Even There: Love, Faith, and Danger in Wild Alaska

by Joy Ng

With Coast Guard orders in hand and stars in their eyes, Jimmy and Joy Ng landed on rugged Kodiak Island during the heyday of the crab fishing industry in Alaska. The passionate helicopter pilot and his naïve country bride readily embraced their new life in the Last Frontier. Though raw beauty and the lure of adventure surrounded them, they could not have imagined the triumphs and tragedies they would face in the coming seasons.
Together, they claimed the promises described in Psalm 139:9-10. “If I take the wings of the dawn and dwell in the remotest part of the seas, even there your hand will guide me and your right hand will hold me fast.”
At first, those promises were easy to believe. Soon, however, Joy came face to face with Alaska’s unpredictable, treacherous waters as Jimmy flew through the night to remote parts of the sea to find and rescue mariners in the worst conditions imaginable. Could she trust God even there? Would she wake up one night to the dreaded visit from a Coast Guard official bearing bad news?
Even There is the captivating true story of romance, the dangers of commercial fishing, heroic rescues at sea, the challenges military families face far from all things familiar, and the joy of embracing new opportunities. Most importantly, it follows a journey of love, commitment, and faith revealing what can happen when you choose to live in service to God and others.

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2024

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing is strictly on the level of journal/diary keeping, this memoir is a combination of gripping Coast Guard helicopter rescues in Alaska and other stories from the lives of Jimmy and Joy Ng (pronounced “ing”). We read about how they met, courted and got married and follow them through their introduction to Alaska and their lives there (and beyond). The title, “Even There,” refers to Psalm 139: 9-10 “If I take the wings of the dawn and dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there your hand will guide me and your right hand will hold me fast.” This committed Christian couple sees the hand of God many times over in their lives. They were quite adventuresome and had a seasonal halibut fishing business, as well as a business they started later promoting safety equipment for fishermen. The author, Joy Ng, is frank about the fears she dealt with when her husband was out on a rescue mission, and how she had to submit those fears to God. They raised two daughters in Kodiak, AK, before eventually being transferred elsewhere. Years later they were able to return.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot!

[Peggy N. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book this morning and loved it so much. I knew Jimmy was a hero in more ways than one, but had never heard the details. Joy, you are a very capable and talented lady as the details in this book demonstrate (wife, mother, Christian, friend, writer, etc.). I met you around 2002 and appreciated you and your family so much. I want to thank both of you for supporting me on my many trips to Kodiak. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Stephanie Seymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off full disclosure I’m friends with the author and her hubby. But, this book is AMAZING. The stories are fantastic. The Coast Guard is fantastic. What a blessing we have these men and women looking out for us. You will love this book!!

[V. Pauly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of a heroic Coast Guard pilot's wife. She describes hair-raising rescues, makes me feel like I've been to Alaska, and tells of the faith and grit it took to make a life with this man.
Truly excellent book.