Millie Nelson Samuelson

Millie was "made in China" during World War II - the daughter and granddaughter of missionaries of Swedish descent. Her family was often called "white Chinese" because they lived, dressed, and spoke like their Chinese neighbors. Her father was so fluent, he served with the United States Marine Corps in China as an interpreter, and later in Taiwan as a chaplain.

Not long ago, Millie was asked if she would choose her life over again. As a war survivor her childhood was horrendous, but yes, she would choose her life again. And she is doing so in her writing.

Growing up in China and Taiwan, she saw how the Christian faith gave dignity and freedom to Chinese girls and women. Not only were their feet unbound, but their hearts and minds as well. That observation has led her to be an advocate for women's rights, and to write historical novels about China and Taiwan inspired by her family's experiences.

She has also written historical stories about the women disciples of Jesus present at the Last Supper - women who have been long overlooked. In China as a young girl, she learned from her wise father that, of course, girls and women were at the Last Supper. After all, it was a family Seder meal, like a Thanksgiving dinner. Just because they weren't named in the Gospels and are omitted in famous paintings, that doesn't mean the women and girls who followed Jesus weren't there at the Last Supper.

Millie invites you to her website: www.milliesbooks.org.