A story of hope and faith in the face of tragedy has won Australia’s Christian Book of the Year Award for 2013.

Forged with Flames: A true story of courage and survival by Ann Fogarty and Anne Crawford was described by the judges as “compelling, unforgettable and inspiring” as well as “uniquely Australian”.

Forged with Flames traces Fogarty’s experience of the Ash Wednesday fires in Upper Beaconsfield in 1983, which left her with life threatening burns to 85 per cent of her body.

The judges spoke highly of the way her work dealt with questions of faith and doubt.

“Where is God when it hurts? This question has rarely been answered more eloquently than Fogarty and Crawford as they tell the story of Ann’s ordeal by fire.”

In her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony in Melbourne last night, Fogarty, who still bears the scars of her suffering, said she only began writing the book because her eldest daughter thought it was a good idea.

“There were many, many times during the process of writing it when I wasn’t sure it was a good idea at all and I really wanted to abandon the whole thing. But each time I felt this way I somehow heard that still, small voice that is God urging me on and showing me how to keep going.

Fogarty then read a quote from John Bunyan, reflecting on the journey God has taken her on since the fires.

Although I have been through all that I have, I do not regret the many hardships I met, because it was they who brought me to the place I wished to reach. Now all I have is this sword and I give it to whoever wishes to continue his pilgrimage. I carry with me the marks and scars of battles-they are the witnesses of what I suffered and the rewards of what I conquered. These are the beloved marks and scars that will open the gates of Paradise to me.

Second prize was won by Driven By Purpose: Charities that make a difference, by Stephen Judd, Anne Robinson and Felicity Errington. In his acceptance speech, Judd reminded the audience that 23 out of the top 25 charities in Australia are faith-based, and they should fight to retain their purpose and identity.

Third prize was won by A Faith to Live By: What an Intelligent, Compassionate and Authentic Christian Faith Looks Like by Roland Ashby.

The audience at the awards night were treated to moving performances by Egyptian-born poet Meena Shamaly who called on those present to “be the soundtrack for a revolution” because “silence is not peace”, as well as a very personal address by Melinda Tankard Reist, writer, speaker, blogger and media commentator who is “an advocate for women and girls”, fighting against the sexploitation and objectification of women.

In her address, which was unusually candid, Reist spoke of her journey from young journalist and political adviser to the co-founder of Collective Shout, describing the “sacred rage” which she wishes more people would find within themselves.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Australia took the opportunity to unveil its new name and brand last night. SPCKA will from now on be known as SparkLit, and will focus on empowering Christian publishers, writers and distributors around the world.

National Director Michael Collie said the aim was to re-focus, and take the vision they cherish to a new generation. SPCKA has been involved in publishing in the past, but Collie said it would now focus on being a “publishing companion”.

Other award winners:
Australian Christian Teen Writer Award  – Alex Chi for her story Hello God…It’s Me
Young Australian Christian Writer Award – Matthew Pullar for his poetry anthology Imperceptible Arms: A Memoir in Poems

Images: Wild Dingo Press