Song of the Nightingale: True story of a gospel singer

Song of the Nightingale, published by Authentic Media in conjunction with Release International, is the true story of gospel singer Helen Berhane who was held captive for over two years in appalling conditions in her native Eritrea.

As well as being kept in a metal shipping container she was brutally beaten. Her crime? Sharing her faith in Jesus and refusing, even under torture, to deny him.

A sobering, painful, heart-rending account of true faith in the face of evil, this book makes for uncomfortable and yet inspirational reading.

Helen says: "I want to give a message to those of you who are Christians and live in the free world: you must not take your freedom for granted . . . If I could sing in prison, imagine what you can do for God's glory with your freedom."

Song of the Nightingale has been published as part of Release International's campaign this year on behalf of the persecuted Christians of Eritrea. Since 2002 more than 2,000 Christians have been detained without trial, while dozens of churches and Christian ministries have been forced to close. Many believers have been tortured to force them to renounce their faith. Some Christian prisoners, including Helen Berhane, have been locked in metal shipping containers where they suffer extreme heat during the day and biting cold at night.

Release, which serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries, is to present a petition calling for religious liberty to the Eritrean Ambassador in London. To sign the petition online or to download a petition form visit the Release website, www.releaseinternational.org

Christian speaker and author Jeff Lucas says of Song of the Nightingale: "This book is an unforgettable account of one individual's stand for her faith, which will encourage and inspire you."

The former Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali says: "It is people like Helen who inspire us to remain faithful and to work for the relief of God's people under persecution."