John and Bessie Gonleh's saga of faith and endurance extends over seventeen years. Fleeing from Liberia's civil war where John was wrongly imprisoned and miraculously survived his own execution, to corrupt United Nations camps in the Ivory Coast and Guinea, the Gonleh family went from a comfortable life in a suburb to living in the most primitive conditions. As penniless immigrants bound for America, God arranged for them to meet a total stranger in a Belgium airport who would financially provide for them and pen their astounding and horrific true story so it could be used to encourage and strengthen the faith of other believers.

“Most Americans, secure in their comfortable lifestyle and inherent liberties, cannot imagine the tyranny, persecution and suffering of many Christians in other parts of the world. West Africa seems to be characterized by political upheaval, ethnic violence and little regard for human life. For a generation, the country of Liberia has been devastated by warfare and oppressive power structures that threatened and displaced massive numbers of people. John Gonleh, a pastor, and his wife, Bessie, were subjected to the worst of the atrocities but survived to tell their story of God’s grace and faithfulness. Refuge: A True Story of Faith and Civil War, by Bruce Beakley, recounts their testimony in a gripping narrative that will stir the reader’s emotions with grief, indignation and finally praise to God.” --Jerry Rankin, President International Mission Board, SBC

“Refuge is an accurate portrayal of the life of refugees in war torn Liberia. The story is also an accurate portrayal of how faith is tried, tested, and ultimately triumphant in times of extreme hardship.” --Tom Davis, author and President of Children’s Hope Chest

“Most of us have never witnessed the horrors of civil war, but in Refuge we live through execution, escape, fear, death, starvation, and ultimately victory, with the Gonleh family. Refuge is a candle into the souls of a family who loses almost everything in war torn Liberia. The Gonleh family illuminates God’s hand in their trek from Monrovia to UN refugee camps. This book reminds us that God’s hand is present when we are willing to see it.” --Mr. Carl Hadley, Liberian Ministries

“This book by Bruce Beakley is a vivid and compelling account of the victory of faith over tremendous obstacles and suffering. We who live in peaceful, prosperous surroundings have little idea of the hardships endured by the millions who live in the midst of poverty, strife, and civil war. The author draws the reader into John and Bessie Gonleh's story, as they recount and relive their fifteen-year ordeal of fear, torture, grief, loss, despair --- and hope. Their story highlights the faithfulness of God, combined with the struggling faith and obedience of His servants. The book is filled with spiritual insights that challenge and strengthen our faith, and open our eyes to the marvelous and gracious workings of God in our time.” --Thomas Hale, author and medical missionary

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