Ten Lost Children: A Story of Redemption

by Ann Haskin

Ann Haskin was born in a three-room shack in the backwoods of Alabama. Her father died when she was two. Her mother was abusive and neglectful, leaving the hungry children to fend for themselves as they searched for food. This continued until the children were rescued by the police and escorted to their aunt's cotton farm. There, they picked cotton all day in the hot, humid sun. Shortly thereafter, the children were returned to their mother who, after moving a stranger into the house, fled to California with him and the children. They would watch in horror as this man would beat their mother, at times leaving her for dead. Ann's life demonstrates the power of God, which transformed a shattered childhood into a life of purpose and meaning. This is a story of hope, faith, and forgiveness and how she found joy and peace in His promises. Ann Haskin grew up in California and recently moved to Oklahoma to be near her family. She has been involved in Calvary Chapel churches since the 1970s and has served in many ministries over the last thirty-two years. Ann faithfully volunteered as a chaplain in Juvenile Hall for seven years and has a passion to evangelize and minister to those who are broken and hurting. She also had the privilege of being a counselor at crusades that featured speakers Billy Graham, Greg Laurie, and Franklin Graham. Ann speaks at different events throughout the United States, sharing her story in order to help others find redemption as she did in the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ann believes that God called her into this ministry and is excited to see how He plans to use her life story and this book.

408 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2023

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Haskin grew up in the same little town I did. She comes from a large family. She went to the same schools I did and the places she mentions are familiar to me. We are the same age. However, her upbringing was completely removed from the loving relationship I had in my family. This is remarkable story of how dysfunctional and abusive upbringing can still be overcome. It is a wonderful story of redemption, courage and faith in God.

[Elaine Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read about God's Great Love & Forgiveness.

I cried for Hazel & her siblings.
They had so much to endure: abuse, hunger, neglect & trying to get by the best way they knew how. So heartbreaking, but God's love saw them through.
I highly recommend this book, a must read.
I am also from AL not that far from where Hazel & family lived.

[Kathy Gossen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle to write a review for this book because from a literary perspective it is all over the place. Things are not always presented chronologically, her writing s pretty elementary, and sometimes memories are repeated, but then you realize she is remembering things from a very traumatized childhood so it seems to fit the trauma. My other qualm is that there is so much of her life that she hardly mentions…how did God show himself to her through two divorces and single motherhood and the death of a husband after only five months? And how did she struggle with being a mom herself after so much trauma growing up? The story is mostly about the trauma she endured. I would have liked to hear more about how God drew her back into the fold as an adult. Also, the story really isn’t about ten lost children. It’s about her salvation. Granted she shares all her siblings’ testimonies at the end but really it’s her story, not the family’s story. Even so, would I recommend it? I think yes. Her story needs to be shared because you never know who could find encouragement from her story or be saved as a result of her testimony.

[Janahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down because I wanted to see what happened to little Hazel next. I had a hard time following the writing style, time line and people sometimes, but in the light of the whole story... that made sense and didn't bother me. A fascinating account of how God can take a disasterous upbringing and bring contentment, forgiveness and peace. It reminded me that you have no idea what people have been through. I loved that Hazel can look back and see that God was with her through it all, and that she amazingly can now look at her past and family and see He was working even in the most horrible trials. Very poignant choice of ending by updating on all the family members.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A horrid childhood that authorities are meant to prevent. The whole town should have been aware and a8ding these children. she says they all d8d well in life, but none graduated from high school, and she was divorced twice, so I would question how success is judged. her focus is on her faith, and that's adjirable but it d8dnt come easy.

[Sherrie Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

very emotional read

Excellent book, Ann had quite a life. Easy to read and hard to put down. Brought back memories of my hometown.

[steven c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book is one of those books you just can’t put down. I loved it!!! They really need to make a movie! Love love this story!!