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God Doesn't Write with a Pen: Marked for Death, Separated by War; A true Story of Undaunted Faith and Mighty Miracles
Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, is war-torn and chaotic after the election of 1994. The Fangamou family are ripped apart and are forced to flee for their lives, not knowing if they'll ever see each other alive again. This incredible true story recounts the Fangamous' amazing journey of hardships, miracles, reunion, and life-altering experiences to help us recognize the tender mercies in our own lives.
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"The story of the Fangamou family is both compelling and inspiring. Christi Pauline has done a great job of capturing the turbulent emotions of this family as they pass through trial after trial with continued trust in the Lord. It is a fascinating and rewarding read." John H. Groberg, emeritus General Authority and author
"Occasionally, from the crisis of conflict and tragedy, heroes emerge. They inspire us with their courage, determination, and faith in the power of love. This story is a testimony of the triumph of the human spirit." John Lund, Ed.D and author
"Christi Pauline has captured the tender emotions of this poignant tale of triumph over tremendous heartache." Greg Olsen, artist
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"The story of the Fangamou family is both compelling and inspiring. Christi Pauline has done a great job of capturing the turbulent emotions of this family as they pass through trial after trial with continued trust in the Lord. It is a fascinating and rewarding read." John H. Groberg, emeritus General Authority and author
"Occasionally, from the crisis of conflict and tragedy, heroes emerge. They inspire us with their courage, determination, and faith in the power of love. This story is a testimony of the triumph of the human spirit." John Lund, Ed.D and author
"Christi Pauline has captured the tender emotions of this poignant tale of triumph over tremendous heartache." Greg Olsen, artist
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2013
3 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 6, 2015
I love biographies so I jumped at the chance to go to the book launch when my sister offered me tickets, I didn't know anything about the book but my son and I ended up sitting next to Blema and his family who were so likeable we bought the book before the presentation even began. Their story was heartbreaking (and too familiar) but their faith in the face of unsurmountable obstacles and occasional discouragement was incredibly inspiring. One phrase Blema used in his speech kept running through my head as I read was "God brought me through that to help me become this...and I recognized it".
On a side note, This family works where I shop, worships where I worshipped as a new wife and lives in a neighborhood that is familiar to me. Since reading this book, I have found myself looking at everyone i meet in the street and wondering what they have been through and what they have overcome.
On a side note, This family works where I shop, worships where I worshipped as a new wife and lives in a neighborhood that is familiar to me. Since reading this book, I have found myself looking at everyone i meet in the street and wondering what they have been through and what they have overcome.
June 22, 2013
Amongst all of the problems, grief and pain happening in the world today, what a refreshing reminder that God is there for us if we believe and have pure faith in Him.
What a wonderful book on faith, God, miracles, family, dedication, service and friends.
Sister Pauline has captured a story here that could certainly some day be made into a beautiful motion picture.
Follow the journey of the Fangamou family as they leave their poverty stricken, violent country of West Africa to move to the beautiful Treasure Valley, Boise, Idaho.
In reading this well written book, I learned many things. Having pure faith in God can bring about miracles. Miracles from God do indeed exist. Living in America is a true privilege. A deep love and respect for for the Pauline's and many others for their unwavering service and also to be patient with everyone we see or meet as they may have a story or life experience much like the Fangamou family.
This is a must read!
What a wonderful book on faith, God, miracles, family, dedication, service and friends.
Sister Pauline has captured a story here that could certainly some day be made into a beautiful motion picture.
Follow the journey of the Fangamou family as they leave their poverty stricken, violent country of West Africa to move to the beautiful Treasure Valley, Boise, Idaho.
In reading this well written book, I learned many things. Having pure faith in God can bring about miracles. Miracles from God do indeed exist. Living in America is a true privilege. A deep love and respect for for the Pauline's and many others for their unwavering service and also to be patient with everyone we see or meet as they may have a story or life experience much like the Fangamou family.
This is a must read!
August 19, 2013
Words cannot express the amazing journey of this man and his family.
Heart-touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, you will find yourself being amazed at the story that this book tells.
A story of Blema and Fatoumatou and their family.
You will read and wonder and feel like surely this cannot be true...for you will read of a life journey so truly different from your own.
But this is a true story...a true story of a West African family who must live through some pretty terrifying moments.
A family who is separated for more than 12 years.
A family who seeks safety in a refugee camp to only realize that refugee life is not that glamorous or private or healthy.
A family who goes through tremendous efforts to be resettled to the United States.
A family who will praise the Lord even through the midst of their trials.
