Rescue the Captors

Rescue the Captors #1

by Russell M. Stendal

American bush pilot Russell Stendal, on routine business, landed his plane in a remote Colombian village. Gunfire exploded throughout the town and within minutes Russell's 142 day ordeal had begun. The Colombian cartel explained that this was a kidnapping for ransom and that he would be held until payment was made.
Held at gunpoint deep in the jungle and with little else to occupy his time, Russell got ahold of some paper and began to write. He told the story of his life and kept a record of his experience in the guerrilla camp. His "book" became a bridge to the men who held him hostage and now serves as the basis for this incredible true story of how God's love penetrated a physical and ideological jungle.
How did this incredible true story affect Russell? "At first my mind went wild with thoughts of revenge and violence. Then, after a while, I was able to see through their attempt to break me down and brainwash me. I started making a determined effort to throw all their stories and dramas out of my mind and not to let my thoughts dwell on them at all. I would trust God that He would take care of my wife and I would close my mind to my captors' input. I decided to think about positive values instead."
"I told them that they had two choices, either kill me, or let me go for whatever small amount my family could afford. One of the guerrillas turned and asked me if I was afraid to die. I replied that dying is obviously uncomfortable, but yes, I was prepared to die."
"My captors tied me up and left the rope on day and night. They were seriously trying to completely break me psychologically and then brainwash me. Every day new things were done to alter me and work towards that goal. My captors started telling me scare stories. Some of these stories were about wild animals. They told me some of the wildest, hair-raising tales about lions and tigers that I have ever heard. These stories were designed both to intimidate me, reducing my ability to sleep, and to cause me to think twice before I decided to try to escape into the jungle again."
"God used my hostage situation to show me that I had been guilty of resisting God's hand on my life and had therefore been unwittingly spending an unnecessary amount of time in that spiritual birth canal being squeezed all out of shape instead of coming out into the light and being born again. I decided that I was going to forget my own big missionary plans and projects, and instead I would concentrate on discerning where God was moving and then try to jump on His bandwagon - God taught me how to be a true missionary for Him. I began to react towards problems and adversity as opportunities to learn important things and as opportunities for God to use me to bring glory to Himself. My life changed to one of victory in Jesus Christ. I still have problems, difficulties, and even an occasional defeat; but now I can clearly see the design and purpose that God has for my life. If I have the right attitude, God can reign over everything that happens in my life and teach me something useful from even the most difficult experiences.""

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Adventure

188 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

Russell Stendal, a former hostage of Colombian rebels, is a lifelong missionary to that same group in the jungles of Colombia. He is an influential friend to military and government leaders in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, and the United States. Russell's ministry shares the gospel via twelve radio stations, hundreds of thousands of Bibles, books, and movies distributed through airplane parachute drops, and numerous speaking engagements for groups of leaders, prisoners, and individuals. Russell goes wherever the Lord leads, whether it's to speak with a president or to go deep into the jungle to help an individual in trouble. He has witnessed thousands commit their lives to Christ.

