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Kabul 24: The Story of a Taliban Kidnapping and Unwavering Faith in the Face of True Terror
You can't kidnap someone's hope. They were teachers, engineers, nurses, students, and artists from around the world who answered God's call to help Afghan refugees rebuild their lives following decades of war. But as international tensions reached inferno levels in 2001, extremists set out to rid Afghanistan of anyone who posed a threat to Islam and the influence of the Taliban. The Shelter Now International (SNI) humanitarian effort led by Christians from Western countries topped the Taliban's list. Kabul 24 is the story you didn't see on CNN. It's the story of the human heartbeats behind the headlines that captivated the world during one of the most volatile political windows in rencent history. Relive the harrowing, true account of how eight humanitarian aid workers imprisoned behind enemy lines would survive and even thrive in the midst of betrayal, inhumane conditions, and the massive Allied bombing raids?conducted by their own countries?following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. From peacemakers to pawns in a story of political and religious turmoil, the eight would individually and collectively discover a level of hope that would free them from captivity long before their dramatic rescue by American Special Forces 105 days after their abduction.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2000
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March 12, 2020
Amazing story!
November 12, 2009
Rating: 3.75 out of 4
Kabul 24 is about 24 people taken hostages by the Taliban in 2001. Out of these 24, 8 were foreigners and were working for the Christian Organization Shelter Now International (SNI). The remaining 16 were Afghan employees of SNI.
These SNI workers were helping to rebuild war torn Afghanistan by building factories, schools, orphanages and such for the Afghani people. It was a time when Afghanistan was still under the Taliban rule and the situation was already very tense and fragile as the Taliban had implemented the strict Sharia Law for all the Afghani people, a law where women couldn’t work and people had to follow strict ways of dressing, living and even praying.
During this time, Diana and Heather, 2 foreign employees of SNI, went to an Afghan family (apparently on their insistence) to show them a documentary on Jesus and tell them a little about their faith. But seemed like it was a set up by the Taliban with the help of the Afghani family to catch them red-handed trying to convert people to Christianity. They arrested the 2 women and then went around the SNI homes and offices to arrest as many people as they could. They got hold of 24.
Kabul 24 mostly focuses on the 8 foreigners-2 men and 6 women. They did not understand what was going on and why they were being imprisoned. Now begins my real complaint with the book. For e.g. take a look at these separate passages from the book.
–>Even though Georg and the others had shared their beliefs about Christ with the Afghan employees, conversion was not a precondition for Afghan employment with SNI. They loved the Afghans for their own sake, and those sixteen men deeply appreciated the opportunity for work and the kindness shown them by the SNI staff without any pressure to convert.
–>We have never forced anyone to convert. That is not our policy. We simply help people with their needs without regard to their beliefs. We do not go into the cities and hold crusades or swing our bibles and say you must convert or you shall go to hell. We are Christians. We never deny that. We speak about our faith when asked, but only in a way that is acceptable within the culture.
–>They both visited the Afghan family in question. Against her better judgment, Dayna had given a copy of her children’s Bible stories book to the young boy after he had worn her down by his unrelenting determination to have it.
Here no where do they accept that it was a mistake showing the documentary and giving the book to the children. I’m not accusing them of trying to convert people to Christianity. I’m just saying that don’t act surprised. Under the Taliban rule, where they knew how strict the Sharia law was in Afghanistan, I’m surprised that this thought never crossed their mind that showing such things to Afghani’s was wrong given the circumstances. Besides why did Dayna give the kid the Children’s Bible story book? She could have shown him any other children’s book. Again, I’m not accusing anyone, just saying that it should have probably expected the accusations from a party as religiously fanatic as the Taliban.
So these prisoners were shuttled from one prison to another where the conditions were very bad. This book gives us a glimpse into what the prisoners, foreigners and otherwise, suffered under the Taliban regime. It’s very heart-breaking. Although the book as a whole was well written, I found it a little too dramatic at times. You don’t really need to dramatize anything, it’s already dramatic enough. For the last hundred pages I was literally glued to my seat. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The faith of these people is something that comes across very strongly in this book. It is this very faith that helped them get through this ordeal. After their escape from Afghanistan they decided to go back to Afghanistan to re-build what was destroyed. That takes courage.