A family who receives tender mercies from the Lord
A family who will find a place in your heart.
Heart-touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, you will find yourself being amazed at the story that this book tells.
A story of Blema and Fatoumatou and their family.
You will read and wonder and feel like surely this cannot be true...for you will read of a life journey so truly different from your own.
But this is a true story...a true story of a West African family who must live through some pretty terrifying moments.
A family who is separated for more than 12 years.
A family who seeks safety in a refugee camp to only realize that refugee life is not that glamorous or private or healthy.
A family who goes through tremendous efforts to be resettled to the United States.
A family who will praise the Lord even through the midst of their trials.
A family who receives tender mercies from the Lord
A family who will find a place in your heart.
August 15, 2013
Click HERE to enter a giveaway on my blog where you can win a copy of this as an e-book--goes through August 22, 2013.
One day, without warning, life completely changed for the Fangamou family. Blema was working as a pharmacist and soldiers with guns came into his store. They had been sent to kill him since he was accused of selling medicine to the rebels. He tried to argue that he didn't know who he was selling to but they weren't there to listen to him. The first miracle was that he got out alive. He didn't return to his family, since he knew the soldiers would go to his home and would definitely kill him there. His assistant got out and ran to warn Blema's wife, Fatoumatou, telling her that Blema had been killed and she needed to leave with her children immediately.
Fatoumatou sat in shock that her husband was dead and wasn't able to leave. The soldiers came a few hours later and robbed them, then came back and terrorized her some more. When they left, Fatoumatou knew they had to leave so she gathered her children and set out to find somewhere safe to go. Later, Fatoumatou learns that Blema is actually alive. This book is their amazing story of hardships, trials, and setbacks as well as their enduring faith until they are able to reunite once again.
Eight months in, Blema was physically and emotionally run down yet he refused to stop praying. "Ironically, it was during these most desperate, lonely times that he often felt a strong impression that he was being watched over, and somehow, in this lost and lonely state, he knew he wasn't alone. It was this feeling, this hope, that kept him moving forward...believing." (Last paragraph of Chapter 4)
What an amazing family!! They were faced with opposition, separation and loss. Blema and Fatoumatou were able to be reunited fairly quickly but couldn't make it back to their children. I can't even begin to comprehend how that must have felt. They were fortunate that their children were watched over and they had family that was willing to take care of them so the children stayed together instead of being farmed out to different places.
Blema and Fatoumatou made it to the United States and I was impressed with the people here that were willing to help them reunite with their children. Lots of miracles occurred and what happened reminds me of the saying, "Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you." Many people worked tirelessly and relentlessly, going as far as they could and then God stepped in and created the miracle.
This is a story that made me think. What would I do in similar circumstances? Would I have the faith required to make it through? Or would I give up? The Fangamou's story will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This is a book I highly recommend!!
Mel's Shelves
One day, without warning, life completely changed for the Fangamou family. Blema was working as a pharmacist and soldiers with guns came into his store. They had been sent to kill him since he was accused of selling medicine to the rebels. He tried to argue that he didn't know who he was selling to but they weren't there to listen to him. The first miracle was that he got out alive. He didn't return to his family, since he knew the soldiers would go to his home and would definitely kill him there. His assistant got out and ran to warn Blema's wife, Fatoumatou, telling her that Blema had been killed and she needed to leave with her children immediately.
Fatoumatou sat in shock that her husband was dead and wasn't able to leave. The soldiers came a few hours later and robbed them, then came back and terrorized her some more. When they left, Fatoumatou knew they had to leave so she gathered her children and set out to find somewhere safe to go. Later, Fatoumatou learns that Blema is actually alive. This book is their amazing story of hardships, trials, and setbacks as well as their enduring faith until they are able to reunite once again.
Eight months in, Blema was physically and emotionally run down yet he refused to stop praying. "Ironically, it was during these most desperate, lonely times that he often felt a strong impression that he was being watched over, and somehow, in this lost and lonely state, he knew he wasn't alone. It was this feeling, this hope, that kept him moving forward...believing." (Last paragraph of Chapter 4)
What an amazing family!! They were faced with opposition, separation and loss. Blema and Fatoumatou were able to be reunited fairly quickly but couldn't make it back to their children. I can't even begin to comprehend how that must have felt. They were fortunate that their children were watched over and they had family that was willing to take care of them so the children stayed together instead of being farmed out to different places.
Blema and Fatoumatou made it to the United States and I was impressed with the people here that were willing to help them reunite with their children. Lots of miracles occurred and what happened reminds me of the saying, "Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you." Many people worked tirelessly and relentlessly, going as far as they could and then God stepped in and created the miracle.
