“Shepherds of the Valley: How Love Looks in Shoe Leather" tells the amazing story of a Northern California couple, whose lives have impacted thousands of lives in a positive transforming way in the area where they live-and around the world.  Their home has been a crucible of love and transformation for dozens of people including over thirty international students. Wendell and Marilyn Seward who humbly and unselfishly  bring hope and enrichment to people wherever they go, and to whomever comes to them.

Each of their life's stories is incredible.  Their involvements and accomplishments stagger the imagination.  Both have  been mayors and have taught in the public schools for over 40 years.  Wendell has performed over 800 weddings and half as many funerals.  They have pastored churches for over 40 years.  They've had over 110 people live in their home for six months or longer.

  “We have heard testimonies of teens who had been on drugs whom God has delivered through the Seward’s ministry. To me their lives have always been a tremendous example of how God can use lives totally given to Him."  Luis Palau

"I cannot thank you enough for writing the book.  I completed it in one evening.  It has been a long time since I have found a book I was unable to put down."  B. Lincoln, Eagle Point, OR

"Without good people like you (to Sewards) to serve as spiritual anchors to the community, we would be lacking much indeed."  In a letter from J. Kirk Andrus, District Attorney, Siskiyou County, CA  

"If you’ve read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 and 6, you’ve probably wondered, “Can anyone really live like that?”  The answer, “Yes…pretty much.  Not perfectly perhaps, but certainly impressively the way Wendell and Marilyn have.” Colonel Bo Bottomly in reference to the Sewards.

"The Sewards have quietly ministered to thousands of people all over the world. Wherever Wendell and Marilyn go, they bring life, energy, hope and healing."  Mike Yaconelli

Their hobby has always been people...and their compassionate care, and self-giving are what legends are made of.  No strangers to adversity the Sewards put into shoe leather a wide variety of principles of meaningful life. This book hilites many of them, putting them in the warp and woof of livability.  

Wendell took his exodus from this earth in December of 2007.  Marilyn continues to actively function in community life, effecting transformation in every arena through her unconditional love, warm hospitality, unique abilities, and self-sacrificial living.