For several decades a brutal army of rebels has been raiding
villages in northern Uganda, kidnapping children and turning them
into soldiers or wives of commanders. More than 30,000 children
have been abducted over the last twenty years and forced to commit
unspeakable crimes.
Grace Akallo was one of these. Her story, which is the story of
many Ugandan children, recounts her terrifying experience. This
unforgettable book--with historical background and insights from
Faith McDonnell, one of the clearest voices in the church today
calling for freedom and justice--will inspire readers around the
world to take notice, pray, and work to end this tragedy.
More than 30,000 children have been kidnapped in Uganda. Now one
of them has a voice.
When Grace Akallo was fifteen years old, rebels from the Lord's
Resistance Army raided her school. Thus began her nightmarish
existence as one of northern Uganda's thousands of child soldiers.
Forced to endure savagery, starvation, abuse and other horrors with
only her faith to sustain her, Grace eventually escaped to share
her story with the world.
Faith McDonnell is an American activist and writer with a special
concern for the future of the vulnerable Acholi people of northern
Uganda. In Girl Soldier, Grace's personal account and Faith's
historical and spiritual insights are woven together to tell the
story of Uganda's forgotten children. Be inspired by this heartfelt
account and moved to do your part in making sure that these
children will not be forgotten.
"A precious gift from two women, both uniquely qualified to speak
for the suffering children of Uganda, one an eloquent survivor and
the other a fearless advocate. It is no coincidence that their
names are Grace and Faith."--Michael Card, Bible teacher and
musician
"Girl Soldier is not fiction, yet that fact becomes harder to
believe with every page we turn. This book is more than just a call
to action. It is a challenge to our moral compass."--Adrian
Bradbury, founder and director, GuluWalk
"A much-needed reminder of the suffering and faith of the people of
northern Uganda. Both have gone largely unnoticed for too
long."--The Rt. Rev. Robert W. Duncan, bishop, Episcopal Diocese of
Pittsburgh; moderator, Anglican Communion Network
"A poignant reminder that the darkness of the soul and the cruel
behaviors it leads to are more devastating than we could imagine.
This is an incredible account that demands a hearing and invites a
response."--Steven W. Haas, vice president, World Vision
International
Faith J. H. McDonnell has worked at the Institute on Religion
and Democracy in Washington DC since 1993. As director of the
Religious Liberty Program and the Church Alliance for a New Sudan,
she writes frequently and speaks widely on the subject of the
persecuted church. Faith and her husband, Francis, and their
daughter live in Annandale, Virginia.
Grace Akallo, the former girl soldier, has testified before the
U.S. Congress, worked for World Vision in Washington DC, and had
her story told on Oprah and in The Washington Post. She currently
attends Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.