Book SummaryEvidence Not Seen, by Darlene Deibler Rose

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Evidence Not Seen

Darlene and Russell's spiritual endeavors and personal journey took place on the island of New Guinea.

Darlene and Russell initiated their study of the local languages upon arrival in the Netherlands East Indies.

In Macassar, Celebes, they set up their residence and familiarized themselves with the other missionaries and the surroundings in which they would conduct their missionary activities.

After spending six months in Holland to become proficient in Dutch, Darlene and her husband, Russell Deibler, embarked on their journey to the Netherlands East Indies shortly after their wedding. A year after they wed, Darlene found herself captivated by the vibrant sights, scents, and sounds of Batavia, Java. The vibrant marketplaces and peaceful waterways stirred her senses, immersing her in the distinctive ambiance of the East Indies.

Darlene reunites with her fellow missionaries at the primary mission base situated on the island of Celebes, once under Dutch East Indies governance. She is introduced to the single women who work at the mission: Margaret Kemp, Lilian Marsh, Philoma Seely, and Margaret Jaffray. Upon reaching her new home, Darlene received a warm welcome from her fellow missionaries, which laid the foundation for lasting bonds of friendship. Darlene finds joy in becoming proficient in Bahasa Indonesia, thanks to the tutelage of a local instructor.

Practical Tips

• Enhance your cultural empathy by engaging in language learning exchanges with someone from the region of Macassar. Use language exchange websites or apps to connect with a partner from Macassar, and dedicate time each week to teach each other your native languages. This will not only improve your language skills but also give you insights into the culture and daily life in Macassar, similar to what the Deiblers might have experienced.
• You can deepen your understanding of a community by volunteering for local events or initiatives. By actively participating in community activities, you not only get to know the people and their culture but also contribute positively to their environment. For example, join a neighborhood clean-up or a cultural festival committee to interact and learn from the locals.
• Use sticky notes to label items around your home with their names in the language you're learning. This visual aid helps reinforce vocabulary as you come across these items daily. For instance, if you're learning French, you might label your mirror "miroir" and your door "porte."
• Start a joint travel journal with your partner to document your dreams and plans for future travels. Write down destinations you both want to visit, activities you'd like to do, and what attracts you to those places. This can be a bonding activity and a way to visualize and work towards a shared goal, much like a couple planning a honeymoon or an adventure abroad.
• Plan a 'theme day' once a month where you immerse yourself in the culture of a different country without leaving your town. You could eat at a restaurant that serves cuisine from that country, listen to its music, or watch a movie set there. This will help you appreciate and discover the diversity within your own area, similar to the cultural immersion Darlene experienced.
• Create a photo journal documenting the unique aspects of markets and waterways in your area. Use your smartphone or a camera to capture images that represent the essence of these places. Focus on details that a casual observer might miss, such as the texture of the produce, the reflections on the water, or the interactions between people. This activity will not only enhance your observational skills but also create a personal memento of your experiences.
• Document and share your journey with a specific focus or mission through blogging or vlogging. This can inspire others and create a virtual base where people with similar interests can unite and exchange ideas. For instance, if you're on a mission to live a zero-waste lifestyle, start a blog to track your progress, share tips, and engage with others who are on the same path.
• Connect with local organizations that support women in missions to learn about their journeys and gain inspiration for your own path. By reaching out to these groups, you can hear firsthand accounts that may mirror those of the women mentioned, providing you with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs in such a vocation.
• Start a tradition of welcome packages for new neighbors or colleagues. Include local treats, a map of the area, and a list of helpful contacts or resources. This small gesture can make a significant impact on someone's initial experience in a new place, much like a warm welcome does.
• Develop a habit of sending follow-up messages after meeting someone new. This could be a text, email, or handwritten note expressing your enjoyment of the meeting and suggesting a future get-together. It's a small gesture that can significantly impact how others perceive your interest in maintaining a connection.
• Start a mini journal where you write daily life experiences in Bahasa Indonesia. Begin with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity as your proficiency improves. This practice not only helps in building your writing skills but also encourages you to think in the language, which is a critical step towards fluency.

Darlene and Russell received the assignment to disseminate their missionary beliefs in New Guinea's hinterlands.

Russell embarks on a hazardous journey to establish a mission base near the Wissel Lakes.

Darlene and Russell dedicated themselves to spreading their missionary work in the previously unexplored Wissel Lakes area of New Guinea, showcasing their unwavering dedication to their calling. Russell embarked on a perilous expedition to create a permanent base for the dissemination of Christian teachings. The author vividly outlines the dangers and hardships he endured during his...

Evidence Not Seen Summary The Japanese invasion and ensuing dominance had a deep impact on the missionary community.

As the Japanese forces advanced, the missionaries were forced to retreat deeper into the Indonesian archipelago.

The religious emissaries sought refuge within the boundaries of the Benteng Tinggi mission compound.

As European conflicts escalated, the Dutch East Indies were increasingly threatened by the possibility of Japanese invasion. On her 23rd birthday in May 1940, Darlene and her fellow missionaries were confronted with the distressing news that Holland had been invaded by the Nazis. The occurrence marks a critical juncture, suggesting that the conflict might spread into Asian territories. Rose portrays the overwhelming atmosphere of fear and the constant lack of assurance that shrouded the island as Japan's military forces systematically captured successive territories.

Officials coordinated the departure of missionaries from the mission station near the Wissel Lakes, instructing them to leave the area. Darlene and Russell stood at a crucial crossroads, having to decide whether to evacuate or stay put as the danger of an impending Japanese invasion loomed. They chose to remain on Celebes, seeking refuge within the highland mission's secure compound.

...

Evidence Not Seen Summary Darlene's journey of faith, loss, and spiritual growth unfolded throughout her time spent in captivity.

Darlene is devastated by the passing of her husband, Russell, and the death of her spiritual mentor, Dr. Jaffray.

Darlene contends with intense sorrow and a profound sense of resentment stemming from the hardships she has suffered.

Darlene's journey was characterized by profound grief and considerable loss. Nine months after the incident, her spirit is shattered, plunging her into profound grief upon receiving the news that Russell had passed away. Rose eloquently conveys the profound anguish and challenging questions Darlene faced as she came to terms with her husband's death. The torment of being apart, coupled with the severity and uncertainty of her circumstances, subjected her faith to a stringent examination.

Several months later, she learned of Dr. Jaffray's death. After Russell's death, she experienced a deep sense of bereavement, for he had filled the role of a paternal figure in her existence. She grapples with feelings of bitterness, profoundly distressed by his death, and laments her inability to share her grief or discover his final thoughts.

Context

• Dr. Jaffray, another missionary and mentor to Darlene, was a significant figure in her life,...

Evidence Not Seen Summary Darlene, along with her missionary colleagues, faced extreme hardships while detained as prisoners throughout the conflict.

The spiritual messengers endured immense hardship, including torture and deprivation, during their confinement within the limited confines of the Kampili facility.

They are compelled to undertake strenuous work and are continually at risk of violent acts.

During their incarceration, the spiritual emissaries faced unyielding difficulties, a scarcity of essential provisions, and lived under the constant threat of hostile actions. Rose provides a detailed account of the severe conditions they faced, characterized by a lack of adequate nourishment that barely sustained their lives and demanding labor that significantly impacted their health and mental state. She describes the arduous work that pushed their physical limits, such as clearing terrain, tending to gardens, and looking after pigs within the confines of the camp.

The writer powerfully conveys the suffering caused by bombings, the dread experienced while exposed in rudimentary shelters amidst Japanese assaults, and the constant anxiety over severe repercussions for any slight infractions against the rules established within the detention facility. Rose underscores the severity of the prison officials' approach,...

Evidence Not Seen Summary Darlene pondered her period of imprisonment and the eventual return to her homeland.

Following the end of hostilities, Darlene gained her liberty and left Indonesia.

After a prolonged period apart, she was finally back together with her family on American soil.

The declaration of Japan's capitulation signaled the long-awaited release for the spiritual envoys. Darlene is reunited with Ernie Presswood in Pare Pare, and he gives her the comfort of a letter from Russell written shortly before his death. He also provides a sketched map of the location where her late husband, Russell, is interred, thereby forging a tangible connection with his legacy. Rose meticulously recounts the complex emotions she felt during their reunion, filled with joy at learning of her husband's survival, yet also marked by deep sadness due to Russell not being there.

Following a prolonged separation, Darlene experiences a heartfelt reunion with her family in Oakland. Audiences are enthralled and amazed as she unfolds her story, detailing the period of her imprisonment. Rose expresses the deep joy and solace she feels when she comes back to a setting filled with the warm and encouraging company of her family and friends.

Context

• Ernie Presswood was a fellow missionary...