Sustained by Faith

Roman Catholic Ingrid Betancourt made herself a wooden rosary while held captive in the Colombian jungle (above). The anti-corruption activist, held captive for more than six years by anti-government forces, was rescued on July 2, 2008. In statements following her release, Betancourt spoke of how her faith sustained her. “I was in chains all the time, 24 hours a day, for three years,” Betancourt told Europe 1 radio. “I tried to wear those chains with dignity, even if I felt that it was unbearable. ... You need tremendous spirituality to stop yourself falling into the abyss.” She also praised the nonviolent way she was rescued.