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Do This for Love: Free Burma Rangers in the Battle of Mosul
The fiercest urban battle in recent history, to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS, lasted nine months. Thousands were killed, millions displaced. How to help in such a massive and desperate situation? This is the story of how one small organization from Burma answered that go. Give up your own way, help the people, share love.
As coalition forces, led by brave Iraqi soldiers on the ground, slowly pushed ISIS out, the brutality of the terrorists was turned against thousands of civilians as they fled the fighting. There was no humanitarian template for responding to such ruthlessness; to attempt to help would take total commitment.
Birthed in the war zones of Burma to stand with villagers under attack by the Burma Army and provide medical care, relief, and reporting, the Free Burma Rangers came to Mosul with twenty years of war zone experience in the jungle. Led by their founder, David Eubank, a former Ranger and U.S. Special Forces officer, medics, and cameramen from the teams in Burma, other foreign volunteers, and Dave’s wife and three children, came to fill the gap between the frontlines and the humanitarian community. They came living by the conviction that every person counts and the only force that can defeat hate is love. Four team members were wounded and one killed as they lived out that conviction with total commitment. This is their story.
As coalition forces, led by brave Iraqi soldiers on the ground, slowly pushed ISIS out, the brutality of the terrorists was turned against thousands of civilians as they fled the fighting. There was no humanitarian template for responding to such ruthlessness; to attempt to help would take total commitment.
Birthed in the war zones of Burma to stand with villagers under attack by the Burma Army and provide medical care, relief, and reporting, the Free Burma Rangers came to Mosul with twenty years of war zone experience in the jungle. Led by their founder, David Eubank, a former Ranger and U.S. Special Forces officer, medics, and cameramen from the teams in Burma, other foreign volunteers, and Dave’s wife and three children, came to fill the gap between the frontlines and the humanitarian community. They came living by the conviction that every person counts and the only force that can defeat hate is love. Four team members were wounded and one killed as they lived out that conviction with total commitment. This is their story.
- GenresChristian
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
44 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 15, 2022
The book itself isn’t as good as the documentary but will always give 5 stars to love turned to action
January 31, 2025
A very good read! I learned a lot about the battle of Mosul and I felt like I got to know the people in the story and understand a little bit more about their culture.
May 16, 2021
This is the story of the Free Burma Rangers in the battle of Mosul. The first half or so was about their founding and events leading up to Mosul. It was encouraging and challenging. Two things stood out most to me: their viewing all people and children as valuable as their own, because we are all in the image of God, and so they took risks that put themselves and their children in danger at times because rescuing others was that valuable. Along with that, learning how much it meant to the people of Iraq and Kurdistan that the whole family was there and that they stayed even when it was so dangerous and they felt abandoned by the world.
While I don’t agree with all of his theology, I was also challenged to pray much more.
A phrase that came to mind again and again was what Theoden says at the beginning of the battle of Helm’s Deep, “How shall any tower withstand such numbers and such reckless hate?” or in the movie,”what can men do against such reckless hate?” Only ISIS is even worse, as instead of orcs, they are men in the image of God, an image so marred and twisted it can be hard to see them as such. But the Eubanks prove that in Christ it is possible to love even such an enemy.
While I don’t agree with all of his theology, I was also challenged to pray much more.
A phrase that came to mind again and again was what Theoden says at the beginning of the battle of Helm’s Deep, “How shall any tower withstand such numbers and such reckless hate?” or in the movie,”what can men do against such reckless hate?” Only ISIS is even worse, as instead of orcs, they are men in the image of God, an image so marred and twisted it can be hard to see them as such. But the Eubanks prove that in Christ it is possible to love even such an enemy.
December 31, 2025
Dave Eubank is one of the most inspiring, impressive, and Godly people I’ve ever met. His book teaches you what it practically means to live out the gospel and Christian morals in challenging life-or-death situations. It’s also a masterclass on leadership and offers a glimpse into what a radically surrendered life looks like.
First and foremost, few books have built my faith as much as this one. This is best illustrated by Dave’s radical dependence on God, which sets him apart from other highly capable and strong leaders. You’d expect most Navy SEAL former army ranger leaders to be tough and gruff, cold to the bone. However, when you’re around Dave, as seen in the book, he’s often seen crying with the brokenhearted and kneeling with a child like Faith, demonstrating servant leadership.
I believe Dave’s unwavering reliance on God is what makes him a good leader. If you’ve ever been around him in person or just read the book, you can tell he’s constantly praying, as one of his soldiers noted. It’s his invisible walkie-talkie. I think it’s the only reason he’s still alive.
When you’re constantly in prayer, it serves as an unceasing reminder of who is in charge, keeping your ego in check, and providing you with fresh wisdom for all your decisions.