I really liked this book. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s brilliant but it’s definitely worth a read. It also gives a little background on the Taliban and some other things mentioned in this book.
This book has stronger Christian elements than the other Christian themed books I have read before but I didn’t feel like the authors were trying to preach anything. It was just because faith was such strong part of the SNI employees that the book automatically reflected that.
First posted at http://violetcrush.wordpress.com/2009...
Kabul 24 is about 24 people taken hostages by the Taliban in 2001. Out of these 24, 8 were foreigners and were working for the Christian Organization Shelter Now International (SNI). The remaining 16 were Afghan employees of SNI.
These SNI workers were helping to rebuild war torn Afghanistan by building factories, schools, orphanages and such for the Afghani people. It was a time when Afghanistan was still under the Taliban rule and the situation was already very tense and fragile as the Taliban had implemented the strict Sharia Law for all the Afghani people, a law where women couldn’t work and people had to follow strict ways of dressing, living and even praying.
During this time, Diana and Heather, 2 foreign employees of SNI, went to an Afghan family (apparently on their insistence) to show them a documentary on Jesus and tell them a little about their faith. But seemed like it was a set up by the Taliban with the help of the Afghani family to catch them red-handed trying to convert people to Christianity. They arrested the 2 women and then went around the SNI homes and offices to arrest as many people as they could. They got hold of 24.
Kabul 24 mostly focuses on the 8 foreigners-2 men and 6 women. They did not understand what was going on and why they were being imprisoned. Now begins my real complaint with the book. For e.g. take a look at these separate passages from the book.
–>Even though Georg and the others had shared their beliefs about Christ with the Afghan employees, conversion was not a precondition for Afghan employment with SNI. They loved the Afghans for their own sake, and those sixteen men deeply appreciated the opportunity for work and the kindness shown them by the SNI staff without any pressure to convert.
–>We have never forced anyone to convert. That is not our policy. We simply help people with their needs without regard to their beliefs. We do not go into the cities and hold crusades or swing our bibles and say you must convert or you shall go to hell. We are Christians. We never deny that. We speak about our faith when asked, but only in a way that is acceptable within the culture.
–>They both visited the Afghan family in question. Against her better judgment, Dayna had given a copy of her children’s Bible stories book to the young boy after he had worn her down by his unrelenting determination to have it.
Here no where do they accept that it was a mistake showing the documentary and giving the book to the children. I’m not accusing them of trying to convert people to Christianity. I’m just saying that don’t act surprised. Under the Taliban rule, where they knew how strict the Sharia law was in Afghanistan, I’m surprised that this thought never crossed their mind that showing such things to Afghani’s was wrong given the circumstances. Besides why did Dayna give the kid the Children’s Bible story book? She could have shown him any other children’s book. Again, I’m not accusing anyone, just saying that it should have probably expected the accusations from a party as religiously fanatic as the Taliban.
So these prisoners were shuttled from one prison to another where the conditions were very bad. This book gives us a glimpse into what the prisoners, foreigners and otherwise, suffered under the Taliban regime. It’s very heart-breaking. Although the book as a whole was well written, I found it a little too dramatic at times. You don’t really need to dramatize anything, it’s already dramatic enough. For the last hundred pages I was literally glued to my seat. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The faith of these people is something that comes across very strongly in this book. It is this very faith that helped them get through this ordeal. After their escape from Afghanistan they decided to go back to Afghanistan to re-build what was destroyed. That takes courage.
I really liked this book. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s brilliant but it’s definitely worth a read. It also gives a little background on the Taliban and some other things mentioned in this book.
This book has stronger Christian elements than the other Christian themed books I have read before but I didn’t feel like the authors were trying to preach anything. It was just because faith was such strong part of the SNI employees that the book automatically reflected that.
First posted at http://violetcrush.wordpress.com/2009...
