The Only Way Forward Is Back: A Story of War, Adoption, and Finding Your Purpose in God’s Plan

by Jackson TerKeurst

War orphan Jackson TerKeurst’s remarkable story of adoption and faith teaches us to notice God’s presence in our lives so we can look toward the future with hope.

The son of a town chief. The grandson of a witch doctor. An orphan, a war statistic, a nameless boy trying to survive gunfire and starvation during the Liberian Civil War. Jackson TerKeurst used to find his identity in scarcity and trauma. Today he finds it in knowing he is a child of God.

Jackson came to America as a teenager with little education, was adopted by a Christian family, and then graduated college and started his own business. His incredible story has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network and the Today Show. Now, for the first time, Jackson shares his spiritual journey against the backdrop of his biography as he calls us to see how God can redeem the pain in our own lives.

The Only Way Forward Is Back is a riveting account of perseverance, sacrificial love, and transformative grace. It invites us to view our personal stories through the lens of a literal and spiritual orphan who learned to hold fast to his identity as God’s beloved child—and inspires each one of us to do the same.

Genres: Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Only Way Forward is Back by Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson was an orphan of war in the country of Liberia. While on a Christian singing tour with other orphans in the US, he and the other boys were adopted. This is his story of his life thus far: going on the run from resistance fighters, becoming an orphan, losing family members, forming an acapella boys’ choir, going on tour in the US, being adopted, acclimating to American culture, attending American high school and college, marrying the love of his life, and becoming a father. Jackson is a great writer; in addition to the serious parts, there were quite a few times when I chuckled out loud while reading. He did well with keeping to the theme of looking back and learning from your past; he shows how God provided for him in each season of his life, even seasons of suffering. He of course tells of his life - including the suffering - in more detail, though nothing gruesome. He gives advice to those considering adopting, and there are numerous life lessons and Biblical encouragements throughout the book. I chose a few of my favorite quotes to include below. Thank you to the publisher for my review copy; all thoughts above are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
- “Even in my darkest hour, God had never left me or abandoned me. He had been working in the background all along. Years earlier, I had cried out, “Mom!” when my orphanage was being raided. I thought no one had heard me. I had felt so alone and afraid. But it was almost as if God had preserved that outcry and released it years later, and Lysa answered back, “I’m here!” Thank God for “sneaky Jesus.” (p. 85-86)
- “Looking back on it, if I’m totally honest, I had a fear of the high calling God had on my life. I didn’t want to accept that God had great things in store for me here in America. I didn’t deserve any of this.” (p. 106)
- “That’s really what God does for all of us. He gives us stories. Stories only we can tell.” (p. 139)
- “If we want to wait well, we need to connect to the Spirit. He’s in the middle of any problem, not just on the other side of it. Being present will produce the patience we need to see it through.” (p. 170)
- “We are who we were then and now. Yes, God separates our sin from us, but He purposefully does not let us lose the lessons we’ve learned. He turns our wounds into weapons so we can fight back.” (p. 215)

[Tamara Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

GoodReads giveaway win*

This is truly a heartbreaking masterpiece that details how Jackson overcame situations that no child should ever have to face,but by God's grace, he survived.

[Kelli Buell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson, your story moved me in ways words will not ever be able to fully convey, thank you for your vulnerability 🤍

[Margot Carnevale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly has it all. It moved me to tears of both sorrow and joy, had me laughing out loud, and inspired me to praise the Lord. It’s a heartfelt story that resonates with anyone who has a compassionate heart. A must-read for international adoptive parents, or anyone feeling complacent in their faith and seeking renewal. It will stir in you a new sense of gratitude for the life God has given you. This book is a powerful reminder of love, hope, the importance of family, and the transformative power of faith.

[Tracy Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this one down. I particularly appreciated the historical context to help me understand the current day impacts that Jackson as he grappled with & developed his identity.

Throughout the book he frequently asks “who am I?“ I found it to be a provocative and reflective exercise to help trace his developing identity through the story of his life but also to stop and think about my own answers to that question.

[Kayla Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I had the honor of meeting Jackson and The Liberian Acapella boys group when they visited my church in Concord, NC when I was a teenager. What a powerful story Jackson has and man the Lord is doing big things for him & his family!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Jackson's story on Audible and what a joy it was! Such an amazing story of hope and trust in the Lord.

[Carissa Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It amazing what God can do. This book is an excellent testimony.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of God's redemptive grace!

[Rachel DiCerbo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - I liked his story.