Hostage: The Incredible True Story of the Kidnapping of Three American Missionaries

by Nancy Mankins

On January 31, 1993, three American missionaries serving with New Tribes Mission in the jungles of Panama were kidnapped by leftist rebels. They were taken to Columbia, only to be used as human pawns by the leaders of FARC, the communist insurgency group who has held them captive for eight years. The United States government transported the wives of the three hostages back home, and has made countless attempts to negotiate on their behalf. During the years of captivity, the families of the missionaries have worked tirelessly to gain their release. They have appeared on Larry King, The Today Show, 20/20, Good Morning America, a PBS special, and countless Christian radio and television programs. Nancy Mankins, the wife of hostage Dave Mankins, has been working with the other two wives to create a complete account of their story.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction

242 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2001

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Being a missionary in a third world country allowed me to relate to many of the life situations described. I could easily read between the lines as well in all that she didn't or couldn't say. She mentioned some things from my organization at times and that made it so much more meaningful to me. My heart really goes out to the author and her family as well as the others that were impacted by this tragedy. May God continue to use those left behind and also minister to and guide those that all of them came in contact with including the captors.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an emotional scary true story of 3 missionary husbands were taken at gunpoint by guerillas from a small village only 10 miles from Columbia. While I can appreciate their huge sacrifice these people all made to go there, with the heat and lack of electricity, food delivery only every 10 weeks,etc., I can’t imagine many people signing up.

[Daphne Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It encouraged me to see the steadfastness of Nancy and her friends faith in the very midst of persecution.

[Anni · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a rough read. There's a disclaimer at the beginning of the book saying that there were some "fictional" conversations added to the book to help transition the storyline and I think that very much set the tone for this book.
It's written like a giant journal mashed together with some clunky transitions to make it seem like it's an actual book. You can tell right away that it's just a collection of memories from Nancy, and the other two ladies. The transitions are very cringy and some conversations or even small stories don't seem to have any real purpose in the over arching plot. I think, if anything, it's more of a memento that the ladies wanted to remember.
The title and subtitle are very deceiving. I thought the book would be about being hostages and life as a hostage but it's really just life leading up to being taken hostage and we actually don't know what happened to the men held as hostages. Which is incredibly sad.

Granted, I've read a lot of missionary books so I'm a tough critic here. I do give them credit for giving it their best shot and I hope they're at least pleased with the outcome of this book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hostage is my favorite book I have ever read. I have a heart for Central America so this story speaks to me. "Hostage" documents the lives of two American missionaries working with a village in Panama. I am inspired at the sacrifices and the persistence this couple gave to connecting with these people. They left all that they knew to join themselves with the people. They did not try to force their way of life unto the people, instead they accepted and learned their culture, language, and way of life and adopted it as their own. The village gained by having resources for reading because this couple interpreted books into their language, helped solve disputes in the community, provided medicines and other helpful materials, and simply spent time with the people each day. Unfortunately, the husband was taken by guerillas during the middle of one night along with two other American men who were doing the same kind of work. Portions of this book could be used to show children that there are still primitive villages around the world. Educators will be fascinated at the story and the educational impacts for the community.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It as the title tells it, an incredible true story. While ultimately it ends it sad circumstances it is nothing if not encouraging. There is one particular anecdote about a snake and an outside toilet that really taught me what it means to trust God.
Even in a story of tragedy there is hope.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy has a moving story to tell in her emotional book, but I was unimpressed with her writing; conversations seemed stilted and extremely tense moments were not brought out correctly.

[Courtney Bedrava · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very preachy at times and seems more an account of their lives as missionaries than the actual kidnapping and result. I enjoyed it, though, as I love learning about new cultures.

[Tammy Jost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!