Evidence Not Seen

By: Darlene Deibler Rose

Narrated by: Lorna Raver

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

The true story of one woman's triumph of faith.

Newlywed American missionary Darlene Deibler Rose survived four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp set deep in the jungles of New Guinea. Thinking she was never to see her husband again, Darlene Rose was forced to sign a false confession and face the executioner's sword, only to be miraculously spared.

©1988 Darlene Rose (P)2014 HarperCollinsPublishers

Solid faith in tumultuous times

Every once in a while you read a book that slaps your self-pity on the nose – and this is a good thing. This true story about a young missionary woman in New Guinea during World War II will definitely give the reader a check on their pride. Darlene Deibler shares with openness and grace the struggles of moving to New Guinea to reveal the gospel to primitive peoples and then serving four years in a Japanese internment camp. The story is equally heartbreaking and beautiful as she and the women of the camp overcome with a patience and steadfastness rarely observed today.

Evidence Not Seen reads as a primer for those who feel called to missionary work – at least on this point: God’s plan for your life may not be yours but His is ultimately better. Mrs. Deibler relates how she married the much older missionary C. Russell Deibler to be swept to the Dutch East Indies where they were convinced they would set up a strong mission base in remote New Guinea. However, after working tirelessly for a few years to make this a reality, the Japanese army invaded the islands and forced the Deiblers into separate internment camps. Here Darlene found her new mission was to preserve a positive attitude among fellow prisoners and to share and cultivate faith in God in the camp. She suffered trials constantly: disease, forced labor, deaths of loved ones, torture, and deprivement. Through all this, she rested heavy on her relationship with Jesus. His promise to her to “never leave her or forsake her” was the iron for her soul. Though she could never see the endgame for God’s plan for her, she willingly followed his lead and found great reward.

Ultimately this book speaks to power of simple daily faith. To be a hero for this day, you do not have to be mighty – just faithful. The little kindnesses given have a cumulative effect. The daily study of the scripture ground the soul. The prayers whispered in the corner establish a connection to Christ that can be unshakeable. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Audible readers: Lorna Raver did a fabulous job. Her tone and pace gave an excellent connection to the author's story.

7 stars out of 10

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Beautiful Story

This is a rich story of a person's quest to follow God in the worst of circumstances and His continued faithfulness in the most unexpected ways. What makes it special is the honesty and humbleness with which it's told. The author admits to her frailties and doesn't oversell Christianity - she lets it speak for itself, and that it does.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I liked it

Good story, not only of her experiences and trials during World War II, but of her relationship with God. He not only worked through her to reach and help others, but gave cause for her to trust and love Him more, even in the darkest of times.
Really enjoyed the reader.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Beautiful

This story paints the true picture of what the Christian Faith should be, how we define God's love for His own, & what it means to truly live a life spent on Jesus Christ. A convicting & compelling story, beautifully written & narrated.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Read this and be forever changed

Never have I read a book that has made such a profound impression on my heart. The faithfulness of God expressed in these pages is both encouraging and convicting.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Holding Fast to Faith

Such an inspirational read! Days later I am still taking note of Darlene's response of prayer and Scripture recall to strengthen her. What a walk of faith and what character to exhibit in the severe circumstances she had to endure!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Excellent and profoundly encouraging

At first I was dismayed at the slow cadence of the narrator, but, imagining an elderly author recounting her experiences, feel that it added to the quality of the recording, giving it the autobiographical feel.

The story was gripping and very well written.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

encouraging

Darlene's experiences faith and trusting her Lord gives me strength and Hope and encouragement knowing that if she could survive such things I surely can survive the things I face in today's world

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Inspiring

I read this book years ago and the stories and hardships and scriptures stuck with me. The story about the bananas has always been one of my favorite stories on God's abundant provision. I highly recommend this true story of the hardships of war and the concentration camps in WW II.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazing story

Amazing story of the faithfulness of God and the missionaries who love Him. I will recommend this book often.

Spectacular tale of courage & faith

This is a spectacular tale of courage & faith. God is faithful even in our darkest & most painful moments. What a beautiful witness to God's power & healing.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Outstanding book

Well narrated biography of a spirited woman who lived through the horrors of Japanese internment with courage and cheerfulness. I learned much from her close walk with God and the way she coped with dark and difficult experiences as well as her infectious humour and joy. Fascinating story. I like Lorna Raver's narration.