This is a story that made me think. What would I do in similar circumstances? Would I have the faith required to make it through? Or would I give up? The Fangamou's story will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This is a book I highly recommend!!
Mel's Shelves
October 17, 2014
This is our book group book for October. It wasn't what I was expecting and the story was intense. The book makes you grateful for living where water comes out of the tap clean, for a nice bed at night and food in the cupboards and fridge. We are sheltered from war and the terrible things that war does. I will count my blessings. You may wonder why I gave it the three stars. I did enjoy the book. I'm a pretty hard rater, and as far as writing goes, this book was a beginner book. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't read it. You should. It just means that it's not great literature. This story should be told and it should be read. The story is inspiring and I marvel at the things that happen in it. ***stop here for spoilers*** A man and his family are caught in a civil war. He is accused of helping the rebels and so they come into his pharmacy and beat him up. He narrowly escapes and flees. He walks more than 2,000 miles to get to safety. His wife and their children are also in danger. The next day the men beat up the wife. She leaves and it is a miracle that they are helped along the way. In the end she walks the same path as her husband. The meet and spend seven years in a refugee camp. Then they are helped to flee to America. Then with the help of many others they get to bring their children to America too. This is a huge blessing. When they are reunited after twelve years it is a miracle. They are christians and they believe in God. later they convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This missionary story is powerful. It should be fun to talk about.
June 17, 2013
I can't wait to read this book. Went to the Book launch night and met his family, the author and many prominent figures that played a role in this families life. I cried through the short synopsis of the book so I will probably need a whole box for the book! If you want a copy they will be at Deseret Book (overland) on June 29th. 1/2 the proceeds go to help medical clinic back in Africa!
Well I have finished the book and was grateful for the opportunity to read about this families life experiences. What an amazing family. I was amazed at their strength and how quick they were to knowing the Lord had a hand in all they went through. Their strong faith that brought them here. I know the Lord prepared them, watched over them and helped them every step of the way as they came to the United States and found the church! If we could all have that kind of faith!
It really makes me every more grateful for my heritage and the struggles that my family went through so that I could be born in the great country with the freedoms that we have.
A must read!
Well I have finished the book and was grateful for the opportunity to read about this families life experiences. What an amazing family. I was amazed at their strength and how quick they were to knowing the Lord had a hand in all they went through. Their strong faith that brought them here. I know the Lord prepared them, watched over them and helped them every step of the way as they came to the United States and found the church! If we could all have that kind of faith!
It really makes me every more grateful for my heritage and the struggles that my family went through so that I could be born in the great country with the freedoms that we have.
A must read!
August 28, 2013
First, let me paraphrase 2 Corinthians 3:3 to introduce you to this amazing, true story.
God doesn't write with a pen . . . "not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
This scripture speaks volumes as Christi touches the heart of the reader when she takes us on an incredible journey of faith, trials and miracles in the life of the Fangamou family.
Blema is torn away from his family when extreme violence, power struggles and civil war erupts in Africa. Though Blema experience trials and hardships, he never doubts his faith in God. He never gives up hope.
Finally, after 12 Years and 2,000 miles separate the family, a miracles brings them together, again.
I promise you that when you sit down to read this book, you'll not want to put it down. I will touch your soul and your heart. It will remind you to never give up no matter how hard life seems.
I give this book 5 stars.
Thank you, Christi, for writing this touching story.
God doesn't write with a pen . . . "not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
This scripture speaks volumes as Christi touches the heart of the reader when she takes us on an incredible journey of faith, trials and miracles in the life of the Fangamou family.
Blema is torn away from his family when extreme violence, power struggles and civil war erupts in Africa. Though Blema experience trials and hardships, he never doubts his faith in God. He never gives up hope.
Finally, after 12 Years and 2,000 miles separate the family, a miracles brings them together, again.
I promise you that when you sit down to read this book, you'll not want to put it down. I will touch your soul and your heart. It will remind you to never give up no matter how hard life seems.
I give this book 5 stars.
Thank you, Christi, for writing this touching story.
July 9, 2013
Blema and Fatoumatou are amazing people with amazing faith. I love reading stories about refugees and their incredible experiences, resilience and hope. This book was especially fun because Blema and Fatoumatou were resettled to Boise.
July 18, 2013
An amazing journey of two determined souls who exhibit strength and integrity. How blessed we are to read their experience and feel gratitude for the gifts and blessings we have been given.
April 26, 2020
A great faith filled read.
