On April 30, 2019, my book Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care will be released by Crossway!
The literally hundreds of heartbreaking meetings I’ve held with patients and their families to discuss tragedies in the ICU inspired the book concept. Over the years I became progressively discouraged by the whirlwind of medical technology and jargon I would discuss in these meetings, while the spiritual facets of life and death remained unvoiced. I pray this book comforts those struggling in the maelstrom of end-of-life decisions.
Kathryn Butler 
Katie,
I am grateful to hear about this book. There is a need for the medical side to be heard and understood but also a need for the Christian community to look at the realities of life in this bodies and do some thinking about these issues before we are standing next to a loved one in the ICU. So many issues. May God bless your work.
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Thank you so much for the encouragement, and for your prayers. They help to ground me, and to affirm for me the need to write the book! Blessings to you and yours.
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I am so excited to hear this! Look forward to reading once it’s out.
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Thank you Nikol!
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This is great! I cannot wait to get a copy of your book Katie!
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Thank you Lieza!
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I am so glad, and relieved, that a biblical and God glorifying book is being written on obedient palliative care. My Mother died recently and asked not to be resuscitated. Thankfully, the Lord ended her life before such a decision needed to be made. My Father has dementia and refuses to discuss his end-of-life care. My brother is a hard atheist who believes in euthanasia!! I live alone and am concerned that my end-of-life care may not adhere to God’s will. I have agreed with my Pastor that he be my next of kin so that he can make biblical decisions on my behalf when the time comes. I am also aware that God is sovereign over all things, and so I am safe in his omnipotent gracious hands.
I would love to read your book when it is published as I would like to ensure I am well informed and can therefore ensure all legal arrangements have been made to reduce any potential conflict or concerns (for medical staff & family)when the time comes.
Thank you for addressing this often unspoken issue.
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C, I’m so saddened to hear about your mother’s passing, and also about the anxieties and sense of isolation you seem to be facing in these issues. I thank the Lord that you have a trusting relationship with your pastor. I’ve seen far too many people struggle with questions in the ICU that cut to the core of their Biblical values, but which no one addresses openly. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your story. Your words are encouragement to me, and offer me inspiration and focus to pursue this project, through God’s grace, in a way that honors Him.
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Katie, I recently saw your post on The Gospel Coalition and I want to encourage you in this endeavor.
Currently, I am a nursing student at Montana State. We have some beautiful cabins here, and maybe I could arrange for you to have a week at one for writing if ever you need it. My friends are generous, so let me know.
Part-time, I work as a nursing home chaplain and have ever since I was 16. The first person I was able to lead unto a knowledge of the Lord was my Great Grandmother Gertrude (triple G!) at 100 years old. Romans aren’t the only “centurions” our Lord saves! As a result of her conversion, today I lead weekly chapel services and run a nursing home ministry called Rise to Honor.
That’s why I am eager for your book because it is for the gospel’s sake among untold numbers of silent sufferers. As a 22 year-old chaplain, I see the vast need for resources like “Neither Life Nor Death”. Please, don’t loose heart in this work and commit it unto the Lord!
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I can’t wait to grab the book once it’s out! May God let His Spirit inspire you on every word.
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Thank you so much Han! I pray it helps. Manuscript is done, in the hands of the editors now.
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