Book Review: Evidence Not Seen

Evidence Not Seen
by Darlene Deibler Rose

Darlene wrote her story at least in part for her two sons. She “wished them to know, if ever difficult circumstances came into their lives, that their mother’s God is still alive and very well, and His arm has never lost its ancient power!” The book begins with the courtship, marriage, and preparation for missionary service of Darlene and her husband Russell.

As young missionaries in 1938, Russell and Darlene joined a team of missionaries working in New Guinea. Russell became the leader of a pioneering work into the interior, where he established contact with a recently discovered tribe. Later Darlene joined him there, and together they ministered to the Kapaukus. They had permission to live in this remote area only because of the government outpost established there. When World War II began to affect New Guinea, the police were reassigned to more important posts, and the Dieblers were required to leave the area.

As the war advanced, the team of missionaries had to leave the city and seek protection in a nearby refuge. They were not bothered for a few months, but then had to deal with increasingly abusive soldiers. The men were taken away to a prison camp, and Darlene never saw her husband again. The women were left for many more months before being transported to a more closely-guarded location; after several more months, they were transported to a prison camp, where they remained until the end of the war.

The majority of the book describes the time in the prison camp. Several words seem appropriate to describe the story. First, it is awful. No one who has read about Japanese or German prison camps will be surprised by the atrocities described, but that doesn’t make them any easier to read about. The treatment was unquestionably inhumane, and, at times, downright depraved. For this reason, I would not recommend the book for young readers.

The second word that comes to mind is that the story is honest. In all that Darlene faced, her faith in God endured. There were, however, times of struggle and times when she wavered. I don’t think any sensitive reader would condemn Darlene for her struggles; those very human struggles seem inevitable, especially within her context. Darlene could have omitted those moments of weakness and failure, but she doesn’t. She shows us an example of a Christian who is growing in her trust and submission.

The third word is challenging. As I read the story, I cannot imagine living through such an experience. I cannot see myself responding in such a godly fashion or facing the trials with such peace and acceptance. In fact, I often struggle in the much less difficult trials of my own life. Darlene’s story directs the reader to ponder more godly responses and shares some of the ways that she was able to make those responses. Most notable was her previous preparation through study and memorization of the Word of God.

Finally, the story is uplifting. It is uplifting in the sense that it exalts God as the wonderful Father and Guide that He is. Darlene’s story clearly reflects God’s intervention in her life. He controlled circumstances and timing. He gave physical sustaining and deliverance, often through the most unexpected ways. He answered prayers that most people would consider to be impossible. He upheld Darlene and her fellow missionaries in a way that can be explained only by God’s grace. His grace was so abundant that, after a long recovery, Darlene was able to return to New Guinea and minister again.