Straining Forward: Minh Phuong Towner's Story

One Woman's Journey from Oppression to Redemption in the Wake of the Vietnam War

By: Michelle Layer Rahal

Narrated by: Karen Gundersen

In the early morning hours of January 31, 1968, New Year's fireworks gave way to gunfire and bombs. Eleven-year-old Minh watched in horror as her father and two siblings were gunned down by the Vietcong in their backyard. Though she escaped death that night, abuse, prison, and torture would follow. A dramatic escape by boat on the South China Sea finally takes Minh out of communist Vietnam, but the tragedy of her childhood would continue to haunt her.

From France to Australia to the United States, Minh struggles to find her place in a country she does not call home, in a world she does not understand. While each journey leads her to question God’s very existence and purpose for her life, they also draw her into a closer relationship with him and toward a vocation in ministry.

Minh’s powerful story of escape, as well as dangerous and unhealthy relationships, is told with raw sincerity. Straining Forward is a riveting spiritual journey of hope and healing that reminds listeners that we are more than victims of circumstance and that even in our loneliest and most desolate moments, we are never truly alone.

©2018 Straining Forward, LLC (P)2021 Straining Forward, LLC

A MUST READ!!!

Each chapter kept you inspired. I loved how she related scripture to her life journey. Her story was such an inspiration. The author relayed her words so perfectly.

A beautiful tales tales of triumph

This real life story was full of joy, sorrow, excitement and the triumph that could only be created by God. This book will bless you with encouragement and remind you to seek the Lord daily. This is a must read.