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Righteous Gathering

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A book of survival after America's electrical grid is shut down

A Christian man and his family struggle to survive the chaos

Story based in Johnstown, Pa


What would you do if America was attacked and all the power went out? Cars and trucks quit running? Computers and phones shut down? How would you survive? As society collapses around you, as lawlessness becomes rampant, what decisions would you make? What would you do to survive. How would a Christian deal with the chaos, hunger, violence and disease?

Follow the fictional character of Mark Mays, a born again Christian, in this thrilling fast paced adventure, as he gathers his family to his mountain retreat and works to rally his neighbors to survive the mounting chaos.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2017

130 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Timothy A. Van Sickel

7 books2 followers
Tim Van Sickel is a Christian, husband, stepfather and grandfather. He is also a business man and is active in his church. He grew up in Pittsburgh and currently resides in Johnstown, PA. He is a life long avid reader, and keeps informed of current events. He spent eight years as an infantry officer in the National Guard and is a graduate of Penn State University. He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying both hunting and fishing.

He has desired to write a book in the post apocalyptic genre for several years, but could never get the setting right. In early spring of 2016, the right venue was revealed to Tim, and in his words, "God inspired me to right this novel." Before that day was over, the main characters had been developed and the story line was set. He wrote the first chapter that night, and has not quite writing since. He feels the storyline will take at least six books to complete. You may contact Tim at vansickelauthor@gmail.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for SoulSurvivor.
818 reviews
April 4, 2018
I once heard " The difference between a butcher and a surgeon is an editor "
Profile Image for Ann237.
427 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2017
who holds the light in the darkness

I just love this type of genre. Love it even more with Christianity involved...for even during the times we feel as if we have been deserted, living in his word reminds us we are never alone. During times of violence that pulls at us, that causes an inner turmoil of should we or shouldn’t we. We need to protect ourselves in the Armor of God, knowing that if included in his plan all will be fine. But as we have the protection of God, we need to be armed with also his knowledge of those whom chose their path of evil, in which being armed by what man has provided will assist if needed. Like also said “God helps those who help themselves” I do believe God would have us providing aid to those in need, as well as a reminder that it is through God’s Blessings that you were able to help, that the only thing asked which is free is to pass what God has provided you. That could be a smile to taking time to speak words of solitude...God will provide you with what to say, but you need to be open to him. We are meant to love and protect our families, we are told to help those in need how we can. During times of the unknown & darkness it is easy to lose our faith and ability to keep our eye to the Father because we ourselves feel unworthy, but I truly believe that our Father knows our spirit when forced into violence, did we enter into with prayer, not just for ourselves but also for the one filled with darkness. Did we enter with a sorrowful heart, mind & spirit, Vs entering with the joy of violence or taking another’s life. It is what is with us and what we have allowed to be within us at the time, is it Darkness of evil or the Light of our savior?
This book is a definite read, what I wrote and focused on was something I know I as well as other Christians would struggle with. In the book the insertion of Christ is a perfect balance between light & darkness but what will eventually outweigh the other?
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
941 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2019
The lights are out. Law and order are blind and in the dark.

An EMP attack has taken down the power grid and fried the electronics in modern appliances. No communication. No cars or trucks that rely on electronics to operate. Soon no food or goods in stores. The prepared and the lucky may be able to get a generator running. . . until the fuel runs out.

Some ham radios that survived the EMP in a Faraday cage are getting the word out that nukes hit New York and Washington D.C. High altitude nukes generated the EMP that blacked out most of North America. But our retaliation reduced the rest of the world to the same condition. If you're waiting for help, you're going to wait a long time. You best look to yourself and your family. And never underestimate the depravity of mankind.

Well written, from a point of view I haven't seen in this literary genre, but I found the Christian beliefs and morals a refreshing change from the norm. In my neck of the woods, life revolves around God, guns and family. My soul belongs to God, my heart belongs to my family, but my ass belongs on the firing line, defending my family and my beliefs.

I'm putting Righteous Survival EMP Saga on my 'to be read real soon' list!
Profile Image for Debbie Tremel.
Author 2 books18 followers
July 31, 2019
I would have liked to give this book a higher rating, but I can't. I was delighted to see an author approaching a post-apocalyptic situation from the place of a moral core. There were parts of the story I appreciated because of that. The sad truth though is the story is rather flat. There's really nothing new here, no insights, very little movement of the story- not much happened for a whole book and the author seemed to over push the Christian spin. It could have been woven more fluidly into the story, not interrupting the movement every few paragraphs. There was really not much character development other than knowing the protagonist is a Christian and the protagonists were really just flat. So, this story is a good idea, I just don't think it was well told and will not be continuing with the series.
Profile Image for dj wagner.
1 review
December 14, 2018
Couldn't put it down!

This book was recommended to me by a coworker. I am from Johnstown, and lived in the Central City area for a while. Being able to envision the areas and even some buildings made the characters and story line more interesting! I quickly became engrossed, wanting to see how everybody faired, and if my hometown survived. Looking forward to reading the second book!
Profile Image for Carol Kaiser.
114 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2023
Love the scriptures and portrayal of Christianity.

I don't understand or care for the authors use of poor grammar for some of his characters speech...its either an attempt to portray badly educated blacks, or some other ethnic group. Not sure I want to finish the series now. These are people who live in Pennsylvania modern times....not slaves on a plantation in Virginia.
Profile Image for Howell M. Sharpe.
16 reviews
April 18, 2018
Good book!

I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention and I want to read book 2. It was interesting to see how the christian characters handled the moral situations that they were faced with.
5 reviews
May 27, 2019
Great new series!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I thought enjoyed it. Fast moving and interesting. A little confused until I got all the characters straight. Will read the next book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Dye.
29 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
catching

This first installment was an interest catching read! It’s a fairly quick paced story that keep you wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next! I can’t wait to start the next book!
4,416 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2018
Righteous Gathering review

Righteous Gathering is the first Christian post apocalyptic EMP book in the Righteous Survival series written by author Timothy Can Sickel.
Profile Image for Lowell Moore.
188 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Good first installment

You will enjoy this book. The author writes from a Christian point of view. I am a man of faith so that sits well with me.

72 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2022
great book and characters

It’s a Holy war with God’s people trying to make the best of a bad situation. I should go to sleep but have to get the next book!
Profile Image for Jean Kelly.
29 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2024
Unexpectedly

Liked that the book was thought proving in the way characters thought of God.
Asking for Gods help in battles against evil, acting to protect Gods people.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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