to make our readers walk in our characters' shoes for some time so they can get a better understanding of how it must have felt to be a Delaware Indian boy in 1838 or a 16-year-old former slave in the 1870s Philadelphia. We use history to reflect issues of today in yesterday's light," Weaver said.

The authors' latest book, "City of Lies," will be published in January. It deals with utopianism and deception and is set in 1876 Chicago. This literary approach seems to hold promise.

"Kids who have read our first book are now asking their parents for the next one," Weaver said.

Reconciliation Press also stands for a different relationship between publishers and authors.

"We want to give authors of historical fiction a better standing and teach them how to do book signings, how to be comfortable with radio interviews and so forth. At the same time, we ask them to take over a greater responsibility to be involved in the publishing process," Weaver said.

Reconciliation Press will open its doors to anyone who is interested in finding out more about the new business from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Multi-Purpose Room of New Covenant Fellowship, at 8616 Phoenix Drive.

Authors who specialize in historical fiction can find more information about reconciliation press at www.reconciliation.com. Inquiries about publication guidelines may be emailed to publisher@reconciliation.com.

©1997, The Prince William Journal