In 1938, Nicky Winton, a young London stockbroker, traveled to Prague. Momentous changes were happening in Europe and Nicky wanted to experience them for himself. But he was unprepared for what he saw.
Nazi armies had invaded Czech borderlands and Jewish families, among others, had taken refuge in the capital city. When Nicky visited them in squalid tent cities in the bitter cold, with little food and fewer provisions, he wept. This was far worse than he imagined, especially for the children. Haunted by the specter of horrors to come, he asked himself: What could be done to protect the children now, before it was too late?
Immediately an answer emerged: Get them as far away from the war as possible. Parents would never be granted visas to leave the country, but what about their families? Foreign governments would have to be petitioned, funds raised, and foster parents found. It was daunting to even imagine it. Yet, as Nicky would say throughout his life, "If it's not impossible, there must be a way to do it." And there was. Fifty years later, when Nicky's service finally came to light, hundreds of rescued people and thousands of their posterity gave thanks for the man who saved their lives.
In a world where people of all ages yearn to make a difference, this is the inspirational account of one young man who actually did, before the war and throughout his life. It's also a powerful invitation to experience the infinite reach of service for ourselves, for when doing good goes beyond a checklist and becomes a way of being, the light we share shines forever.
Readers may watch a performance of this story by The Tabernacle Choir with narration by Sir David Suchet at TabChoir.org/LightShinesForever.