Miracles Among the Rubble: Bringing Convoys of Humanitarian Aid, Hugs, and Hope to a War-torn Region

by Carol R. Gray, Samantha Richardsom (editor), Rebecca Johnson (editor)

“All those years ago, feeling totally overwhelmed by what I saw of fear and destruction, I turned to the Lord with a yearning I could not understand. Still to this day I do not understand why a dear and loving Heavenly Father prepared the way for me, Carol Gray, an ordinary English wife and mother, to dare to believe that in my small and humble way I could possibly make the difference to a war-wearied country.”

Carol Rosemary Gray was a British mother and homemaker of seven children who became a recognized humanitarian leader in Europe and Africa. After receiving the all clear from her first battle with cancer at age 29, she made a promise to her Heavenly Father that she would live every single day to the fullest. This promise was exemplified years later when she began by organizing and transporting relief aid for victims of the Balkan War during the early 1990s, returning more than 34 times in the following nine years. She then went on to found Hugs International TLC, which, through Carol’s efforts, funded the construction and operating of homes, a school, dormitories, a medical center and a sports field in Ghana for the next 10 years. Carol passed away in 2010 at age 66.

This volume comprises a selection of heart-wrenching and inspiring experiences told in Carol’s poetically unique style of expression. Her stories are a testament to the extraordinary achievements of an ordinary mother, who was able to do remarkable things with nothing more than unwavering faith, the help and guidance of the Holy Ghost, and her relationship with the Savior.

155 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

Reviews

[Daniel Evensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Gray was an extraordinary woman. Already leading a busy life as a mother of 7, she was so disturbed by news reports of the brutal conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s that she devoted herself to delivering material aid to the victims. Her story is a poignant and remarkable tale of an ordinary person who responded to the calling to do extraordinary things. It reminds us that we can help perform miracles in the lives of others, despite our own shortcomings.

Be warned: this book is a tearjerker. My eyes welled up with tears several times as I read horrific stories of loss and devastation, and the miracle that comes with compassion and aid. It is a short and smooth read, but I found that I had to break it up into several reading periods to give myself time to emotionally recover.

This is not a political treatise on any subject. Gray does not take sides in the conflict and does not even engage with the underlying political and ethnic complexities. Her goal was not to solve the conflict. Rather, her goal was simply to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those in need of comfort - and provide the material help they needed to last another day.

It appears that this book was finished in 2005, and Gray passed away in 2010. One wonders why the publication of such a simple book was delayed for so many years. Regardless, the publication of this book in 2020 is absolutely timely. We tend to forget the lessons of the past, about how hate leads only to destruction, about how compassion and love are more persuasive than debate and polemic, let alone the terrible swift sword. This is the book that we need today.

I wish I were more like Carol Gray.

[Joseph Cosgriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Miracles” is a gift. It is a well-written work that conveys compassion, understanding, and the love of humanity willingly and ably giving hugs and aid from prologue: “I was filled with that joyous gratitude that slowly dawns within the soul. “Had I witnessed a miracle?” to epilogue: “I thank you all for your love, support, and help over the years. But especially I thank, from the deepest realms of my heart, my Heavenly Father, who encircled me in the arms of His love and kept me safe!” Every story included is a gem told with love and good humor. I feel like Fred’s statement to Carol “I feel so blessed, and I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to journey with you into Bosnia” can be fulfilled for any reader. Carol Gray embodied the Relief Society motto, “Charity never faileth.” Love heals war.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tremendous example of someone who put others and what she believed was direction from God above her own convenience, comfort, and even safety. It is a fascinating glimpse into the life and attitude of a woman who made a difference, even though she had no real preparation. Her willingness and effort were enough. This is an incredibly positive approach to the horrible devastation of war and the inhuman atrocities of war. I recommend this book very strongly. It is an easy read, a few Britishisms that I was not familiar with, and the first part is by her daughter.