“Lassie, whatever you do, be a good soldier for Jesus Christ.” Dr. Jaffray’s last words to Darlene Deibler filled her mind as she approached the door of her cell. She was on death row, imprisoned to face a trial and death sentence by the Imperial Japanese Army.
Many years earlier at a missionary convention, ten-year old Darlene heard God’s call to a life of total commitment. She responded whole-heartedly, “Lord, I’d go anywhere for you, no matter what it cost!”
As a young bride of twenty-one, Darlene and her husband, Russell Deibler, began missionary work in the interior of New Guinea. Taking great care to learn the language and culture of the people, the Deiblers were consumed with a desire to reach them for Christ. Working closely with other missionaries, including Dr. Robert Jaffray, they looked forward to the day they could leave believers behind to comfort and encourage one another.
Then the unthinkable occurred. With the outbreak of World War II, the Japanese invaded the islands where the missionaries were serving and made them prisoners of war. Men and women were separated and taken to different places. As Darlene looked into her husband’s face for the last time, he quietly told her, “Remember one thing, dear: God said that He would never leave us nor forsake us.”
During four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp, Darlene clung to the promises of God’s Word. Her example of faith in God and loving spirit won the hearts of fellow prisoners and even some of her captors. After hearing the tragic news of her husband’s death, Darlene had an opportunity to share the gospel with her ruthless camp commander, Mr. Yamaji. God used this to change His heart.
Soldiers do not get to choose where they are placed. As a soldier of the cross, Darlene bravely faced a death sentence for a crime she did not commit. God miraculously spared her life, and after the war she returned to New Guinea to resume missionary work. Darlene understood the cost of commitment to Christ and gladly obeyed. Are we willing to do the same?
Quotations taken from Evidence not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose