One Woman Against the Reich by Helmut Ziefle

      As a mom, this book really struck a chord in my heart.  It is like no book I have ever read about World War II.  It is from the point of view of a Christian German family living in Germany at the time of the war.  I am going to type the introduction in its entirety because it will surely entice you to find this book.  It was written in 1981.  I picked it up from the church library.  I was impressed with the power of prayer and perseverance exhibited in this story.  I was challenged by this family's courageous stand.  I was moved to praise God for His faithfulness.  It is timely reading for families in our society today.  That is all I am going to say.  Here is the introduction written by the author:

The 1976 Bicentennial celebration of the United States ' independence was a magnificent tribute to the hopes and aspirations of free men everywhere.  In the five years following, the nation has been increasingly confronted with serious domestic and foreign challenges which mock the people who have viewed themselves as champions of freedom and justice. 

These challenges are calling for "instant" opportunistic solutions which ridicule the time-tested heritage of biblical morality.  Exchanging scriptural principles for more "pragmatic" answers will only lead to a dismal end.  Hitler attempted this when he tantalized German society with promises of millennial Aryan supremacy.  The eventual humiliation and destruction of Nazi Germany bear grim testimony to the end of such philosophies.

Hitler's demands for total allegiance and the sacrifice of individual freedom were a direct affront to those who were already submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ.  The German Christians whose spiritual sense had been honed sharp by their walk with God were not fooled by the Fuhrer's impossible promises.  And they suffered for their faith.  No one, of course, suffered under Hitler more than the Jews; but the Gentile followers of the Messiah were also an oppressed minority.

This book contains the story of one such family - mine.  Until I was six years old, I did not know of peace except at home, where God's peace reigned.  To stand up for truth was costly - especially for my parents.  Truth has never been a cheap commodity.

There is no promise that the incidents in this book could not someday take place in the United States .  All that would be required is a deluded leader with convincing promises.  Unfortunately, it seems that the country is ripe for such a phenomenon.

I am an American citizen by choice, not by birth.  I treasure the freedoms this nation affords.  Yet they can easily be lost if God's people do not speak loudly and pray urgently against the immoral trends in our society.  I pray that this book will help to awaken and inspire you to do just that.

- Helmut W. Ziefle