Letters out of Africa

A Review

Letters out of Africa is a true story of a concerned adult who diligently strives to make a difference in a person’s life. In so doing, she not only changes his life, but provides the opportunity for him to change lives for hundreds of people in Indiana and in his home in Africa.

Family physician, Dr. Suzanne Montgomery, writes the chronological events of this story through letters and diary, as through this young man’s faith he fights to save his life from war-torn Liberia and to a successful career in medicine. She relates that her religious faith keeps her focused on how she can help along his journey. The purpose of writing the story is to document the saga of one faithful Liberian youth, Shadrach Gonqueh, who serves as a role model both here in America and to his family and friends in his homeland where he hopes to return permanently very soon.

Readers will be frustrated by the roadblocks this young man encounters along the way. His dream was to become a doctor and return to his homeland where medical help is desperately needed. While surviving Liberia was a challenge in itself, coming to and surviving in America was quite another. For example, after completing an undergraduate degree in pre-med, he was told, along with his classmates, that there would be no admission to medical school unless they completed a 2 year masters degree in medicine! He managed to do this with much financial strain, only to be told he could not attend medical school because he did not have a permanent residence visa. He had never been told that before, but set to work applying for one. Then 9-11 happened and the door was virtually closed to immigrants applying to schools in America. Dejected and nearly giving up hope, Shadrach had a dream which was to change his life.

The setting during the Civil War in Liberia from 1989 to 1996 is well documented. Recovery is, as yet incomplete. This saga appeals to the senses and caring concerns of people like Dr. Montgomery. Knowing this diligent young Liberian refugee changed my life and I am delighted to see his story in print. It is an inspiring story of gratitude for those who enjoy reading religious literature and those revel in reading about educational successes. This book adds to the growing genre of religious literature and is appealing in its personal touch. I highly recommend it.

Special recognition goes to many who supported Shadrach along his journey, however, most especially to Dr. Montgomery whose faith in God and Shadrach never wavered, and to Joe and Caroline Wagner and the United Methodist mission of Operation Classroom in Liberia. Without their actions, this story would never have happened .

Kay Walla

Outreach Volunteer

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church