That Hard Place: The Incredible True Story of a Missionary Family in the Philippines During World War II

by Jared Dare

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2025

Reviews

[Vicki G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared Dare has graciously shared his family’s incredible story of faith, family and love for the people of the Philippines and their commitment to fulfilling God’s will in this amazing book. The recounting of how Henry and Gladys were led by God to establish a ministry, school and medical clinic in remote jungles inhabited by pagan tribes and the adversity they overcame to free them from fear of evil spirits and introduce them to God’s love will encourage all who have a heart for missions. Christians and all who share an interest in knowing of the brutal and inhumane occupation of the Philippines by the Japanese in WWII will find this book enthralling. It’s amazing that even amidst tremendous suffering and terrifying danger, the author’s great grandfather and great uncle risked their lives to document their harrowing 4 year ordeal in multiple internment camps, using anything they could find. They managed to keep their documentation hidden among their meager possessions, knowing they would be brutally murdered by their captors if discovered. Throughout starvation, disease and sheer terror, not knowing if their eldest son was alive or dead, they lived each day, grateful for what they did have, praying fervently and hopeful they would be delivered from their hell by our US military they saw flying overhead. This book and others like it must be read for the world to recognize what happens when a barbaric, fascist regime is able to impose it’s will and be on guard to prevent history from repeating itself, especially in these times when Christian and Jews are facing increasing persecution.