“5 Stars Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan by Joshua Pennifield is a compelling blend of a fictional military memoir and spiritual reflections. The story follows Staff Sergeant Michael (Stache) Anderson and his squad as they embark on a deployment to Afghanistan. As the troops prepare to put their military training to the test, Stache dedicates their missions to the Lord and prays for divine protection. Amid war, he relies on his faith for strength and guidance, offering himself as a vessel for God. His exemplary leadership inspires not only his men but also others they encounter along their journey, leading others to the Lord and bringing glory to God’s kingdom. However, just when they believe their mission is complete and they are safe, a new threat emerges. Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan is an inspiring narrative that illustrates how faith sustains service members amid the chaos of war. The book explores themes of obedience, leadership, courage, and grace, and incorporates biblical stories and scripture to encourage resilience and trust in God’s guidance. The narrative is action-packed with stories of convoys and firefights, but also has calm moments of quiet prayer and scripture reading. Joshua Pennifield demonstrates that God's presence and love are unwavering in these moments of uncertainty. The book has a thirty-day devotional study based on the events in the story and Stache's biblical insights, covering lessons on God's Armor, faith during moments of doubt, and reluctant obedience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it conveys a powerful message about trusting God and leading with His divine favor. I recommend it to anyone interested in stories of faith and resilience during challenging times.”

Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

“5 Stars Staff Sergeant Michael Anderson leads his unit during their tour of duty in Afghanistan. Michael remains steadfast in his Christian values, even in combat, unlike most of his colleagues. This quality has endeared him to his team members and attracted the attention of senior officers regarding his exploits. Michael looks forward to the impending conclusion of his tour, when he will reunite with his wife, Emily. Before that day arrives, he must face a grueling assignment that will test his faith, as described in Joshua Pennifield's Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan. Joshua Pennifield combines gritty action with deep introspection in Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan. His attention to detail covers battle formations, machinery, and Afghan topography. A commendable aspect is the emotional depth that Pennifield highlights through various characters. One instance that stands out is when Michael intervenes as his subordinate hesitates to pull the trigger during a hostile combat scenario. As he urges himself to step forward with the next opportunity, the soldier's self-reprimand creates a compelling human angle that readers can easily relate to. The dialogue is predominantly military-oriented, except during moments when the focus shifts to Michael's introspective periods as he contemplates the right course of action. Pennifield subtly emphasizes Christian themes such as diligence, compassion, and forgiveness throughout the narrative. He rounds it out with an impressive thirty-day devotional guide that uses Michael's struggles as the framework for each lesson. Christian readers will find great value in the nuggets of wisdom presented in this unique novel.”

Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite

“5 Stars Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan by Joshua Pennifield is a captivating story that follows Stache, a Staff Sergeant deployed to Afghanistan. He leads his team with faith and seeks guidance from God, praying for divine favor and protection with every step he takes. Unlike other leaders, Stache is kind, caring, and leads by example. His team consists of diverse men who rely on him. Witnessing his devotion to God and the miracles they experience on their missions, they recognize God's power in their lives. Throughout their deployment, they encounter intense combat, face locals, and collaborate with other platoons, all of whom notice Stache’s incredible leadership and commitment to peace. By the end of their time together, Stache’s team is transformed and renewed, forming a brotherhood built on trust and faith. Finding God in the Mountains of Afghanistan is not just a story about life on the battlefield; it is also about surrendering to God’s will, even in the most challenging situations. Through Stache, a devout and empathetic leader, the narrative illustrates how spiritual conviction can inspire trust, unity, and resilience. It emphasizes that, beyond the physical battles, there exists a spiritual struggle where grace, hope, and divine presence are crucial for overcoming the darkness of war. Although this is a military-based story, readers can also apply its lessons to their daily lives. Joshua Pennifield has included a 30-day daily devotion challenge with reflection questions to help readers grasp the messages. The story ends on a cliffhanger, suggesting that the fight for peace and purpose continues beyond the battlefield. It illustrates that the Christian journey is never over and that more challenges await. Therefore, one should never cease praying and remain vigilant as a soldier of God. Overall, this is a powerful read that serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of faith, hope, and God's divine guidance.”

Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite