Total Abandon

I've had the opportunity to get to know this author personally - first on an overseas mission trip and then about a year later as a guest in our home here in Phoenix - one thing I can tell you for sure; Gary is the real deal. This author isn't someone who by chance happened to have a one-time "breaking news" event happen in his life and then went on to write a book about it. No, Gary lives the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is always "breaking news" and an encouragement to the Church. This book is about authentic Christianity and giving it all for the sake of the call - which in reality is what "normal" Christianity should be; what the Bible tells us it is and what those who have gone on before us have proven it to be. This book will not only challenge you in your own walk with the Lord, but you also won't be able to put the book down. It is written wonderfully and captivates you from the opening forward, to the diary excerpts, to the pictures in the middle, to the poems written by Gary in the back of the book. At every turn you're left wondering, "What would I have done? How would I have responded? How would I have reacted?" As you read this book, reflect on the extreme freedom that comes from living a life of forgiveness; even in the most horrific of circumstances. Hear the Lord speaking to you in the same words that He spoke to Bonnie, "I have not called you to a place; I have called you to Myself." Reflect on that truth as you read this book. God hasn't called you to a ministry, to a job, to a nation; He has called you to Himself ... and everything else flows out of that perfect center.

This book changed my life. I've read numerous books that point to a series of steps that articulate purpose in being a Christian. I've read books that give good instructions towards living a better Christian life. This book threw all of that aside. It tells the story of a man and a woman who simply took the word "go" in Matthew quite literally, and they went into a garbage filled world, carrying the Love as shown by Christ, and felt from the Holy Spirit. The result in martyr and Gary's forgiveness are a sidenote in this story. A sidenote to the indescribable power of God's Love that captures people.

I read Total Abandon in a single setting. This is a book about how God can enable a person to forgive the most horrific wrong. It's about how God can use the tragic death of a beautiful woman to accomplish great good. As you read Gary's words you'll feel like your best friend is setting beside you talking about how a terrorist attack ripped his heart apart. You'll hear him tell how great good grew from the darkest evil. If you're uncertain about whether or not to buy it . . . make the purchase. This is more than a great read . . . it's a book that will change your view of suffering . . . your view of disappointment . . . it will change your life.

This is the most moving book I have read in a long time. The radical commitment and devotion to God and loving people Gary and Bonnie exhibited are almost unknown in our culture. This is a very sad story, yet not dismal; most impactive.

This is a challenging and gripping story of a missionary couple totally sold out to God. Well written and easy reading. A book you will not easily put down once you start. After 25 years if International Ministry, this book has reconfirmed why my wife and I have sacriticed and totally commited to serve Jesus and helped us to recommit to this lifestyle in a new way. A story every serious Christian should read.