A Long Way Gone should be made compulsory reading for every teen, every young adult, well actually any literate person should get a hold of this book. It has changed my perspectives. It is a true story of a child soldier. Before you start nodding sympathetically in agreement, let me tell you this. I am pretty sure that nothing you have read before in the newpapers, or nothing that you have seen in the news will give this much insight as this book did. The author, Ishmael Beah, writes brilliantly. A gifted writer. Despite a brutalized childhood, he emerged as a voice to the nations. I will not summarize this book, but only insist that you get yourself a copy and read this.
This is not a Christian publication. But all Christians must read it. The redemption experienced by one who had done the cruelest of acts. The forgiveness experienced by him who traumatised innocent civilians. The transformation process highlighted in ths book makes me realise that the gospel message must be demonstrated thru genuine acts of kindness and mercy.
“In more than 50 conflicts going on worldwide, there are an estimated 300,000 child soldiers. Ishmael Beah was one of them.”
As I write this, the war in Sri Lanka has escalated to unprecendented proportions. There are at least 6000 child soldiers involved (but the actual number is probably higher). It is reported about 50,000 civilians (100,000?)are caught as human shields. What can you do? We can stand in the gap. We can prayer. Prayer can move mountains. Prayer can change the hearts of people. Let us join together to pray for all child soldiers and for the situation in Sri Lanka.
