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Homage to a Broken Man

The Life of J. Heinrich Arnold – A true story of faith, forgiveness, sacrifice, and community

by Peter Mommsen

Those who knew J. Heinrich Arnold later in life wondered at the way people were drawn to this strange man with a thick accent and easy smile. They sensed that here was someone who ­understood, someone they could trust. What made him different? Eager to answer this question, Peter Mommsen set out to uncover his grand­father’s past. This is what he found: A boy who faced down Nazis and hunger, growing up on potatoes and radical ideas. The son of a famous intellectual, determined to drop out of school and take to the road. A young lover fleeing his homeland. A new father losing his first child. An unlikely pioneer in the heart of South America. | read more»

Buy The Book

About the Book and Author

J. Heinrich Arnold was a broken man. Some spoke of his humility and compassion; others of his frankness and earthy humor. In his presence, complete strangers poured out their darkest secrets and left transformed. Others wanted him dead. | read more »

Homage to a Broken Man: Q&A with Author Peter Mommsen

My grandfather's story shows what it means to love your neighbor as yourself – that means being willing to risk being broken. | read more »

Read the Foreword by Eugene Peterson

"As in the days of old, God calls out the most unlikely heroes, uses imperfect people for his glory, and remains faithful to his people no matter how far they stray." | read more »

Praise for Homage to a Broken Man

"What an extraordinary life. In many ways it's a sad and sorrowful life -- but one lived in the light of the gospel. A truly moving story." —Stanley Hauerwas, Duke University | read more »
Who Was This Extraordinary Man?
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