Sam Childers, Another Man's War

Another Man's War is pastor Sam Childers's account of his ministry in the battle-scarred regions of Southern Sudan. Childers, a former drug-dealer and criminal, recounts his own journey from his violent past to his current ministry with abused and orphaned children in Sudan. He and a group of Sudanese soldiers rescue children who have been caught in the battles between rebel and government forces, often in very dangerous conditions. I enjoyed and was challenged by Childers's story, but I must admit I was also dismayed by it. It's appalling to hear of the conditions faced by the people of Southern Sudan, with rebel militias murdering villagers and kidnapping children, and it is heartening to hear that people are stepping in to side with the abused and oppressed, but at the same time, it is also distressing to hear the comfort and confidence Childers has in guns and force. He and his group go in fully armed and guns blazing, proud of the impact they are making and of the fight they are bringing to the rebels. I am sure this is at least in some ways fitting to the context of his ministry, but it is distressing none the less to hear his bravado come through in the pages of the book. I am greatful for the children he saves, but hope and pray that there is a better way, and that he finds it.