For a Testimony, The Story of Bruce Hunt Imprisoned for the Gospel by Bruce F. Hunt, First published 1966, Banner of Truth Trust, Reprinted in 2000, Philadelphia: Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 150 pp.
For a Testimony is Presbyterian missionary Bruce Hunt’s first-hand account of his imprisonment in Manchuria in the early 1940s. This was an era when the Japanese had control of Korea and were on their way to conquering parts of China in the lead up to World War Two.
Hunt was certainly a man of conviction. He left the liberal Presbyterian Church USA for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, but he would not leave his mission in the lead up to war, choosing instead to suffer with the indigenous Christians. Being sent to prison, he proudly wore a number 22 badge assigned to him by the Japanese jailers marking him as a Christian. His biggest “crime” was not worshipping the Japanese gods and the emperor but believing that Jehovah alone is the true God.
Hunt’s discussion with the Japanese judge presiding over his case (pages 86-92) is strongly reminiscent of the Apostle Paul’s own argumentation at Mars Hill. Hunt’s quoting the Scriptures and use of logic to argue his case from those passages is simply marvelous.
Being let out of jail, he was however told he was going to be deported. Hunt, believing that God had called him to the region, told the Japanese officers that he would leave only if God wanted him to go. The very next day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, war had begun, and Hunt was sent back to jail; not a pleasant place, but he got his wish to stay. Following some difficult months in jail and losing thirty pounds or more he finally was released in a prisoner exchange and sent home with his family to America.
For a Testimony is a very interesting and encouraging short read. It is definitely to be recommended.
