About The Book
Inge, Hold On Tight shares the true story of our grandmother, Inge, who became a refugee at only 12 years old. As the German army advanced, she and her family were forced to leave nearly everything behind, taking only what they could carry. Inge’s most treasured possession was her doll, held tightly as a symbol of safety and love in an uncertain world.
Through tender illustrations and accessible language for children, the book introduces young readers to the difficult realities of displacement while highlighting the resilience and bravery of a young girl facing the unknown. It humanizes the refugee experience, helping children and families understand what it means to be forced from home, and how hope can be carried in even the smallest of things.
At its heart, Inge, Hold On Tight is both a tribute to one child’s courage and a universal reminder of the challenges refugees face across time and place.
About the Author, Kay Burklin
Kay Burklin devoted her life to serving the Lord and refugees across the world, offering both practical help and the hope of the gospel. Her heart was drawn to those who had been displaced, and she poured herself out to meet both their physical needs and their spiritual ones. With fierce courage and deep compassion, she stepped into difficult places, met people where they were, and reminded them of their dignity and worth.
Her faith in Christ guided every decision and gave her the strength to walk boldly into the unknown. Whether in refugee camps, across borders, or in quiet conversations with those who had lost everything, Kay carried with her a presence of hope and love that pointed people back to the Lord. She believed that no one was beyond the reach of God’s comfort and that even in the darkest of times, His light could be shared.
Writing Inge, Hold On Tight reflected not only her personal connection to the refugee story within her own family but also the heartbeat of her life’s mission. The story of her mother’s flight as a young girl became, in many ways, a mirror of the lives Kay touched throughout her years of ministry.
Though she passed away two years ago, her legacy endures. This book now stands as a tribute to her faith, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to bringing dignity and hope to those in need. Through these pages, her voice continues to speak, carrying forward her lifelong purpose of sharing the love of Christ with the world.
