K NOW Y OUR N EIGHBOR Christian leader encourages people to bring their faith to the public square

“So often, I hear that faith and politics don’t mix,” stated Terry Wood. “But I strongly disagree.

“Thirty-five percent of our Constitution comes directly from the scriptures. In Isaiah 9:6-7, the Bible talks about the coming Messiah, as the prophet writes, ‘and the government will rest upon his shoulders. There will be no end to the increase of his government.’

“I believe as Biblical citizens, we have the duty to bring our faith voice to the public square. Local engagement at the grassroots level results in national impact.”

Although Wood is a contractor by profession, he’s been a Christian leader for the past 30 years. He studied his M.Div. at Grace Seminary and has been a Warsaw resident since 1999.

“I know the Constitution as well as my Bible. Both are important if we are to be productive Christian citizens in the public arena.” Wood recently relocated to Elkhart and remains active in grassroots developments there.

His organization, Indiana

Patriots Alliance, was formed so members could collaborate with other liberty-minded citizens.

“I remain active at the Indiana Statehouse. I go there to understand legislative senators and representatives and hold them accountable for their representation of their constituents.”

Wood has always enjoyed helping people become critical thinkers. He spent many years in an outreach ministry geared toward college students and young adults.

“Over the years our ministry was unique in that we raised up leadership from within. It was student led and staff directed, as we empowered them in peerto-peer ministry. We challenged students to make the local church a priority in their early adult years to equip them to become healthy contributors in their future church.”

Beside being an influential speaker, Wood has been a writer since his youth, with his first publication at 12 years old. He continues to hone his love for authorship by journaling and writing.

Through multilevel marketing,

Wood met Tricia Andreassen, who has her own publishing company.

“She was putting together a book called ‘Stepping into Courage’ and used a variety of authors to write particular chapters. She invited me to be one of those writers.”

The book became a bestseller.

Wood is also one of the authors of another of her books, “Endurance: The Journey from the Valley to the Mountaintop.” This book is also a bestseller. Those interested in finding out about both books can visit battlereadywarrior@ gmail.com.

“I’m working on a five-book series of my own about being a Christian warrior,” he continued.

“My first book in the series is ‘Battle Ready.’” He is currently studying how to produce and market his own books and someday would like to have his books self-published.

“I love the thought of being a word craftsman. Every good writer has the ability to tell a good story. I want my stories to have ‘the three Cs.’ My books need to be concise, clear and captivating.”

Wood has two sons: Zachary, 19, and Jacob, 15. He attends Maranatha Apostolic Glory Center in Nappanee.

“When communicating, we need to appeal to understand others rather than demanding to be heard. Whether I’m writing or speaking, I always seek to ask questions. By doing so, it removes a person’s defenses. It not only helps me understand them but oftentimes helps the person understand themselves.”