Book Review: Two Tears on the Window

 

Two Tears on the Window–An ordinary Canadian couple disappears in China

A true story by Julia & Kevin Garratt

Although they describe themselves as “an ordinary Canadian couple,” Kevin and Julia Garrett’s story is anything but ordinary.

In 1984, newly married, seeking adventure, and longing to offer aid to a third-world country, the Canadians moved to China.

For 30 years they poured their hearts into China through various humanitarian work, educational positions, and Christian social enterprises. Teaching English, working to improve situations for the unwanted children of China, and providing aid to North Korea are just a few ways the Garratts selflessly served this country they had grown to love deeply. From 2008-to 2014 they ran a popular coffee house near the border of China and North Korea.

Aside from adjusting to the language and cultural differences, everything had gone smoothly… until one day when they were suddenly snatched and taken away to a secret Chinese compound. Terrified and in shock, they found themselves separated and dropped in the middle of an international spy and espionage conflict between Canada, China, and the United States– and they were the accused spies!

Falsely accused, the Garratts were subjected to many long, lonely months of isolation and arduous interrogations before any change occurred. When change finally came, it wasn’t the joyful reunion they had prayed for. Instead, one was released yet continued to be under extreme surveillance, and the other… to prison awaiting trial.

Peace Despite Pain

Kevin and Julia experienced immense loneliness, pain, suffering, confusion, and humiliation. Reading their detailed experiences draws the reader into the isolation room and the smelly prison cell, allowing a small glimpse into the misery they endured. But far more powerful than any set of circumstances is the God they serve. The Garratts had every reason to despair–even of life itself, yet through the years of suffering and unknowns, God proved himself faithful in many miraculous ways.

Kevin and Julia have allowed their story to be God’s story, trusting their very lives to his plan for his greater purposes. They intentionally chose to let him use them for the bigger story–and through their surrendered lives–his glory has been powerfully displayed.

Two Tears on the Window will make you laugh, cry, challenge your faith, and invite you to stand in awe of the extraordinary ways of God through the testimony of two “ordinary” people who were simply willing to let him use them.

Even in the midst of extremely “unfair” circumstances, Kevin and Julia are a true example of what it means to live life Coram Deo: before the face of God, under the authority of God, and unto the glory of God.

I am honored to have been just one among the vast army of prayer warriors for Kevin and Julia as they endured this trying journey of faith (I happen to be related to another person mentioned a few times throughout the book, so I had been kept aware of some of the situation as it unfolded) After knowing bits and pieces of the story from another’s perspective, I was so pleased to finally have the opportunity to read this story in its entirety. I also had the pleasure of spending time with the Garratt’s not terribly long after this took place–what a privilege to hear them speak and share about what God did through this time in their lives!

I’m blessed to get to share a little bit here, however, one mediocre blog post cannot possibly do justice to the power of God that is revealed through their story.

I encourage you to find a copy and read it for yourself– and share it with others!

Be sure to visit www.twotearsonthewindow.com to read an excerpt of Two Tears on the Window and read the media accounts of their story, view a gallery of photographs, and purchase a copy!

*Also available on Amazon