The Reason for Tears: A Memoir

Tony Weedor's unique ministry crossed many borders. A native African and former Muslim, he brought a learned and insightful perspective to those struggling with questions about cultural conflict. As a young man, Tony was in training to become an imam when he felt the call of God to follow Jesus. His Muslim parents disowned him as a result, and while he managed to finish college, he barely escaped a horrific civil war with his wife and their fourteen-month-old daughter. After three years in a refugee camp, they were rescued and brought to America where Tony graduated from Denver Seminary (USA). Tony taught Islamic history at both Denver Seminary in Colorado and at Evangelical Theological College in Ethiopia. He lectured about Islam following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and spoke before Congress in his native Liberia. For years, Tony's Bible radio commentaries were also heard throughout a large portion of West Africa. After years as Regional Director for Africa for the humanitarian organization Advancing Native Missions, Tony became Missions Associate for Muslim Outreach at Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville, KY. In partnership with his wife, Elizabeth Fahn-Weedor, he also founded Centerpoint International Foundation, providing support to Liberia through desperately needed relief supplies and the building and operation of schools. Tony's powerful testimony, teaching, and consistent witness for Jesus impacted thousands around the globe. His legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Andy Straka had hints of his future writing career at the age of four when he appeared at his small-town neighbor's back door carrying a butcher's knife. Thankfully, the neighbor called Andy's mother instead of social services.

Featured by Publishers Weekly among a group of "rising stars" in crime fiction, Andy is a past finalist for the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award and the author of the Shamus Award-winning Frank Pavlicek private eye series, including the #1 bestselling A Witness Above. Andy is a former college basketball player, a licensed falconer, and longtime husband and father. Rumor also has it that he heralds from upstate New York, where he often spent Sunday afternoons, growing up, bowling with his parents and identical twin brother.