This is a review for A Mission Without Borders by Chad Robichaux, and it's an ARC in return for my honest opinion.  I am someone who reads many books a year, and this book is my #1 most influential book of 2024.  This book reads like a great action-packed thriller, but it is a true story about how Chad Robichaux, a former Force Recon Marine, Federal Air Marshall, and special agent who served 8 tours in Afghanistan & rescued over 17,000 people from the Taliban (see source below),  who saw the war in Ukraine rise up, and knew that God, with the full support of his wife, was calling him to once again do his part, using the incredible skills and training he has been blessed with, and go help the people who would be hurt, misplaced, and tormented as that war came to them!  Chad would answer that call, assemble his team of very brave and skilled men and women, including his own son, and fellow Marine, Hunter, and go straight into the war zone in Ukraine!  This book is full of how Chad, Hunter, and their team faced incredible odds, highly dangerous situations, went to places no one else would go, to save those who had no one to rescue them because it was too risky! 

Through each story, I saw how Chad & the team came together in unity, each using their special skill set to work together to save lives, by working with the NGOs and churches to get much needed supplies, establish satellite communication in areas that had no access, much to the thanks and skill of Hunter, get medical help established in areas that needed, but most of all, rescuing those, like injured journalists, in dangerous areas that most people were leaving. I watched them all working together, valuing each life as if it were their own family, being willing to go where they felt God was leading, no matter the danger, and trusting each other, and working together in ways that saved many lives!  This book is a must read, and 5 stars just isn't enough, because I was so impacted by it!  The story is very well written, and I was engaged from the beginning!  I highly recommend it, and am thanking God for the men and women of our military, the NGO's, the churches, and all the people who not only went to Ukraine, but also who gave the money, supported their spouses and family members who were called to go, and all those unnamed who had a part in helping Chad and his team do their job rescuing and helping others! 

On a personal note, I was amazed at the process Chad went through when he was faced with making decisions. First he would take the needs to the Lord first, laying it all out, and asking for the Lord to show him if it was something He was asking Chad to do, then sought 100% of God's will and guidance. Then he went to his wife, shared the situation, and asked her advice, and they prayed together.  Then after seeking both of them, he was willing to go again, doing whatever was asked of him.  His wife was supportive of his work, and became his cheerleader, unselfishly looking to the needs of others, which was beautiful to watch.  That was a true partnership, and one that Chad really needed to help him succeed!!

Also I really enjoyed how real Chad was in telling these stories!  I was especially touched by his relationship with his son Hunter, and how he was willing to let God use Hunter in the way He had called him, even though it was dangerous! Chad had to put his son in God's hands, knowing full well the risks of letting Hunter being a part of the team, but  Chad knew he could trust God with Hunter.  By Chad allowing Hunter to become part of his team, which I won't ruin by telling you what he did, he actually helped Hunter to grow in confidence, and he became a vital member of the team, accomplishing way more than Chad had ever imagined.  It took great faith and trust in God to allow Chad, as a father, to let Hunter be a part of his team, but in the end, his obedience and trust not only drew them both closer to God & helped many, many people, but also deepened their relationship as father and son.  It was also beautiful to watch!

Lastly, watching the team working with the local churches, who were on the front lines, gave me such hope!  I saw God's family working together despite language barriers, different nationalities, and amongst war, all uniting to save their fellow man, no matter who they were.  It showed me that unity is still possible, and made me want to seek God in prayer, asking Him to show me what He is calling me to do, and trusting Him to use me wherever He wants, uniting with others to make a difference right where He has placed me.  So, yes this book really impacted me, and I just am in awe of what God can do through those, like Chad, Hunter and their entire team, because they were willing to say yes, Lord, send me!