Guiding Missal

Book excerpt: If this little book could only talk! Guiding Missal is based on a true story about a lively prayerbook that accompanies three military men as they live through momentous events in our nation’s history. In 1942, George Panko is drafted into the U.S. Army and volunteers to be a forward observer conducting covert operations behind German lines during the Battle of the Bulge. In his combat jacket pocket, he carries a small prayer book, My Military Missal. The little missal provides solace as well as a running commentary on the battle and the deeds that earned George two Bronze Stars. George’s son, Butch enlists in the United States Air Force in the 1960’s. Before his son leaves for basic training, George entrusts Butch with his tattered military missal. Butch finds himself decoding top secret information in an underground bunker during the height of the Berlin Crisis. He and the little book are praying that WWIII isn’t about to break out. Fast forward to 1991: Butch Panko’s future son-in-law, T.O Williams, overcomes a debilitating condition to enlist in the U.S.Army. In 1992, the newlywed is grateful for the well-worn prayerbook Butch gave him just before he’s deployed to Africa. He and the book find themselves plunged into an unrelenting fight for survival on the streets of war-torn Mogadishu, Somalia, during Blackhawk Down. By God’s grace, they both live to tell a miraculous story of deliverance in that hopeless situation. Deftly combining fast-paced action with humor, history, and scenes of family tenderness, Guiding Missal is an inspiring account of God’s faithfulness in times of trouble, making it a must-read for history buffs as well as anyone who seeking hope and encouragement for self or others. Nancy Panko’s clever tale is as comforting as a guiding missal in one’s shirt pocket, tucked close to the heart. Scott Mason, author of Faith and Air: The Miracle List and host of the emmy-award-winning Tar Heel Traveler TV series