Kabul 24

by Ben Pearson and Henry O. Arnold

[Charli G.]

Title: Kabul24
Author: Henry O Arnold and Ben Pearson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Religion/Christian Ministry/Missions
Source: Thomas Nelson for Review

Synopsis: 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.

Kabul24 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 recent 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.



My first thought when I read the synopsis of the book was "Wow." That's it, just "Wow." After reading the book, that is still pretty much my reaction. I have to say that while I do read it, Christian literature is not my first choice of reading materials. However, if not for the constant references to the eight Westerners Christianity and worship during this horrifying time in their lives, you'd be hard pressed to be able to classify it as Christian literature.

Every nuance of these eight people's story is carried out in shocking detail. From the squalor of the prisons they were forced to inhabit to the reactions of their arrests, nothing is spared from the reader. While there are not particularly graphic depictions of the torture the Afghan prisoners suffered, there are enough to disturb one.

The book was extremely well written and in my opinion is a definite must read for anyone looking to see how times of crisis can strengthen faith as opposed to destroying it. Keeping faith throughout a situation like this would be difficult for anyone, but yet these eight people managed to beat the odds and come out of their experience with their faith intact.

This book is a very good read and is one that I consider a keeper.