Steven R. Service

I owe my ability to organize a composition to William Provost, one of my high school English teachers. Mr. Provost was a fine man and an exceptional teacher. It was not until many years later that I began to master the use of English grammar while studying Koine Greek. The ancient Mediterranean language forced me to make sense of it all. I owe a debt of gratitude to each of the educators from elementary school to those I studied under at the Ph.D. level. Whatever I am able to communicate to others has been facilitated by each of you.

The gamut of writing experience in my life has included short stories in a publication entitled "The West Coast Gazzette (aka WCG)," a screenplay entitled "Two Thieves in Paradise" and an extensive, life shaping theological work "The Lost and Forgotten Gospel of the Kingdom: A First Century Hebraic Perspective." I have invested nearly 10 years of research and writing time into that composition.

The WCG comprised a series of correspondences over a period of about two years that was filled with adventurous stories from my life and many humorous anecdotes. It was just plain fun. I sent one to Erma Bombeck and she exercised the courtesy in responding to encourage me. She said that if I was enjoying what I was writing that is what mattered most!

To become a writer one has to learn to politely say "No." to the requests of others around him or her. S/he has to learn to prioritize and to eliminate what is unnecessary in life. Good opportunities will drown you if you let them. I admit though that this is very difficult to do well, especially when you have really great friends inviting you out for ice cream. By way of example though consider that today is July 22, 2016. I finally cut the fenced in backyard only for the second time. The grass and weeds were knee high. We've kept the front lawn cut just fine all year, but the bigger back is rarely seen. Keeping it cut was not much of a priority compared to completing the second edition of The Lost and Forgotten Gospel of the Kingdom. It was released just a few weeks ago. I've worked night and day on that using every 15 minute time period possible to get it done. Yeah! I count it as a major accomplishment in life, sown through the tumult of problems the world offers, many sleepless hours and more than a few tears. It is my heart and soul in print form. Thank you Lord for helping me to the finish line (soft cover ISBN: 978-1535038799, hard cover ISBN: 978-1329799769)!

I heard a musician named Rich Mullins say once that "Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity." Whatever we write can always be better stated. Many talented individuals are kept from crossing the finish line of publication and performance in the hope of doing it better. After we put forth our best reasonable efforts, we have to put it out there for the world. We have to trust they will forgive the glitches and believe they will admire our courage. Its better to falter in an attempt to win the prize than to cower in fear and never try. We hope audiences will benefit from our work and we have to be happy, even if its not absolutely perfect compared to everything or everyone else. What matters most is the satisfaction of knowing that we have lived up to our callings and exercised our talents. In the grace of God perhaps even in our joyful imperfection, if we are willing to put ourselves on the line, we might improve the lives of others here on earth. May it be so!

I am a life long learner. I have earned two masters degrees in practical theology and in teaching. I have about 57 Ph.D. credits in the combined interests historiography, philosophy, theology and Christian history. I did not complete the Ph.D. Nevertheless, The Lost and Forgotten Gospel of the Kingdom is the fruit of my masters and Ph.D efforts. Completing the book and maintaining the freedom to tell the story in the way I felt that it needed to be stated was more important than the credential. I have endeavored to please a Higher Authority.

My favorite work remains "Two Thieves in Paradise" (ISBN 978-1365146732). It is historical fiction detailing the lives of the two thieves who were crucified alongside Jesus. It is an adventure, a comedy, a love story and a tragedy. It is also the means to understanding great hope in life. I wrote this in 2001 and am now just getting around to publishing it this year. I re-read it about 3 years ago and found myself laughing hysterically at some scenes and crying my eyes out in others. The screenplay is filled with life and emotion. I've worked hard to help my readers to empathize, fall in love with and despise various characters. Those of you who have read my biography to this point must enjoy reading and so I really hope you might have the time and means to journey back to first century Jerusalem through the script. Anthony, a mastermind criminal, has teamed up with Cornelius, a petty thief to rob the treasury of the Jewish Temple. Anthony blames the Jews for the demise of his father and so he is motivated and blinded by his vengeance. What they do not realize however, until it is too difficult to back out, is that they have pitted themselves against God. It is exciting, romantic, suspenseful and very funny. The screenplay also contains mature content and some violent scenes. It may not be suitable for all audiences.

Thank you for taking time to read my biography. Contact information is found in the back of the 2016 publications.

Make the most of each moment, share your gifts, and enjoy and prosper as you read!!!

Steve