ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Stan Parris, well-known in Hempstead County as a former football coach at Hope High School and pastor at First Baptist Church in Hope, will be signing copies of his first book, Just Outside of Hope, on Oct. 28.

The event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hope Chamber of Commerce, also features the reading of an excerpt by Parris at 5:30 p.m.

​The book recounts tales of growing up on his parents’ small dairy farm, interactions with family and neighbors, and, most importantly, his experiences as a missionary to Venezuela and later as missions pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.

​“This book will inspire and challenge you to see that the Lord is at work around the world,” said Dr. Rex Horne, former pastor at Immanuel in Little Rock. 

Well-known writer Rex Nelson, senior editor and columnist at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, also had a positive reaction to reading Parris’ book. “The book is equal parts interesting and inspiring,” Nelson said. “A talented athlete and minister also proves to be a talented writer.”

​The book, which retails for $17.99, will be available for $15 at the book-signing event at the chamber office, 201 S. Main St., in Hope.

​“We are so looking forward to hosting this event to allow Hope and Hempstead County residents an opportunity to visit with Stan Parris in person, buy his book, and get it signed by the author, all at a single event,” said Beckie Moore, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Stan has been well-known and well-loved in Hempstead County since growing up here as a star athlete, then later as a coach and pastor.

​“We are hopeful that friends, family and everyone else who knows Stan Parris or even knows of him, will come out and support him at this event,” Moore said. “We really look forward to hearing him read from his new book.”

​Parris is a former All-American football player at Henderson State University, prompting city fathers to erect a sign welcoming people to Hope, home of All-American Stan Parris. The sign was part of the landscape in the early 1970s.

​The book’s title has a double meaning. “Just Outside of Hope” was a phrase his dad always used to explain where he lived with his family. It also depicts the situation all people find themselves in at various points in life.

​The book is published by Pard Publishing. For those unable to attend the book-signing event, it can be ordered through the company’s website, pardpublishing.com.