Called, Marlena Fiol
Called, Marlena Fiol
List: $24.95 | Sale: $17.47
Club: $12.47

Called
A True Story

Author: Marlena Fiol, Ed O'Connor

Narrator: Jack Warren, Marlena Fiol

Unabridged: 11 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/09/2021


Synopsis

A handsome physician. A devout Mennonite nurse. And an Argentinian activist. Welcome to CALLED…

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Nazi uprisings, political unrest in Argentina and Paraguay, and the scourge of leprosy left untreated, Dr. John and Clara Schmidt commit to living a life of service in their fight against poverty, stigma, and social injustice.

But at what cost?

Based on true events that span six decades, CALLED is an uplifting and inspirational tale of fearless adventure and heroism that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit persevering in the face of fear, rebellious subversion, and terrorism.

Some have a story. They had a mission.

CALLED is an expansive saga that brings to life the extraordinary contributions of two medical pioneers in the wilds of Paraguay. In their fierce determination to save floundering communities across the country, and to battle the stigma and shame of leprosy, John and Clara face intractable opposition from many fronts: a medical community that rejects their unorthodox and revolutionary practices, governments that threaten imprisonment, and neighboring villagers who vow to kill them.

Their story provides a living example of fully embracing Dr. John’s favorite scripture, “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

If you love grand tales of adventure, service, and romance -- with unforgettable characters in foreign settings that will sweep you away, find out why readers are raving about CALLED.

About Marlena Fiol

Marlena Fiol is the author of the inspiring memoir Love is Complicated. Her book is a narrative exploration of her own identity journey from a tortured and rebellious childhood as a Mennonite missionary kid on a leprosy compound to eventual reconciliation with her people and within herself.Marlena has written dozens of articles exploring the themes of loss, suffering, healing, learning, love, redemption, and reconciliation. Before becoming a writer of literary essays and blogs, she received worldwide acclaim for her work on learning and identity. This work examined how people within and around organizations make sense of who they are in relation to others, and how that sense of self can change.Marlena and her husband Ed find both light playfulness and intense joy in their relationships with their grandchildren. They currently spend summers in lush, green Oregon and winters in sunny Arizona. You can learn more about Marlena and her work at MarlenaFiol.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bev on December 29, 2021

I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to read the book, Called! This is the story of the lives and work of John and Clara Schmidt, who changed the standard treatment of leprosy starting in Paraguay, but their methods have been recognized and adopted around the world. I’ve known bits of the story o......more

Goodreads review by Grace on April 24, 2022

Deep faith and persistence is demonstrated in the work of Dr John and nurse Clara. While their work was so needed and inspirational there was a lack of balance in their own family life. The history of Paraguay and how the Mennonites came to live there is very informative. Their ability to see the bi......more

Goodreads review by Shareen on December 30, 2021

What a story! This book is filled with suspense and emotion; the story of two amazingly dedicated individuals, John and Clara Schmidt, steadfast in their commitment to serve and overcome seemingly impossible odds. A page turner and worth every minute! You will not be disappointed.......more

Goodreads review by LHPeters on February 15, 2022

What does it take to change one small corner of the world? … against all odds? …against force? …without the predictability of resources? What does it mean to persevere over years? …over decades? How does one bring about real, sustainable change, when everything screams at you to give up? CALLED, by......more

Goodreads review by Leads on November 16, 2021

Amazing retelling of the true story of a medical missionary couple and their family who gave up everything several times over, spanning six decades, to bring basic medical care to remote parts of Paraguay. So many touching human moments between them, excerpts from letters from their (at times out of......more