Discussion

Discussion Questions for Reader Groups

1. What made Sarah initially decide to stay with Justin and how did those reasons change during the course of the journey?
   
   
2. Justin had no weapons and no knowledge of the wild west. Yet Sarah felt safe with him. Why?
   
   
3. Justin always took the path of least resistance and didn't even fight the false charges lodged against him in Boston. By nature a peaceful man, what happened during the journey that brought out his fighting spirit?
   
   
4. How did finding baby Elizabeth change Sarah? How did it change Justin? How did it change their relationship?
   
   
5. Justin's favorite hymn was Amazing Grace. Why do you think he identified so strongly with the words of that traditional hymn?
   
   
6. Sarah said the west didn't change a person; it simply made you more of who you were. What did she mean by that?
   
   
7. During the course of the journey to Texas, Justin was forced to grow and change in ways he never imagined. God tested him as both a Christian and a man. Name a time in your life when God put you and your faith to the test.
   
   
8. What drew Sarah to the Lost and Found church?
   
   
9. Sarah was told by the pastor of Lost and Found to follow God's signs. Describe a time in your life that you felt God leading the way.
   
   
10. Sarah believed in God but she was afraid to put her trust in Him. Yet, she took a big chance in going back to Rocky Creek. What part did her faith play in that decision?
    
    
11. When did Sarah's opinion of her brother George change and how did it affect her? Was there ever a time that you disapproved of a loved one's actions? How did this affect your relationship?
    
    
12. Justin said that God always sends someone to help in time of need. Name a time in your life when one of God's "angels" helped you. Were you aware of God's help at the time?
    
    
13. During the course of the story, Sarah learned that God loves you even if you aren't perfect and "don't know no four-footed words." How has your relationship to God changed through the years?
    
    
14. Justin knew how to minister to people in Boston, but he questioned his ability to help the folks in Rocky Creek. Sarah told him all he needed was his faith. Has there ever been a time that you doubted your ability to do something? What part did your faith play in overcoming your fears?
    
    
15. Rocky Creek is a wild frontier town where revenge passes as justice and God is an afterthought. In what way does the condition of the town (and church) mirror the spiritual decay of Rainbow Creek's citizens?
    
    
16. Justin questioned God's reasons for sending him to Texas. When did he finally understand why God sent him there?
    
    
17. How were the folks in Rocky Creek different from those in Boston?
    How were they similar?
    
    
18. Justin didn't want to leave Boston and the church he loved. But by following God's plan, he gained so much more than he lost. Can you think of something bad that happened to you which later turned out to be a blessing in disguise?