Living Water (Paperback)

In AD 59, one of the towns in the Roman Empire, Colonia Agrippina-present-day Cologne in Germany-is running out of fresh water. The Senate in Rome assigns Amulius Atius Vitellius, one of their best Prefects of Engineering, to locate a new water source. Before he leaves for Agrippina, he is converted by the Apostle Paul to Christianity. On the way, his newfound faith is tested severely. He expects God's help but instead encounters harsh winter weather, tortuous roads, disease, bandit attacks, accidents, and treachery. In Agrippina, he faces more problems-rugged terrain, foul weather, and hostile natives-but he feels they are insignificant compared to what he suffers inwardly. He has a difficult time maintaining his faith as a Roman citizen, surrounded by false gods. He thinks he should be spreading Christianity among nonbelievers but realizes if he were to do so, he could never complete the water project. Rome would condemn him to death. His difficulty is further compounded when he falls in love with a pagan girl, Aine, from the Baltic. He is an esteemed Roman citizen; she is a slave. Will he complete the water project? Will Amulius be able to convert Aine to the new religion he has adopted and grown to respect? Will their relationship stand a chance, or will their class differences stand in their way? Amulius knows that Living Water is their only salvation.