The Gift, Ancient Secrets of Solomon's Wisdom, A Novel

Debre Damo beckons you to a life-changing adventure!

Debre Damo--the very name exudes mystery with a hint of intrigue. That's precisely what Jeff discovered within the 4th century monastery atop an obscure plateau in northern Ethiopia.

After meeting the Guardian of the Ark--yes, the age-old Ark of the Covenant--Jeff is thrust into the role of amateur explorer and spiritual archeologist. The Guardian sends him on an extraordinary pilgrimage to Debre Damo. Jeff suspects he has stumbled onto something of far greater value than even the lost Ark.

An ancient text known as The Book of Zadok holds the key. The Abba of Debre Damo is about to reveal King Solomon's Secrets--The Gift. Come along...experience the remarkable journey for yourself!

What people are saying about The Gift:

"The Gift ushers its readers into a world foreign to most, one steeped in both mystery and wisdom. My journey with the author allowed me not only to learn something of Ethiopia's wisdom tradition and to imaginatively reconsider Solomon but also offered resources for my own faith. You will enjoy the read."
--Robert K. Johnston, professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary "With Solomon's life as a backdrop, Jeff Mitchell weaves an intriguing parable about the nature of God's wisdom and our struggle to embrace it that is as timely and poignant as the morning headlines."
--Wayne Jacobsen, speaker, and author of He Loves Me, Learning to Life in the Father's Affection and co-writer of The Shack "Some books are compelling, and I can't put them down. Others are meaningful, and I need their truth. The Gift is both. I was drawn to the remarkable story of the author in Ethiopia and his quest for a peace-filled soul. I am taking away the truths of the Seven Pillars. The Gift is indeed a gift."
--Lon Allison, executive director of the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College.

"Open this book and become an intentional pilgrim on the path of the soul's journey. The gentle, yet stretching engagement between a pastor and an Ethiopian Abba, and between a young king and a priest draws the reader skillfully into awakening dimensions of life in God. The development of relationship and discovery is akin to the process of spiritual direction. This book is a treasure. I recommend it!"
--Sandra Lommasson, Founder and Co-Director of Bread of Life Center for Spiritual Formation, former president of Spiritual Directors International

"Jeff Mitchell has written an absolutely amazing and unique book. The Gift does a fantastic job of weaving story, scripture, imagination, and wisdom. It will provide readers the chance to appraise their own lives, considering where it lies on the scale between wisdom and folly."
--David T. Olsen, Executive Minister of Church Growth and Evangelism, Evangelical Covenant Church, and author of The American Church in Crisis

Jeffery Mitchell has an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He's been a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church for 22 years. Jeff has led several pilgrimages to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Central America. He was awarded a grant which funded a sabbatical to Ethiopia where he did a study tour of ancient monasteries and churches. He is married to Gael.