Bringing Life

Afghanistan is a world of adventure and danger for a young American working within the international development community. Joshua Atkinson spent seven years in the devastated nation, working in many of the same hostile conditions as the armed forces, but lacking the military’s high levels of security.

Confident in God’s faithfulness and protection, Joshua navigated a dangerous landscape, his work often hindered by corruption. Before leaving the country, he endured a period of wrongful imprisonment in a nation known for its brutal prison conditions. Through all of the events he maintained his faith in God and commitment to the mission.

Throughout his time in Afghanistan, Joshua immersed himself in the local culture, gaining an on-the-ground understanding of Afghans that few diplomats and politicians could match. He learned both language and customs, even mastering the tendon-straining art of squat-sitting.

Joshua’s insight into Afghan culture, politics, and the international contracting scene alone would make Bringing Life a compelling read for those interested in Afghanistan and ongoing recovery efforts, but his story runs deeper. An inspiring trust in God’s love runs through all of Joshua’s adventures, from his lighthearted anecdotes to periods of intense hardship and life-threatening challenges.