About the Book
Of Good Courage is a poignant and inspiring saga of Trong Van Cao, a man born into poverty in war-ravaged Vietnam, where his small stature made him a target for abuse and led to homelessness. Guided by a quiet inner voice—later revealed as God’s gentle nudge—Trong embarks on a harrowing escape during Operation Frequent Wind, navigating the South China Sea alone by boat. This divine thread weaves through his tumultuous life, offering hope amid chaos.
Resettled first in the Philippines, then Guam, Trong lies about his age to escape a life of manual labor, landing in an orphanage and later a foster home to pursue an education. Along the way, he meets Gary Gorans in Guam. When Trong is separated from his friend, Gary embarks on a 46-year search to rekindle their friendship.
Trong’s journey is marked by resilience and struggle as he navigates gang life, a stint in a mental hospital, and three failed marriages. Through sheer determination and God’s persistent guidance, Trong rises to wealth and prestige, only to face a devastating fall when his heart and kidneys fail, stripping him of everything.
At his lowest, Trong finally heeds the still, small voice that has followed him since childhood. Through prayer and the support of his church community, he discovers the true family he’s longed for and the purpose God has ordained for him. His internal war—fueled by pain, loss, and searching—finds peace in faith and belonging within the Church.
Of Good Courage is not merely a tale of one man’s faith but a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness to a lost sheep. For readers who feel abandoned, hopeless, or unheard, Trong’s story offers a beacon of hope, faith, and the promise of peace through divine love.
From War-Torn Shores to a Life of Purpose
Trong Van Cao’s journey began in post-war Vietnam, where he was rejected, homeless, and alone. Guided by a quiet inner voice—later known as God’s—he escaped during Operation Frequent Wind, crossing the sea with only faith. Of Good Courage shares his powerful story of survival and transformation, offering hope to anyone who feels forgotten or lost.
Three Families, One Heart
Trong’s identity was shaped not by one but by three families:
- His Vietnamese family, whose absence left a void and a longing for home and identity.
- His American family, Heidi and Frank Iverson, who offered love and stability when he needed it most.
- His almost-adopted family, the Gorans, whose unwavering belief and prayers helped bring him full circle.