December 8, 2009
Imagine yourself for 105 days in a foreign land where you may or may not speak the language, and you are suddenly yanked from your job, thrown into medieval prisons with no explanation, accused of crimes that can mean you execution at any moment: How would you survive every moment? Where would that faith of rescue come from?
For the 8 workers of Shelter Now International (SNI) and the 16 Afghanistan people who tried to help them, this is the hell they faced as the rule of the Taliban and al-Quaeda rose, and the tragedy of 9-11 loomed in the future. While other SNI workers escaped with the clothes on their back, the accused were daily questioned and accused of converting and attempting to convert Afghan people to Christianity. The 2 men and 8 women were terrorized with threat of torture and death. Their surroundings alone were enough to make them go mad--squalor with risk of disease, little to no news of the world, save from their "Afghan Angels". They were shocked to find they were indeed international news.
I was completely gripped by the premise of this story. To hear about the events leading up to 9-11 "from the other side" was enlightening. And the strength of their faith was just amazing to me. While they had their moments of weakness, their ongoing bravery and courage humbled my heart. The goodness of the people, not wanting harm to come to anyone, even their captors, was truly mind-blowing.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that while it is from a Christian publisher, and regards the Christian hostages and their faith, I feel that this book is very accessible to those of all faiths. Many times they show their respect for the faith of their captors, as they had before being arrested. I think that is a strong message to make today. I feel this book is appropriate for teens (middle school) to adults. While books can convey very strong visuals, I do not feel there is anything inappropriate for a pre-teen/teenager to read. I also do not feel that it is inappropriate in a public school setting--this is history, just as The Diary of Anne Frank, and the history of our nation.
As this book ends (no spoilers!) there is promise of a documentary being released (kabulmovie24.com) I do hope it makes it to light. This is a worthy story to tell.
For the 8 workers of Shelter Now International (SNI) and the 16 Afghanistan people who tried to help them, this is the hell they faced as the rule of the Taliban and al-Quaeda rose, and the tragedy of 9-11 loomed in the future. While other SNI workers escaped with the clothes on their back, the accused were daily questioned and accused of converting and attempting to convert Afghan people to Christianity. The 2 men and 8 women were terrorized with threat of torture and death. Their surroundings alone were enough to make them go mad--squalor with risk of disease, little to no news of the world, save from their "Afghan Angels". They were shocked to find they were indeed international news.
I was completely gripped by the premise of this story. To hear about the events leading up to 9-11 "from the other side" was enlightening. And the strength of their faith was just amazing to me. While they had their moments of weakness, their ongoing bravery and courage humbled my heart. The goodness of the people, not wanting harm to come to anyone, even their captors, was truly mind-blowing.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that while it is from a Christian publisher, and regards the Christian hostages and their faith, I feel that this book is very accessible to those of all faiths. Many times they show their respect for the faith of their captors, as they had before being arrested. I think that is a strong message to make today. I feel this book is appropriate for teens (middle school) to adults. While books can convey very strong visuals, I do not feel there is anything inappropriate for a pre-teen/teenager to read. I also do not feel that it is inappropriate in a public school setting--this is history, just as The Diary of Anne Frank, and the history of our nation.
As this book ends (no spoilers!) there is promise of a documentary being released (kabulmovie24.com) I do hope it makes it to light. This is a worthy story to tell.
October 24, 2009
Kabul 24 tells the story about the hellish nightmare eight Western aid workers and sixteen Afghanis endured during their captivity in Afghanistan by the Taliban. The workers came from around the world, Germany, Australia and the United States. They were men and women from different professions, nurses, teachers, engineers and artists all with a goal-helping the people of Afghanistan have a better life. The Westerners were all with a mission, Shelter Now.
One day, in the weeks leading up to 9/11 they were quickly picked up off the street and from their homes. For three months they were held in captivity and moved around Kabul to different prisons, including the notorious Pulicharki Prison. While the Westerners were never beaten and tortured they were very conscious of the torture inflicted on the Afghani workers who were accused of converting to Christianity.
