The Runaway Parents

“But we’ve got to find my dad now!” John insisted. “Don’t you understand? He may be able to help her!”

“Like I told you before,” his grandfather said, “there’s a timing to things, John. We have to wait on the King’s timing. I want to find your dad, but I don’t feel peaceful about it yet, and I’m not sure why. But I think we’ll go soon.”

“I’ve waited long enough!” John cried out. “I don’t think you really care. Nobody cares anymore but me.”

John ran out of the room. He hit the front door and ran down t he steps. He kept running and running.

“I’ve got to do something,” he said to himself. “I’ve got to figure out a way.”

Book: TheRunaway Parents by John Bibee, Intervarsity Press, 1991

Genre: Fantasy/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12-16

Subjects: Family Relationships, Doubt, Depression, Freedom, Hope

Summary: “He’s a regular moron.” “He’s lazy.” “He’s stupid.” “He’ll never get it right.” “You’re running out of money. What an awful provider!” “You should have done this.” “You should have done that.” “What kind of man are you?” “What kind of husband and father are you?” “You’re pathetic.” “You disgust me so much I just want to throw up.” “He betrayed the kings for a bunch of money. He sold the Spirit Flyers for a few measly dollars. Where’s that money now, Mr. Deal Maker?”

Many years ago it rained for days in Centerville. In the midst of that rain came sightings of black tornados that looked like snakes. After one of them, the car of John’s parents was found destroyed by a tornado. Everyone assumed John’s parents to be dead. But they aren’t. And now, after all of these years, his mom has returned! And she says John’s dad is still alive as well! John wants to instantly go after him, but for some reason his grandfather and uncle refuse, saying it’s not the right time. Angrily, John sets off on his own. His journey isn’t easy though. His dad is working as a slave to Goliath Industries, doing demeaning jobs for them. He’s lost in his own despair, confident he has sunk too far to return home. All the labels and accusations are true. He believes he’s a failure and that John would be better off without him. John is devastated at the abandonment, allowing his heart to fill with anger at his parents. Only Kingslove can set free the father and the son. 

Notes: The Runaway Parents is the sixth in the Spirit Flyer Series. The series uses a flying bicycle to represent faith in Christ. The bicycles are made by the “Three Kings”. When a person chooses to believe in them, the bicycle arrives and will fly when they are trusting. The series takes place in an end times setting, with it finally ending at the rapture. Throughout the series, the struggle between good and evil is shown in those choosing to ride Spirit Flyers battling Goliath Industries, an organization that desires to see death and destruction. This book sort of pauses the intense battle in Centerville and focuses on just a couple of characters. It shows, yet again, a character who has walked away from their faith and ceased to trust the Three Kings, but who was never abandoned by them. At the end, the Kingson tells John and his father “No matter what you do, you will always be your Father’s son. You made many mistakes, Joe. And you may make some more. The Father and I feel great sorrow when any of our children suffer. But you’ve always had a place in the Father’s house. This is your true home and that’s never changed. All of those children who are born into his Kingdom will live with him forever and nothing can take them away from his house. Neither death nor life, neither height nor depth can separate you from the love of your Father the King.” The book also deals with the issue of judgment and condemnation as John, his cousin and his uncle all pass judgment on Joe Kramer, condemning him and refusing to offer forgiveness until confronted by the Kingson. John realizes he is guilty of one of the very things he is accusing his father of. It is partially a prodigal son story.

I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series. It offers great spiritual value as well as a creative storyline and enough suspense and adventure to keep readers interested.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:31,38 – What, then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.