Bruchko: The Astonishing True Story of a 19-Year-Old American, His Capture by the Motilone Indians and His Adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age Tribe Paperback – Bargain Price, July 18, 2006

Bruce Olson's personal story is told in a pure, simple, engaging and inspiring way. His beautiful and greatly brave heart towards the people he came to love and belong to, despite horrific starts and sadnesses along the way, witness to his faith. Also, Bruce's beginnings of the faith and courage to leave his family and country to walk out his faith is a precious teaching in itself. This writer consistently shows his humility throughout. This book is a keeper, though I've bought and given away several copies as gifts, it's so good! LOVE this book!!

I read this book several years ago and reread it again this year. This is such a tremendous account of what true missionary work and evangelism is all about. There were instances where I rejoiced, cried, and had my heart broken. Mesmerized. I bought 20 copies and handed them out to our church. It is a must read for every church a servant of God being called to the ministry.

I love that this is a true story! Very exciting page-turner for sure!

I originally attempted to send this to the email address on Bruce’s webpage in early 2021. However, that addressed is no longer maintained, so I thought I would post it here. Clearly from my responses below, I think Bruchko is an amazing story of God in our lives.Bruce,My name is Lance Brender and I grew up in a congregation called Christ Center in Cashmere, WA. When I was about 14, a man came to speak at our congregation and sold copies of Bruchko afterward. I did not have the money to buy a copy but I came up and asked the man for one anyway. He at first seemed annoyed, but then asked me if I would really read it. I said that I would and the man gave me a copy for free.Unfortunately, for the next two decades I did not read the book. I graduated college and joined the Army and as of last December have served 16 years as an officer. I have remained a committed Christian throughout, and serve as a discipleship mentor for the CS Lewis Institute and a chaplain for a local mission. In a coincidental parallel, I retire in four years and will then pursue a PhD in linguistics, which I read you once wanted to do.Through much of that time I still had the book, and felt guilty every time I didn’t pick it off my shelf and read it. Worse, though, I eventually lost the copy, and then even forgot that I had ever had it. That is, until about two months ago. I found Bruchko as an audiobook and finished it, moved to tears by both your journey and God’s movement in your life and those of the Motilones.I don’t know if that man who gave me the copy was you, but no matter who it was I wanted you to know that I fulfilled my promise, read your book, and am so grateful that I did. Thank you for your life of love to Christ and your fellow man, and you have an honest admirer in Washington.Lance Brender

I reread the book Bruchko with a friend this winter. It has been 20+ years since I first stumbled on it. Wow!Bruchko by Bruce Olson is his personal testimony of leaving home at the age of 19 to go to the jungles of Columbia and find the Motilone tribe to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. With the hurdle of language barriers and his many near-death experiences, will this wild, young man’s dream come to fruition? Ever persistent, Bruce shows how the love of Jesus can pave a path through every divide.Cons: I wish every true story was only miracles and not brought down with the reality of grief. Living in the jungle is a life and death struggle. By 2/3s of the book, I was cheering with every chapter and it broke my heart when their lives took a turn. I also had a difficult time following jumping timelines, but it settled out after Chapter Two.Pros: I am challenged to have more faith, determination, and courage for the daunting challenges that are on my life’s trail. This book needs to be read by every person so that he/she can burn bright for those who have never heard of Jesus, Who sacrificed more than we can ever fully realize from an earth-bound understanding.“Yes, Bobby, with all my strength and all my will I want to give myself to the expectation of Jesus Christ.” Bruce Olson, Bruchko, page 177I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Bruchko is an amazing autobiography about a 19 year old kid, Bruce Olson, called by God to show Barí/Motilone Indians who Jesus is. How could he survive the harsh jungle to find a ruthless tribe that kills people who come into their territory?Bruce Olson, Bruchko, p.70 “A long shaft was sticking out of it, with a neat little punch-hole where the arrow had gone in.”One thing that I find upsetting is how Bruce’s fiancée, Gloria, wasn't as prominent in the story as I hoped.However, I love how the storytelling was created. It was amazing to read how the true events unfolded.My favorite part of the book was how he learned and translated the Motilone’s language to write a Bible so they can understand who Jesus is, as well as how much Bruce cared for them.