Where Faith Leads, The Story Unfolds

Unearthing truth, translating Scripture, and sharing wisdom— Emily Parke Chase has lived a story written by God.

“Walk with the Lord and He will always surprise you,” says Messiah Village resident Emily Parke Chase. Her life, led by a firm belief in God’s timing, is a beautiful testament to that truth.

A writer, educator, and lifelong learner, Emily has shared her voice through nonfiction, short stories, and historical novels. Twenty of her stories have been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” each one reflecting her warmth, wit, and wisdom.

But writing is just one chapter in a life marked by faith and curiosity.

Emily’s journey began with a love for anthropology, which she studied at Cornell University. During the Vietnam War, she joined an excavation at the Vat Phou ruins in Champassak, Laos, filling in for a researcher who couldn’t obtain a visa. There, Emily helped uncover a previously unknown structure near the temple’s sacred springs—an unforgettable moment in her early career.

Her adventures continued in Mexico, where she worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators—helping to bring scripture to life in local languages. After returning to the United States, Emily felt called to support young women facing unplanned pregnancies, and she helped found the Capital Area Pregnancy Center.

“I realized our clients needed more support— and earlier,” she said.

That realization inspired her first nonfiction book, “Why Say No When My Hormones Say Go?” drawn from the real-life stories of her clients and students. She soon began speaking in high schools, sharing the book’s themes with school audiences.

Since composing her first short story in the first grade, Emily’s writing career has been as diverse as her life—ranging from technical articles to humorous essays and short stories.

Though she never planned to write historical fiction, Emily says her latest novels were placed on her heart. Her debut novel, “The Idol,” offers a fictional account of Mark beginning to record his gospel for the early church and was released in early 2025.

This pivot to historical fiction required deep research and creative vision—a challenge that she welcomed. She’s now editing and designing covers for the next three books in the series, which will be released over the next year and a half.

In addition to her anthropological work, translating, and writing, Emily taught Spanish, anthropology, and missions at Messiah University, where she formed lasting friendships with fellow faculty members. Those connections eventually led her to Messiah Village.

“There are enough faculty here to have a faculty meeting,” she jokes. The familiar faces and strong Christian community made it an easy and joyful transition. Emily encourages others to “begin with what you know. Pursue what brings you passion.”

This philosophy, combined with guidance from the Lord, has blessed her with a rich and full life.