August 5, 2023
Inspiring story.
August 21, 2013
First off, this book is not written by a professional author so it sometimes feels a little forced and stilted. But look beyond the quality of the writing to the content. This is a wonderful story of faith, endurance and hope. A book of the impact of violence and war on families and the eternalness (is that a word?) of families. I was drawn to the book by the title because it seemed so meaningful to me. The book uses the phrase in this way - God doesn't write things with a pen, but on the tables of our hearts. Which I agree with; however, the phrase said to me that God doesn't write the bad things we do with a pen, but with a pencil because they can be erased. He also writes the things that matter the most on the tables of our hearts, where they will endure forever. This is certainly true of the family in this book, which went through truly terrible and unspeakable things. They are modern day pioneers who constantly trusted in God regardless of their circumstances. And they experience miracles.
September 3, 2013
What a powerful story! This sort of story always reminds me how lucky I am to live where I do. The Fangamou family faces a lot of hardship in this story coming as they do from a country torn apart by war. Forced to flee, Blema heads to a refugee camp hoping to find a way to eventually reunite with his family. Meanwhile, his wife and six children are also forced to flee after being robbed of everything they own. His wife is pregnant and has been savagely attacked. Forced to deal with everything from the betrayal of friends to severe hunger, thirst, and illness, the Fangamou's hold fast to their faith in God despite it all. A truly inspirational story that truly touched my heart and kept me reading, God Doesn't Write with a Pen left me feeling humbled and appreciative. A wonderful, if heart-breaking read that I can heartily recommend.
October 4, 2013
This is a wonderful story about a family who now lives in our stake, the Boise Idaho stake. They originally lived in Guinea-Bissau in west Africa, but because of war/rebels the family was split apart. They had tremendous faith that God would help them, and you will want to read the book to see how it all works out. :)
The story is wonderful, but the writing isn't always wonderful. The author is not a professional author, so keep that in mind.
The story is wonderful, but the writing isn't always wonderful. The author is not a professional author, so keep that in mind.
May 9, 2014
This is a story of an African family separated by war. Benga' is accused of supporting rebel forces, and his life is threatened, so he must flee and leave his wife and children behind. The story is told over a ten year span, and is a touching story of faith and hope. I would have loved to have read some of the children's perspectives as they were left behind, at first with relatives, and then with others, as they tried to immigrate to the United States.
September 6, 2013
Author Christi Lynn Pauline shares the story of Blema and Fatoumatou Fangamou in this amazing and inspirational biography. It is also a story of determined faith. Sometimes sad, sometimes heartbreaking, it is always hopeful. The best part about this book is the strong faith in God that has seen the family through their tragedy and triumph.
February 2, 2018
This is a true story about a man from Guinea-Bissau who is caught between rebels and a war-torn government, and is forced to flee his country for his life when falsely accused. He is separated from his family and they all suffer terrible hardships and tragedy. His resilience and faith are inspiring.
May 23, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. It is a remarkable story of the capacity of the human spirit for survival. It also a testimony for the hope that comes from a strong faith.
February 12, 2014
This was a quick read and interesting true story of a man living in a refuge camp in Africa. I don't totally understand the culture and had a hard time relating to some of the decisions the main character makes regarding his family. Fascinating though.
April 18, 2018
Miraculous and Moving
Impossible is not a word I will use again after reading this excellent and moving true story. God can make a way when there appears to be no way. This book provides a vision of what pure Faith and love can do. There are no limits on the good we can do.
Impossible is not a word I will use again after reading this excellent and moving true story. God can make a way when there appears to be no way. This book provides a vision of what pure Faith and love can do. There are no limits on the good we can do.
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September 1, 2013Very interesting to read the background story of an amazing family we have come to know and care about.
September 15, 2013
I liked this book. It was about war, but every page was full of hope, and peace. amazing.
September 23, 2013
Remarkable true story of a refugee family from Guinea-Bissau who ended up in Boise, told in a book sorely in need of a good editor.
September 3, 2016
What an awesome story of faith. It gave me such appreciation for my own trials.
July 3, 2014
Very inspirational. One of those books that really makes me appreciate living in the United States.
April 20, 2015
review to come
April 16, 2015
Very touching story
January 3, 2016
An amazing story of faith and endurance. Simple writing style.
January 31, 2016
I enjoyed this incredible true story and the fact they end up in my city. It was a tiring read due to all their trials and the strength required of them in every aspect of their lives.
March 11, 2016
A very hear warming story and to think it is going on today. Yes God does send us miracles if we just watch for them !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews