DOWNEY - Pastor and author Candie Blankman will speak and sign books at the Downey City Library this Monday starting at 6:30 p.m.Blankman will discuss her book, "Forged by War: a Daughter Shaped by a WWII POW Story." Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Downey, Blankman began interviewing her father more than 25 years ago to understand his experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. What she discovered helped her find meaning in her life and focus in her work as a minister. In the book, she explains that her father suffered hardships but taught her many lessons about valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds. "My dad was a POW of the Japanese for 3 1/2 years but he brought a Japanese couple into our home and welcomed them - and I think that is what the church is supposed to do," said Blankman. Blankman taught social studies and history before entering Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. She served as pastor of the Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church in Chicago before moving to Downey in 2003. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing at the free event.

********** Published: May 17, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 05