Darlene Rose has earned her place as one of my favorite heroines; there is nothing dull about her life. I yearn for her willingness and spunk. Surely after reading her autobiographical book Evidence Not Seen, set during WWII in the Pacific islands, I think she’s right there in my heart with Corrie Ten Boom.
“Everything had happened so fast and without the slightest warning! Russell had said, ‘He will never leave us nor forsake us.’ No? What about now, Lord? This was one of the times when I thought God had left me, that He had forsaken me.
I was to discover, however, that when I took my eyes off the circumstances that were overwhelming me, over which I had no control, and looked up, my Lord was there, standing on the parapet of heaven, looking down.
Deep in my heart He whispered, ‘I’m here. Even when you don’t see Me, I’m here. Never for a moment are you out of My sight.’ ” ~From Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Rose
This very inspiring book will break your heart, and then mend it again!
The Unshakable Faith of Darlene Rose – No Fear
There is nothing much sadder than a person who lives out a seemingly purposeless existence. I say “seemingly” because we all have a purpose—each one of us, regardless of our circumstances in life. But many of us never fulfill that purpose, whether out of fear, unbelief, or just plain rebellion.
Darlene Rose is one of those women that wasn’t afraid of God’s call on her life, and she stands in stark contrast to so many of us who want to question everything and set limits on what we might be willing to do, even when it is for the kingdom of God.
Darlene and her husband Russell, a veteran missionary, set foot on the island of Celebes in the (then) Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to remote tribes.
On returning from one trip to the Kapauku people, Russell’s health had taken a tremendous downturn. His feet had been affected by jungle rot after 17 days of walking in wet boots, and he had lost 60 pounds. He and his men had forded rivers, climbed mountains, hacked through jungle vines, and trekked up to their hips in mud and bog.
The treatment was to pick off all the rotted tissue with tweezers right down to the raw, healthy tissue and apply an anti-fungal ointment. While Russell told amazing stories of their experiences (including their canoe capsizing and every man being saved), Darlene worked on his feet, caring tenderly for her man.
Dr. Robert Jaffray, an elder missionary gentleman with them, saw the blood and pus and retired to his room, feeling sick. He came out several hours later, having written an article for The Pioneer, a missions magazine, and laid it before them to read. It said:
“This morning I looked at the bleeding feet of a missionary, his wife tending them, the blood and pus running, and I thought to myself, “What a nauseating sight that is!” But, as I walked from the room, the Lord kept saying to me, “Oh, but to Me they are beautiful feet!”
Then I remembered – “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bringeth good tidings” – good tidings to those men and women in New Guinea who sit in darkness and the shadow of death… Some day the last one will turn to Jesus. Then the clouds will part asunder and our Savior will be there!”
Once Russell’s feet healed, he hoped to take Darlene to meet the Kapauku people who believed he was a spirit because he didn’t have his wife with him. Darlene was excited and eager to meet them, as well. As she saw the men, women, and children running to them with gifts, she burst into tears and cried out “I’m home! I’m home!”
In time, many came to the Lord, and a local church was born. Then the Japanese (WWII-Pacific theatre) invaded the islands. Their lives were about to radically and forever change!
Update: I found the very audio from Focus on the Family that we listened to over and over when we homeschooled. It is well worth the time to listen. It will possibly change you forever as it did us!
The Rest Of the Story
I am so glad Darlene Rose never waivered in accepting the call. Her book Evidence Not Seen captured my heart and has strengthened me as I prepare for what may well be a time of persecution right here in our own country. It is a riveting story of courage, passion, and love for Jesus; I encourage you to get and read it!
Go here for more on Darlene Rose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8: 28
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Toni
Just what you’ve written here is pretty powerful. The book sounds very good. Thank you for the review. Have a great weekend!
Tamara Wilkins
I LOVE Evidence Not Seen! I’m thinking about doing it as a read aloud this year for school. I already have the book, so I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway… but I’m going to share this so my friends have a chance to read it!
Hannah J
I have to read this book! God had to soften my heart, I was so prideful before I accepted Him. It makes me sad to think of all the times that I denied him before getting saved. But, I am now extremely grateful for His grace and forgiveness.
Hannah just posted
Miss Antoinette
My what a beautiful testimony she has and cannot wait to get my hands on this amazing book! A friend of mine shared the title of this book about a year ago, and thus has been on my wish list since that time, and this post makes me more eager to read it!!!
I love reading of god-fearing brothers and sisters who sacrificed so much for the sake of Christ and spreading His Word to those in need of hearing of His mighty works.
