Grace Akallo was 15 years old when she was abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army from St. Mary's College in Aboke, Uganda. “Girl Soldier” tells the tale of her own ordeal, as well as shedding light on the history of the conflicts – political and spiritual - which have been part of the landscape of the “pearl of Africa” for decades.
Grace tells her story, which is ultimately “hopeful”, in short first person pieces. It is interspersed with the writing of Faith McDonnell, a Christian activist and author. I think the “back and forth” format of book does not work as well as intended, but I can overlook that fault for two reasons.
First, Grace tells her story in a style which emphasizes the role of prayer. Again and again she tells us how, in the midst of unthinkable evil, her heart turned to prayer. There is very little “shock value” writing. It is the bare bones of a Christian seeking God in the midst of a trial most of us could not even begin to imagine.
Second, I found Faith’s history of the conflicts enlightening. While I was aware of the general plight of the people of northern Uganda, I knew only a little of the history behind these conflicts. Faith supplies ample research and documentation for a novice to Ugandan history. It is remarkable. I’m not particularly prone to using such language, but if I was ever to point to something and call it “spiritual warfare”, then this is it. I found myself agreeing with her conclusion that “some battle is being waged that is beyond that of flesh and blood, beyond the world that we can see with our eyes.” [213]
I picked up this book yesterday evening and finished it somewhere around 2 in the morning. Every once in a while I would do some digging on the websites recommended in the book. As a father to 4 children, I can't even begin to imagine the nightmare that these children and their parents are enduring. The book offers a glimpse into this crisis, with a variety of resources and suggestions for those who are moved to prayer and action. The immediate humanitarian needs are enormous, as are the long term needs of reconciliation and forgiveness.
But as Archbishop Henry Orombi states in his preface to the book: "There is hope for Uganda because the Christ, who was born, walked our world and died as a sacrifice, is alive". [16]
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