Cry of the Outcast: Josiah’s Story is a powerful true story about a mother who takes in Josiah, an abandoned African baby boy; it’s a decision fueled by her passion to prevent Josiah’s death. The book is written by the mother, Wendy Reaume.
Throughout the book, the reader is witness to the brave struggle of a missionary family who succeed in making a difference while living in West Africa from 1993 to 2006. The reader also gets glimpses of the cultures inside a Christian missionary family and the impoverished African families’ lives.
The destitute Africans’ lack of education has cut them off from having a better future; their survival and fear often comes before doing what is right. Reaume and her husband John help these people take what they feel is the right path. The reader experiences the hope that blossoms in the thick of corruption. Interestingly, Reaume also talks about how missionaries were treated in West Africa after 9/11.
Reaume keeps these heavy topics interesting using a narrative approach that paints pictures in the reader’s mind. Descriptive words create a bleak setting where villagers live in shacks and huts. The mood ranges from the darkness that resonates out of poverty to the illuminating faith that breaks through this hopelessness.
The book is a poignant story about a heroic child that the Reaumes are trying to bring back to life from malnutrition. And, really, it goes beyond Josiah and is about all children who have been discarded throughout the world.
The story has potential to open up our awareness, giving insight into a poverty that is so great.
This is an educational read for anyone wanting to know more about West Africa or wanting to make a difference in the world