Depart from Evil

About the Book

The author, Joan Fields Long, wrote Depart From Evil in 1976-77. The setting is in a peaceful farming community in the South. When a new pastor is hired for the local church things begin to change. He and his wife and their dog are welcomed with open arms by dairy farmers, Jed and Jenny Bentley and their family. Something strange and mysterious begins to happen after their arrival. Attitudes and disruptions in the Bentley household and in lives of some of the church members and even the farm animals take place. There is an account in the Bible in Matthew where Jesus cast out demons and they went into a herd of swine. The Bible gives strict instructions against delving into what we now call the occult or having anything to do with evil spirits. Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” KJV. Readers of most any age will be able to relate to the characters and their life style of 40 years ago. When rural America moved at a slower pace and dairy farms were the livelihood of many people. The community and the local church were important parts of their everyday lives. Proverbs 3:7 “Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord, and ‘depart from evil.’ ” KJV.

About the Author

Joan Fields Long grew up on a farm in Randolph County, North Carolina. She graduated from Randleman High School as salutatorian of the class of 1949. Was married to Cecil Long for sixty-two years before his death in 2013, mother of two and grandmother of seven, great grandmother of one. She has lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for fifty-eight years. Studied writing under author Manley Wade Wellman at the University of North Carolina. This is her second novel. “Daisy’s Hope for her Journey” was published in 2014 by AuthorHouse. She has been active in Church and community organizations as volunteer for many years. At age 85, she would like to encourage others to strive to make their dreams come true as she has done. Whether it is writing, travel or just by making every day count for something for their legacy.