Robert: A Clerical Novel

The main characters in this story come from the Bible. I have taken a little known man, Omnesimus, and formed a uplifting, high moral story. He is only heard of in the new testament books of Philemon and Colossions. The Apostle Paul, who wrote Philemon sent this letter to Philemon to help him show mercy to this run-away slave.

This is a story that the young will enjoy! It has excitement, drama and love but without language that would offend anyone. I have gleamed information from encyclopedias and from the Internet concerning the area in which this story takes place, gaining information about the climate, agriculture and terrain of the land, trying to make the story's setting accurate while still folding a fictitious story around the main character. I have also talked to a person who has lived in the area my story takes place, and gained information here too.

The first few pages start with Omne's childhood in what is now Turkey. Then as a strong, husky youth he is taken by raiders. He is treated, harshly, as a slave and for several months lives in the filthy camps of those who stole him. Here he is befriended by another slave, a lad about his own age, who tells him about the God in Heaven. This boy tells Omne that the gods of silver and wood are worthless!

After many months Omne is taken away from this camp and sold as a slave to a man who treats his slaves well. This man had been visited by one of the men who help Paul and he believed in Christ too! One day while Omne is working his team of oxen in a field near the river, he rescues his master's young son from drowning. This feat he did even though he had never learned to swim and this act nearly takes the life of this helpful slave. As a reward for the valiant act Omne is given Martha, a most lovely and sweet young lady, for his wife.

With the passing of time children are born into this couple's home. Omne and his family are treated almost like children of the master's household. Omne is respected by his master and the other slaves whom he is now boss over. All goes well until Omne's eldest son dies and Omne can't accept his death. He grows very despondent, and blames God for his son's death. Feeling that all hope is gone he steals from his master and leaves his beloved wife and children. He tries to run away from God but in the process finds that God is ever with him even through 2 robberies and beati