The Heart of Matthew Jade

Loneliness and thoughts of death dog Matthew Jade's steps as he hears a call to do more than be an accountant - minister to those in jail. But his deepening involvement in jail ministry bring him even closer to death as three inmates die under mysterious circumstances. Who is the killer, and who will be the next victim in the cages of Coffin County Jail?

Ralph Allen has led a challenging life as a sailor, corporate vice president and treasurer, and as a jail chaplain. A native of Wichita, Kansas, Allen graduated from Friends University in Wichita and served in the US Navy from 1950-54. He saw three years of service in Korea, and has the UN Service Medal, Korean Ribbon with six combat stars, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. He is a Certified Addictions Counselor.

Allen was the first official jail chaplain of Sedgwick County Jail, appointed in 1979 by Sheriff Johnnie Darr. He was designated Chaplain Coordinator by Sheriff Mike Hill on March 1, 1984. He received a retirement plaque from Mike Hill in 1993 for almost nineteen years of service.

He was awarded the Liberty Bell Award from the Wichita Young Lawyer's Association, 1985; the Citizen Recognition Award from the Kansas Correctional Association, 1987; and the Bronze Medal for Outstanding Service by the Sheriff's Department, 1988.

Allen lives with his wife, Verla. They have five children and seven grandchildren. He is the author of two non-fiction books, Flight of a Wandering Sparrow and Sparrow's Song, and his favorite hobby is writing short fiction and poetry in his book-lined study.