Dakota Martyrs: The Story You Never Heard

Over 150 years ago, before the Dakota Territory even existed, the first Protestant missionaries came to a place that we now call North Dakota. Specifically, they went to a major trading center by the name of St. Joseph, which would later be renamed Walhalla. The story of these early missionaries is one of great sacrifice, as can be seen in the title of a new book just published by Bunyan Family Books. Dakota Martyrs: The Story You Never Heard tells the story that has not been told for nearly 100 years.

(PRWEB) January 17, 2005 -- Though totally factual, Dakota Martyrs is written in a style readable for both young and old alike. It is a early North Dakota history, a Christian biography and an inspirational story all rolled into one. Examples of some of the chapter titles are Arousing to Greater Diligence, Willing to Share the Last Loaf, From an Atheist to a Preacher, Reserved Yet Eager, Even the Dogs Gave Out, Suddenly They Were Fired Upon, Is Mamma Dead?, A Man Who Knew God, and Strong Men Wept. All of the chapters are short and conclude with relevant and interesting quotes from other Christian missionaries.

One reader comments how "Wayne Vleck has researched and compiled the story of those dedicated souls who gave up everything to bring the news of Christ to the earliest settlements in the area. He vividly portrays the physical and emotional hardships endured by missionaries...to the Walhalla, ND area. Once you start this book you won't want to put it down...you will want to find out more! Great historical value as well as a testimony to those who sacrificed so much to lay the foundation for our churches today! It moved me to tears to hear the mother's stories!"

Vleck first learned about these early missionaries at the University of North Dakota's Chester Fritz Library in Grand Forks. He was taking some graduate study courses in history from UND at the time. While working one day in the Department of Special Collections, a small red book caught his attention. In it there was a brief mention of the men and women who came to St. Joseph and later became martyrs for Christ. Shortly after finding the book, Vleck had the opportunity to see for himself their burial site in Walhalla. Over time he continued to read all that he could find out about them, and then he compiled the book Dakota Martyrs.

Prior to attending UND, Vleck graduated from college in Minot and then earned a Master of Divinity degree before being ordained as a minister. He is also the founder of BunyanFamilyBooks.com, which is a ND based bookstore and publishing company. Born in Fargo, Vleck was raised on a farm near Buxton, ND and has lived most of his life in the state. His great-grandfather originally settled near Easby, ND just 30 miles southwest of Walhalla.

Dakota Martyrs: The Story You Never Heard sells for $9.95 and can be ordered directly from the publisher through their website at http://BunyanFamilyBooks.com or by calling them toll-free at 1-888-674-9605. Copies may also be ordered through Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com and your local bookstore.

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