Sometimes I think people have a very romanticized version of what being an overseas missionary, volunteer, or humanitarian worker is really like. Lisa Harris is a missionary living in Mozambique herself, so she has firsthand experience and knowledge of what it’s like over there. In Blood Covenant she gives you a glimpse of what it’s really like through the eyes of Dr. Paige Ryan (who works with Volunteers of Hope International in the Republic of Dhambizao).
With her wonderful insight, Lisa Harris brings this story to life with rich and gritty details. From the very beginning Paige is overcome with the feelings of helplessness, fear, and uncertainty as she tries to save the people in the refugee camp. Having so many people to help, she feels as if the weight of each one rests on her shoulders. It’s not till pilot Nick Gilbert reminds her that God will help with the burden does she realizes she just needs to focus on one person at a time.
The other characters who get caught up in the guerilla warfare the “Ghost Soldiers” make against the refugee camp—Brandon, Jodi, Ashley, Taz—were very intriguing characters who really added to the plot. I loved Taz’s sunny attitude, even when the situation was so grave. For those who’ve read this book, needless to say I shed a tear towards the end of this book as the situation climaxed. The action, at times, felt a bit stinted, and there were several instances where the action took place off-scene. But maybe that kinda disappointed me because I’m an action-loving girl and thrive on being “there”.
Many times throughout the novel it’s mention women being raped by the Ghost Soldiers. Once, while Paige is tending a young girl, the girl recounts the night her village was attacked, but besides saying that the men hurt her, no details are given as to what happened to her. A refugee worker at the camp uses the word “b*st*rd” once when referring to a Ghost Soldier.
The adventures that Paige, Nick, Brandon, and Ashley go through in Blood Covenant are really astounding. But for those of you who read the note from the author at the back (Yes, I always do! ;-) will discover that she actually sanitize her story to make it more believable. I can’t imagine! If you aren’t really aware of what’s happen to people overseas, Blood Covenant will open your eyes. For sure! I congratulate the author for writing about such a sobering subject. You can tell that Lisa Harris writes straight from the heart using personal experiences. Well done!