I found this book to be a fantastic read, chronicling the group's time in captivity. What amazed me most about the group was their faith in God. Throughout their ordeal they would find solace in prayer and their beliefs. The women would gather together for prayer and singing hymns. I cannot imagine the ordeal the group went through being subjected to psychological terror as the Taliban would drive them to the execution square never saying where or why they were leaving the prison. I am not a huge reader of Christian literature. This book does not preach to the audience, it quietly tells the group's story. After their release, one of the workers returned to Afghanistan to continue his work.
On a lighter note, at one time, a British female journalist is thrown into custody with the women. She insults the Taliban by hanging her underwear in the courtyard to dry. Refusing to submit to the Taliban, the journalist notes that the Taliban could be driven out of Afghanistan if people would just run around waving woman's underwear.
One day, in the weeks leading up to 9/11 they were quickly picked up off the street and from their homes. For three months they were held in captivity and moved around Kabul to different prisons, including the notorious Pulicharki Prison. While the Westerners were never beaten and tortured they were very conscious of the torture inflicted on the Afghani workers who were accused of converting to Christianity.
I found this book to be a fantastic read, chronicling the group's time in captivity. What amazed me most about the group was their faith in God. Throughout their ordeal they would find solace in prayer and their beliefs. The women would gather together for prayer and singing hymns. I cannot imagine the ordeal the group went through being subjected to psychological terror as the Taliban would drive them to the execution square never saying where or why they were leaving the prison. I am not a huge reader of Christian literature. This book does not preach to the audience, it quietly tells the group's story. After their release, one of the workers returned to Afghanistan to continue his work.
On a lighter note, at one time, a British female journalist is thrown into custody with the women. She insults the Taliban by hanging her underwear in the courtyard to dry. Refusing to submit to the Taliban, the journalist notes that the Taliban could be driven out of Afghanistan if people would just run around waving woman's underwear.
September 22, 2009
Kabul 24 tells the story of eight Westerners and their sixteen Muslim co-workers and their three-month long imprisonment by the Taliban in Afghanistan. For three months in 2001, the twenty-four members of Shelter Now International (SNI) are held hostage in the days leading up to the September 11th attacks. This book recounts their interrogations, the sham of a trial before the Taliban Supreme Court and their feelings of abandonment and isolation during their imprisonment. But more than that, this is the story of unwavering faith in something greater than themselves - their faith in God and the belief that their mission was just.
Told from the vantage point of the eight Western aid workers: Peter Bunch, Dayna Curry, Silke Duerrkopf, Katrin Jelinek, Heather Mercer, Margrit Stebner, George Taubmann and Diana Thomas, the humanitarians are ostensibly arrested for trying to convert Muslims to Christianity - a crime punishable by death in the Islamic country. The SNI members are held in virtual isolation from each other, their governments as well as their families, while they are questioned relentlessly. During their 105 days of imprisonment, they are left to wonder if the outside world has any clue as to what is going on with them and if they've been abandoned by their governments.
The story opens with the account of an unknown woman (who is only identified as a burka) and her march through the city streets on her way to be executed. Her crime is never mentioned but the feeling of isolation, fear and helplessness are a palpable reflection of the emotions the twenty-four would come to feel.
This book made me question my own faith and whether it would be strong enough to endure such a situation. Not that I would question God or His existence but would I have the conviction to stand up for what I believe in no matter what the cost.
Told from the vantage point of the eight Western aid workers: Peter Bunch, Dayna Curry, Silke Duerrkopf, Katrin Jelinek, Heather Mercer, Margrit Stebner, George Taubmann and Diana Thomas, the humanitarians are ostensibly arrested for trying to convert Muslims to Christianity - a crime punishable by death in the Islamic country. The SNI members are held in virtual isolation from each other, their governments as well as their families, while they are questioned relentlessly. During their 105 days of imprisonment, they are left to wonder if the outside world has any clue as to what is going on with them and if they've been abandoned by their governments.
The story opens with the account of an unknown woman (who is only identified as a burka) and her march through the city streets on her way to be executed. Her crime is never mentioned but the feeling of isolation, fear and helplessness are a palpable reflection of the emotions the twenty-four would come to feel.
