Connecting Generations in Faith: Dorla Schlitt Shares the Vision of "The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread"

Author and educator Dorla Schlitt, wife of John Schlitt, the lead singer of multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning Christian band, Petra, and acclaimed solo artist, has released her new book, The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled, today, January 28, 2025. The book is published by Fitting Words and Nana Books.

Dorla Schlitt delights in writing books and educational materials for children, youth, and adults to interact together and grow in their knowledge and faith in Christ Jesus.

Q. Thank you, Dorla, for doing this interview with us. The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread began as a Vacation Bible School curriculum back in 1997. What inspired you to revisit and expand it into a full-color illustrated book all these years later?

Yes, in 1997 I did write a simple elementary curriculum entitled The Scarlet Thread for our church VBS program. I received a very positive response from volunteer teachers and heard from them what children, youth, and other adults had experienced and learned concerning the "scarlet thread" linking the Old and New Testament as one continuous story. It was then I knew someday I wanted to write and publish an illustrated book for older children/youth and an educator's guide for parents and teachers to use in expanding the learning experience.

Q. You describe the "scarlet thread" as a symbol that weaves through Scripture. How do you hope readers-especially children and youth-will respond to seeing the Bible as one continuous, unfolding story?

My hope is that as children and youth hear or read The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled, they gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for man's salvation from the very beginning in the book of Genesis. Because of God's justice and mercy, the promise He gave to man in Genesis 3:15 provided the way for a temporary covering of man's sin throughout Old Testament history, leading to the New Testament coming of Jesus.  In seeing God's promise fulfilled through the innocent and sinless blood shed by our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the penalty for sin paid once and for all mankind, may they see the Bible as one continuous story of God's love toward mankind.

Q: Your passion for helping generations grow together in faith is evident. How did you approach writing this book to engage not only children but also their parents and teachers?

In writing this book and the Educator's Guide, it was my goal to focus as simply as possible in presenting to children, youth, and adults who work with students, the important truths from God's Word of the blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. God's Word speaks. It is God's Spirit that mysteriously quickens a willing, teachable heart of any age to receive the truth He intends to reveal.

Q: You've authored several educational resources in the past, including curriculum for Max Lucado's The Come Thirsty Church Experience and the Celebrate! arts and crafts series. How did your past projects shape the development of The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread?

In each project I've written I've found it to be a tremendous experience as both a learner and as a writer. I am a firm believer in asking God's wisdom and guidance as I progress through the writing project.  It gives me such joy as I move forward until each part is completed.

Q: Your husband, John Schlitt, has said he's incredibly proud of your work. How has your family-especially John-influenced or supported your writing journey over the years?

No matter what I'm involved in, John has always encouraged my efforts. He understands as a songwriter and recording artist the process of redoing and redoing the lyric of a song, in his case, and in writing and rewriting a particular paragraph in my case.When two of my children were young and participated in two of my written VBS programs, it gave me great joy to see them excited each day to go and learn about God, His Word, and His Son, Jesus!As adults, all four of my children encourage me in writing. John, our oldest son, brought Kory Miller, my illustrator, into the project!  Each one encourages me to continue writing.

Q: The book features vivid illustrations. Can you tell us about your collaboration with Kory Miller and how visual storytelling played a role in bringing the message to life?

Visuals are critically important to a story for children and youth. They catch the attention of the reader and give clues to the context.  Kory Miller of Park Street Studio did such an outstanding job in illustrating The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled!  He understood the illustrations needed to meet the expectations of an older reader. Not only is his talent exceptional, but he listened, contributed greatly to the presentation, and translated the vision in detail and color beautifully!

Q: What do you hope readers will take away after finishing The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread, and how do you envision it being used in churches, schools, or homes?

After the reader finishes The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled, my hope and prayer is that each one will no longer see the Old Testament and New Testament as two separate books; but instead, they will see the Bible as one story all culminating in the coming of Jesus, His purpose in coming, and someday His return. 

My hope is, also, that both parents and teachers of any skill level will use the Educator's Guide along with the book to expand and enrich the learning experience in a homeschool, Sunday school/Christian school, or a VBS setting. 

The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled can be purchased on Amazon.com, SchlittShop.com, or wherever books are sold. 

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