Kidnapped

by Karl Dortzbach

Excellent Book

179 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the events surrounding the kidnapping of OPC missionary nurse Debbie Dortzbach in Eritrea. The strength of this book is in the depiction of the spiritual struggles that Karl and Debbie encounter in dealing with her imprisonment. It was encouraging for me personally, to read of them praising God in the midst of adversity. A very moving and encouraging spiritual read.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouraging and inspirational story! I became interested in this author when I discovered he is my distant cousin. Their life long work in the international ministries is truly a gift.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the story of a kidnapped nurse in Ethiopia during the 1970s. Fascinating, convicting and encouraging story told from the dual perspective of the nurse and her husband.

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that starts with death and ends with birth. It covers just one very short span in the Dortzbachs' ministry, but one that powerfully demonstrates God’s care and provision. In the chaos of an attack on a mission hospital, two nurses were kidnapped. One would die and the other would be swept off into the desert strongholds of a rebel army. This book documents her struggle to understand God’s purpose in her trials and to show her love to the very ones keeping her from all she loved. It also shows her husband’s desperate attempts to save her. But it also shows his beautiful submission to Christ’s plan and growing reliance on God’s provision. Slowly, it shows him yielding his will and desire to God.
I like how this book is organized. It’s extremely easy to follow as it moves back and forth between Karl and Debbie’s perspectives. Having each one tell their actions or thoughts as events unfold beautifully increases the suspense and also the encouragement. Somehow, knowing what each is going through makes the others story more poignant.
It’s definitely a book that I would recommend.

[DP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting, firsthand account of harrowing events by the future parents of a friend of mine. I loved all the details Debbie included, as well as the Scripture promises that carried her (and Karl) through these days apart.

[Bud Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because our church has supported the Dortzbachs over the years. A good story, but the narration is sluggish. I'm not a slow reader, but it took me nearly as long to read the book as Debbie's 26 days in captivity. I found excuses not to read the book.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of kidnapping of 24-year old American missionary nurse by a libration front in Eriteria, Ethopia.