Total Abandon [Paperback]

Gary Witherall (Author), Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

What does Jesus mean when he asks us to count the costs of serving him? Gary and Bonnie Witherall, a vibrant young couple, were called by God to love the people of Lebanon. Willingly obeying that call, Bonnie gave herself to loving and serving impoverished Palestinian women at a clinic for the poor in Sidon—and lost her life as a modern martyr for Jesus Christ. This is Gary's story of their love, their commitment to Jesus' great commission, and their lasting legacy: a powerful challenge to live a life totally abandoned to God.

Includes a photo insert and excerpts from Bonnie Witherall's personal journal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Witherall and his wife, Bonnie, wanted to live for God, so when they felt God leading them to move to Sidon, Lebanon, in 2001, they didn't hesitate. They grew to love the gentle, hospitable people as they immersed themselves in a culture steeped in Christian history yet overcome by civil war and a growing militant strand of Islam. Bonnie also loved her job at a clinic for poor, pregnant Palestinian women. But on November 22, 2002, Witherall's world came crashing down with a frantic phone call from the clinic: Bonnie had been gunned down by an unknown assailant. Her murder reverberated around the world thanks to extensive media coverage, but her killer was never caught. Witherall writes of Bonnie's life and death and its repercussions, also recounting their love story. The pair met at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, so it's fitting that Moody's former president, Dr. Joseph Stowell, writes the foreword. Excerpts from Bonnie's journal allow readers to see the strength, joy and commitment of this woman. Witherall writes honestly about his own devastation and path to forgiveness in this inspiring story of a modern martyr for the Christian faith. (Nov.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842388990
• ISBN-13: 978-0842388993
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary Witherall and his wife, Bonnie, were missionaries in Lebanon until her untimely death at the hands of terrorists. Gary is an evangelist and much-in-demand speaker, continuing to travel overseas sharing Christ and challenging God's people to live totally surrendered to him. Gary remarried in December 2004.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, January 30, 2006

By 

Bill Perkins (West Linn, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Total Abandon (Paperback)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bonnie Witherall--A Worthy Role Model, January 19, 2006

By 

Jane Stutzman (Carlisle, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Total Abandon (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful story of modern day martyr and radical devotion to God, November 28, 2005

By 

R. Jury (Tyrone, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Total Abandon (Paperback)

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.