Would
we allow our lives to be interrupted and used by God, regardless of
the personal cost? Would we protect others from an evil government
planning their elimination?
That
is the story of the Trocmes. Schott has done a good job of taking
readers through the childhoods of Magda and Andre, their meeting,
their marriage, and their service to others in the midst of danger.
The
greatest impact of the story is when the Trocmes are in Le
Chambon-sur-Lignon, a mountain village in the south-central region of
France. Andre was a pacifist. It had been hard for him to find a
pastoral position. In June 1940, German troops marched into Paris and
an armistice signed. Le Chambon was more than one hundred miles south
of Vichy and in the Free Zone. Refugees began pouring into the
village. But then the order came. Beginning in October, all Jews were
to be handed over to German officials. Andre and the villagers put
their own lives in danger to protect Jews.
The
story of Magda and Andre is inspiring. They are a good example of
valuing the lives of others above their own as well as remaining true
to the command of Christ to love our neighbor. Theirs is also a
thought provoking story. What would we do, given the same kinds of
circumstances?
I
recommend this book to those who appreciate stories of sacrifice and
heroism. You'll learn some about the Christian practice of the people
of the area. Some were descendants of the Huguenots while others were
followers of John Nelson Darby. You will be inspired and be
challenged to think about the millions of refugees in the world
today. Would we open our doors to strangers who asked for our
protection as the Trocmes did?
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Hanna
Schott is a German journalist, writer and editor who has studied
literature, theology, musicology, and language.
Herald
Press, 270 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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