A handsome physician. A devout Mennonite nurse. And an Argentinian activist. Welcome to CALLED…
Against the backdrop of World War II, Nazi uprisings, political unrest in Argentina and Paraguay, and the scourge of leprosy left untreated, Dr. John and Clara Schmidt are called to a life of service in their fight against poverty, stigma, and social injustice.
But at what cost?
Based on true events that span six decades, CALLED is an uplifting and inspirational story of fearless adventure and heroism that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit persevering in the face of fear and rebellious subversion.
Some have a story. They had a mission.
CALLED is an expansive saga that brings to life the extraordinary contributions of two medical pioneers in the wilds of Paraguay. In their fierce determination to save floundering communities across the country, and to battle the stigma and shame of leprosy, John and Clara faced intractable opposition from many fronts: a medical community that rejected their unorthodox and revolutionary practices, governments that threatened imprisonment, and neighboring villagers who vowed to kill them.
Their story provides a living example of fully embracing John’s favorite scripture, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.
Readers who enjoyed His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope will love CALLED.
Interview With The Authors
Q: Which writers have influenced you most?
JRR Tolkien—a tragic hero’s journey: Dr. John’s like Frodo’s lasting contributions to the many at great personal cost to himself.
Q: What was the last great book/play/poem you read?
An American Marriage, Tayari Jones.
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Pursue your calling, no matter what the obstacles.
Q: What writing resources have been most helpful to you?
Jeniffer Thompson has been an advocate, mentor, trusted advisor, and friend since we met her in 2016.
Q: How has storytelling changed your life?
It has taught us that adversity is often the most effective spiritual teacher. When we write, we think.
Q: What was the first piece of writing you shared with someone else?
Aside from the professional writing Ed and I did for decades, my first piece of literary writing I shared was the first scene in my recently published memoir Nothing Bad Between Us. I read it to Ed, who urged me to share it more widely in published form.
Q: Where can we learn more about you and follow you online?
Thank you to our Keynote Sponsors: Marlena Fiol, PhD and Ed O’Connor, PhD
Globally recognized authors, scholars, and speakers.
Marlena and Ed are spiritual seekers whose writing explores the depths of who we are and what’s possible in our lives. They have devoted themselves to supporting others in identifying and removing the barriers to realizing their dreams. They consider every blog, essay, book or workshop an opportunity to share their insights with others, as well as learn more about their own transformational journey.
Also by Marlena Fiol
Marlena is four months old when her parents are called to establish a Mennonite leprosy compound in Paraguay. She is torn between pleasing her hero-doctor father and revolting against his often-abusive control. In the end, the story reveals unexpected openings to find redemption and reconciliation in the most broken parts of ourselves.