What is Staying on the Trail Through Trials about?
The cancer diagnosis sent shock waves through Larry Mast's life. A strong "Montana Man," adept in construction even in the remotest parts of Alaska, Yemen, and Africa, Larry seemed invincible. Now struggling with an internal enemy, he debated whether to share this news.
The rare sighting of five Indigo Buntings feeding together one evening near his home prompted him to write a letter entitled, "Hope is Faith on Tiptoes." The following flood of concern, advice, and love greatly encouraged Larry as he glimpsed a fresh revelation of God's love through his friends. — Amy Mast, Our daughter-in-law
Staying on the Trail Through Trials is about the growing lumps and emotional bumps of the cancer journey. Written with humor and sensitivity, Larry's book chronicles the loving support of family and friends during a time of personal crisis. Larry is one of the most faithful man's man that I know. It is an honor to serve Jesus with him. — Don Stephens, President & Founder of Mercy Ships
These 45 individual stories, from the frigid tundra of Alaska to the 130° heat of Yemen's Tahama Desert, and many places in between, were written to touch your heart. They might make you laugh or cry. Just around the corner a sense of humor lies in wait to ambush you. Much of my writing is "tongue in cheek." Sometimes, I think my tongue is stuck there. Someone once told me, "Life is too serious to be taken too seriously." It is my desire that you enjoy this cross-section of life, and be encouraged and challenged along life's road.
Some of my fondest memories are of the mountains. Our church youth group in Montana, where I grew up, often spent time on weekends climbing mountains and fording streams in Glacier National Park. Our leader was an older man from Switzerland, John Boss, who could walk us teenagers into the ground!
Now I am older myself. I hope and pray I never lose the spirit of adventure, the drive and ambition to reach the summit. No coasting into the finish line for me!
These stories are stones in the stream of my life. I hope you enjoy them, and if you find some you really like, try skipping them across the water of someone else's life.
Larry Mast, writer and carpenter, has worked with Mercy Ships from 1984 to the present. Larry lives with his wife Helen near Lindale, Texas, where the Mercy Ships International Headquarters are located. Larry travels to the ship as needed for drydock projects. His hobbies include hunting, mountain climbing, and memorizing poetry and recitations. They have two married sons, Bradley and Brian.
