Buried Alive by Roy Hallums

What would you do if you were kidnapped in a foreign country knowing practically none of their language nor their intentions behind your kidnapping?

Would you - could you survive?  Considering torture, unsanitary living conditions, and uncertainty of rescue or release...How long?  A few days?  Possibly even a few weeks?

How about almost a full year?

Roy Hallums did.  As the title of his book alludes, he was even literally Buried Alive, yet his faith in God and his resolve to live and see his family again miraculously carried him through to the time of his unexpected and dramatic rescue.

This book is not one that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with suspense, nor is it filled to the brim with him expressing his love for and faith in God.  However, Mr. Hallums recounts with straight-forward, realistic honesty the tortures and emotions he and his stateside family endured throughout his 311 day captivity.  Not just 10 months, to him each of the 311 days was unique and difficult in itself.  And throughout his retelling of these days, from both his and his loving family's perspective, the thread of God's love and provision over them is woven.  Though the story is in no way beautiful, until his blessed rescue at least, the tapestry of God's plan for his life is to be treasured.

In addition to gaining a better understanding of what goes on in all aspects of kidnapping in foreign lands, I was most touched by the dramatic rescue of Roy Hallums.  It brought me to tears to read how our military men risked their lives to go in and save his and anyone else they may find. 

"The first rescuer pulled off an American flag patch that was velcroed on the sleeve of his uniform and pressed it into the palm of my hand, which he clasped with a handshake.

'You've been rescued,' he said to me.

I hugged him and thanked him.  To this day, I carry that little flag in my pocket wherever I go."  (pp. 206-207)

During these times of international struggle in our world, this book would be an interesting, informative, and enlightening read for you.   This man's struggle in captivity is not to be taken lightly as there are so many others daily who are enduring very similar circumstances, many without the hope of rescue.  Let this book be a guide for how better to pray for those people and their families.  It has been that for me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”