ABOUT THE BOOK
An Unexpected Journey
One Couple’s Full-time RV Journey To The Edge of Death
An Unexpected Journey is a true, deeply personal memoir about faith, marriage, adventure, and survival—set against the backdrop of America’s open roads and an unforeseen medical crisis.
The book follows Larry and Mary Allen as they retire from decades of pastoral ministry and step into a long-dreamed-of life as full-time RV travelers. What begins as a story of freedom, exploration, and reinvention gradually transforms into something far more profound when Larry faces a sudden, life-threatening illness that brings him to the brink of death and into an intensive care unit fighting for his life.
Interwoven through the travel narrative are reflections on:
- A 40-year marriage tested and strengthened under extreme pressure
- The emotional and spiritual realities of retirement and identity after ministry
- The kindness of strangers, the power of prayer, and the role of community
- Faith confronted by mortality, suffering, and surrender
- Gratitude for life renewed through organ donation and grace
At its core, the book is not just about RV living or travel—it is about how life can pivot in an instant, how faith is refined in crisis, and how hope can emerge even when the outcome seems certain. It’s a story of ordinary people on an extraordinary road, discovering that the most unexpected journeys often lead to the deepest transformation.
The Author
Larry Q. Allen retired after forty-five years of ministry. During that time, he was a pastor for thirty-four years and served as a leader within his denomination for eleven years. He earned his B.A. at Campbellsville University, a M.Div. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his D.Min. at Ashland Theological Seminary. He also taught ethics at Baker College.
Buy the Book
During their journey as full-time RVers, Larry became critically ill. They returned home for Larry to die. But God was about to take them on an unexpected journey.
Follow their story!
