Book review - Hope Rising

I was eager to read the book Hope Rising, written by Compassion International's Senior Vice President for Global Advocacy, Scott Todd.  Our family is a longtime supporter of Compassion International and are blessed to be able to partner in their child sponsorship program.  This book tackles the controversy over Jesus' statement in Matthew 26:11, "The poor you will always have with you," and presents ways that the Church can help end worldwide poverty in this generation.

The book also equips the reader with practical tools such as buying fair trade products, supporting small business efforts, giving to organizations that are directly involved in assisting those in need with resources to better their lives, and fasting in prayer over needs.  Some of this information is not often talked about in our churches, and the great need in this world can seem overwhelming.  Todd finds ways to encourage readers with a hands on approach of ways even ordinary moms can get involved.

Although I personally was familiar with a lot of the information covered in this book, it was a good reminder to me of all of the resources and blessings that all ultimately belong to God, and the importance of good stewardship.

"The American church has been entrusted with the purse of the kingdom.  Hundreds of millions of fellow disciples live amidst life-threatening poverty, and I wonder if they are assuming we would put the treasuries of the kingdom to one of those two purposes - celebrating God's goodness or demonstrating God's goodness by caring for the poor.  One day they will see the books."

Overall, this was a great book.  It opened readers' eyes to the current efforts of organizations and the progress that has been made to assist those in need, as well as a challenge and wake up call to do more.  I believe more attention could have been given to the ultimate need for people to receive Jesus as their source of Living Water and Bread of Life.  Both spiritual and physical needs are important in the current battle to rid the world of extreme poverty.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”