Jeff Barker is a long-time member of Trinity Church and a beloved member of the faculty in the theater department at Northwestern College. He is also the author of several plays and books. His newest book, Iowa Ethiopia, was just released this fall by Hendrickson Publishers. In this launch of Trinity’s staff & leaders blog, Pastor Brian Keepers interviews Jeff on his new book, dramatic performances connected to the book, and Christianity in Ethiopia.
Brian: Your newest book, Iowa Ethiopia, was just released this fall. It’s an intriguing title. Can you tell us what the book is about?
Jeff: Iowa Ethiopia is the true story of Arlene Schuiteman’s calling to leave Sioux Center to live in the western mountains of Ethiopia. She was hired to start a nursing school. She also experienced a life-changing spiritual revival alongside a heartbreaking national revolution.
Brian: This is the sequel to your first book on Arlene, Sioux Center Sudan. How are the two books related, and do you need to read them in order?
Jeff: These two books are collections of stories of Arlene’s life and ministry. Each story and book can be enjoyed on their own. But they combine to reveal a life’s journey, so it’s ideal if they’re read in sequence.
Brian: How did you first meet Arlene, and what led you to write these books about her life and mission work in Africa?
Jeff: I wanted to write a play about the female missionary pilot Betty Greene. Through a sequence of divine appointments, I learned that Arlene knew Betty. She welcomed me to come and ask about Betty. Soon I said to Arlene, “I think I’m supposed to write not about Betty but about you.” She said, “Why?” I said, “To affirm the gospel and encourage the church.” She said, “That’s a good answer. But if you ever put a missionary on a pedestal, I’ll take the story back.” I agreed, and we’ve been at this project for nearly 15 years.
Brian: Now you’ve written plays based on both of these books, correct? How are the plays similar or different from the books?
Jeff: I’ve written three plays, and I then I combined the three into one four-hour play! Each play is mostly based on interviews. When I started writing the books, Arlene gave me all her journals and letters. The books, therefore, have tons of details and extra stories that are not in the plays.
Brian: What do you hope people will take away from these books and plays about Arlene’s life and mission work?
Jeff: Arlene likes to say, “Everybody has a story.” She and I hope that hearing her story is an affirmation that God is at work all over the world. God’s work in the world should be remembered and passed along to the next generation. Our theme verse is Psalm 71:18: “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”
Brian: Have you ever been to Ethiopia? Do you have any plans to travel there in the near future?
Jeff: I first traveled to Ethiopia in 2011 along with Arlene. Then we went back the following Christmas to take a group of students who performed the play. Now that the book is finished, I’m taking another group of students to not only perform the play but also to carry copies of the book to distribute to the Ethiopian church. This is their history, so we’re bringing it back to them.
Brian: What’s Christianity like in Ethiopia?
Jeff: There are two ancient events that shape the story of Ethiopia’s faith journey. Nearly 3000 years ago, the ark of the covenant was brought into Ethiopia. It is now believed to be in Aksum, housed in a holy place called “The Chapel of the Tablet” and guarded by a priest called “The Guardian of the Ark.” Jewish practices have highly influenced religious activities to this day. The other event was the return of the Ethiopian treasurer told in Acts 8. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is considered one of the most ancient arms of the Christian faith. It has many traditions and has been historically intertwined with the government.
Brian: Let me ask you this question as an artist. What surprised you the most after finishing these projects (or while you were working on them)?
Jeff: There were so many surprises! One of my greatest joys has been discovering that Arlene has guarded her relationship with Jesus. A life of ministry can tire out the spirit. Arlene was desperately tired, but her faith grew and grew. To this day, she seriously pursues the disciplines of Christian faith.
Brian: A couple final questions. Where can we get a copy of Iowa Ethiopia? And will your students be performing the play nearby anytime soon?
Jeff: The book is available online (Amazon; ChristianBook.com). You can also buy a signed copy at Trinity Church or the theatre office at the college. And we’ll be performing the play in town next semester on the following dates:
Northwestern College Proscenium Theatre (Orange City): Friday, February 14 | 4:00 pm
First Reformed Church (Sioux Center): Sunday, February 16 | 6:00 pm
Trinity Reformed Church (Orange City): Sunday, March 22 | 6:00 pm
