Closer to God

As a young man, Michel van Leuven, the son of a hard-working Belgian stevedore, joined the church and followed his religious compass to the Abbey of the Brothers of Piety in Central Africa—thereafter being known to most as Brother Mike. Brother Mike found he had exceptional skills organizing things: the Abbey’s businesses, personal relationships, and even others’ lives. The story follows Brother Mike as he moves from one crisis to the next, whether it be securing food for the Abbey’s kitchens, helping an alcoholic chemistry professor, or trying to survive during a tumultuous period when all is being pulled to-and-fro by great political upheaval. Through his various tests, Brother Mike gains support from Philip, his card-playing and beer-drinking friend, as well as Philip’s wife Angela. During all his challenges, Brother Mike questions his own and others’ motives—delving into the deep crevices of why we do what we do—seeking solace at a favorite fishing hole, with dear friends, or through prayer. Ultimately, Brother Mike learns he must tolerate his weaknesses, accept the unknown, and realize that at the end of the day we all share in a great basket of human frailty.