Book Description:
When pilot Captain Ward Millar is forced to eject over enemy territory in North Korea, the ejection explosion snaps both of his ankles. Unable to walk, he is easily captured by North Korean and Chinese soldiers who interrogate, threaten, and starve him for strategic wartime information. He feeds the enemy false information while plotting his escape. But it's only a matter of time before they discover his lies. He knows it will take a miracle to gain his freedom, but his previous self-reliance on his own capabilities has never included appealing to a higher power. If only he had faith like his wife, Barbara, whose firm belief in God can move mountains.
North Korean soldier Kim Jae Pil was raised to believe in the power of prayer, but, knowing the Communist Party's views on religious groups, Kim and his family must keep their Christian faith secret. He is desperate to escape the army, return to his family, and then flee to South Korea.
With Millar imprisoned and unable to walk, and the North Korean army increasingly suspicious of Kim's actions, it seems impossible that either man will find the freedom they so desperately desire. But when these wartime foes cross paths, they find in each other an unlikely ally. Despite speaking different languages, Millar and Kim find common ground in their fragile faith and must rely on each other to undertake a daring escape.
Praying with the Enemy is a story of courage, determination, unlikely friendship, and enduring faith.
Rorie’s Review:
I pulled this book out to read during a 5+ hour track meet, only intending to read it a little bit while waiting for my son to compete. I didn't want to put it down! The story doesn't start out slow at all, the reader is thrust right into the middle of the action right from the start. Knowing that this is based on a true story made it even more captivating. I knew a very little bit about the Korean War before starting this book, but I've never even pondered on the way the communist side thought. I also had no idea that the North was aided by the Chinese. History and all of the why's fascinate me, but I was most in awe of the strength and courage of Ward and Kim Jae Pil. Both going through their own battles and struggles, both wondering why things were happening the way they were. In the end, we all get to see that things worked out just the way they needed to, and it could not have happened without divine intervention. I appreciated the afterword letting the reader know what happened to both men. I do wish there was a little more detail about Ward's health, more specifically, his legs. Definitely a book I recommend to any history buff or really, anyone.
Andrea’s Review:
This was such an interesting story. It was inspiring to see how Ward’s love for his wife and child helped give him the will to survive as a POW, and how his wife’s example of faith took seed in him and helped him get through his ordeal. I can’t imagine what an awful experience he had. It was truly a miracle that he survived given the extent of his injuries and the subpar medical care and filthy conditions. It was so nice to see the humanity in those who lent Ward a hand throughout his journey-especially Kim Jae Pil.
Title: Praying With the Enemy
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