Bringing Life: Seven Years Building Afghanistan

by Joshua Atkinson

Afghanistan is a world of adventure and danger for a young American working within the international development community. Joshua Atkinson spent seven years in the devastated nation, working in many of the same hostile conditions as the armed forces, but lacking the military’s high levels of security. Confident in God’s faithfulness and protection, Joshua navigated a dangerous landscape, his work often hindered by corruption. Before leaving the country, he endured a period of wrongful imprisonment in a nation known for its brutal prison conditions. Through all of the events he maintained his faith in God and commitment to the mission. Throughout his time in Afghanistan, Joshua immersed himself in the local culture, gaining an on-the-ground understanding of Afghans that few diplomats and politicians could match. He learned both language and customs, even mastering the tendon-straining art of squat-sitting. Joshua’s insight into Afghan culture, politics, and the international contracting scene alone would make Bringing Life a compelling read for those interested in Afghanistan and ongoing recovery efforts, but his story runs deeper. An inspiring trust in God’s love runs through all of Joshua’s adventures, from his lighthearted anecdotes to periods of intense hardship and life-threatening challenges.

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2013

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to read this book, written by my college friend Josh Atkinson. One thing I really liked is how it picked up at the last time I saw him, right after college, and continued from there until now. So I feel like I really was able to catch up with a lot of what's been going on with him, and what a lot it's been!

This book gave some great insight into the life of international contracts and construction work, as well as the perilous nature of that type of work in a war-torn country like Afghanistan. Josh had a desire to go there and make a difference and this book is an unabashed telling of his efforts, his successes, his trials, his failures, and his perseverance to continue, all because of hope in God.

The main critique I'd have is that most of the book is presented in short little snippets, bits of stories and memories that were often unrelated and also didn't always seem to have much point to them. It did help paint the picture some, but at other times some of the snippets just seemed out of place. On the other hand, apparently much of this book was written from a difficult ordeal in prison, so if that caused some of the narrative to be disjointed, then it's no surprise.

All in all, I really enjoyed the read and it's an inspiring story to encourage me to persevere as well in my own difficult work that God has called me to participate with him in.