The thoughts in these books keep coming up in our meetings:
WHEN HELPING HURTS
Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves. When Helping Hurts (WHH)provides foundational concepts, clearly articulated general principles and relevant applications. The result is an effective and holistic ministry to the poor, not a truncated gospel.
The authors are leaders in The Chalmers Center, an organization that seeks to Help the Church, Help the Poor Help Themselves. Their book is the introduction to some great information they make available for free on the Chalmers site. The Unleash Team is using WHH to develop our future actions.
TRUTH AND TRANSFORMATION
In this landmark book, international scholar and author Vishal Mangalwadi offers a radical vision for the gospel’s power to heal a society. With insights drawn from real-life struggles against corruption and years of study, he delves into the ideological roots of social oppression. Reform, he argues, is never without controversy. Yet, reforming a culture’s values is a necessary precursor to lasting liberation and hope.
I can’t stop thinking about this book. Vishal’s story’s are brilliantly told to illustrate points. This book comes at a perfect time for us as we are engaging with leaders in a few countries who are seeking change.
