Endorsements
I first met John in 2005 while touring job sites in southern California as Amtrak’s chief engineering officer. Within an afternoon, it became clear that John was a highly competent engineer and a well-regarded and high functioning individual. John was an indispensable man. I never suspected that he did not come from a traditional professional engineering background or that he had a troubled past. It didn’t matter who he used to be. All that counted was who he had become. John’s story of redemption and personal growth is a tribute to the power of human tenacity and the abundance brought by strong faith. Rescued is an example, step by step, for young people with a troubled past to rebuild their lives.
– David Hughes, Retired Amtrak President and CEO
Ghost written accounts of celebrities with sordid pasts are a dime a dozen, and appear intended solely to generate furthering publicity. Rescued: A True Story of Redemption, Pardon and Second Chances, is definitely not one of them. Author, John P. Eschenbach, is not a celebrity. He is, in fact, one of the most unlikely persons to want to share details of someone who has not only survived incarceration, addiction, and disappointments, but a person who, through disciplined character and self-determination, has motivated those he met, not only to offer him their heartfelt encouragement, but to give him a second chance.
Those of us who came to know Eschenbach as a master builder of railroad structures, with intricate technological skills, which evidence an uncanny ability to solve complex problems, would never in our wildest imagination have guessed that his life had gone completely off the track. It was in fact a virtual train wreck. While the journey to right his life is a testament to his faith, Rescued is not merely a book espousing the plan of salvation. It should not be confused with a religious tract, handed out on street corners, or left at one’s door, claiming to have all the answers to all of life’s problems. John seems as amazed as the reader will be, to discover that there can be redemption and fulfillment hidden in plain sight, and that help can be obtained to salvage a lost and troubled soul, if only there is the wisdom and a genuine desire to ask for that help, and a willingness to seek it out.
There are some stories that deserve to be told, that need to be told, and should be told, but not all are told, for the lack of someone with the courage to allow themselves to bare their souls and step onto the stage, not for self-aggrandizement, but to share the good fortune. Rescued is one such good read.
– Doug Riddell, Retired Amtrak Photographer, Locomotive Engineer and Author
I love that this book is a first-hand account of a redemption story that’s gripping and powerful. We need to experience concepts like forgiveness, redemption and second chances within the context of real life. John Eschenbach’s story is real and it beautifully communicates the power of a life transformed.
– Mark Foreman, Lead Pastor at North Coast Calvary Chapel, Carlsbad, California
In a unique and captivating way “Rescued – A story of redemption, pardon, and second chance” does more than share John’s story. It tells the impactful and powerful story of God’s love, forgiveness, redemption, and transformation. You can’t read “Rescued” without being encouraged, blessed, lifted up and challenged to share your God story along with John’s with those in your circle of influence.
– Charlie Bradshaw, Former Executive Pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, California
John’s life is a testament to the power and grace of Jesus Christ. This book is relatable to anyone who has made bad choices, endured suffering and wondered what their future held for them. Ultimately, John was drawn to the Lord in a miraculous way. RESCUED provides hope and optimism for each of us and it will touch your heart in a powerful way.
– Ron Robusto, Retired, Chief Transportation Officer Amtrak West
There is something powerful about our story; especially when our story is His story. In RESCUED, John shares the incredible transforming power of Jesus in His life and gives hope to anyone feeling lost, alone, or too far gone.
– Ryan Fontenot, Found/Lead Evangelist, R.A.G.E. Ministries, Keller, Texas
John’s testimony of Rescued is valuable to all in Christian ministry. Addicts self-sabotage every relationship, but God’s LOVE patiently overcomes the destruction. God is continually asking us: “What do you really want?”
– Larry Erickson, Global Coordinator for ZIPLOC® Brand & Celebrate Recovery State Representative for San Diego County, Retired
I have known John Eschenbach for over 20 years and I always admired how he related to so many different people and employees. John always took the time to really listen to his employees and express his appreciation for them. He also had the same professional relationships with his peers at Amtrak and all of the other railroads he interfaced with. After reading his fascinating memoir of overcoming the many hardships he faced on his journey to become an amazing role model, I now understand even more, how it is possible to turn what seems like a hopeless situation into a beacon of compassion! This is truly a must-read story!
– Richard Phelps, Amtrak Vice President of Transportation, Retired
I remember John well and the mentoring relationship he had with my father while living in Edgewood, Maryland. At that time my father was the senior Pastor at Chesapeake Covenant Church. This story exemplifies what God’s grace is truly all about. An amazing true story that will encourage you and provide a renewed hope in God’s marvelous grace.
– Jimmy Cannon, Lead Pastor, Sovereign Grace Church, White Marsh & Abingdon, Maryland
John’s memoir is a captivating account of God’s saving grace. His story is gritty and real. As he unfolds his life event by event, it becomes clear in hindsight that the invisible hand of God has been guiding and directing him every step of the way. If you feel aimless or discouraged, read Rescued. You will be thrilled by the God of second chances who is always at work in our lives in surprising ways!
– Craig Cabaniss, Lead Pastor, Grace Church, Frisco, Texas
When I first meet John in San Jose in 1994 while pastoring the Family Life Center Church, I learned very quickly about his amazing story. Now some 27 years later he is documenting his story to be used, as a ministry tool. This powerful story is backed up with a life of integrity and true Christian character. Now retired from a long successful railroad career his ministry will impact anyone who dares to read this story.
– Al Soto, Lead Pastor, Bayside Church of Placerville, CA.
John has an amazing story and he backs it up with being drug free for 46 years. His heart after God is a very valuable asset. When I first learned of his story I wondered how a young teen back in the late 1960’s could ever survive what John has. In this memoir he shares exactly what it means to follow wholeheartedly, after Christ. Once you begin reading this story you will not want to put the book down. May God bless John as he marches forward with this ministry tool, the book “Rescued.”
– Robert (Buz) Buzbee, Men’s Pastor, North Coast Calvary Chapel, Carlsbad, CA.
In relating his story of his struggles before coming to faith in Christ and the subsequent struggles John faced during his journey as a Christian. He reveals that the challenges of life continue but are much easier to face with a relationship with Jesus. John’s transparency and vulnerability are an encouragement to all who walk with Jesus and face ‘real’ life decisions every day. His honesty in realizing that our decisions, even though we are followers of Christ can be influenced by our ‘old self’. He teaches us that we are still in a battle. John states ‘I concluded the only person who gave me the self-worth I sought was Christ’. This book will give you a view into the reality of your life. It is a testimony that it is God’s grace, mercy, and love that sustains us.
– Tim Price, Former Faculty Towson University
Read John’s book! It will inspire and challenge you to greater heights in your walk with Christ. This book is full of hope for those who feel they have lost hope. Walk where John has walked and you will find that a brand new life is possible.
– Bob Arnold, Author, When the Circle is Broken Our Journey Through Deep Sorrow and Joy, Director at The Meadow
There are many things I like about John Eschenbach’s book “Rescued.” Perhaps one of my favorites is how John describes his journey walking with God. We usually reserve those narratives for those who begin some great ministry or have some world-wide ministry. But for most of us, our story is simple…seeing God work in us and around us. There is something refreshing about John’s story. It is honest. It is simple. And it glorifies our Lord Jesus!
– Mike Phillips, Lead Pastor, Immanuel Fellowship, Frisco, CO.