Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year Award Winner Tackles Child Refugee Problem
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Former missionary to Sudan releases "Little Mango in a Big World" to Benefit Millions of Displaced Children Worldwide
Michigan -- An award-winning children's author who served as a missionary to South Sudan tackles the serious child refugee problem.
"Living in a conflict zone taught me to eradicate distractions and focus on what is important in life," said Teresa Janzen, author of her first children's book, Little Mango in a Big World.
According to recent news reports, the civil war in South Sudan has claimed the lives of at least 12,000 people, injured 33,000, over 5.8 million have been internally displaced, and more than 1.5 million others have fled the country as refugees.
In her book that won the Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year in 2022, Janzen incorporates familiar sights and sounds from Sudan, including the central character depicted from one of the country's native fruits -- a mango.
"Maggi is happy in her mango tree home until one day everything changes, and she finds herself in the world too soon," says Janzen about the central character she created to represent the millions of displaced and vulnerable children in Sudan and around the world.
"As others begin to view Maggie in light of her circumstances, she too starts to believe she is worthless and hopeless," says Janzen, a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach with a penchant for helping people deal with hard and sometimes unspeakable topics.
"When a kind man recognizes her potential and provides the basic care she needs, Maggie finds the courage and strength to become more than she ever imagined," she says.
One of the book's special features is its beautiful illustrations by18-year-old Samuel But Agot, who was raised in a Sudanese refugee camp.
"Samuel knows the plight of vulnerable children firsthand, and I have watched him grow as a person and an artist," Janzen said.
"I pray that our little book will bring hope to other hurting children and families," says Janzen, who donates a portion of the book sales to changing the lives of vulnerable children in communities around the world.
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Author Biography
Teresa Janzen, M.Ed., empowers people to break free from ruts and stuck patterns to experience a radical abundance of peace, purpose, and passion in their work, life, and relationships. She is an international speaker, author, coach, and host of the Radical Abundance podcast. Over twenty years in leadership and global ministry drives her to share inspiring stories with wit and insight, inviting thoughtful dialogue on topics impacting culture and communities.
Teresa is a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach and Executive Coach. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counsellors and has a master’s in education from West Texas A&M, a post-graduate certificate in Bible Exposition from Liberty University, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis on adaptive leadership.
Teresa Janzen served as a missionary in South Sudan where she met Samuel But Agot, who illustrated her first children's book "Little Mango in a Big World -- winner of the 2022 Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year Award. Currently, she lives and coaches in Michigan .For additional information, visit https://teresajanzen.com/#
Suggested Interview Questions
Why did you write the book "Little Mango in a Big World"?
Who does the mango in the book represent?
Why do you consider Sudan a "conflict zone?" Can you describe what's it like living there?
What tributes to Sudan will readers discover in the pages of your book?
Tell us about how you met 18-year-old Samuel But Agot, the book's illustrator?
What does it mean to be a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach?
Have you written other books?
How can the public purchase a copy of the book, and where do a portion of the proceeds go?
How can we keep up with you on social media?
Backgrounder
Unspeakable Topics: Christian Conversations about Hard Things
"Maggie Mango" author Teresa Janzen served as a missionary in South Sudan where she met Samuel But Agot. Raised in a refugee camp, Samuel knows the plight of vulnerable children firsthand. Teresa watched Samuel grow and develop as a person and as an artist. Together they present Little Mango in a Big World in support of vulnerable children everywhere.
It’s time to break the silence and engage in conversation about hard topics: divorce, addiction and recovery, domestic violence, sex and sexuality, and more. These topics work well in large and small goups and are exceptionally suited to inspire action. Sharing our redemption stories gives others hope.
Teresa Janzen served as a missionary in South Sudan where she met Samuel But Agot. Raised in a refugee camp, Samuel knows the plight of vulnerable children firsthand. Teresa watched Samuel grow and develop as a person and as an artist. Together they present Little Mango in a Big World in support of vulnerable children everywhere.
Teresa Janzen, M.Ed., empowers people to break free from ruts and stuck patterns to experience a radical abundance of peace, purpose, and passion in their work, life, and relationships. She is an international speaker, author, coach, and host of the Radical Abundance podcast. Over twenty years in leadership and global ministry drives her to share inspiring stories with wit and insight, inviting thoughtful dialogue on topics impacting culture and communities.
Teresa is a Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach and Executive Coach. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counsellors and has a master’s in education from West Texas A&M, a post-graduate certificate in Bible Exposition from Liberty University, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis on adaptive leadership.
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