Jul. 3, 2009 - Held Hostage by Ken Cooper
Having just read Held Hostage by Ken Cooper, an Advance Reading Copy from Bethany House, I’m still amazed at how he pulled off his double life. Ken Cooper was an addict. He was addicted to the rush of adrenaline he got by robbing banks. He was also a publicity director for a Christian college at the same time, married, with kids. How can someone work for a Christian organization yet be so filled with evil? I cannot fathom this. Guess it’s hypocrisy at its best.
However, Ken’s story doesn’t end there. After being shot and almost killed, God performs a miracle in his life. Ken is placed in prison. 99 years is his sentence. He was expecting 12. I believe God put him there to get his attention, to help Ken learn to trust only in Jesus. Ken eventually gives up and gives in to Christ and is cleansed from his sins. As with any new Christian, he is tempted by Satan to do that which is evil. Praise God he was able to overcome Satan.
This book is an amazing journey of a man who gave in to his sin nature, had positive things in his life even though he couldn’t see them at the time, stole from banks, frightened people, lived a lie, was jailed, released from his spiritual shackles, then his physical ones, and lived to tell his story. He now helps other prisoners get back on their feet after they’ve been released.
Although I would have preferred to not have read the few curse words that were included, it did not distract from the seriousness of his life story. The details he shared about the horrors of jail life were pretty much expected, but to feel so much compassion for him wasn’t. I guess realizing this is a true story really grabbed me and pulled me in. It’s a very good book. To get your copy, go here.
