Guiding Missal: Fifty Years. Three Generations of Military Men. One Spirited Prayer Book.

By: Nancy Panko

Narrated by: James Minos

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

“If this little book could only talk!” is the premise of Guiding Missal (based on a true story) about a lively prayer book that accompanies three military men as they live through momentous events in our nation’s history.

In 1942, George Panko is drafted into the US Army and volunteers to be a forward observer conducting covert operations behind German lines during the Battle of the Bulge. In his combat jacket pocket, he carries a small prayer book, My Military Missal. The little missal provides solace as well as a running commentary on the battle and the deeds that earned George two Bronze Stars.

George’s son, Butch, enlists in the US Air Force in the 1960s. Before his son leaves for basic training, George entrusts Butch with his tattered military missal. Butch finds himself decoding top secret information in an underground bunker during the height of the Berlin Crisis. He and the little book are praying that WWIII isn’t about to break out.

Fast-forward to 1991: Butch Panko’s future son-in-law, TO Williams, overcomes a debilitating condition to enlist in the US Army. In 1992, the newlywed is grateful for the well-worn prayer book Butch gives him just before he’s deployed to Africa. He and the book find themselves plunged into an unrelenting fight for survival on the streets of war-torn Mogadishu, Somalia, during Blackhawk Down. By God’s grace, they both live to tell a miraculous story of deliverance in that hopeless situation.

Deftly combining fast-paced action with humor, history, and scenes of family tenderness, Guiding Missal is an inspiring account of God’s faithfulness in times of trouble, making it a must-listen for history buffs as well as anyone who seeking hope and encouragement for self or others.

©2017 Nancy Panko (P)2018 Nancy Panko

A feel-good story

A feel-good book about three generations of military men, their patriotism, faith, and what it was like for their families when they were overseas serving our country. The small missal they carried with them narrates the story. I couldn't turn the book off.

Incredible story with amazing narration

This award winning novel is brought to life by the narrator. I read this book and I knew I had to hear the audio version. I couldn't imagine this story could get any better but the narrator manages to take Guiding Missal to w whole new level. Guiding Missal is the story of a family's contribution to our freedom with a special connection to a tiny military missal. The author chose the perfect narrator to introduce us to her story. Chills ran down my spine as I listened. You will enjoy this more than you can imagine.

Unlocking the mystery of faith.

A wonderful way to share how faith sustained three generations of men in uniform. A guiding missal was always there, ready with inspiration when the servicemen needed it the most. Interesting plot device, a book that assumes predestination and an omnipresent view.
The dialogue keeps the story flowing. The historical links are riveting. The family drama is all too familiar to military families like mine. Kudos to the author for a brilliant story, and the narrator who rendered it so well.