Inspiring and Informative Mission Memoirs

Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Freedom in Afganistan

By Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer

Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer felt called by God to go to Afghanistan and minister to the poor and oppressed. They developed many contacts and friends with the local people in just a short time. Several months after they arrived they are arrested by the Taliban government for telling local natives about their love for Jesus. Their captivity is described in detail with separate accounts from Curry’s and Mercer’s viewpoint throughout their ordeal. The 911 attacks on the United States occurred soon after they were arrested, complicating their release. Their captivity is detailed with many twists and turns, many deprivations and threats. They openly describe their depression and abject fear yet learn to completely trust in God. They are ready to die but are dramatically rescued in the nick of time. 

Captive in Teheran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph Amid the Horror of Teheran’s Brutal Evin Prison

By Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh with John Perry

The sub-title of this book is accurate. Captive in Teheran is a remarkable story of hope and triumph - the story of two Christian women imprisoned in Teheran for 259 days. Maryam and Marziyeh are arrested for promoting Christianity in Iran – a capital offense. They are detained in deplorable conditions, interrogated endlessly without an attorney and without written charges against them. During their captivity they witness and minister to countless prisoners with greater freedom than they could on the outside! Both women also witness to the guards, court officials and judges. They will not deny Christ even if it costs them their lives. Captive in Teheran reveals the disdain for women under sharia law; the lack of integrity, justice and fairness by this Islamic country. It also shows the amazing power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of two women fully surrendered to Christ. This is an eye opening true story.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

Blessings, Dottie

For other excellent mission books see Faithnotes blog here and here.