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This is the never-before-told, riveting true story about a teenage Christian girl who was seduced online by a charming young Muslim man from Kosovo, and her father who ultimately worked with the FBI to save her from disappearing forever.

The Baldwins were a strong Christian family, living in Plano, Texas. When their seventeen-year-old daughter, Mackenzie, met Aasiq in a random-match online chat room, she fell for his good looks, his charm, and his respectful conversation. He told her he lived in New York, and they began an online friendship.

But over the course of a few months, Aasiq revealed that he actually lived in Kosovo and had only pretended to live in New York so Mackenzie would keep chatting with him. The more attached she became to Aasiq, the more detached she became from her family.

John and Stephanie, Mackenzie's parents, had no clue what was behind their daughter's change in personality, her surprising interest in Islam, her suddenly modest dress, and her withdrawal from friends and family. When Mackenzie's attachment to Aasiq increased even more and they became "engaged," she started making plans to secretly fly to Kosovo where she and Aasiq would be married.

But twenty-five days before Mackenzie was scheduled to fly to Kosovo, John found out about his daughter's dangerous plan from a concerned friend, contacted the FBI, and asked for help. Though the FBI did not believe Aasiq was trying to radicalize her, they did believe that he might be involved with the Russian mafia, which was strong in that part of Kosovo and known for sex-trafficking, human-trafficking, and citizenship frauds. Within the limited time remaining before Mackenzie's departure, John, Stephanie, and the FBI had to confront Mackenzie and stop her before she would be lost to them forever.

Told from the viewpoint of both father and daughter, Almost Gone follows Mackenzie's network of lies and deceit and her parents' escalating bewilderment and alarm. More than a cautionary tale, this is the incredible story of unconditional parental love, unwavering faith, and how God helped a family save their daughter from a relationship that jeopardized not only her happiness, but also her safety.

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About The Author

John & Mackenzie
Baldwin

Father/Daughter Co-Authors, Almost Gone, Howard 2018 John: Business Technology Consultant, works with largest credit card banks; Board of directors: High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters/Sons (HATS); Deacon, ParkwayHills Baptist Church; Married to Stephanie, 30 years; 3 kids: Mackenzie, Luke and Michael Mackenzie: Student, pursuing a double major in Psychology and Child Development; Scuba and Skydiving Certified, has made close to 50 solo jumps; Enjoys adventurous and outdoor activities; works at PetSmart

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