The Radio Signal

Growing up in bucolic Eastern Pomerania during the early years of World War II, young Friedhelm Radandt has listened with his family on the Volksempfänger (people's radio) to the many victory news bulletins. At the same time, Elizabeth Jobs and her family have lived in urbane Warsaw as loyal citizens of Poland who cherish their ethnic German heritage. As the war intensifies, the Radandts continue to hold worship meetings in their home and defy the pressure of local party leaders to send their sons to the notorious school for future Nazi leaders. Meanwhile, across the border, Elizabeth's family must cope with the death sentence from the Polish resistance movement for her father, Ludwig, the researcher and developer of radio tubes. When both families are driven from their homes, each embark on harrowing, yet thrilling parallel escape routes across war-torn Germany. Amid the darkness and rubble, can the light of love emerge? The Radio Signal captures the true story of two separate families who share a vibrant faith that imbues their actions with courage and trust. During the war, neither family knew of the other. Neither family knew that their paths would ultimately cross. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

Reviews

"We can hardly imagine what it was like for Christians living in Germany during the Third Reich. But now we don't have to, because my friend Friedhelm Radandt was there and has given us this extraordinary book about his experiences. He writes about it in such a fresh and compelling way that you almost feel it happened yesterday. And unlike many stories from that terrible time, this one has a happy ending, in which God brings Friedhelm through these trials to America― and eventually to be the president of the King's College in New York. What a story this is, and I'm so grateful we can now read it for ourselves."
― Eric Metaxas, NYTimes bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
"This is a gripping tale, masterfully told. Few could tell it as Friedhelm Radandt has. Though a youth in Germany as the Nazis came to power, he and his family never lost hope― a hope that was rewarded in the Radandt's heroic escape and for Friedhelm, meeting and marrying Elizabeth, a fellow refugee.
Friedhelm and Elizabeth have become dear friends. Though we have known them best as outstanding leaders in higher education, we now understand how an awful war forged their character and produced endurance that has distinguished them to multitudes and endeared them to us. We heartily commend The Radio Signal."
― John Beckett, author of Loving Monday, and Wendy Beckett, author of God Keeps Covenant
"I am impressed with Friedhelm Radandt. I came to know him as I served on the board of The Kings College. His and his wife's deep love for Jesus Christ stems from facing and surviving tremendous challenges before and during World War II. He has made excellent contributions to the field of Christian education. I trust their story will be an inspiration to you."
― Steve Douglass, president of Campus Crusade for Christ International, and Cru
"In today's day and age, we hear about concerns of threats against religious liberty both at home and abroad. To steady ourselves for the challenging days ahead, we must turn to history for fresh supplies of encouragement. Enter Friedhelm Radandt's The Radio Signal― a true story of conviction and faith among religious dissenters and exiles at the height of Nazi aggression. If your faith needs a boost, read this book."
― Gregory Alan Thornbury, PhD, president of The King's College, New York; author of Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F. Henry