It never ceases to amaze me how many times Dave is in a moment of chaos on the battlefield, yet he’s still sensitive enough to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit guiding him. In one chapter, we see Dave running up to do something, only to hear, “No, that is not for you to do.” Moments later, a suicide vehicle from ISIS goes off, and shrapnel hits his hand. Had he not listened to that voice, he would have been killed.
Overall, I highly encourage every Christian to read this book. You won’t be the same afterwards.
First and foremost, few books have built my faith as much as this one. This is best illustrated by Dave’s radical dependence on God, which sets him apart from other highly capable and strong leaders. You’d expect most Navy SEAL former army ranger leaders to be tough and gruff, cold to the bone. However, when you’re around Dave, as seen in the book, he’s often seen crying with the brokenhearted and kneeling with a child like Faith, demonstrating servant leadership.
I believe Dave’s unwavering reliance on God is what makes him a good leader. If you’ve ever been around him in person or just read the book, you can tell he’s constantly praying, as one of his soldiers noted. It’s his invisible walkie-talkie. I think it’s the only reason he’s still alive.
When you’re constantly in prayer, it serves as an unceasing reminder of who is in charge, keeping your ego in check, and providing you with fresh wisdom for all your decisions.
It never ceases to amaze me how many times Dave is in a moment of chaos on the battlefield, yet he’s still sensitive enough to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit guiding him. In one chapter, we see Dave running up to do something, only to hear, “No, that is not for you to do.” Moments later, a suicide vehicle from ISIS goes off, and shrapnel hits his hand. Had he not listened to that voice, he would have been killed.
Overall, I highly encourage every Christian to read this book. You won’t be the same afterwards.
June 29, 2024
One of the most powerful books I have ever read. Truly shows the power of God working through this family. You could never imagine an American family “giving up their lives” to actively live in a war zone to fight for people they don’t even know. But no, they are not giving up their lives, they are living a more fruitful and fulfilling life they’ll ever live than if it were in America. This is no offense to America but a testament to their mission and their God-driven purpose. Read this book if you want to see the modern works of God and the modern works of His people of the Free Burma Rangers.
June 14, 2024
David writes the way he seems to talk in real life and that authenticity was refreshing. The natural human fear was conveyed but the intentional and immediate turn to prayer and dependence on God was incredible.
The faith that David and his family have in the Lord is inspiring and the Lord is doinga great work through them all over the world. The humanity and love for your neighbors around the world is a beautiful thing to witness.
The faith that David and his family have in the Lord is inspiring and the Lord is doinga great work through them all over the world. The humanity and love for your neighbors around the world is a beautiful thing to witness.
February 23, 2025
A beautiful & powerful recounting of the Free Burma Rangers ministry in Burma & Iraq. I saw the documentary before reading the book which helped me visualize some of the descriptive battle scenes, but I loved this inside look into the heart & mindset behind decisions. I would recommend watching the documentary first so you have the images in your mind before reading. My biggest takeaways were about prayer, bravery, and ultimately, love. Great book and amazing ministry!
March 13, 2023
Inspiring story of love
A real picture of love and sacrifice in the face of war. This book is filled with the real lives of individuals that choose to lay their lives down to save the one. It's a powerful, compelling example of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for us.
A real picture of love and sacrifice in the face of war. This book is filled with the real lives of individuals that choose to lay their lives down to save the one. It's a powerful, compelling example of God's love and Jesus' sacrifice for us.
June 15, 2023
The incredible true story of those who risk everything to bring help and hope to the oppressed. My favorite quote: "Life is fatal but not final so it can be risked for what is eternal." Highly recommend it to anyone who desires to live a life that impacts others.
December 24, 2023
Different kind of ministry, amazing!
I love that someone can have such radically
different skills and still use them to minister Christ. He gives a little more detail in battles than I am usually patient to read but it was well worth the effort.
I love that someone can have such radically
different skills and still use them to minister Christ. He gives a little more detail in battles than I am usually patient to read but it was well worth the effort.
February 2, 2021
The bravery, courage, and faith of the people in this book is amazing!
May 27, 2021
We are constantly thanking God for this family and the FBR teams being devoted servants of God and going where many can't or won't go.
June 29, 2023
Only read this if you care about humanity and the sufferings of oppressed people. Well written, never boring.
April 16, 2025
Exceptional. This book opened my heart and my eyes. We can all do more. It starts with an honest evaluation of self and then action.
May 7, 2021
Excellent book. I recommend. What struck me most was his dedication to prayer before acting. That he took his wife and kids to Iraq with him seemed a bit crazy to me, but that is the life of missionaries.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews