Rescued

Prominent pastor Alan Rockaway and his wife Jenny have led a group of couples from their church on a couple’s retreat cruise, highlighted by real submarine excursion. Alan’ s son from a previous marriage, Jeff has gone along for the ride, ostensibly to spend time with his father as well as to provide a video uplink so that the entire congregation in Denver can witness their pastor’s descent on the sub. Suddenly, a horrific crash occurs and Jeff is left to find a way to rescue his dad along with everyone else on the sub, while being stymied by various governing officials who don’t want to have the bear the responsibility for the crash. Meanwhile, the traumatized congregation is left to watch as the events unfold and pray for the safe return of their loved ones. Will everyone get RESCUED in time?

Pastor Bevere and writer Mr. Olsen have written a taut thriller with as many twists and turns as the wildest roller coaster ride. Told from the point of view of a storyteller to a pilgrim to New Jerusalem after the Rapture and Armageddon, this tale unfolds as a cautionary one against false teaching and lack of true faith and repentance in the church. While this story could be enjoyed as a simple thriller by a reader not of the Christian faith, a Christian reader will find themselves examining their lives for flaws and unrepented sin. The message, while ever present, does not “beat the reader over the head”, but it is insistent and compelling - are you right in your walk with God? This book does what perhaps all authors hope their stories will do - it makes the reader think. This reviewer particularly enjoyed some of the anecdotes told by one of the older members who was trapped on the submarine. This reviewer also found Jeff to be a particularly sympathetic character as a young man who was traumatized by the loss of his father through divorce. The authors have also presented an intriguing picture of what they feel the new heaven and earth will be like. Highly recommended to readers of Christian fiction.

June 2007