This a true account of a US Embassy Marine in Beirut, Lebanon, during one of its most hostile times: 1987,88. Through fear and uncertainty, it is a journey from self reliance to Christ reliance.
In a city of terror, in a time of uncertainty, in a land that spilled the blood of many Americans, a young U.S. Marine arrived at his new post: The U.S. Embassy Beirut. This is the true account of his time in one of the most hostile cities in the world, during one of its most tumultuous times, in the mid to late 1980’s. It is a rare glimpse inside the life of the “Elite” Embassy Marines who guard our diplomatic posts around the world. Beirut – God’s Boot Camp not only brings you inside the world of a young Christian Marine who is confronted with fear and adversity, but it also allows you to see the struggles and questions we face as believers. Most importantly, it reveals the faithfulness of the Loving God we serve: Jesus. As the Marines forged their men in the fire of boot camp, Jesus was forging a Christian man in the fire of Beirut. This is his story.
You can learn more about Pastor Tom and his ministry by visiting his web site www.breathoflife.org
Excerpt
As I looked around, the skies were getting gloomier by the minute and the feeling was one of tension, one of uncertainty. There was no festivity in this town, just an eerie stillness. An over cast and steel gray sky ominously loomed over us and the coolness that followed added to the lifelessness of this part of the city. It seemed to get colder and eerier the further we plunged into Beirut.
There was at this level, in this section of the city, no beauty to be found at all, but rather a bland array of colors that mixed in well with the overcast canopy above. The further we drove, the torn and tattered landscape only developed into the greater scars that marred this tired city so well.
There were no happy shoppers were walking down cheery cosmopolitan streets. No green and red decorations, no brightly colored lights lit the avenues and colored the pale air. No music was being piped through department store speakers onto congested holiday streets. No giant Christmas trees glowed with a colorful rainbow of lights and bundled skaters circling at its base.
No, there was nothing for these people, no real life, no real income, no real pleasure, and no real season to speak of. It was just survival for another day in this mess. That was what they hoped for, because there was no peace on their earth or goodwill towards men. Not in the physical sense at least, the city silently screamed of unrest and chaos. It was written all around me and it chilled my bones more than the weather.
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Reviews for "Beirut: God's Boot Camp"
Reviewed by Les MacNIVEN
6/20/2002
Tom was "Right on". I was the Marine Mac he spoke about. The book inspired me and stirred emotions about religion. Being a typical Irish Catholic I have lost alot of faith during the years and during these current trying times in my faith. Tom sent the book at the right time. It was as if he were the messenger of God reminding me to keep a strong beleif. Well worth buying and saving for inspiration.
Thanks Nuch. Semper Fi
Mac
Reviewed by Ken Skeen
6/4/2002
Refreshingly real---real people like you and me---struggling and searching, making decisions that will not only change their lives and futures, but will transform many others as God's vessels to be used as He sees fit. A good picture of submitting to the "Still Small Voice" that the Holy Spirit is within each of us, and commiting totally to Him, as Isaiah did when he answered, "Here am I. Send me!"
Pastor Tom and his lovely bride D'Lissa did hear, did listen, and have commited their lives to serving the One Who paid the price, IN FULL, for them. You will be drawn to read this in one or two sittings as God's Grace does a Mighty Work of deliverance in your heart! Enjoy and be FILLED!!!
Reviewed by Chris Cook
3/26/2002
I read this book straight through, a page turner as the book tells a realistic story of the transformation of a suburban middle class American kid into a strong Christian with a sophisticated world view and compassion for all the people he meets, be they Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Iannuci's descriptions of the third world and what it is to live in the middle of non-stop terrorism are right on, I've been there and he got it right. His insider description of life as a Marine is a sub-theme that builds reader interest and gives a framework to this autobiography of faith. The overall lasting impression from the book is that the Lord will open up a new and hopeful world for you, one that you could never imagine is out there, once you walk the straight and narrow path of His way. The sinful things you give up are nothing compared to the rewards in this life and in heaven for those who believe in Him. "For I know the plans I have for you (even knuckleheads)," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for bad, to give you a future and a hope," Jer. 29:11
Reviewed by Ghassan
3/15/2002
I downloaded the free preview, and read enough to know that the author shows little compassion for Muslims.
It could be related to the Marine losses in Beirut, but it sad to know that the author didn't take the opportunity to learn more about the people who have obviously had a tremendous impact on his psyche. This is the first time I ever read a description of the Muezzin call "as if the world was deserted and this prayer was a call to wake the dead." And I did consider the source as I wrote this review, especially after reading the authors' compassion for the Hindu men.
This review only addresses the content of what I read.
In this brief excerpt, the author effectively conveys the atmosphere of gloom and doom. This sounds like a book well worth buying and reading. Good luck, author.
GLIMPSE OF AN ANGEL IS NOW AVAILABLE. A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL GO TO HOSPICE TO THUS ENABLE THEM TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE SOON TO PASS TO THE OTHER SIDE. NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
I have written a chapter called I Am That, I Am in this inspirational compilation book by best-selling authors and wonderful people from all walks of life xox :-D (Its sister book is called Adventures In Manifesting - Success and Spirituality)