This book made me question my own faith and whether it would be strong enough to endure such a situation. Not that I would question God or His existence but would I have the conviction to stand up for what I believe in no matter what the cost.
September 28, 2009
"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 KJV This verse from the Bible describes faith and "Kabul 24" tells the stories of people who lived their faith in modern times. Imagine this: suddenly, the semi-hostile country around you (a people you have come to help) becomes filled with fanatics and spies wishing you harm. Families you thought of as friends betray you. You are taken from your home, unable to convey to others what is happening, then transported to, and left in, filthy and unsanitary conditions. It is enough for most people to blame God and beg for mercy. But, this group of eight people from SNI relied on their faith in God to get them through. Times were frightening and no help seemed to be around, but they knew God never left them. Did they wonder why they were chosen to face this trial? How did the assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the rise of the Taliban and Mullah Omar, the constant changes in Sharia Law, and the 911 bombings in America affect them and their conditions? What made it possible for this group of eight to carry on when nothing seemed possible?
Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson wrote a book that transported me to Kabul. I could remember praying for these hostages. I could see the community before and after the arrests, and the changes were astounding. It was enlightening and uplifting to read their story. If you have ever needed strength, ever had a time of testing or a lapse of faith, pick up this book. You will be stronger and more encouraged for doing so.
Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson wrote a book that transported me to Kabul. I could remember praying for these hostages. I could see the community before and after the arrests, and the changes were astounding. It was enlightening and uplifting to read their story. If you have ever needed strength, ever had a time of testing or a lapse of faith, pick up this book. You will be stronger and more encouraged for doing so.
October 18, 2015
August 2001, Kabul, Afghanistan: Eight relief workers from Shelter Now International -- German citizens George Taubmann, Katrin Jelinek, Margrit Stebner, and Silke Durrkopf; along with Australians Peter Bunch, and Diana Thomas; and two Americans Heather Mercer, and Dayna Curry -- were arrested by the Taliban. Officially they were never accused of any crimes yet were locked away, questioned and threatened daily, and subjected to living conditions horrific beyond comprehension. Despite their fear, the captives clung to their faith and treated their captors and fellow prisoners with love and Christian charity -- and in doing so won help and loyalty where none should have been found.
Kabul 24 is a story of hope, courage and shining miracles. The book is written in a compassionate yet factual manner. The events aren't sensationalized and the reader is invited to fear for the captives, but not to hate the captors. We are invited to share the extraordinary faith journey of these eight relief workers and see that God is clearly at work in the world today, just as he was when the world began.
I read this book from cover-to-cover putting it down only long enough for meals and other minor necessities. Despite its grim subject matter, the book is an uplifting read. It reveals the Taliban in ways the press does not and you may very well be shocked by what you learn.
Even if you are not interested in reading this book for its Christian faith message, this historica event should be a "must read" for everyone.
Kabul 24 is a story of hope, courage and shining miracles. The book is written in a compassionate yet factual manner. The events aren't sensationalized and the reader is invited to fear for the captives, but not to hate the captors. We are invited to share the extraordinary faith journey of these eight relief workers and see that God is clearly at work in the world today, just as he was when the world began.
I read this book from cover-to-cover putting it down only long enough for meals and other minor necessities. Despite its grim subject matter, the book is an uplifting read. It reveals the Taliban in ways the press does not and you may very well be shocked by what you learn.
Even if you are not interested in reading this book for its Christian faith message, this historica event should be a "must read" for everyone.
October 15, 2009
The Taliban has taken control of Afghanistan, and they have targeted Shelter Now International as an infidel organization out to convert the Afghani people to Christianity. A trap is set; a trust is betrayed; and 24 SNI workers - eight Westerners and 16 Afghani employees - are taken prisoner.
Kabul24 is the true story of how faith and divine intervention sustained 24 innocent men and women as they suffered over three months of captivity at the hands of madmen.
This book offered an intimate look beyond what I read in the papers or saw on the news. I was invited inside the dank prison cells and into the hearts, thoughts, fears, and prayers of the 24 SNI workers held by the Taliban, never knowing if they’d live to see tomorrow.
The SNI mission workers have nothing but compassion for the Afghani people, and their love and kindness help them build lasting relationships with their fellow prisoners. I was uplifted and encouraged by their constant hope in God and their faith that His will and purpose was being fulfilled through them.
I was expecting a tell-all tale of the horrors of being held hostage by one of the most evil empires in current history. What I found instead is a tale of hope and courage. Of quiet strength and faithful urgency – a compelling combination that resulted in a book I could not quit reading.
Kabul24 is the true story of how faith and divine intervention sustained 24 innocent men and women as they suffered over three months of captivity at the hands of madmen.
This book offered an intimate look beyond what I read in the papers or saw on the news. I was invited inside the dank prison cells and into the hearts, thoughts, fears, and prayers of the 24 SNI workers held by the Taliban, never knowing if they’d live to see tomorrow.
The SNI mission workers have nothing but compassion for the Afghani people, and their love and kindness help them build lasting relationships with their fellow prisoners. I was uplifted and encouraged by their constant hope in God and their faith that His will and purpose was being fulfilled through them.
I was expecting a tell-all tale of the horrors of being held hostage by one of the most evil empires in current history. What I found instead is a tale of hope and courage. Of quiet strength and faithful urgency – a compelling combination that resulted in a book I could not quit reading.
October 26, 2009
A great missionary biography along the lines of Corrie ten Boom's, "Hiding Place", Kabul24 details the modern times imprisonment of 8 western missionaries and their 16 Afghan employees. Taken just before the 9/11 bombings, they were probably being held as negotiation pieces in the event of retaliation. Until reading about their narrow escape, I was under the assumption that they were released through negotiations. Greater than the political circumstances is the "faith" seen in their lives.
The authors resist the tendency to sensationalize the conditions or faith of these hostages. The result is a story that is easy to see as real and yet amazing. The simple faith and mutual support of believers facing extreme Islamic persecution is convicting. The story honestly presents the kindness and response of devout Islamic people who are deeply touched by the goodness of God's servants. In stark contrast is the immorality of unjust trials, lies and manipulation of the Islamic Taliban. Yet, God blessed them with everything they needed to survive: courage, assistance, wisdom, and help from the most unlikely sources. It is easy to see what we already know; God miraculously cares for each of us.
This book is well written, honest, inspiring and easy to enjoy. I heartily recommend it.
The authors resist the tendency to sensationalize the conditions or faith of these hostages. The result is a story that is easy to see as real and yet amazing. The simple faith and mutual support of believers facing extreme Islamic persecution is convicting. The story honestly presents the kindness and response of devout Islamic people who are deeply touched by the goodness of God's servants. In stark contrast is the immorality of unjust trials, lies and manipulation of the Islamic Taliban. Yet, God blessed them with everything they needed to survive: courage, assistance, wisdom, and help from the most unlikely sources. It is easy to see what we already know; God miraculously cares for each of us.
This book is well written, honest, inspiring and easy to enjoy. I heartily recommend it.
February 12, 2025
I read Kabul24 by Ben Pearson and Henry Arnold as part of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Bloggers program. This is the story of the SNI aid workers held by the taliban in Afghanistan just before the 9/11 attacks. They were held for 105 days in horrid conditions and subjected to interrogations and intimidation. I remembered hearing their story in the media at the time and was very interested to read about it in more detail.
The actual story is very inspiring. The workers faith in God and his providence continued throughout the ordeal even through immense stress but we also see that they are normal people that still experience times of despair. We also get to see how the support of each other throughout their time in captivity helped maintain their faith and sanity. I was interested to read that quite a few returned to work in Afghanistan. Their love and concern for the people of Afganistan definitely showed through in this retelling of the story.
What let down the book for me was the writing. At times it read like a school report which prevented me from becoming fully engaged with the people and the situation they found themselves in and it was only the fact that this was a true story that captured my interest. I still rate it worth the read especially if you are interested in true stories of faith and missionaries.
