The year is 1937. The place is Haarlem, in the south of Holland. The Hiding Place opens as the ten Boom family celebrates 100 years of watchmaking in their home, a place called the Beje (pronounced bay-yay). The story is told through the eyes of Corrie, a middle-aged woman, along with her sister, Betsie, seven years her senior. This is a true account of God-given courage during the time of the German Nazi invasion of Holland during World War II. As Christian people the ten Boom's reached out to the Jews, who were being persecuted and often put to death by the Nazis. Their compassion extended to providing a secret room in their home in which the Jewish people could hide during Nazi raids. Thus, Corrie becomes steeped in the underground activity of protecting Jews in Holland during a perilous time in world history. With danger, suspense, and dire consequences, Corrie and Betsie follow God's leading. They struggle with difficult moral questions and find there are no easy answers. The Hiding Place is more than the story of two sisters who end up in a concentration camp. It is an account of life's struggles - of overcoming evil, of forgiving and loving enemies, and of finding security amidst great insecurity. Can God actually be a hiding place for those living in great pain and insecurity? Is there truly a safe place when danger is all around? Corrie ten Boom not only knew the answers to these difficult questions, she lived them out. This study guide includes a bonus mini-guide on the short story:
The Power of Light by Isaac Bashevis Singer |