A. L. Mingo's
Searched and Seized

Too often in current times our police aren’t given the support and gratitude owed them for being our heroes and earthly protectors.  I love them and pray for them with thankfulness for their daily courage and dedication to provide law and order and to have compassion for those in need of their service. For this reason, I was excited to read a new book titled, Searched and Seized by God written by A. L. Mingo, a retired city police chief of Benton Harbor, Michigan. His story of God’s hand on his life and career before he had even surrendered to God is amazing and one that should be shared to demonstrate our victory in Christ when we have unwavering faith through good times, and especially through difficulty and darkness.

    I’ve known police officers, but never one who had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I wanted to read about God at work in the life of someone in law enforcement, but as I began reading, I realized this was more than a story about career, but rather a love story of the author for his lovely wife, LaDonne and their devotion to one another for over 50 years while remaining faithful to God, even in sickness.  However, as I’ve stated, the indelible thread in this story is the amazing testimony of the Word at work in the author’s life before and after his conversion to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

    The author doesn’t claim to be perfect. Indeed, he candidly shares the times when he hasn’t been. Yet, he has kept a prevailing attitude of joy that began as a child. He was so happy and optimistic that he didn’t recognize poverty or the limitations society can place on a person because of their color of skin. It wasn’t until the 1970’s as a young husband and father facing financial difficulty that he began to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a police officer no matter how difficult the process. However, trying to find his way into the city police department brought him face to face with the reality of racism that deemed him unqualified for the position he desired without giving him any reason for the judgement. He faced many such trials, that pushed him beyond what at times he thought he could endure, but fueled by his faith in God He always persevered to achieve victory.

    A. L. Mingo’s integrity, faith and perseverance took him beyond his dream of becoming a police officer with honors, awards and promotion. He retired in 2009 to travel with his wife who had retired before he did. They continued together serving God, enjoying family and their well-deserved time together until their retirement came to abrupt halt due to LaDonne’s illness that continues to this day. Their love and devotion to one another is a great testimony of their obedience to God’s Word concerning marriage and relationships. 

   I loved reading Searched and Seized By God. It offers important teaching by example for all facets of life. Christians need God’s knowledge and wisdom to achieve a successful marriage, to discover purpose and career success, to fit God into a busy family life and to find victory in the midst of trials we can’t overcome on our own. Real life answers to life’s problems are found within the pages of this exciting new book that leads unbelievers to Christ within the last chapter.  This true story of love, God and family has made a profound impact upon my life and I believe it will do the same for all who read it. This is most assuredly a “must-read” book.