Title: Tramp for the Lord
Author: Corrie ten Boom
First published January 1, 1971
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780515089936 (ISBN10: 0515089931)
Rating: 4.48
Overview
For over two decades, Corrie ten Boom has traveled the world, spreading the message of Jesus Christ and sharing her incredible story of survival in a German concentration camp during World War II. Her experiences have given her a new purpose in life, which she refers to as being a “tramp for the Lord.” In Tramp for the Lord, Corrie shares the lessons she’s learned on her incredible journey, from forgiveness and redemption to the power of faith.
Along the way, she meets unforgettable individuals, like a former prison guard who asks for her forgiveness and a war-crippled lawyer with a twisted soul. Through it all, Corrie’s unwavering faith shines through, inspiring readers to find their own paths in life and trust in God’s plan.
Join Corrie on her journey and discover the hope and joy that come from a life lived with purpose.
About the Author
Corrie ten Boom and her family were devout Christians who dedicated themselves to social work in their hometown of Haarlem in the Netherlands. When the Nazis occupied their country, they chose to put their faith into action by peaceably resisting the Nazis through active participation in the Dutch underground.
They provided refuge, sustenance, and transportation to Jews and underground members hunted by the Gestapo, saving the lives of an estimated 800 Jews and protecting underground workers.
However, on Feb. 28, 1944, they were betrayed, and Corrie and several relatives were arrested.
The four Jews and two underground workers in the house at the time of the arrest were not found by the Nazis and were rescued by the underground 47 hours after fleeing to the cramped hiding place in Corrie’s room.
The ten Boom family members were separated and sent to concentration camps. Corrie was allowed to stay with her beloved sister, Betsy.
While Corrie was released in December of 1944, her father (Casper), her sister (Betsy), and one grandchild (Kik) perished.
Despite the unimaginable tragedy, Corrie’s acts of heroism and sacrifice became the foundation for her global writing and speaking career, which began after she was released. She has received numerous awards for her work, including being invited to plant a tree in the Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum near Jerusalem, as well as being knighted by the Queen of the Netherlands.
A museum in the Dutch city of Haarlem is dedicated to her and her family.
Editoral Review
Tramp for the Lord: A Journey that Begins Where Footsteps End by Corrie ten Boom is a powerful, inspiring memoir chronicling the author’s life experiences as a Christian activist and missionary. First published in 1971, the book has been reissued several times and continues to be widely read and admired for its message of hope and resilience.
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. She was arrested and sent to a concentration camp, where she witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
Tramp for the Lord picks up the story where ten Boom’s previous book, The Hiding Place, left off. The book recounts her journey as a missionary in post-war Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, where she spread the gospel and helped refugees and the displaced.
The book is written in a straightforward, conversational style, which makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a memoir but also serves as a reflection on the nature of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
The themes of the book relate to current events and issues, especially those concerning refugees, conflict, and religious tolerance. The main strengths of Tramp for the Lord lie in its vivid descriptions of the people, places, and events that ten Boom encounters on her travels.
From the bustling streets of Paris to the deserts of North Africa, the book transports the reader to a different time and place. The characters ten Boom meets are diverse and complex, and their struggles and triumphs are presented with empathy and compassion.
The book also tackles difficult theological questions, such as theodicy and the meaning of suffering, with honesty and humility. One of the book’s minor flaws is that it can be repetitive at times, especially in its emphasis on the importance of prayer and faith.
However, this is a minor issue that does not detract from the overall quality of the book. In conclusion, Tramp for the Lord is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on how to live a life of purpose and compassion.
It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a call to action for those who seek to make a positive difference in the world. Based on my overall impression of the book, I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.