Czech mate

by David Hathaway

Book by

Genres: Biography

187 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 1974

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. I had not heard about any of the ministries spoken of in this book. I had certainly never heard about the Christian tour company running busses through the Communist block countries, Turkey, and into Israel, while dropping off illegal Bibles all along the route. That in itself was enough to fully catch my attention.
I’m not really sure what to make of the ending. He interprets a dream and some rather random verses as a promise from God as to the date of his release. It does work out that he was released then. He leaves it as a simple recounting of his actions and experiences, and doesn’t delve into any real Biblical teaching. I’m not sure what he believes about any of that.
Unfortunately, I think it was written just a little to close to the events. It’s full of overly specific details. I’m sure they were incredibly important to him at the time, but now they just bog the reader down. Legal back and forth and repetition of his strategy tend to get a little slow at times. It might have made a better long article or short story rather than a full-length book.

[CEG1333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book is God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew (which I have also read recently). Both depict the way that we can easily take having a Holy Bible for granted--this one sends the point home with how David Hathaway felt after a few months without the Holy Bible.

Marvellous song that David Hathaway sings: 'How Great Thou Art'.

God, please help all who read this book or this review with their struggles in life, Amen.

[Hannah Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always amazed and encouraged by the faith of brothers and sisters imprisoned for their faith. and their hunger for the Word of God. I should never, never take reading Scripture for granted. I appreciated the realness of God answering his prayers with a “no” and that he hated being imprisoned instead of allowing it to seem like it was just a walk in the park. Real faith, not perfect faith.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book. David was humbled by his experience in a communist prison and shares his journey as he grows in his relationship with Christ.