Thursday, August 15, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway: God Doesn't Write with a Pen by Christi Lynn Pauline

God Doesn't Write with a Pen,
by Christi Lynn Pauline
2013, 226p, LDS Non-fiction
My Rating=5 stars
Source: Was provided a copy by the publisher, Cedar Fort, Inc., for an honest review

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, is war-torn and chaotic after the election of 1994. Joao Bernardo Vierra is elected president in spite of fierce opposition, magnifying the already tense political situation.

As war ravages the country, pharmacy owner, Blema Fangamou and his wife, Fatoumatou, are separated from their children. For over twelve years, the couple is tested and tried with hardships, all the while wondering whether their children are alive. Through the Lord, Blema and Fatoumatou are strengthened, helping them to maintain love and hope.

This true story of the Fangamou family's journey through loss, recovery, and miracles helps us recognize the tender mercies given to us by the Lord in our own lives and is an inspiration to everyone who faces adversity. 

One day, without warning, life completely changed for the Fangamou family. Blema was working as a pharmacist and soldiers with guns came into his store. They had been sent to kill him since he was accused of selling medicine to the rebels. He tried to argue that he didn't know who he was selling to but they weren't there to listen to him. The first miracle was that he got out alive. He didn't return to his family, since he knew the soldiers would go to his home and would definitely kill him there. His assistant got out and ran to warn Blema's wife, Fatoumatou, telling her that Blema had been killed and she needed to leave with her children immediately.

Fatoumatou sat in shock that her husband was dead and wasn't able to leave. The soldiers came a few hours later and robbed them, then came back and terrorized her some more. When they left, Fatoumatou knew they had to leave so she gathered her children and set out to find somewhere safe to go. Later, Fatoumatou learns that Blema is actually alive. This book is their amazing story of hardships, trials, and setbacks as well as their enduring faith until they are able to reunite once again.

Eight months in, Blema was physically and emotionally run down yet he refused to stop praying. "Ironically, it was during these most desperate, lonely times that he often felt a strong impression that he was being watched over, and somehow, in this lost and lonely state, he knew he wasn't alone. It was this feeling, this hope, that kept him moving forward...believing." (Last paragraph of Chapter 4)

What an amazing family!! They were faced with opposition, separation and loss. Blema and Fatoumatou were able to be reunited fairly quickly but couldn't make it back to their children. I can't even begin to comprehend how that must have felt. They were fortunate that their children were watched over and they had family that was willing to take care of them so the children stayed together instead of being farmed out to different places.

Blema and Fatoumatou made it to the United States and I was impressed with the people here that were willing to help them reunite with their children. Lots of miracles occurred and what happened reminds me of the saying, "Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you." Many people worked tirelessly and relentlessly, going as far as they could and then God stepped in and created the miracle.

This is a story that made me think. What would I do in similar circumstances? Would I have the faith required to make it through? Or would I give up? The Fangamou's story will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This is a book I highly recommend!!

CHRISTI LYNN PAULINE was born in the humble town of Blackfoot, Idaho, near the Fort Hall Indian reservation. It was here that her interest in other cultures was cultivated at an early age. Her love of God, people, and literature has fueled a desire to write, and her favorite subject is that of ordinary people who possess extraordinary faith. She enjoys reading and writing poetry, and has authored a children’s book entitled, “Hullaballoo at the Zoo.”

Christi currently resides in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Ernie, where they are both serving as Ward Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also serve as Ordinance Workers in the Boise, Idaho Temple. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Christi treasures time spent with her family.

It's giveaway time!! The publisher, Cedar Fort, Inc., is giving away one e-book copy to one of my readers! Open to US and International (you just need an e-mail address).

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Mrs. said...

This book looks really interesting!

Melanie Valderrama said...

The whole time I was reading it, I thought of how much you'll love this book! It's right up your alley.

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