CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - Garwin native, Missi Nielson Goldson, is pictured with her best selling children’s book, “My Five Finger Promise.” She currently lives in Memphis, Tenn. and is a preschool teacher. Books are available on Amazon and at Stepping Stones Christian book stores in Marshalltown and Grinnell.

Four little words, one huge promise. That’s the premise of a new children’s book written by Garwin native Missi Nielsen Goldson. The book, “My Five Finger Promise” is a work of delightful poetry based on the Bible verse, Deuteronomy 31:6. The verse states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

The book is illustrated by Ezra Martin. The artwork is unbelievable! It is simple, uncluttered and utterly captivating. While the book is targeted to preschoolers, it is so creative and colorful that it easily relates to all ages.

Nielsen Goldson said, “The idea for the book was totally beyond my control and is based on a finger play taught by fellow preschool teacher, Melba Morris, who passed away in 2017. I came home from work after a particularly hard day and was crying in my car, questioning my purpose in life, when I heard the Lord tell me to write a book. I thought that was quite funny because I don’t even like English, or spelling or writing. I’m a math person. I told God that I would obey if He would tell me what to write….. And He gave me the words to the book in less than 30 seconds! That was in 2021. The book just sat. Then out of the blue in September of last year a got a text from Ezra Martin…….He was at a tough point in his life and had just re-committed his life to the Lord. I encouraged him to use his artistic talent….and the rest is history.”

She added, “I love to read, love teaching preschool. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would write a book. But when we obey God, He equips us. I want all the glory, honor and praise to go to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.”

“My Five Finger Promise” was a number one new release in children’s ministry for about a week and a half. Current plans are for a second book to be out before Christmas. It has been written for five to ten year old children and is entitled, “All About My Bible.”