A fascinating modern missionary story—very encouraging read!

Looking back on my years of homeschooling, it feels like I grew up on missionary stories. We always had one or two each school year (and sometimes a lot more!), alongside the ones Mom read aloud to the family now and then of a quiet evening. This year, I was privileged to read two books co-written by Craig Borlase; this one, and Defying Jihad. Both were impactful, stories I doubt I’ll forget for quite a while.

I feel like Brunson’s story is somewhat unique, because you don’t often read about missionaries who are sent to prison—that’s just not a thing that happens, right? But, as we’ve seen in the past with Corrie Ten Boom, or Martin and Gracia Burnham, it does happen now and then. Of course, we hear stories like Brother Yun or Richard Wurmbrand, but those things happen in places remote and unconnected from us…right?

Well, as Andrew Brunson found out, it sometimes does happen to us. And he discovered it could be quite challenging! His faith was severely tested in prison, yet through that struggle, he learned he could rely on God—even when he couldn’t feel the Lord’s presence.

This book was a great encouragement to me. I hope that if I’m ever in a position like this, I’ll be able to stand strong in my faith and know that no matter what, God is still there working.

If you’d like a bit of background for the current Turkish/Syria conflict, I think this would be a very helpful story. It’s also faith-building because even though Brunson was pushed to the depths of depression, and even considered suicide at several points, God came through for him and helped him. Though it could have been told as a story of despair, it isn’t—the hope shines through, even in the darkest places. I loved that. And I’d love to have a copy of my own on the shelf one day!

I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

This book is very emotionally charged to read. Pastor Andrew Brunson and his wife Norrine had served as a missionary’s wife in Turkey for 23 years. Their love of the people and commitment to sharing the gospel with them ran deep. So much so they applied for a permanent visa and make the country their forever home. In 2016 they were both arrested. Norrine was shortly released but Andrew remained imprisoned for 735 days in horrible conditions. He was accused of being a spy and a terrorist. His is an incredible story of being persecuted for righteousness sake.
I applaud and admire Andrew’s courage to be transparent about his thoughts, emotions and testing of his faith. He didn’t pretend to be the hero or a super saint, just the real deal.
While I have never been imprisoned with false accusations nor faced any of the extreme trials he did, I have experienced emotions and situations in lesser situations that he shared. Andrew speaks of his time of depression, anxiety attacks, hopelessness, thoughts of suicide, fear, and even questioning his faith and God’s existence. Pretty extreme right? Some may read this a judge him. “He is a pastor! He is a Christian! He should have these thoughts and feelings!” Wrong! We are all flesh and of this world. Anyone in circumstances can falter and fall. That does not mean we are not Christ's. I felt like a failure during those times and that I was probably the only one or a rare few of God’s children to disappoint Him so. I am not happy the author went through these things but it helped me see even His strongest, most dedicated servants waver.
I have felt all of these in times that crushed my spirit and if most Christians were honest they would admit to the same. Satan can put us in a place where his attacks wear one down. He also admitted to needing medication to get through. This is frowned up on in the Christian community.
The bottom line is God delivered him! Did he fail as God’s man? No! He went through the fire and always came back to his Savior and God. As horrific as these events were, he came out stronger and is still serving God. Bravo Pastor Brunson! I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own. ( )

God’s Hostage: A True Story of Persecution, Imprisonment, and Perseverance by Andrew Brunson, with Craig Borlase, is not light reading. The subtitle perfectly relays the contents of this autobiography: persecution, imprisonment, and perseverance. Andrew Brunson underwent intense hardship as he spent 735 days in Turkish prisons. As the majority of this book takes place during his imprisonment, frequently the focus is on his mental, emotional, and spiritual struggles. I appreciated the deep honesty he shared. He tells about his fears, deep depression, suicidal thoughts, the well-intentioned (but not helpful) advice of others, and much more.

Although the subject matter in God’s Hostage is weighty, I found the plot fascinating. At times, I wanted to keep turning pages to follow along his journey, but had to stop for the night and space it out to avoid absorbing too much of the emotional turmoil. I could relate to his feelings of being abandoned by God in his hardship. In a way it was refreshing to read about as it reminds me that I’m not the only one who faces certain struggles.

God’s Hostage by Andrew Brunson, with Craig Borlase, will appeal both to readers who enjoy autobiographies and to those who followed Andrew Brunson’s imprisonment as it happened. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )