Facing Terror: The true Story of How an American Couple paid the ultimate price because of their love of Muslim people

by Carrie McDonnall

A true story of love, courage and ultimate sacrifice in war-torn Iraq. Foreword by Beth Moore

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Memoir

235 pages, Hardcover

First published February 29, 2000

Reviews

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother has been after me to read this book ever since she first got it. Every day she would tell me something new. Thursday evening she laid the book on my stand and said she was finished. I picked it up last night and began to read it and could hardly put it down. Carrie McDonnall had visited my mother's church and that is where my mother purchased her copy. Carrie started her life as a journeyman missionary in Israel. Her husband David started his life as a journeyman missionary in Sudan. They met in Israel and their relationship slowly built from their. This book is not just about their life together, although that was short. It is not just about the tragedy that took David and three of her friends from her. This is the story of living her life for Christ in all its fullness. It made me ask myself if I was doing all I could in my faith and walk with God. Could I stand in her shoes and handle things the way she has? I was not called to do that. I have not been asked to serve in another country but in schools right here in America. These at times are just as dangerous as the countries Carrie and David served in. Many will hear her story and declare them nuts or even suicidal for going to Iraq after 9/11. You go where you are called. This story was one of true love. Love of the purest kind for God and each other, but more importantly the love and devotion they gave to the people in other countries. Their jobs were not to go out and preach. Carrie cleaned toilets and scrubbed floors for two years for an orphanage. Her home for those two years was the front 1/3 of a shipping container. The next time I meet someone who does not believe like I do or has different cultural ideals I will try to look at them through their eyes and with a little more love. This was an awesome book. I am so glad my mother allowed me to read it and I definitely recommend it to others

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Carrie McDonnall, the wife of David McDonnall, about their call to missions, their romance and desire to follow God's will, and the terrorist attack they were in while in Mosul, Iraq, in which David and three other missionaries were killed and Carrie was gravely injured. Recommended for anyone interested in missions or in becoming a missionary. A good reminder of how much our missionaries need our prayer support.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking story of a young couple who were sacrificing their lives in the Middle East to help the people who were suffering from the insurgency and war. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his Lord and Savior. She survived with horrible and multiple injuries but lived to tell how she would be willing to return to help the people. Very inspiring.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tragic, yet amazing, story, but failed to engage me totally... thus, it took me a long time to finish it. :(

[Licking County Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Linda, Main Library Adult Services, Five Stars, February 2017

Linda's Review:

A gripping, true story of love and sacrifice. It lingers in your mind after you are finished reading it.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very compelling memoir. I just wish it had been better written. I felt the writing detracted from the story.

[KittyRoyseCity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been meaning to read this book for some time. I remember Carrie from church and had heard of her story. To read her words of what happened during her time overseas brings a greater understanding and heart towards all she’s endured, her strength and strong faith. The story includes her husband and three other missionaries who traveled together that tragic day. Carrie gives insight to what their lives were like, along with the culture, in the places they lived and worked. The people, their needs and dangers in a war-torn era that still battles today. Recent events in Israel and the surrounding areas are what prompted me to seek her book and, finally, read her story today. My heart breaks for what she endured and for all who have suffered such loss. I’m thankful for her story and the better understanding it gives; the example of how she lives life in her strong faith. I’m left with several questions on what has happened since. Carrie honors the others well and gives insight to their dedication in following, seeking and serving His will in their purpose. Her and her husband’s dedication in their Faith first, then one another. I pray she found peace in the telling of this time of her life and thank her for openly sharing it with us all in remembering the others and in hopes that we are all pulled closer to God and finding our own purpose in His service. You can’t put this book down once you begin reading!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad but inspiring account an attack on NGO workers in Iraq in 2004. Even though this happened nearly two decades ago the love story and testimony of people committed to following Jesus is relevant and inspiring.

[Jane Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am constantly amazed and inspired by stories of people who follow their Lord in obedience to him, even at the risk of great danger, as this story reveals, young lives changed, absolutely. I would like to follow up with this person and see where her life took her.

