Captured Doolittle Raider's Hatred
Jacob DeShazer, a member of the Doolittle Raiders during World War II, was captured by the Japanese after a bombing mission in 1942. Raised in a Christian family, DeShazer had drifted away from his faith, harboring deep resentment towards the Japanese. The Pearl Harbor attack ignited a fiery hatred in him, as he reportedly shouted, 'Japan is going to pay for this!' while peeling potatoes.
Prison Bible Changes Everything
His capture and imprisonment for 40 months, including 34 in solitary confinement, tested the limits of his endurance. But in May 1944, amid the darkness of his cell, DeShazer received a Bible. As he read Romans 10:9, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. In his own words, 'My hatred for the Japanese people nearly drove me crazy,' but upon embracing faith, 'How my heart rejoiced in my newness of spiritual life, even though my body was still suffering so terribly from the physical beatings and lack of food.'
Hatred to Love Transformation
Transformed by Jesus, DeShazer's hatred turned to love. He began praying for his captors, learned Japanese, and treated his guards with respect. This change of heart was a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within him, reminding him of Jesus' teachings even amidst suffering.
Missionary to Former Enemies
After the war, DeShazer dedicated his life to serving the Japanese people as a missionary for over 30 years. His testimony, 'I Was a Prisoner of Japan,' touched many, including Captain Mitsuo Fuchida, the very man who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. DeShazer's story is a powerful reminder of how Jesus can transform hatred into love and bring light into the darkest of places.