A mighty tempest

by Michelle Hamilton, Rachelle Hamilton

A great and inspiring story of courage and faith. For seventy-two terrifying hours hours, Michelle Hamiltoin clung to her small canoe in the middle of the South China Sea. Circled by hungry sharks and with no food, or water, she endured the relentless sun and violent storms at night, using all her strength paddling against the tides, that carried her farther and farther from land. Utterly helpless, she felt the hovering presence of death. In her darkest hour she cried out to God. It was then she began to realize, she was not alone there on the high seas. Several times, at the height of her desperation, she heard a voice- an audible voice, telling her exactly what to do to stay alive.

Genres: Adventure, Christian

289 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kari Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that was so well written & so captivating & inspiring that it was reprinted in the Reader’s Digest! What makes this story about being “lost at sea” so unique from others is the Divine Encounter that Michelle had with the Almighty who undeniably saved her life several times when she should have died & not survived this 4 day ordeal & at the time, she wasn’t even a believer!

What was supposed to be a wonderful tourist destination on a small, remote island turned into a “nightmare” when Michelle got pulled out to sea in a small “canoe” when she was just enjoying a sunny afternoon, trying to circle the island, while her mom, Rachelle was taking an afternoon nap on shore.

What makes this story even more “captivating” is that Michelle & Rachelle each took turns devoting a whole chapter to themselves about the events as they “unfolded,” alternating chapters throughout the book— one from Michelle’s perspective (who was lost at sea) & another from her mother, Rachelle’s perspective (who was on a mission to save her). Also, various photos & newspaper articles were included, giving the reader a “real visual” as to what transpired, making their story seem even more real & engaging!

[Darla Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent re-telling of a near-tragedy wherein the author, Michelle, and her mother endure a journey of near-death for the daughter and a (fortunately premature) grieving process for the mom. Though the story includes way too many adjectives, it was basically compellingly told. The conversion to Christ "angle" was amazing, both for the mom(a few months earlier) as well as for the daughter who turned to the Lord during her ordeal.

[Kerrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites. Just an amazing story about a woman who survived lost at sea.

[Amie Barnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Exciting story told poorly. Long and overly drawn out.

[Ann-maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brillant heartwarming read of amazing proportions. We all think ourselves somewhat invincible even without acknowledging it. Taking sometimes chances in everyday events. How easy it would be on an idealic, tropical, vacation, as Michelle and Rachelle Hamilton where and just take a canoe out, like Michelle did, for a somewhat brief jaunt. Thinking hey not going far I will be back soon. It is something I may of done or you may of yourselve. For seventy-two terrifying hours hours, Michelle Hamiltoin clung to her small canoe in the middle of the South China Sea. Circled by hungry sharks and with no food, or water, she endured the relentless sun and violent storms at night, using all her strength paddling against the tides, that carried her farther and farther from land. Utterly helpless, she felt the hovering prescence of death. In her darkest hour she cried out to God. It was then she began to realize, she was not alone there on the high seas. Several times, at the height of her desperation, she heard a voice- an audible voice, telling her exactly what to do to stay alive. What she experienced during those days can only be described as supernatural.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lent to me by a friend, a true story of a Mum and daughter caught adrift in the Phillipines. I still remember this story years later such was the impact it had on me. You can truely see Gods hand at work throughout this story.

[Chris Ballantyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and inspiring story of courage and faith

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this is an incredible story of faith and survival, I found the book extremely slow-moving. I skimmed a lot.