This sounds like one of those rare, and encouraging reads!
Thanks again for sharing!
Blessings in Christ,
Miss Antoinette Joy
Hilary
Hello Ms. Jacqueline, It seems I regularly “just so happen” to choose your posts in the weekly link ups. I found you today at Friendship Fridays. Thank you for sharing this post about Darlene Diebler. She has been such a testimony and example to me for so many years. I don’t know if you have ever seen the video interview of her telling her story? What a sob-your-heart-out video! (Not just a tear-jerker!) When she tells the banana story, I just had to stop the video and pray for a while! Anyway, thank you for your valuable posts. Keep writing – we’re listening. God Bless, Hilary from http://wholesomereads.com
Jacqueline
Hello, Hilary,
Thank you for visiting 🙂 I have been to your sweet blog several times and cannot seem to find a way to comment 🙁 I tried ‘Leave a reply’ 3 times with no luck! Anyway, I love what I read on the wonderful books you recommend. Thank you so much for sharing your excellent choices with all of us! I do hope you will consider linking-up your posts each Wednesday weekly (if you haven’t already). The sweet community would be further by your content~
Blessings to you and yours!
Juana Mikels
Thank you for this post on Darlene Rose. Our friends have long admired her, but lost the CD after lending it to someone, and I’ve always wanted to know about her. I’m adding that book to my reading list. Thank you, Jacqueline! I hope all is going well with your family. Love, Juana
Gail
I’m looking forward to reading her story. Women like this can really help to minister to other women just by reading their life story. Thank you so much for bringing this amazing lady to our attention.
Blessings Gail
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom
Her story is incredible. Troubling but incredible. I hope I have that much faith…or that I will–if need be.
Jacqueline
Me, too, Adrienne! All we can do is trust and draw closer to Him!
Blessings to you, sweet friend!
Patricia Hultman
Dear Jacqueline
I have been sitting praying and painting a bit,letting my dinner settle. I can hear my husband watching TV in the next room. I looks at my open bible and thought of continuing reading Romans 6 where i left off this morning, but Romans 8 flashed in my mind. I ignored it and picked up my cellphone to see who may have sent me a message; It was you. And here it was at the end of your message! Thanks for the nudge
Bless you
Patricia
Eileen
This sounds like an incredible book! Thank you for writing this. I will share this with my Facebook page and personal friends. This is just the kind of thing I want to read, and share with my children.
Cathy
I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Tuesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/.
I would be honored if you join us and follow to stay connected Have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Cathy
Charlotte Moore
I am not a big reader, but this sounds so intriguing. Love true inspirational stories.
GOD BLESS!!!!
Tamara
From your description ~ I would love to win this book! 🙂
LuAnn Braley
I’m a new follower from Inspire Me Mondays at Create with Joy. LOVE the name of your blog! Heading over to the giveaway post because I’ve got to hear the end of that story! :O)
Judith at WholeHearted Home
This was one of the books we read our children. One of my favorites!! Thanks for sharing this post over at WholeHearted Wednesdays last week.
Julius Karunakaran
In a world and life when men grumble even for the slightest provocation, the life and testimony of Darlene Deibler and most importantly, her prayers are so touching. I a reminded of a story of a man who was always grumbling for a pair of shoes, until he saw A MAN WITHOUT FEET.
Let Deibler’s testimony be an inspiration to us.
Julius Karunakaran
The life and testimony of Darlene Deibler is so touching and moving. It is not easy to stick to the faith under testing times. I am reminded of a similar story of a man who was always grumbling for a pair of shoes, until he saw A MAN WITHOUT FEET.
Parents should teach The Banana Prayer to their children.
Jacqueline
Julius, do you have a link to it? I’d love to learn more! Thanks you 🙂
Abby
I had pinned this some time ago and had never heard of Darlene at the time, but her story seemed fascinating. I was recently re-acquainted with her from hearing her story on a radio broadcast in her own voice/words. What a powerful woman of God. Oh, the pain she had suffered and still remained faithful to her Lord. I cried after hearing her tell the story, why would God allow her to suffer so? We don’t know, but He had a purpose. What an example she is to all of us. Certainly a heroine of the faith. If Darlene had lived during Bible times, she surely would have been mentioned in Hebrews 11, the Faith chapter. Thanks Jacqueline for sharing this. ~ Abby
Jo
One of my favorite books that I have shared often. When I finished it the first time I turned to page one and started reading it again! Such an inspiration!
Jacqueline
Yes, Jo, it is a rooting and strengthening book, esp read alongside the Word! Hugs, J