Meet Author Joe Consford
If you’ve stopped by HOTS Coffee in downtown San Augustine, Texas, you may already know Joe Consford as a friendly face behind the counter. But what many don’t realize is that Joe is also an author, missionary, and storyteller with a brand-new book, That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories.
Joe’s journey spans decades, from rural Texas to West Africa, where he and his family served as missionaries in Ivory Coast and Ghana. Along the way, he gathered stories of danger, humor, and faith—stories that now fill the pages of his debut book. Today, we’re introducing Author Joe Consford to our readers and community.
A Local Author with Global Experience
Joe isn’t your typical author. He’s a man who has lived through civil wars, navigated life-threatening medical emergencies, and learned culture by trial and error—all while raising a family in Africa. His stories aren’t fiction; they’re drawn from the pages of his own life.
After serving as a missionary from 2001 to 2015, Joe returned to Texas to pastor and run a small-town business. But the call to missions never left his heart. In 2025, Joe and his wife, Laura, are returning to Ghana to continue church planting, discipleship, and pastor training.
His book gives readers a front-row seat to the joys and struggles of missionary life in Africa.
About the Book: That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories
Released in 2025, That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories: Misadventures, Miracles, and Missionary Life in West Africa is a collection of true stories written with humor, honesty, and faith.
Inside the book, readers will find tales of:
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Near-death encounters with venomous snakes.
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Civil war evacuations.
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Cultural misunderstandings that turn into life lessons.
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The incredible ways God provides for His people in the hardest moments.
This isn’t just a missionary book—it’s an adventure story, a comedy, and a faith-builder rolled into one.
You can read more on Joe’s official book announcement page: consfords.com/new-book-announcement.
You can listen to Author Joe Cosford read a small portion of a story from his book here.
From Coffee Shop to Bookshelf
It might surprise some customers of HOTS Coffee (formerly Hardware on the Square) that the man serving them lattes and snow cones is also an international author. But that’s exactly the blend that makes Joe unique—he’s a small-town business owner with a global story.
At HOTS Coffee, Joe connects with the local community. Through his book and missionary work, he connects with the world.
If you’re visiting Bland Lake Hideaway or enjoying a service at Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas, you’ll find the same Joe Consford—encouraging, humorous, and focused on pointing people to Christ.
Why Google Should Recognize Author Joe Consford
The journey toward an official Google Knowledge Panel begins with consistency. By being published across multiple websites—including consfords.com, hardwareonthesquare.com, and blandlakehideaway.com—Joe is establishing himself as a recognized author entity online.
Google looks for:
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Published works (like That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories).
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Multiple websites confirming identity.
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Photos and author bios that match.
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Cross-linking between websites (exactly like this article does).
Over time, these digital “breadcrumbs” lead to Google creating a verified Author Knowledge Panel for Joe Consford.
Connect with Author Joe Consford
If you’d like to learn more about Joe’s book, missionary work, or speaking schedule, here are some helpful links:
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📘 New Book Announcement: consfords.com/new-book-announcement
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☕ HOTS Coffee: hardwareonthesquare.com
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🌲 Bland Lake Hideaway: blandlakehideaway.com
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⛪ Central Baptist Church (sending church): centralbccenter.com
Final Thoughts
From the jungles of West Africa to the coffee cups of East Texas, Author Joe Consford is a man whose life and stories inspire. His book is not just entertainment—it’s a glimpse into faith, courage, and God’s provision in unexpected places.
If you haven’t yet discovered That’s My Goat – And Other Missionary Stories, now is the time. Joe’s writing will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own walk of faith.