JANICE HILBISH

Christian author Janice Hilbish was born in Akron, Ohio. She attended the Cathedral of Tomorrow in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where her parents were charter members, and her father taught Sunday School. Under Rev. Rex Humbard's pastoring, she received solid biblical teaching that helped build her faith in God and influenced her commitment to follow Jesus Christ at a young age. During adolescence, Janice had youth pastors and, later, as an adult, godly ministers who encouraged her to walk with Christ by promoting her spiritual growth and knowledge of the Bible. Then, in her early twenties, Janice had an encounter that would forever change her life—and her relationship with Jesus Christ. She met a fellow believer, a sister in the Lord, whose uncompromising dedication and fiery passion for Christ was extraordinary. Janice recalls that it was a defining moment in her life. She determined she'd had enough of mediocre Christianity; she wanted a passion like that for herself.

 

In August of 1979, she married her high school sweetheart, Walter, who served in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Virginia. They relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, where his ship was homeported. With her husband at sea during most of their first year of marriage, Janice spent much of that time finishing college in Ohio, graduating in 1980 with a Criminal Justice degree. She desired to work with misguided youth, helping them get their life on track through corrections and counseling. Janice has always been interested in enriching young men's and women's futures, encouraging them to build their life on constructive principles. Choosing to put her aspirations on hold at the time, Janice relocated to Virginia after college graduation to be with her husband permanently. Unbeknownst to her, it would be the first of several occasions where God was to redirect her life.

 

While living in Virginia during the early 1980's Janice began her work in ministry as a counselor for the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach. She had intended to volunteer her time but was unexpectedly blessed after the interview when they offered her a counseling position.

 

In 1982, she and her husband returned to Ohio, where they became involved in ministry at the Cathedral of Tomorrow. Janice worked with her husband, who supervised the Sunday evening children's nursery ministry. She also performed in musical productions. Janice and her husband left the Cathedral in 1984 to take an active role in the founding of Victory Life Church in Stow, Ohio, where Walter served on the Board of Trustees for eleven years. Throughout the years, Janice involved herself in Christian ministry, including teaching, music, and drama. Outside of church ministry, she was active in her local community, fulfilling roles as Secretary of the Mentor Softball Association and Commissioner of the Boys Major Division. She was also a leader in the Boy Scouts of America.

 

In July of 1997, Janice entered the banking industry, working her way up to Branch Operations Manager. The opportunity to help those struggling with economic difficulties make fundamental financial decisions inspired her. Janice realized in 2007 that times were changing in the banking industry and sensed that God was leading her in a new direction. Reflecting on her desire to enrichen the lives of young men and women, and after being challenged by her pastor and long-time friend to step out of her comfort zone and "live riskier" for Christ, she left her job in banking in September 2007, anticipating what plan God had next for her life.

 

However, less than one month had passed before Janice began to experience the pronounced symptoms of a neurological disorder. She collapsed in September of 2007 and was taken to the hospital. An electroencephalogram revealed abnormal brain activity. Doctors at the Neurological Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland ran additional tests. They later diagnosed her with Basilar Artery Migraine Syndrome, known more commonly today as Brainstem Migraine, a rare genetic neurological disorder restricting blood flow to the brain. Upon returning home, Janice found that the episode had weakened her physically. Yet, through this ordeal and the subsequent recuperation, she felt the presence of God in a fresh way. She later described it as feeling "so close to God that she could reach out and touch Him." During this time, Janice discovered her gift and passion for writing. Once again, God had redirected her life.

 

Janice's first published work, Understanding the Will of God: A Basic Guide to Finding God's Purpose for Your Life (Xulon Press), was released on June 4, 2015. She wrote it as an inspirational instruction for those new to the Christian faith, providing them with easy-to-follow steps to understand God's direction in their lives. Janice's central focus is on younger adults; this is surpassed only by her desire to see that everyone, especially the spiritually young or those new to the Christian faith, grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Although Janice mainly writes in Christian Life and apologetics genres, she has addressed other subjects over the years, including topics as diverse as World Religions, American History, and Politics, which have led to extensive research. She has a particular interest in understanding the guiding principles that inspired the language chosen by our founding fathers when penning the U. S. Constitution. In addition to her published work, Janice has also researched and written nonpublished works relating to the history of politics and the Civil War.

Her current interests and most enthusiastic studies lie in biblical prophecy and eschatology.

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Her recent book, The Road Called Grace: A Guide for Women on Their Journey with Christ, was released in September 2022. 

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Janice and her husband have raised three sons. They also have a beloved daughter-in-law and four grandchildren; two granddaughters, aged twenty-one and eighteen, and two grandsons, nine and seven years old, all of whom she adores.

 

When she is not writing, Janice loves hanging out with her granddaughters, whether at the mall, enjoying long talks, or playing board games; she cherishes every moment they're together. She also loves discovering new adventures with her grandsons. Sometimes it's taking a steam engine to the summit of Bald Knob in West Virginia or The North Pole Express on a blustery winter day in central Michigan with the nine-year-old "trainiac," while other times, she's making dinosaur footprints or donning claws to become a prehistoric predator with the seven-year-old amateur paleontologist. In addition to spending time with her family, Janice enjoys reading and traveling. She is also an avid motorcyclist. 

 

Janice resides in Northeast Ohio with her husband, Walter, and their two rescue cats, Benny and Houston. She favors improved legislation protecting domestic animals against abuse and abandonment. In addition, Janice supports pet adoption, "no-kill" shelters, and further education on responsible pet ownership.