By Natalia S.N.
The book But Not Forsaken by
Helen Good Benneman portrays the life of a Mennonite family in their struggle
to escape Soviet territory. So far, they had successfully escaped Russia and
had a home in Germany. Suddenly, the family was separated. The two parties
headed west hoping to find each other and passed through incredible adventures
in their travels. This book teaches that God will never forsake us and that He
can use anyone to accomplish His will.
But
Not Forsaken first shows that God will not abandon those that trust in
Him. In chapters 9 and 10, Maria and her
two children do not have a place to pass the night during their harsh journey.
As little Rosie weeps, an old lady accepts to lodge them in her own house
despite the danger (74). They eventually leave his house and cross the border.
In chapter 15, God puts the Mennonite Central Committee to provide them with
food, shelter, and care (120). In all their troubles God never forsook Maria
and her children.
While
showing that God always provides, Helen Good Brenneman also demonstrates that
God can use anyone to accomplish His will. As Maria made her try to get pass
the officer of the border in chapter 14, God puts in her mind to say, “Please,
sir, won’t you have a heart?” (112). Then God softens the heart of the officer
to let them go on. They pass three officers this way and cross finally into the
British zone. Later in chapter 19, Maria’s skeptic husband, Hans, gets into a
train to get out of Berlin and then cross the border somehow. He lies to the
soldier checking tickets. His seatmate notices this and is willing to help him.
In exchange of some potatoes, he gives Hans the card of a man who could help
him. “I guess,” He thinks, “Maria would call this an answer to prayer!”(151).
God used a man in a train, an old lady, and Russian officers (the very people
they were trying to avoid) to accomplish His will.
But
Not Forsaken demonstrates how God can use anyone he wants to fulfill his
will and how He will always care for those who believe in Him. Maria and her
two children always had food and shelter given by unexpected persons God used,
and finally found her husband and gained freedom. Helen’s But Not Forsaken
helps to see God’s provision in the middle of trouble and need, and to trust in
the almighty God.
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