Reviews

[Jason Mccool · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing Russ speak at a Voice of the Martyrs conference in February 2013, I had to get this book. He has lived a pretty exciting roller coaster of a life, and is able to convey it well in his speeches. But more than that, he's able to convey deep spiritual concepts in a down-to-earth way. While the first sentence of the book is "I am not a 'professional' writer", he still does does a great job of conveying his story. He tells of his kidnapping by Marxist guerrillas in Colombia and his captivity for 142 days in 1983, along with his family's very interesting back-story of how a civil engineer from Minnesota and his family became missionaries to Colombia, and Russ's pivotal role in that while only a child. He talks about the lessons God taught him that he would've never learned if he hadn't been kidnapped, and his gradual realization that it was up to him to rescue his captors from their spiritual darkness. While I started reading the free download version of the book available on Kindle, the print version had some great photos that weren't available in the Kindle version, so I would recommend that version. Having gotten my private pilot's license also, I really appreciated his becoming a jungle pilot at age 19, and some of the harrowing tales of flying incidents he survived by the grace of God. I don't think you have to be a pilot to appreciate his aviation stories, though. Much of the book was written while being held captive, with a guard pointing a gun at him, with a rope tied around his neck, and he lays it all out there for the reader, the good and bad, and laughs at his own bad choices over the years. several of his best stories start with "My first mistake was..." If you read it, be sure to read the appendix too, or else you'll miss his hilarious tale of trying to fly an unwilling passenger in their Cessna 170 - a 250# hog heading to town to the butcher! But amidst the funny stories of life in a fly by the seat of your pants place and time, and the serious drama of being kidnapped by people who routinely killed those who disagreed with them, are gems of spiritual wisdom learned the hard way and passed on to the reader as a gift. The only detraction for me was his fascination with Biblical numbers and theories on the meaning of numbers towards the end of the book. Some of them are a bit of a stretch, using multiples to show the significance of seemingly ordinary numbers. People like finding patterns in stuff, whether there is any or not, and this part kind of smacked of numerology. On the other hand there are numbers that seem to recur a lot in the Bible, for whatever reason, so who knows? I'm not going to fault him too much for looking for some significance in apparent patterns. Anyway, that's a pretty minor mark against a book I really enjoyed.

[Ginny Jaques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell Stendal's father read him a story about what life in Columbia is like for an indigenous person. Russell asked his dad why life was so hard for them, and was told it was because no one had gone to help them make things better. Russell immediately got down on his knees and asked God to send his parents to Columbia to help the needy people. He was 4 years old at the time.

When Russell was 8, the family moved to Columbia to begin translation work with Wycliffe Bible translators. When he was 26, Russell was kidnapped by Marxist guerrilla revolutionaries and held prisoner for 142 days in the jungle, where he began writing his book, Rescue the Captors.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Not because it is perfectly written or carefully plotted. It's not. But it's real, it's exciting, it's informative on a number of topics, it's encouraging in the struggle between good and evil in the world, and it models what a life well lived looks like. It has instantly jumped to my short list of books that are universal must-reads for spiritual and emotional benefit.

There's a part in the last part of the book that is a little strange. The author gets carried away with some numerology speculation. But this part was written toward the end of his captivity, during the time the guerrillas were trying to break him psychologically. He was being tortured and they were attempting to brainwash him. The only way he kept sane was to focus on God, so his mind was probably spiralling at the time.

The book was first printed in 1984 shortly after Russell's release. I googled him to find out what he is up to now, nearly 30 years later, and found much more good reading and research ahead of me. He's still working in Columbia, presently helping to establish and maintain radio stations that broadcast encouraging messages about God to indigenous Christians in the area, as well as to Marxist guerrillas who are still living in the jungle, running drugs and terrrorizing local communities. He's also making forays into the jungle with Bibles and other Christian literature. Rescue the

Captors Book 2, tells about the amazing ministry he has had since the kidnapping. The story reads better than an action spy novel. I'm in the middle of that one as we speak.

At this point I would say that this book is among the top ten, and possibly the top five, books on my list of best all-time reads. I highly recommend it to Christians, for encouragement, and to non-Christians who are curious about what makes Christians tick. What they believe, how that affects their lives, and what they do with their lives as a result.

[Rob Robideau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Missionary Stories with Some Adventure

As a missionary and a pilot currently serving in Nepal, this book sounded interesting even before I read the first page. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. The action starts quickly and the main story comes across well without seeming too over-the-top braggadocios or sensational.

The structure of the book has alternating chapters skipping back and forth from the story of his captivity to the stories of his childhood as a missionary kid in Columbia. This system paces the book quite well in my opinion and opens the door for a number of stories that really add to the book.

This book is written from a first-person perspective and it fits the stories well. It flows well and the stories are fascinating and touching.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for some insight into life on the missionfield as well as an interesting real-life adventure.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little over half of this book Russell Stendal wrote his story about being captured by Marxist terroist. About 40% at the end was written more like a devoational; lessons that Russell learned. I rated three stars because the writing style was a bit hard to follow at times, but I would give about five stars for the story itself as it amazes me how God works through difficult situations and uses His servants to convict the even darkest of people.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!

[Uncle Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author shares his own kidnapping story and yet titles the book Rescue the Captors. He really understood that after almost half a year with Marxist Columbian guerrillas, they were the real ones taken captive by the prince of darkness and a brutal political system. He used his time with them to recount how God has worked in his life and even how he made some very foolish decisions and yet God was merciful to him. After his release, he willingly endangers his life by creatively sharing Christ to his former captors. This book packs a lot of punch in a small spine.

[Annie Buddy]

It was a great book. I thought I was picked an entirely different captive missionary when I purchased the book but soon after I started I was glad I made the mistaken purchase. I loved how a small child convinced his parents to give up their earthly ties to family and community and move to a culture who do not yet know of their Savior's love. I loved also how God used this missionary, through the writing of the book in the middle of the jungle, to win the hearts of some of his captives. Who knows how many more followed him to glory in the years that followed. I am hoping the author one day finds out and writes the sequel.

[Jessica Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!

When I started this book, I thought it would just be about a man who was kidnapped by some Marxist Guerrillas, but it turned into so much more for me. It was a bit of a spiritual awakening. Helped me to see parts of the Bible that I’ve never really noticed before. This is a new favorite and will be read again and again.

[Eric Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable.

A good read kept me at it till sleep overcome me.would recommend it to anyone interested in adventure.Good read for late evenings.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting memoir by a South American missionary

[Soo Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's and amazing book with a tragic story and shows how the 'bad people' really live...

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

American bush pilot Russell Stendal, on routine business, landed his plane in a remote Colombian village. Gunfire exploded throughout the town and within minutes Russell's 142 day ordeal had begun. The Colombian cartel explained that this was a kidnapping for ransom and that he would be held until payment was made. Held at gunpoint deep in the jungle and with little else to occupy his time, Russell got ahold of some paper and began to write. He told the story of his life and kept a record of his experience in the guerrilla camp. His "book" became a bridge to the men who held him hostage and now serves as the basis for this incredible true story of how God's love penetrated a physical and ideological jungle.

About the Author:

Russell Stendal was born in Minneapolis and raised on the mission field in Colombia, South America. He became a missionary jungle pilot at age nineteen. Almost ten years later he was kidnapped in 1983 by Marxist rebels and held hostage for five months. His book, Rescue the Captors, relates his experience, including how God worked in the hearts of the rebels.

Russell has written many other books, produced videos, and edited two Bible translations, the Spanish Reina-Valera 2000 and the Jubilee Bible in English.

Russell heads up the work of Colombia Para Cristo which operates 12 radio stations involving over 100 staff and coworkers and covering much of Latin America with the Gospel. A thriving underground church has developed in remote jungle areas of Colombia. New high gain antennas are now beaming the Gospel message deep into areas of deepening crisis across the borders of Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil as well as throughout Colombia.

My Review:

Russell Stendal is not your ordinary missionary. God placed something special on this man's heart, at a very early age. As a young boy he placed a little nugget on his Dad's heart to one day become a missionary. After a prayer to the Lord above about God placing it in his Dad's heart to become a missionary to an Indian tribe in South America----and God fulfilling that desire, this family was up and running on a mission of a lifetime.



After his father gathered his family to move to this faraway land to show these people God's love for them--Russell began learning what it takes to be a missionary and a desire that one day would bring him in a fight for his life like no other. This man and his story has touched so many lives that would not have been reached otherwise. As he tells his story of being held captive for 142 days, you feel the raw emotion and the author's tough as nails faith. This man has went above and beyond for the Lord, he still is winning souls to this day. God never leaves our side and this is something evident in, Rescue The Captors.

If you would like to purchase this awe inspiring story, you can do so at this link.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Life Sentence Publishing.

