Actor Uses Power of Storytelling in Standard Publishing's New Release Between Two Kingdoms

Press Release : Apr 12, 2010
ASSIST News

"The hope of the Kingdom found in Jesus in some ways defies our ability to explain it by only reciting facts. The truth of Christianity and its redemptive power changes hearts for eternity, and that is what is powerful and true about storytelling."

(Cincinnati, Ohio)—Long known for its extensive lines of children's books and church resources, Standard Publishing recently released what it describes as a children's story for adults, a fantasy novel with Christian allegorical elements.

Between Two Kingdoms also introduces a new author, Joe Boyd, whose entertaining take on the Christian faith draws on his multi-faceted life and talents as an actor, improv comedy expert—and pastor.

Boyd's passion for storytelling and heart for ministry led him to develop the story about two kingdoms that communicate the mysteries of the Christian faith in an intriguing way.

He writes the story of children who are eternally seven years old, at least in the Upper Kingdom, which is ruled by the Great King and the Good Prince. But some of the children also venture into the Lower Kingdom on quests for their king, enduring hardships as they help others find their way to the Upper Kingdom. They encounter unusual creatures and dark days, but also find light and life in unexpected places.

Yet this is a story written for adults.

Because Boyd believes that story is the ultimate form of truth and foundational in every culture, he chooses this powerful way to illustrate Biblical truth to young and old. And as an actor, he brings a unique understanding of the power of storytelling.

"I wrote this story for my church a few years ago," Boyd said, "because I wanted a new canvas to paint on. A new way to talk about Jesus and the Kingdom. Storytelling is far more powerful than just telling people facts, and it finds its way into our lives and psyches in a long-lasting way.

"In my own reading, I've been foundationally affected by story, and love the quote attributed to G.K. Chesterton that says, 'Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.' The hope of the Kingdom found in Jesus in some ways defies our ability to explain it by only reciting facts. The truth of Christianity and its redemptive power changes hearts for eternity, and that is what is powerful and true about storytelling."

When he's not writing books or film scripts, Boyd puts his storytelling abilities to good use in his current position as a teaching pastor at the 6,000-member Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati. Boyd returned to pastoring after achieving success on stage in a three-year run in the Broadway/Las Vegas company of Tony n' Tina's Wedding and in several television roles for Fox and The History Channel, as well as a recurring role in General Hospital.

He has several film projects in development, and is producing and acting in two films now, including a faith-based romantic comedy called "The Balloonier" that co-stars successful Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James, as well as a comedic feature film that will be released in the summer of 2010.

For more information about Between Two Kingdoms, visit www.betweentwokingdoms.com or become a fan of the book on Facebook.