We had the opportunity to review CHRISTIAN HEROES: THEN & NOW
Jacob DeShazer: Forgive Your Enemies CHRISTIAN HEROES: THEN & NOW Jacob DeShazer: Forgive Your Enemies and its accompanying digital Unit Study Curriculum Guide for people 10 years old and older. The curriculum is written by Janet and Geoff Benge and is part of the Heroes of History books series from Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Publishing.
It is funny. History was never really a favorite subject of mine while I was in school, but since I have been homeschooling I have really enjoyed it. I think the second time around I am paying more attention to a lot of things that build a great education. Along with learning about different historical events, I love reading about people who lived in different periods and who made a strong and positive impact in the lives of others. Jacob DeShazer is one of those people.
DeShazer was a member of the “Doolittle Raiders” who were assigned to carry out the attack on Japan in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He and his crewmates were later captured by the Japanese and DeShazer remained a POW for 40 months. During his imprisonment in camps in Japan and China, De Shazer experienced brutal treatment that included severe beatings, isolation and starvation. He was one of the few captured members of the “Doolittle Raiders” survived the POW camps. Although impressive, that is not the really amazing part of his story. Gaining access to a Bible, DeShazer began to read the Word and become a Christian. He knew God had plan for him and he allowed God to work through him with his extension of kindness to his captors. After being freed, DeShazer attended school to become a missionary, and eventually returned to Japan to serve. He even later become close friends with Captain Mutsuo Fuchida, who was led to Christ after reading a tract written by DeShazer. Fuchida is the captain who led the attack on Pearl Harbor.
DeShazer’s story is just one of the many amazing and compelling ones in the YWAM Christian Heroes: Then & Now series. YWAM stories are a bit different from your typical biography. The stories are about people who made the decision to answer God’s call and allow Him to lead in their lives.
“In this series you will find: explorers, pioneers, presidents, inventors, doctors, authors, and heroes in time of war.” ~ YWAM
Whatever their direction or profession, they are all extraordinary people. The YWAM publications introduce children (and adults) to many people who they would otherwise not have come to know, like Betty Green and Alan Shepard.
DeShazer’s life is amazing. It is only by the grace of God he survived his ordeal. It is only through God’s strength he was able to return to Japan to serve as a missionary in a country where he had experienced such cruelty.
To further the study of the hero you are learning about in the series, YWAM has a study guide for your child to use. It is not necessary to use the study guide to understand and enjoy the story. The first time I was introduced to YWAM was just with one of their books. I read it to my children for the history and story about the hero and they learned a lot. With the guide, you can turn the history study into one that includes other areas of study with art; creative writing; drama; essay writing; geography; public speaking and reading comprehension with the activities included on the guide. It is accommodating to students working independently as well as siblings or students working together in a classroom or Sunday school setting. We used the book as a read-aloud and had good discussion reading through the comprehension questions.
You should really consider YWAM products for your school. YWAM is a non-profit organization and much of the money they receive from your purchase goes back into the mission field, supporting people internationally.
You may purchase the CHRISTIAN HEROES: THEN & NOW
Jacob DeShazer: Forgive Your Enemies for $9.99.
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