A Race for Survival

Inge Stein’s early life in Bamberg, Germany, seemed peaceful and idyllic, a Jewish girl growing up in a city that once brimmed with possibility. But everything changed when Adolf Hitler rose to power. At just 10 years old, Inge witnessed the brutal turn of history as Hitler’s regime declared that Jews, both in Germany and across Europe, must be expelled—or worse, exterminated. It was a terrifying time to be Jewish. Hitler’s vision of a “cleansed” Europe meant certain death for those who couldn’t escape.

Inge’s father, desperate to protect his family, sought every avenue to get them out of Germany. He applied for visas to various countries, but without the necessary sponsors, all their applications were denied. Trapped and in constant danger, the family’s every decision became a matter of life or death as they fought for survival.

Years passed, and the danger continued to mount. But Inge’s father never gave up. He protected them with all the strength he had, but in the face of a mighty Nazi army, how could one man truly shield his family from such overwhelming terror?

Today, Inge lives in Orlando, Florida, just a few doors down from me in the same condo complex. We met only in 2021, though I had seen her many times before—a sweet, white-haired lady quietly pushing her walker around the complex. Our first conversations were brief, but she soon invited me to her home for tea. She treated me to English tea and shortbread, and we exchanged stories of life abroad—mine in the Philippines, hers in Colombia after leaving Europe.

It was during one of these visits that Inge opened up about her childhood. She shared that she had been born into a Jewish family in Germany, experiencing the rise of Adolf Hitler firsthand. That moment sparked a deep curiosity in me. I wanted to hear more about her story—the details of her escape, her family’s struggle, and her survival.

Eventually, Inge confided that she had written her life story. But, as she humbly put it, “I’m not a writer.” She asked if I could help her turn it into a book for her family and friends. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would intertwine our lives in a way neither of us could have foreseen.

While helping Inge bring her story to life, I also hoped to share the love of Christ with her. She was very open to spiritual discussions, often asking me about my faith. Though she expressed admiration for the happiness and peace she saw in people who had a relationship with God, she remained firm in her beliefs and didn’t consider herself religious. “I’ve noticed that people who know God are happy,” she once told me. My prayer is that one day she will experience that joy for herself.

Our meetings became a regular tradition. Each time I visited, we would enjoy tea and shortbread before diving into our work. Inge always seemed to appreciate the questions I asked, as they helped her remember details she might have otherwise overlooked. Over five months, we worked together to refine her story, adding political context and personal anecdotes, many of which were accompanied by old photographs that now beautifully complement her narrative.

As I worked with Inge, I couldn’t help but see God’s hand in everything. Her father’s efforts to keep his family safe seemed miraculous at times, but Inge still believed it was solely through his determination that they escaped the Nazis’ grasp.

The more I think about it, the more I marvel at how our lives crossed paths. A 95-year-old Jewish woman, with a powerful story to tell, and a writer with a heart to help her share it—how did this unlikely partnership come to be? Inge’s daughter, Vicky, believes that God orchestrated our meeting. As for Inge, she doesn’t yet see it that way, though I continue to pray that one day, she will.

Our relationship has grown deeply over the past few years, and Inge and I are committed to this special friendship for the rest of her life. I’m confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to soften Inge’s heart, and I look forward to the day when she sees the light of Christ and becomes part of His family. Please join me in praying for that moment to come!

When you read Inge’s book, ESCAPED: One Jewish Girl Hoping to Escape Nazi Persecution, you’ll be captivated by her unique perspective on Hitler’s rise to power, the evil plans of the Nazi regime, and the horrors of the Holocaust. But what truly sets her story apart are the personal, first-hand accounts of her experiences during those terrifying times.

I’m sure you’ll be moved by the resilience and courage that define Inge’s journey. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unshakable will to survive.

Order your copy of ESCAPED today for only $9.99!