Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II

I absolutely love this autobiography. It's probably my favorite of all the Christian biography genre. It's the story of Darlene Deibler, a missionary who ends up being placed in Japanese POW camps during WWII, while her husband is placed in a separate camp. There are so many interesting historical/cultural details. But more importantly, you can see God's hand working in her life. She learns so many spiritual lessons, and we learn them with her. There is a heart-wrenching scene, that always brings me to tears where Darlene is imprisoned by the Japanese secret police and has prayed for something, and then retracts that prayer because she thinks it's impossible for God to answer. He amazingly demonstrates that nothing is impossible for Him and gives her exceedingly, abundantly above what she had asked for. And, she immediately feels so humbled. I am teary-eyed now just recounting it, and I am not someone that cries at the drop of a hat. The writing is very capable. Sometimes a good story is handicapped by a so-so writer, and thankfully, that's not the case here. Darlene does a wonderful job describing the scene and bringing you in to it. She does a wonderful job describing the horrors present at times in the camp, without being needlessly graphic. I read this book aloud to my 8 yo and 6 yo, having to pause for some periodic explanations. They are used to having books read to them that are above their own reading capability, and they enjoyed it. Now several months later, I asked my 6 yo if she liked the Darlene Deibler book, and she said she loved it and that her favorite part was the bananas. I think everyone's favorite part is the bananas, but you'll have to read it! I also bought copies of this book for my sisters-in-law and mother-in-law this Christmas. I already heard back from one of them that she's greatly enjoying it and will encourage her husband to read it too. I was first introduced to this book by a mother and her adult daughter, both of whom also loved it. My husband has loved the parts I've read aloud to him. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian for spiritual encouragement and growth. But, it's also a good historical resource on the Japanese POW camps. This is one of those books that I give a 5-star rating, but it's a step above most of my other 5-star books. This is probably one of my top ten favorite books over all genres and categories.

Great book highly recommend. Written by a woman about a woman so therefore it’s relatable in the struggles of life, even though most of us have never been in a concentration camp. The way that this woman displays trust in the Lord is inspiring for our every day lives. I love reading, missionary stores because they inspire me to press on, because if they can endure and prosper well and all the while trust God through such circumstances, then I can certainly do so, and mine are much easier circumstances.

Inspiring and humbling story of a missionary during the time of WWII in the Pacific Theater. Would highly recommend to anyone. Good for personal enjoyment, book club, homeschool, etc.

An incredible read that should be a Christian classic, if it isn't already. Journey with this missionary into Papua New Guinea and learn what stamina our 1940 heroes of the faith were made of. You will begin to see what they endured to reach the unreachable, as well as learn how some survived as POW's for years, making the best of terrible conditions and trusting God through tremendous loss. Reading this was both humbling and inspiring. My trials by comparison are nothing and although I hope to never have to endure what this woman went through, she gives me hope to face whatever lies ahead, knowing God is with me.

A used book with yellow pages but was in great condition for reading this lovely story of Christians willing to give all to share Christ with others through very difficult times.

This book was almost better than reading the Bible! Darlene recounted her experience of marrying young, running off with her new husband to New Guinea full of idealism to be a missionary in the jungle, and then spending four years in a Japanese POW Camp. The entire book is saturated in Scripture God re-spoke to her to keep her spirits up during fierce, cruel trials. The book made the Scripture come alive. Her sense of humor and strong personality peek through here and there as well. I can't think of another book that so beautifully illustrates a well-done dance with God: Darlene - trusting in God's Providence even when evidence of His goodness is no where to be seen. Darlene - crying out to God for help, at the very end of her rope. Darlene - hearing and obeying her Shepherd's voice, mostly in simple day-to-day acts Darlene - sharing laughter in the most unlikely places Darlene - asking God to help her forgive and love her enemies Darlene - begging God for one banana when isolated in a special interrogation camp God - comforting with a sense of His Presence God - not removing the trial but bringing special Scripture to mind as promises of His ability to help her get through anything; His promising these fires would give her the gift of a strong and pure faith God - creating spontaneous acts of beauty in the midst of ashes God - supernaturally enabling forgiveness and acceptance of death God - miraculously providing NINETY-TWO bananas in response to her prayer God -miraculously healing her malaria and dysentery without medication The most moving part of the story was the conversion of the Commander of the entire POW Camp. Darlene told him she does not hate him (after all kinds of abuse) because Jesus said to love our enemies. He had never seen anything like that before and saw God. This book reminded me that we do not need to be afraid of ANYTHING except distrusting and disobeying God. Truly, "no pit is so deep that His love . . . and power . . . are deeper still." My favorite quote (from an older, more experienced missionary to Darlene): "Lassie, be a good soldier for Jesus Christ."

good book

Book published in 1988 and written by Mrs. Dalene Deibler Rose. This is such a deep, powerful testimony of her journey as a young newlywed American missionary in the jungles of New Guinea until she and her husband find themselves in the middle of World War II and at the mercy of the ruthless Japanese where they were placed in separate prison camps for four years. What prompted me to buy her book is after viewing her 3-hour testimony via youtube entitled "Woman of Faith" (Part I and II). She is an amazing speaker, details everything without missing a beat. Her book complements her live testimony. Her captivating story made it hard to put this book down. The things she had to go through is incredible. To say the least, deprivation, fear, famine, sickness, loneliness etc. This dear lady passed away 10 years after the publication of her book. Highly recommended. It will stir your faith.

A must read for any Christian

The most amazing and challenging book I ever read.

What an encouraging testimony. I am greatly moved. Had tears by the time I finished it!

The quality of the book is not worth the price. Greatly disappointed.