[D.I. Telbat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jungle pilot is kidnapped by Marxist guerrillas in Colombia. Instead of fighting and hating his captors, Stendal shares Christ's love and wins the hearts of the most ruthless militants. He wrote this book while in captivity!

I've told many about this book. It's a short, quick read of 176 pages. Stendal's connection with his captors was aided by a lifetime in Colombia as a missionary kid. Though initially targeted as a capitalist enemy, the guerrillas soon realized this poor jungle pilot was not only educated in the ways of their world, but he had a power within him that they didn't—the love and peace of Christ.

The most phenomenal point in the book for me was when Stendal decided to care for his captors, gaining their respect, trusting God for His purpose in that insect-infested, wet jungle. The confirmations Stendal received from God during those twenty weeks (tied up by rope the whole time) gave me chills!

Another favorite part was Stendal's argument with a militant. "Prove God exists!" the communist atheist demanded at gunpoint. Stendal answered so plainly: "If you want to know, He's perfectly capable to prove His own existence. Just humble yourself and seek Him." [my paraphrase]

There was one incident at the beginning of the kidnapping that could have been very terrible. Stendal shot one of the captors with a pistol he had hidden on his ankle. But through the event, Stendal and the man who was shot became close friends. The man, a hardened fighter, forgave Stendal. Stendal used all these circumstances to teach men about God's love, wrath, and forgiveness.

I recommend this true story to everyone. You will be touched! Not only is it insightful and inspiring, the purchase of this book helps to fund Stendal and his family's work around the world.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a true story about the author who was kidnapped in Columbia by a group of guerrilla fighters when he was working as a jungle pilot.

Along with the actual kidnapping story itself and subsequent time in captivity, he weaves in stories from his childhood and early adulthood missionary and God adventures.

I greatly appreciated the author’s openness and honesty in the way he reveals his own faults and how God turned them around.

I also greatly liked the way he shared his faith with his captors, not at all by beating them over the head with the Bible but by getting to know them and sharing how God redeemed his own mistakes and by having a merciful forgiving attitude towards them.

Christian truths were weaved unobtrusively throughout giving much food for thought. There were several times where I paused my reading just to think about God.

Also included is an appendix with a much more intensive addition of some Christian truths that the author gleaned from the beatitudes.

A couple of interesting quotes:

Our only hope is to admit our faults and failures. We don’t have to be perfect to come to God, but we do have to be honest.

The Greek word ["meek"] really means an attitude of heart and mind that is in submission to God and to God’s plans exclusively.

If you like true missionary stories or true Christian persecution stories you will love this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Life Sentencing Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Russell Stendal was kidnapped by guerrillas in Colombia and held captive. At first he was angry and upset and pulled a gun that he had in his boot and shot one of the guerrillas. Fortunately the guy didn't die and Mr. Stendal was able to ask the man's forgiveness and they became friends. During his captivity Mr. Stendal began to see that if God allowed him to get into this situation, God could get him out of it and it wasn't necessary for him to use violence. As the months went on, he became more and more courageous to share the gospel with his captors. He realized that he would possibly be freed; even if he was killed by them, he knew he'd have eternal life. His captors, however, would be killed by the Marxists if they tried to become free of the organization. So he made it his mission to share the gospel with him. He ended up having a quiet influence on his kidnappers. The epilogue section of the book is several chapters based on teachings on the Sermon on the Mount that he uses to help couples in marital difficulties to reconcile. The last part of the book would be helpful, but I felt that it should have just been a separate book. Mr Stendal doesn't have the best writing style, but he doesn't claim to be a writer, either. He is just telling his story in his own words.