[Linda O'Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing testimony of lives lived for Christ, in pursuit of calling even in dangerous places. And paying the high sacrifice and Christ gets the glory

[Scott Worden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Carrie and David’s romance and missionary life was amazing. However, I got bored with the “Should I date him or should I not date him?” part of the book.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book about the love one couple had for each other as well as for Arab Muslims, but most importantly their utter commitment and love for the Lord.


On March 25, 2004, Carrie McDonnall and her husband David along with 3 other relief/missionary workers spent the day surveying the needs of a refugee camp in Northern Iraq. On their way back to their "safe zone" militants ambushed their truck and left Carrie shattered with 22 bullet wounds and untold amount of shrapnel and ultimately the only "survivor".

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

POWERFUL!

Incredible story of service, love and grace for the people of the war torn Middle East by people in the service of God. This is the harrowing story about survival after being gunned down in an ambush while spreading Gods love to godless people.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written book detailing some parts of the lives of an American couple in Iraq. The subject of the book was more about the relationship of Carrie and
David and I would have liked to hear more about the actual work they were doing and the particulars of their daily life in Iraq. But the book did talk a lot about their humanitarian work seperately in other places prior to marriage.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carrie and David McDonnall had lived in the Middle East and when it became possible to move and help rebuild Iraq they jumped at the chance. They grew to love the Iraqis as well as the work there. They knew the danger but chose to be there anyway.

I liked the insight into the people of Iraq and the work that is being done there. Personally I cannot imagine living with the daily fear that the McDonnall's experienced, but I truly admire their commitment to God.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely worth reading. David McDonnall is from my hometown, and we know of his family. I read this book because I remember hearing about this when it happened and wanted to know the story. What I ended up seeing was a couple who were called by God to love each other and His people. Their devotion to the Lord is inspiring and reminds me that all of us who are believers in Him are called to go and make disciples of all nations. Thank you Carrie for your obedience.

[Jalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. It has a lot of information about the people and culture where David and Carrie lived. And it also tells an interesting, true story without getting too bogged down explaining things. I will admit there were a few times especially during the time when they were living in different countries that it dragged a bit. However it kept me hooked most of the time and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the Muslim people and their culture.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went to Okoboji Bible Conference and Carrie McDonnall was the speaker at a women's luncheon (510 in attendance) at at the convention center at Arrowwood so bought her book & got it autographed.
True story of her and her husband and other missionaries who were shot in Iraq in 2004.
She now has entered the seminary. You can check out her website at:
www.carryonministries.org

[Pam M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story, both for each other and for the Lord. Such a sad thing when people live in other countries with the sole purpose of helping them - and then are murdered. This couple are a small piece of THOUSANDS of people around the world who are quietly serving others, knowing they are risking their own live.

[Sara O · Rating 5 out of 5]

David was my oldest brother so this book is very near and dear to me. I admire Niki's strength to face all of this and write this book. There is another book titles "Lives Given, Not Taken" that I think captures David's essence wonderfully.

[kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate a book that serves as a glimpse into another culture and part of our world. I admire people that choose to work in dangerous places because of their love for God's people. This book had both of these things.

[Season Keiffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very inspring but also very heartbreaking. I have so much respect for people in the mission field. I do wish it would have told more about the actual work they were doing in the Arab countries.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Mikaylah Brooke Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome and Inspirational! Uplifting!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will make you laugh and make you cry. This book will inspire you!

[Amanda Barbeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried through much of this book. Seriously. Mark walked into the living room where I was reading and found me surrounded by a pile of used tissues.

[Greg Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but I guess I do not understand why people are put in danger to spread religion.

[Nicole Housel]

Excellent!

[Nukwe Nkwachi]

its a tragedy. But one thing i believe is that God knows all. he knew and wanted David and the others to Die at the time the died as saints and wanted Carrie to Live and serve him the more.

[Debra Kulchar]

Good. Christian.