Best Books
Jane Found on Jane Lane is a heartwarming true story of Jane, a stray dog who was found wandering on Jane Lane in Oklahoma. Tom Benz, the founder of Bridges of Faith, adopted Jane and took her to his Christian ministry for Ukrainian orphans. It was evident that Jane was special because the children at the ministry camp gravitated toward her. Animals like Jane have a unique universal trust among children. Most of the volunteers couldn’t speak the Ukrainian language to communicate but Jane had no problem.
Benz has been involved in the Ukrainian orphan ministry for over 25 years. He would bring three different groups of orphans to Alabama for a month stay three times a year. Full-time volunteers would stay at the camp and minister to these orphans. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could no longer bring orphans to our camp in Alabama. We transitioned into doing ministry in Romania where orphanages sought safety.
I always dreamed of writing a book. As I read to my second-grade class at West Jefferson Elementary, I often saw a sparkle in their eyes as the story captivated them. I thought then, one day I would write my own children’s book. I retired from teaching in 2017 and joined the Bridges of Faith ministry. As I petted Jane one day, I realized I could tell the story of Bridges of Faith through a dog’s eyes.
So, I began writing stories of her life at the camp with the orphans and Jane Found on Jane Lane was born. I wanted my theme to highlight the power of God’s love expressed in kindness and how it can transform lives. When I’m reading my book at libraries and schools, I always tell children that sometimes all it takes is for you to give someone a simple hug or show kindness and it will brighten their day. I reinforce this idea at the end of the book where you will find Ephesians 4:32 ESV, “Be kind to one another…”
Presently, Bridges of Faith operates a school in Romania for Ukrainian orphans and other Ukrainian refugee children. A portion of the proceeds from Jane Found on Jane Lane will go to these children in Romania. The book is written in memory of David, an orphan, who came to know the love of God at Bridges of Faith. David died as a soldier in the war against Ukraine. To learn more about Jane Found on Jane Lane, visit www.servicedogjane.com.
-Nancy Long Benz
Author of Jane Found on Jane Lane
