ZAMZAM'S Faith in the Middle

This true story, "Faith in the Middle" is Ms. Holwerda's account, from a 4 1/2year-old's perspective, of her family's 1941 experience and its impact on her life. What was to have been an ordinary ocean voyage, turned disastrous. Her words vividly capture her Mother's remarkable courage and faith which buoyed her with extra strength to survive the traumatic ordeal.


Ms. Holwerda was traveling with her five brothers and sisters and Mother aboard the ZAMZAM. They were enroute to Africa to join their Father who was already serving as a missionary there. Expectations were for a safe and happy trip.


Early in the morning of April 17, 1941, the ZAMZAM was attacked by a German Raider. With shells whizzing overhead and exploding into the ship, the children awakened to a nightmare. Their Mother's prayers and unwavering reminder that "Jesus loves you," calmed them as they abandoned ship, climbed into their lifeboat, and were lowered to the ocean below. However, nothing could prepare them for the adventure ahead, and the emotions of a very frightened little girl come alive through this story.


"Faith in the Middle" not only covers their miraculous survival, but also the grief and anguish of her Father as he hears the news that the ZAMZAM is lost with his entire family aboard. Adults, as well as children, will find it hard to put down this book once they pick it up.