A handsome physician. A devout Mennonite nurse. And an Argentinian activist. Welcome to CALLED…
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Nazi uprisings, political unrest in Argentina and Paraguay, and the scourge of leprosy left untreated, Dr. John and Clara Schmidt commit to living a life of service in their fight against poverty, stigma, and social injustice.

But at what cost?

Based on true events that span six decades, CALLED is an uplifting and inspirational tale of fearless adventure and heroism that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit persevering in the face of fear, rebellious subversion, and terrorism.

Some have a story. They had a mission.

CALLED is an expansive saga that brings to life the extraordinary contributions of two medical pioneers in the wilds of Paraguay. In their fierce determination to save floundering communities across the country, and to battle the stigma and shame of leprosy, John and Clara face intractable opposition from many fronts: a medical community that rejects their unorthodox and revolutionary practices, governments that threaten imprisonment, and neighboring villagers who vow to kill them.

Their story provides a living example of fully embracing Dr. John’s favorite scripture, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

If you love grand tales of adventure, service, and romance — with unforgettable characters in foreign settings that will sweep you away, find out why readers are raving about CALLED.

After being publicly humiliated in front of her entire close-knit Mennonite community, Marlena Fiol didn’t know how she would recover. Follow her journey from an abusive upbringing in Paraguay to escape, love, and loss in the United States and finally on to forgiveness and reconciliation.

Discover a story of healing and personal transformation. Marlena’s childhood was full of contradictions. Her father was both a heroic doctor for people with leprosy and an abusive parent. Her Mennonite missionary community was both a devoted tribe and a controlling society. And Marlena longed to both be accepted in Paraguay and escape to somewhere new. In Nothing Bad between Us, follow Marlena’s journey as she takes control of her life and learns to be her authentic self, scars and imperfections included.

Uncover inner peace–and inner strength. Nothing Bad between Us is a story of brokenness and eventual redemption that taps into our collective yearning for healing and forgiveness. As you read Marlena’s story, you will:

Learn how to forgive yourself and others without giving up your personal growth and self-confidenceDiscover that transformation and redemption often exist even in the most broken parts of who you areFind out how to stand in your power, knowing that vulnerability won’t lead to your downfall, but to increasing courage, connection, and authenticity

Readers of memoirs about family, self-healing, and the strength of a woman like The Glass Castle, Love Warrior, and Leaving the Witness will be captivated by Nothing Bad between Us.