“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”  There are moments in history when the world seems to fall apart—when doubt clouds the future, and people are left wondering where to turn. War, political unrest, and social collapse can shake the very foundations of society, forcing individuals to question everything they once believed in. It is in these moments of chaos that faith—whether religious, spiritual, or personal—becomes more than just a practice. It becomes a lifeline. This is the world that Ross H. Palfreyman experienced firsthand in his book Two Years in God’s Mormon Army. As a young Mormon missionary serving in Thailand during the 1973 Thai Revolution, he witnessed the power of belief amidst turmoil. The country was going through a political uprising, neighboring Southeast Asian governments were collapsing after the U.S. withdrawal from the Vietnam War, and fear was everywhere. And yet, Palfreyman and his fellow missionaries held on to their faith, pushing forward to share their message despite the dangers surrounding them.

History has repeatedly shown us that faith thrives in hardship. When everything seems insecure—whether due to war, political instability, or personal tragedy—faith gives people a sense of stability and purpose. For Palfreyman, faith was not just about belief—it was about action. Even as he faced threats at gunpoint, cultural resistance, and personal struggles, he remained dedicated to his mission. It was his faith that anchored him, giving him the courage to move forward despite the fear. This idea is not unique to Palfreyman’s story. Around the world, millions have held onto their faith through wars, revolutions, and oppression. The Holocaust survivors clung to faith to endure suffering. Refugees fleeing war-torn countries often find strength in spiritual hope. Even in personal battles—such as sickness or loss—faith serves as a guiding light. Faith, in its purest form, is about believing in something greater than the present chaos—whether that is God, a higher power, or even just the belief that things will get better.

Faith is rarely an individual journey. It often thrives within a community of believers who support one another in times of crisis. For Palfreyman, being part of the Mormon missionary community meant that he was never truly alone. Despite the danger surrounding them, these young men and women worked together, supporting each other emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Their mission was not just about converting others but also about holding each other up in the face of adversity. This shows a broader truth about faith: it is strongest when shared. Religious communities, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or any other faith, have long been sources of refuge and support in difficult times. They provide food, shelter, and emotional guidance, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. Even outside religious settings, faith-based communities—whether through humanitarian aid groups, activism, or volunteer efforts—have been instrumental in helping people navigate crises. When the world feels like it is falling apart, having a community that shares your faith or values can make all the difference.

One of the most significant aspects of faith in chaos is that it is often tested. When people are confronted with loss, suffering, or injustice, they may ask: Why is this happening? Why is God allowing this? Is faith worth holding onto? Palfreyman’s book does not paint a picture of blind, firm belief. Instead, it portrays a realistic struggle—a young man trying to stay true to his mission in a country where people were resistant to his message, his health was failing, and the political situation was unstable. It is a reminder that faith is not the absence of doubt but the ability to move forward despite it.

One of the most powerful aspects of faith in times of crisis is that it does not just help people survive—it helps them grow. For Palfreyman, his two years in Thailand were not just about spreading his beliefs. They were about learning from the people he met, understanding different cultures, and deepening his own sense of faith. Even when the people around him did not accept his religion, the experience shaped him into a stronger, wiser person. This is true for many who go through hardship with their faith intact. They emerge more compassionate, more understanding, and more resilient. Faith in difficult times is not just about getting through the storm—it is about becoming better because of it.

Two Years in God’s Mormon Army is not just a story of a missionary—it is a story of faith in adversity. Ross H. Palfreyman takes readers on a journey through one of the most politically unstable times in Thai history, showing how faith is tested, challenged, and ultimately strengthened. The book is strongly personal, engaging, and at times humorous, as Palfreyman recounts the realities of missionary work—from rabid dogs to cultural misunderstandings to near-death experiences. It is a story of resilience, belief, and the courage to continue despite insecurity.