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Peace Like a River
(Leif Enger)

Set in the Midwest in 1962, the novel Peace Like. River is an account of events that occurred when narrator Reuben Land was 11 years old. As a boy, Reuben was so severely afflicted by asthma that he was unable to draw breath at birth and was only saved by his miracle-performing father, Jeremiah. Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw older brother. The journey’s conclusion shows how loyalty, family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies.

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Peace Like a River - Discussion Questions

Prayers from the Desert: Living Out the Pastoral Call as a Hostage in Kuwait (Maurice Graham)

How do you survive when surviving seems hopeless, when fear threatens to paralyze you and isolation nurtures despair? By faith. By faith alone.

Surrounded by Iraqi soldiers, Maurice Graham pondered these questions during 129 days of captivity sheltered inside the American Embassy in Kuwait. Now, 30 years later, Maurice shares this inspiring memoir, recounting his family’s journey of faith and trust in God through this terrifying ordeal.

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1. Describe some of the emotions you might feel in the following scenario: You are living in another country with your family, wife and kids newly arrived, when you hear gunfire; you experience soldiers coming into your home unannounced, asking questions, and raiding your food; you realize that your car has been shot up with bullets; hungry people with nowhere to go come to your door; you watch your phone being ripped from the wall by a soldier and understand that you just lost a lifeline; food is becoming scarce so you live on only 900 calories a day yet split your one piece of bacon between your two hungry children; a member of your family is emotionally intimidated and inappropriately touched by soldiers. Over a brief few days, this is exactly what the Graham family experienced. What range of emotions might you have? How would you deal with it?

2. During those early days, the Grahams established an evening ritual with their sons. How did this ritual help them cope with what was happening around them and to them? Do you have any rituals that help you in dealing with anxiety, fear, trauma, and the like? If so, describe them and how they help you.

3. Later, when they were living at the embassy, Laurie developed a schedule for the kids. Why? How did it help? Would a schedule be beneficial for you during our own "corona virus hostage situation" today? How?

4. At the embassy, the Grahams were a part of a varied community. How did they continue to care for their family as they ministered to others? What did they do with their time?

5. How did the Grahams and others deal with 120 and 130 degree heat at the embassy? Did it help?

6. Often we say that there are things that we cannot or will not do, things like sing for a group, play the piano in front of others, or pray aloud; cook a meal for a large group, especially when the "fixins" are slim; show patience for others when their behavior is exasperating; live in a small, cramped space; provide daily entertainment for frightened sometimes cranky children; sleep on the floor every night; deal with fleas, cats, mosquitoes, mice, incredible heat; wear hand-me-downs that do not fit; risk our lives to help someone else. What can we learn from the Graham's experience?

7. At the embassy, they held some fun events to lighten everyone's mood during those challenging days. How does humor help us cope with difficult circumstances? Is humor something that God can use to minister to our troubled hearts? Have you ever experienced this?

8. In the book, Maurice recalled that his mom or dad often said, "We always have something to be grateful for, and we can always be grateful for something." What does this mean? Does it ring true, or is it "pie in the sky" thinking?

9. With humility, Maurice describes their ministry In Kuwait and his own ministry after Laurie and the boys left. What inspires you about how Maurice or Laurie lived their lives during this long ordeal?

10. In the book, Maurice was transparent about his spiritual journey during this time, and it was a powerful testimony. How does his honest portrayal encourage us to share authentically with others as well?

11. In the official description of the book, this question is asked: How do you survive when surviving seems hopeless, when fear threatens to paralyze you and isolation nurtures despair? How would you answer this question?

12. How has this book impacted you? What is your biggest takeaway?