August 5, 2016
Kabul 24, by Ben Pearson and Henry Arnold, is about a group known as the “SNI Eight.” The SNI Eight are a group of westerners who work with Shelter Now International. These eight worked in a place called Kabul, located in the Middle East. However, the story is not just about them, it is about their families and the locals that they provided employment for. They are arrested and unjustly punished for only helping a people that desperately needed helping. Their story starts as they are arrested back in the year 2001.
On September 11 of that year America was attacked by terrorists. This happened shortly after the SNI eight were “arrested.” Their prisoners soon become more of abductors, attempting to use the eight as a personal shield from U.S. retaliation as well as for ransom. While this book is an account of their experience, it flows in story-like form. I could not put this book down. I have family that lives in Romania as missionaries, so this book definitely touched a place in my heart. We need to endlessly lift one another up in prayer. A book is good when you can’t stop thinking about it even after you’ve finished. I can’t stop thinking about it.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing
On September 11 of that year America was attacked by terrorists. This happened shortly after the SNI eight were “arrested.” Their prisoners soon become more of abductors, attempting to use the eight as a personal shield from U.S. retaliation as well as for ransom. While this book is an account of their experience, it flows in story-like form. I could not put this book down. I have family that lives in Romania as missionaries, so this book definitely touched a place in my heart. We need to endlessly lift one another up in prayer. A book is good when you can’t stop thinking about it even after you’ve finished. I can’t stop thinking about it.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishing
January 20, 2010
I kept going back and forth with this book. While I liked it, there were several things that threw me.
This book focuses on the activities and imprisonment of some Shelter Now International (SNI) employees by the Taliban army. The story in and of itself was sad and gave you a bird’s eye view of what it really means to be held in a prison with no real laws for 100 days. And while the experiences are something that very few people would have been able to endure, it felt like it was told as a shock value rather than a learning one.
The book was written to explain how the employees faith in Christianity made it possible for them to remain strong, but we rarely saw that. Instead we were slapped in the face over and over with the pain and indignities they had to endure. And while this must be written about, this goal of the book and the final result didn’t see eye to eye.
While I enjoyed reading the book, it didn’t scream out at me. Shock value and constant downers only go so far.
This book focuses on the activities and imprisonment of some Shelter Now International (SNI) employees by the Taliban army. The story in and of itself was sad and gave you a bird’s eye view of what it really means to be held in a prison with no real laws for 100 days. And while the experiences are something that very few people would have been able to endure, it felt like it was told as a shock value rather than a learning one.
The book was written to explain how the employees faith in Christianity made it possible for them to remain strong, but we rarely saw that. Instead we were slapped in the face over and over with the pain and indignities they had to endure. And while this must be written about, this goal of the book and the final result didn’t see eye to eye.
While I enjoyed reading the book, it didn’t scream out at me. Shock value and constant downers only go so far.
September 28, 2009
The book begins with the story of one of the Afghan women, but quickly moves into the set-up and arrest of 8 foreigners and 16 Afghan workers with Shelter Now, an agency that provided care for Afghan orphans and sick and poor through a variety of programs. It is an honest story of the stresses and fears as well as the faith and faithfulness of God that kept them alive and sane through the 105 days of their captivity.
The book presents the Afghans in a realistic light - good people and bad people. It also conveys the love these people had for the Afghans and their fears and anger with the Taliban for what it did to them as well as what it did to the country and people of Afghanistan. The ordeal of the 16 Afghan workers is not told in detail, but the fate of those 16 is never forgotten through the story and the prayers of the 8 foreigners for the release of those 16 even before their own release was answered.
The book presents the Afghans in a realistic light - good people and bad people. It also conveys the love these people had for the Afghans and their fears and anger with the Taliban for what it did to them as well as what it did to the country and people of Afghanistan. The ordeal of the 16 Afghan workers is not told in detail, but the fate of those 16 is never forgotten through the story and the prayers of the 8 foreigners for the release of those 16 even before their own release was answered.
August 20, 2012
Riveting story, mediocre writing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews