Blinded by the Shining Path: The Remarkable Life and Ministry of Rómulo Sauñe
Blinded by the Shining Path: A Book Review
If you are looking for a book that will teach you about a lesser-known chapter of history, inspire you with a true story of faith and courage, and entertain you with a thrilling adventure, then you might want to check out Blinded by the Shining Path, a novel by Dave and Neta Jackson. This book is part of the Trailblazer Books series, which features fictional stories based on the lives of real Christian heroes from different times and places. In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book is about, why you should read it, and how you can get it.
Blinded by the Shining Path (Trailblazer Books Book 38) book pdf
What is Blinded by the Shining Path?
Blinded by the Shining Path is a historical fiction novel that introduces Rómulo Sauñe, a Peruvian evangelist who was blinded by terrorists in 1990. The story is told from the perspective of Alfredo Garcia, a young boy who lives in a remote village in the Andes Mountains. Alfredo's life is turned upside down when his father is killed by bandits, his brother joins the communist guerrillas known as the Shining Path, and he himself becomes involved with their violent activities. Along the way, he meets Rómulo, who shares with him the gospel of Jesus Christ and shows him a different way of living.
The plot summary
The book begins with Alfredo witnessing his father's death at the hands of bandits who raid their village. His older brother Rico decides to join the Shining Path, a rebel group that claims to fight for the rights of the poor and oppressed. Alfredo follows him, hoping to avenge his father and protect his family. However, he soon realizes that the Shining Path is not what it seems. They are ruthless terrorists who kill anyone who opposes them, including Christians. They also force Alfredo to participate in their crimes, such as burning churches, kidnapping villagers, and assassinating leaders.
One of their targets is Rómulo Sauñe, a former teacher who became an evangelist after losing his sight in a car accident. Rómulo travels across Peru with his wife and children, preaching the gospel and planting churches. He also helps the poor and needy, such as providing food, medicine, and education. He is well-loved by many people, but hated by others who see him as a threat to their power or ideology.
Alfredo is assigned to kill Rómulo when he visits his village. He manages to sneak into his house and shoot him in the chest. However, he is shocked to discover that Rómulo is still alive and does not hate him. Instead, he forgives him and prays for him. He also tells him about Jesus Christ, who died for his sins and rose again to give him eternal life. Alfredo is confused and curious about this message. He decides to spare Rómulo's life and escape from the Shining Path.
He then embarks on a journey of discovery and transformation. He learns more about Christianity from Rómulo's friends and family. He also witnesses Rómulo's miraculous recovery and continued ministry. He begins to question his own beliefs and actions. He faces many challenges and dangers, such as being hunted by the Shining Path, being betrayed by his brother, and being arrested by the police. He also struggles with guilt, fear, and doubt. However, he also experiences grace, love, and hope. He eventually decides to follow Jesus Christ and become a new person.
The main characters
The book has two main characters: Alfredo Garcia and Rómulo Sauñe. Alfredo is the protagonist of the story, who undergoes a dramatic change from a rebellious and violent boy to a repentant and faithful follower of Christ. He is brave, loyal, and curious, but also impulsive, angry, and conflicted. He faces many internal and external conflicts throughout the story, such as choosing between revenge and forgiveness, between hate and love, and between death and life.
Rómulo is the deuteragonist of the story, who serves as a mentor and a model for Alfredo. He is based on a real person who lived from 1950 to 2017. He was a teacher who became blind after a car accident in 1978. He then dedicated his life to evangelism and church planting in Peru. He was known for his courage, compassion, and charisma. He faced many hardships and persecutions for his faith, such as being shot by the Shining Path in 1990. However, he survived and continued his ministry until his death in 2017.
The historical context
The book is set in Peru in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period of political and social turmoil in the country. Peru was suffering from economic crisis, social inequality, corruption, and violence. One of the main sources of violence was the Shining Path, a Maoist guerrilla group that waged a war against the government and the society. The Shining Path was founded by Abimael Guzmán, a former philosophy professor who adopted a radical version of communism. He believed that he was the "fourth sword of Marxism" after Marx, Lenin, and Mao. He also claimed that he was leading a "people's war" that would create a new socialist state in Peru.
