My Substitue - An account of an American Soldier

There are countless stories of heroism in the American History, as our soldiers fought to keep our nation free, and to free up others from tyranny. One of the most inspiring books that gives a soldier’s account of the his experience in the Asiatic arm of World War II is the book, “Prisoner of Hope”, written by Jesse Miller, an uncle of mine. His story is a gripping story of God’s grace in the midst of unthinkable trials and facing death daily while in Japanese prison camps in both Japan and the Philippines. In honor of the 4^th of July, and the independence we enjoy because of the sacrifice of our soldiers, I sending out an chapter on Prisoner of Hope called “My Substitute”. As a background to what you are about to read, many American soldiers served and died in these prison camps, and endured the Bataan death march during this war. For more than 3 to 4 years, without communication to loved ones, these men bravely lived and died for their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. After Uncle Jesse’s ordeal in World War II, God led him to start a ministry to US Soldiers called Overseas Christian Servicemen’s Centers. They are a place where US soldiers can find a place at any military setting worldwide to enjoy Christian encouragement, fellowship, and training while serving our country. As you read this, I say “Happy 4^th of July to all, and I hope this story gives you a sense of hope in God that the author, Jesse Miller, intended.

This is sent on to you all in honor of all those who have laid down their lives for freedom’s sake, but most of all, as Uncle Jesse would have wanted, for all to know that Christ laid down his life and took your place, so you could live for him.

Anyone who would like a copy of this book, we would be happy to forward it to you, or purchase some in your behalf. Please email us back from this email if that is your desire.

MY SUBSTITUTE (Chapter 8 – Prisoner of Hope, by Jesse Miller, published by Jesse L. Miller (Cadence International, PO Box 1268, Englewood, CO. 80150)

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His live for us; and we should to lay down our lives for our brethren” I John 3:16

As the war progressed, the Japanese became more nervous about their prisoners of war. Talk of an American invasion of the Philippines was common. The warlords in Tokyo sent orders to begin a process of evacuating all able-bodied prisoners to Japan. Their idea of being able-bodied was very different from ours! If we were able to walk, we qualified to being sent to Japan. No one wanted this.

Everyone dreaded finding his name on the list for the next convoy to Japan. There came a day when my name was on the list. It happened when I was in Las Pinas prison camp. Life there became increasingly little more than barely existing, but it seemed far more secure than the thought of going to Japan.

One day while sitting on my bunk thinking about what might be ahead for me, one of my buddies noted my downcast spirit and commented, “Miller, I have never seen you so down in the mouth as you are today”

I mumbled, “Yes, it’s true.” I could say no more. I was indeed downhearted and feeling sorry for myself. The most horrible thing we thought could happen to us at this point as prisoners of war was to have our name on the draft for Japan. We have heard that the last convoy headed for the enemy’s homeland had no sooner gotten out of Manila Bay into the China Sea than one of Uncle Sam’s submarines had caught up with it. The entire convoy had been destroyed by the Americans. These “Cattle ships” (also called “hell ships”) sailed in convoy with other Japanese cargo ships, and carried no markings to indicate that the cargo was prisoners of war!! War is War. Our navy syunk those ships. Thousands of Americans made a watery grave.

There was another thing we dreaded in being sent to Japan. We had heard that the ships which had left a year before had made the journey safely, but that the majority of prisoners did not survive their first winter. They became slaves to the Japanese. Hard labor, insufficient food and inadequate clothing for a cold climate took a heavy toll on lives.

Yes! Yes! My name was on that draft. How could I ever forget it. The thought was most depressing.

“You know what I want to do?” It was my buddy trying to get my attention off of myself. I perked up.

“No, what do you want to do?” I asked, thinking he was going to tell me about an important decision he was about to make.

You see, many hours the two of us talked about Christ. He had listened carefully, and had acknowledged his own sinfulness but had never made the all-important decision to place his trust in Christ for salvation. He must have lived a rough life before the war, for I had never heard mor vulgar stories and words from any man. I now thought that maybe this was the time he had decided to take Christ into his life. I was so intent on thinking thes, that for the moment I forgot all about my name being on the draft list for Japan.

I asked again, this time more quietly, “Yes, tell me what it is you want to do ?”

He spoke unforgettable words, “ I want to take your place. Go, erase your name and write mine instead. I want to be able to say that I have done something for a Christian.”

I was stunned. My mind could not comprehend this. A man willing to take my place; willing to risk his life for mine; willing to erase my name and put his there instead ? How could it be?

“No! No! You can’t do that! I am ready to die, and you? Well, you don’t yet know the Saviour’s forgiveness. You don’t know the One who took your place!”

Before I could say more, he jumped from the bunk, rand down to the administration building and erased my name and put his down it its place.

As far as I know, my buddy did not make it to Japan. As far as I know he died in my place.

I am still not over the impact of that! It made me clearly understand that Christ took my death that I might live eternally with Him. I am eternally grateful.

“Amazing Love! How can it be

That thou my God shouldst die for me” - Charles Wesley

“Christ also suffered for us leaving an example that ye should follow in His steps. I Peter 2:21

God’s Peace to All,

Jeff Dyk