Saving My Assassin by Virginia Prodan

Wow!  It's not often that I read a true story that truly captivates me from cover to cover.  Often there are parts that are too detailed or contain boring background information...not so with this memoir.  Virginia's story gives us a glimpse into what it was like to live in Communist Romania, when freedom of religion was merely a front.  She not only declared her faith, but as an attorney openly fought for the rights of other Christians, putting the life of her and her family in danger.  This is a truly courageous tale in which the evidence of God's intervention is difficult to deny.

History is not my subject.  I would never read a book on Communism, but I do enjoy learning about history when it comes packaged like this!  Nicolae Ceausescu was the president of Communist Romania from 1965-1989.  It was during this time period that Virginia Prodan was raised to be a good citizen and obey her leader.  However, after becoming a Christian, she realized that God had a purpose for her life - to fight for the truth.  I learned a lot about what life was like in a place where religious freedom didn't exist.  We take this freedom for granted here in America.  Learning about the dangers and injustices of that time help me to appreciate the government and protected rights that we enjoy in this country.

I was also inspired by Virginia's faith.  I doubt if I were in the same situation that I could continue to risk the safety of my children, especially after being abducted, beaten, and threatened.  Through prayer, Virginia learned how to pray for and love her captors.  Once while in custody, she reasoned "they are here by human appointment, but I am here by divine appointment.  Maybe I am here so they may see Christ in me."  We all find ourselves in unpleasant circumstances from time to time, although usually not as dire.  Even so, what if we could all ask ourselves that same question....what if I am here so that others can see Christ in me?  That's a game changer.

I highly recommend this book both as a captivating story to read out by the pool this summer, and as a way to learn a bit of history and more fully appreciate our freedom in America.  Be inspired by how Virginia Prodan saves her assassin and changes the lives of so many.



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.