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copyright 2005
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Sherry Keller Fisher
and
Shawn Fisher
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RAHA is available
for sale at these
local locations:
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- Church of the Resurrection Office, Muncy
- Christian Light Book Store, Williamsport
- Harter's, Muncy
- Ben Franklin, Clarkstown
- Food Rite, Turbotville
- Rainbow Christian Bookstore, Lewisburg
- Otto's Bookstore, Williamsport, Holiday season only
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Chapter 1,
Heaven... A place of perfect happiness. Paradise...
Home to many mansions. Gods glory and throne. Yes, thats
what heaven is, Raha thought. He had found a secluded area and
sat with his face in his hands. It is so beautiful here. He
looked up and as far as his eyes could scan, they were met with
indescribable beauty and wonder. Theres no place in the
entire universe that is as wonderful as heaven. Everything you
could possibly desire is here. Its perfect.
Well, at least it used to be. Raha
said out loud...
so begins the book.

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Sherry Keller Fisher, a life long parishioner of the Church
of the Resurrection, Muncy, had already begun writing the book,
RAHA, The Angel of Compassion, in 2004 when her dad, James R.
Keller, died. In the book, the angel RAHA is on a spiritual
journey and is given the most wonderful privilege any angel
has ever been granted.
After her dad's death, memories of his life of
compassion renewed her desire to share the story. Her son, Shawn,
joined in the journey by creating some of the illustrations.
Not only will RAHA touch its readers, it will
also benefit the Church of the Resurrection. Sherry is donating
50% of the book's profits to the parish.
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Book Reviews
"In this charming little book, Keller
takes us on a passionate faith journey. In her easy to read 16
chapters, the author presents a wonderful way to become familiar
with Jesus' life. An achievement in narrative bible study, illuminating
Jesus' life the Gospel unfolds through the lenses of angel Raha.
The angel thought never to be able to understand people, and thus
didn't care for them. But angel Raha's love for Jesus transfigures
into a love for all human beings. The story interjects humor,
humanness, and sorrow without losing a sense of respect and honor.
Once you started the novel you won't put it aside before you have
finished it."
Reverend Carla Volland, Pastor at Clarkstown/Lairdsville
Lutheran Parish
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"The life of Jesus seen through the eyes of an
angel-that's the point of view Sherry Keller offers her
readers in Raha. But Raha is no ordinary angel. Raha gives
us laughter and jokes. He shares his struggles, questions
and worries. And in the end we discover that this angel-like
us mere mortals-has his mission, his particular way to
walk after the Lord. Let Raha show you the familiar gospel
story in a new light. Let Raha show you our story-the
story of people guided and gifted by the Lord."
The Very Reverend Glenn McCreary,
Pastor at The Church of the Resurrection
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"A charming narrative that retells the Bible
stories we know so well of the days of Jesus' teaching on earth.
The reader will discover an empathetic character in Raha, as he
struggles to understand his purpose and begins to comprehend the
depth of the Father's love."
Michelle M. Falck, Staff Writer, The Luminary
Also read the article in September 7th
The Catholic Light news paper
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Synposis;
"Me! Father has granted me a great and holy
privilege! Oh, Abby, He can't. I'm not good at anything! I don't
want to mess up," wailed Raha.
Abby smiled reassuringly and said, "Raha, from all the realms,
of all His angels, in all of creation, Father has chosen you for
this glorious honor and gracious privilege."
So begins Raha's journey to earth, with Abby as his guide, to
witness Jesus' ministry. Father knows Raha has been severely wounded
by a fellow angel who he had deeply loved. It has only been Jesus'
love that has saved Raha from complete despair. Through Jesus'
ministry, Father's plan is for Raha to be restored wholly back
to the angel he once was. Only then will he be ready for the privilege
that was meant to be his from the beginning of creation---the
most wonderful privilege any angel has ever been granted.
Raha's wounds and spiritual journey are not that different from
the wounds and journey many Christians experience. It is reassuring
to find that God is constant and patient, calling us back to Him,
for He has a plan and purpose for us all.
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Raha's friend, Abimeliech
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"Oh, hello, Abby," Raha returned
his greeting trying to sound casual. He watched as the
tall, noble angel bent down to sit beside him. Abby was
one of those angels Raha admired most. His name was Abimeliech,
which meant, 'My Father is King', but Raha found that
name too long and difficult to pronounce, so he gave him
the nickname Abby.
Abby's vast understanding of what seemed to be everything
was astounding. Just as impressive as his great knowledge
was the manner in which he expressed himself. Always patient
and never boastful or pushy, he knew when and how to make
his point. He was exceedingly handsome, his serene face
framed by long straight golden hair. He traveled with
an air of grace and possessed eyes of the deepest blue.
So intense were his eyes that Raha felt as if Abby could
see into his soul, which made Raha uncomfortable. The
last thing he wanted Abby to see was how his heart had
been sulking.
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Raha and Andy
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"Andrew! Wait!" the old man
implored as he reached out and grasped the younger man's
hand. Although the old man's face was wrinkled and only
tiny wisps of white hair remained flitting about his face,
it was apparent that the two men's eyes and shape of their
noses were the same. "Don't leave. You can't leave.
This is our busy season."
Andrew sighed and said with half a grin, "Every season
is our busy season." Then, looking lovingly at his
grandfather he said, "Simon has plenty of help. Things
will be fine." He took the hand that the old man
was grasping and wrapped it around his grandfather and
embraced him.
He let go of his grandfather and turned and started to
walk away. His grandfather hobbled after him and pleaded,
"But, Andrew, I need you."
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Beliel
Oh Beliel, Raha thought to himself, what has happened to you?
Father never treated you like that. Father would never treat
anyone like Lucifer treats you! He remembered how Beliel said
that humans should be made to grovel at the angels' feet and
be their servants. He claimed that angels were by far much more
superior than humans. Now he had just witnessed Beliel's groveling
at the mere sound of Lucifer's voice. It had been pitiful watching
Beliel behave in such a manner. No one should have to grovel.
Not Beliel, not humans, not anyone.
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