[Victoria (TheMennomilistReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1983, a former missionary kid who grew to become a missionary himself while flying planes around Colombia in order to help people who were in desperate need (suffering or poor and helping them with businesses like fishing) is kidnapped by the FARC Guerrillas with a ransom. He types out his story while in captivity for a few months about his life, the miracles he witnessed, the Jesus he loves, how he met his wife, the mistakes he made, and about the relationships he was building with the men who held him hostage. His book became loved even among his captors, changing so many of their hearts towards Jesus. This was a good story and I love the boldness and humility displayed throughout it. I had heard about this story when I was a kid while my own uncle Timothy Van Dyke was held captive for 17 months in Colombia by the FARC as well (1994/1995), but I didn't really understand Mr. Stendal's story as well back when I was a child. It was really touching to read as an adult, and I am glad to hear that he was released (my uncle unfortunately was not). I love the idea of living according to the Sermon on the Mount, as that is the most inspiring piece of the gospel to my own life, so this really made me thrilled.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously read "Our Son Was Captured By Guerrillas" by the parents of Russell Stendal, I was interested in reading Russell's own book which relates the story of his experiences as a captive of guerrillas in the Colombian jungle for 142 days. This book is a testimony to the amazing things that God can do in someone who is yielded to Him. Once Russell realized that perhaps God had allowed the kidnapping to take place in order for Russell to reach his captors with God's Word, miraculous events began to happen! My jaw literally dropped at some of them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how good things can possibly come out of terribly difficult circumstances.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too bad the cover doesn't show. It won the best cover winner at the National Christian Booksellers Convention. Russell has a powerful story telling ability. His accounts of his childhood are absolutely delightful, and his telling of his time in the Marxist guerilla camp make a person take a second look at how rich we are and how little they have. Heart wrenching at times Russell does a great job of sharing the predicament the Colombians find themselves in. It's an easy read with the power of God's truth shining through.

[Carlene Havel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best written book, but what a story! Imagine being in a life-or-death situation and deciding to live according to your Christian beliefs instead of cowering in fear. That's the premise of this charming book. The author admits to his mistakes and failures, yet attests to the power of starting over every day. More than a true adventure, this is a book about a man's spiritual journey, once that strengthens him and impacts those around him. They have guns, but he has the Word. Definitely worth reading--and don't miss the appended story of the flying pig!.

[Axle Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is the kind of stuff I like to read! Stendal tells this amazing story with humility, giving God all the credit. Though some of the happenings make you chew your fingernails, they are all believable. You don't get the impression that the facts are embellished for effect - they don't have to be. One could'nt outline a fictional scenario more captivating.
I take my hat off to you Russell.
Axle.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 2 out of 5]

captured by the FARC Stendal writes this book in captivity while trying to be a Christian captive winning the admiration of a guerrilla he nearly killed and the enmity of those who feel he threatens their Marxist ideal. I like the stories of his altruistic work as bush pilot missionary and captive, buf can do without the theological musings. This edition has extensive appendix material, mostly theological, but includes the hilarious relating of transporting an unwilling hog via Cessna,

[Carrie Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the message that this book offers. Particularly at the end, there are several parts that refer to the inner peace that God offers to his people. This is helpful and encouraging for any circumstance. This book has a lot of good reminders on what Christian behavior should be like and what Christ can do in your life.

[Trudy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gripping account of being abducted and held captive in the jungles of South America is well told by the victim. Missionary Russell Stendal shares his experience, and the impact it had on him and those he would go from fearing to being burdened to pray for. The last part of the book is mostly studies or sermons and took me longer to get through, but worth the time.

[truenorth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't decide between a three and a four star on this one. Many parts of this book are very, very interesting, some are a little dull and most is quite obviously written by an amateur. However, it is interesting, inspirational.

[Kim Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved the fact he was able to hold on to his faith and witness to his captors. Also liked the sermon at the end of the book.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read recently. It is inspiring because it was written so honestly. A testimony to how what often seems like a tragedy can be an amazing part of God's greater plan.

[John Gilchrist]

missionary pilot is kidnapped by s. am. guerillas & his story - great

[Susan Meyer]

Excellent! Very thought provoking

An excellent read for every Christian and one to share with those who are not believers. Be sure to read the appendices.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story about God's provision in the midst of tragedy. Reminds me of the Burnham story in the Philippines.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best missionary books I've read in a long time

This book is so good., I've ordered a print copy to share with friends who don't have s Kindle. Well worth reading.