The Shining Path was notorious for its brutality and fanaticism. They killed tens of thousands of people, including civilians, soldiers, police officers, politicians, journalists, judges, teachers, priests, pastors, and peasants. They also destroyed public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and churches. They used terror tactics, such as bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, torture, mutilation, and massacres. They also indoctrinated children and teenagers into their ranks, forcing them to commit atrocities.
and creating a new constitution. Some of these measures were effective in weakening the Shining Path, but they also violated human rights and democratic principles. Fujimori was accused of corruption, authoritarianism, and involvement in crimes such as torture, murder, and forced sterilization. He fled the country in 2000 and resigned by fax. He was later extradited from Chile in 2007 and put on trial for various charges. He was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for human rights violations in 2009, but he was pardoned by President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in 2017 on humanitarian grounds. However, this pardon was annulled by the Supreme Court in 2018, and Fujimori was sent back to jail. In 2022, the Constitutional Court restored the pardon and released him again, sparking controversy and protests.
Why should you read Blinded by the Shining Path?
Blinded by the Shining Path is a book that has many benefits for readers of different ages and backgrounds. Here are some of the reasons why you should read it:
The educational value
The book teaches you about a part of history that is often overlooked or misunderstood. It gives you a glimpse into the culture, politics, and society of Peru in the late 20th century. It also explains the causes and consequences of the internal conflict that plagued the country for decades. It helps you understand the complex and diverse realities of the people who lived through this period, especially those who suffered from violence, poverty, and injustice. It also exposes you to different perspectives and opinions on the issues that divided the nation, such as communism, democracy, religion, and human rights.
The inspirational value
The book inspires you with a true story of faith and courage. It shows you how Rómulo Sauñe overcame his blindness and dedicated his life to serving God and others. It also shows you how Alfredo Garcia changed his life and found peace and purpose in Christ. It demonstrates how God can work in mysterious and miraculous ways, even in the midst of suffering and evil. It also challenges you to reflect on your own beliefs and actions, and to consider how you can make a positive difference in the world.
The entertainment value
The book entertains you with a thrilling adventure. It keeps you engaged with a fast-paced plot that is full of twists and turns. It also captivates you with vivid descriptions of the settings and characters. It makes you feel a range of emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, joy, and hope. It also surprises you with unexpected outcomes and revelations.
How can you get Blinded by the Shining Path?
If you are interested in reading Blinded by the Shining Path, there are several ways you can get it. Here are some of the options:
The paperback edition
You can buy the paperback edition of the book from Amazon.com for $7.99. The book has 134 pages and is published by Castle Rock Creative Inc. The paperback edition is suitable for readers who prefer to hold a physical copy of the book and enjoy its cover design.
The Kindle edition
You can buy the Kindle edition of the book from Amazon.com for $2.99. The book has 134 pages and is published by Castle Rock Creative Inc. The Kindle edition is suitable for readers who have a Kindle device or app and want to save space and money.
The PDF edition
You can download the PDF edition of the book from Scribd.com for free. The book has 134 pages and is published by Castle Rock Creative Inc. The PDF edition is suitable for readers who have a computer or smartphone and want to access the book online or offline.
Conclusion
Blinded by the Shining Path is a book that deserves your attention and appreciation. It is a book that will educate you about a significant chapter of history, inspire you with a remarkable story of faith and courage, and entertain you with an exciting adventure. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and act differently. It is a book that you will not regret reading.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the book:
Q: Is the book based on a true story?
A: Yes, the book is based on a true story. The book is part of the Trailblazer Books series, which features fictional stories based on the lives of real Christian heroes from different times and places. The book introduces Rómulo Sauñe, a Peruvian evangelist who was blinded by terrorists in 1990. The book also incorporates historical facts and events from Peru's internal conflict in the late 20th century.
Q: Who are the authors of the book?
A: The authors of the book are Dave and Neta Jackson, a husband-and-wife team who have written more than 40 books for children and adults. They are best known for their Trailblazer Books series, which has sold over 1.7 million copies worldwide. They are also award-winning writers who have received recognition from various organizations, such as the Christy Awards, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and the American Library Association.
Q: What is the target audience of the book?
A: The book is aimed at readers aged 8 to 12, but it can also be enjoyed by older readers and adults. The book is suitable for anyone who likes historical fiction, adventure stories, and inspirational biographies. The book is also appropriate for anyone who wants to learn more about Peru, Christianity, and human rights.
Q: What are some of the themes and messages of the book?
A: The book explores various themes and messages, such as:
The power of forgiveness and grace over revenge and hate
The importance of faith and courage in facing challenges and dangers
The value of education and evangelism in transforming lives and societies
The need for justice and peace in resolving conflicts and violence
The role of God and His people in history and in the world
Q: How can I use the book for teaching or learning purposes?
A: The book can be used for teaching or learning purposes in various ways, such as:
Reading it as part of a curriculum or a reading program
Discussing it in a classroom or a book club
Writing a report or a review about it
Researching more about the topics and issues raised by it
Applying its lessons and insights to your own life and context
71b2f0854b