Writing Contest

The Refiner's Fire
HopeChest's Twelfth Annual Writing Competition

Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the authors who
entered HopeChest's twelfth annual writing competition! We were
immensely blessed by reading your excellent articles and stories.
Over the next year, we look forward to printing many of these gems in
the pages of HopeChest. Read the first-place winners in the upcoming
Autumn 2004 issue. If you missed the deadline for the competition,
don't despair! We always welcome inspiring stories, articles, and
poetry encouraging young women towards biblical womanhood.

—The Editors

The Refiner's Fire: Writing Competition Winners

Non-Fiction

FIRST:
Call to the High Places
by Natalie Nyquist

About the author: Natalie Nyquist (21) lives with her family in the
forest north of Kansas City, where her father serves as president of
Avant Ministries. In May, she will graduate from Moody Bible
Institute with a B.S. in Biblical Studies. Her passions include
ministry to unreached people groups and she's traveled in Europe,
Africa, and Asia on mission work. Currently, she stays busy serving
her family and church, preparing for marriage and writing. For
information on her books, visit www.ylcf.org/maidensquest.

SECOND:
Rediscovering Christianity
by Renee Pratt

About the author: Renee Allison Pratt (16) lives in Main with seven
of her twelve siblings. Besides writing, she enjoys traveling,
reading, and meeting new people. Currently, she is busy compiling
information for a bookstore her family hopes to open. Write Renee at
naedles@yahoo.com.

THIRD:
Worthy is His Name
by Rachel Leon

About the author: Rachel Leon (16) is the oldest of ten children.
Four of her sisters have special needs, and she enjoys spending time
with them. A homeschooled student, Rachel's hobbies include
reading, writing, computers, playing the piano and the flute, baking, and
enjoying God's creation.

HON. MENTION:
Little Urchins and a Daughter of the King
by Lindsey Savino

About the author: Lindsey Noel Savino (17) is grateful to be a
daughter of the King and a daughter of her parents. She lives on two
wooded acres in Magnolia, TX with her wonderful family and pets.
Studying the Bible, writing, reading, journaling, spending time with
her family, sewing, music, scrap-booking, and horses are among
Lindsey's hobbies.

Fiction

FIRST:
That Blessed Hope
by Jana Baldridge

About the author: Jana Marie Baldridge (22) lives at home with her
family near Hillsboro, WI. She is the oldest of one sister, Shelley,
and three brothers, Timothy, Mark, and Ryan. Writing and children are
her main passions, but quilting, photography, and dreaming up ways to
return to Romania fill the "spare moments." Life has been an
adventure over the years, as God has led her to various
ministries…from overseas to Texas, Washington, and her local church. Jana
welcomes your thoughts at wiscottishlass@yahoo.com.

SECOND:
Journey of the Heart
by Danielle Carey

About the author: Danielle Carey (23) is a big sister to four, works
from home as manager of the family business, and teaches piano to
twenty-two students. Along with her family, she lives in a rural part
of New South Wales, Australia. She loves to write and fellowship with
sisters in the Lord and combines those two loves through publishing
Whatsoever—a magazine for young women. A few of her favorite
things include time spent with Jesus, her family, special friends,
missionary biographies, blank journals, letters in the mail, fat
babies, changing seasons, music, chocolate, and reading on rainy
evenings. E-mail Danielle at daniellec@pconsulting.com.au.

THIRD:
Destiny Discovered
by Renee Pratt

About the author: Renee Allison Pratt (16) lives in Main with seven
of her twelve siblings. Besides writing, she enjoys traveling,
reading, and meeting new people. Currently, she is busy compiling
information for a bookstore her family hopes to open. Write Renee at
naedles@yahoo.com.

HON. MENTION:
His Princess
by Caroline Leal

About the author: Caroline Leal (12) is the third oldest of seven
children. Her hobbies include playing the violin, learning to sew,
and writing.