Books on Mercy Missions, Working with the Poor and the Disadvantaged World-Wide.

101 Ways to Help People in Need
By Steve Sjogren

If you are like many Christians, you are so busy with day-to-day living that you may by unaware of the needs around you. In fact, you might be puzzled about how to help those who lack. Yet it's not nearly as hard as you might think. Just take a glance at your own community. There are people in need all around you, if you only stop to look. These needs cry out to be met, and God's Word says that to meet them is "pure and faultless" religion. In 101 Ways to Help People in Need, Steve and Janie Sjogren show you:

how to recognize need in the lives of people around you
practical ideas for busy Christian families who want to help meet needs but have time constraints
group-oriented ideas that show churches how to rally members to meet community needs
real-life stories to demonstrate how to launch larger ministry efforts that affect communities, cities, and foreign countries

As the book progresses, the ideas become more challenging, gradually giving you the courage to try involved and interactive Ministries that reach a broader range of people.

A Cry from the Streets
By Jeannette Lukasse

A dramatic story of rescue and restoration unfolds for a young Dutch couple living among the hunted street children of Brazil.

A Theology As Big As the City
By Ray Bakke

"As we look at the world - class cities around our planet, we face five new urban realities: a crack cocaine epidemic, assault weapons, massive numbers of homeless children, HIV/AIDS and (in the U.S.) what Time magazine has called 'the browning of America.' The needs of the urban population are greater than ever." How does God see the city? What does Scripture have to say about urban ministry? Here is a biblical theology beginning with Genesis and continuing through to Revelation that will constantly surprise and challenge you.

Always Enough
By Rolland & Heidi Baker

God's love and power are never limited. The most desperate poverty, devastating illness, even the most heart-wrenching grief is not beyond God's help. Rolland and Heidi Baker share the miracles they experience every day in their work with Mozambique's "throw-away" children.

Be A Hero
By Wesley Campbell

This book is a compelling case for you to be a hero in the life of "children at risk," beginning with scriptural understanding of mercy and justice to the poor. Then, setting the stage historically, the authors unveil the great exploits of those awesome warriors who have gone before us, outlining their struggles to serve the masses of broken humanity. Finally, this book time warps into the third millennium, introducing the seven deadly sins uniquely facing childreN: extreme poverty, orphans of the streets, children in chains, sex in the city, AIDS and plagues, the oppression of war, and religious persecution. But it doesn't leave you hanging in despair. This book is a revolutionary document that prepares you to change your world.

1071224: Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development

Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development
By John M. Perkins

John Perkins has committed his life to bringing reconciliation and development to broken communities of America. In his efforts to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the poor, he has recognized that the problems are larger than can be met by the handful of Christians presently devoted to this ministry. All of the body of Christ must feel the pain and be willing to offer themselves to bring hope, transformation, dignity, and rest. Our cities are not crying for charity, which can be done at arm's length, but for people with love that reconciles and involvement that changes strangers into friends.

34079: Conspiracy of Kindness, 10th Anniversary Edition

Conspiracy of Kindness, 10th Anniversary Edition
By Steve Sjogren

Does your congregation start to squirm every time you mention the "E" word? Introduce them to this refreshing approach to sharing the gospel! From giving Popsicles to thirsty joggers to running a free car wash, Sjogren shows you how to reach unbelievers through thoughtfulness and generosity. Includes project ideas and suggestions for further reading. 246 pages, softcover from Regal.

257662: Conversations with the Voiceless: Finding God's Love in Life's Hardest Questions

Conversations with the Voiceless: Finding God's Love in Life's Hardest Questions
By John Wessells

Deep in our souls, we all have questions--very difficult questions about life, love, health, suffering, tragedy, and God. In the author's work with the comatose, he has found that the voiceless have some important things to tell us--crucial, direct, clarifying things--about our questions. these voiceless ones comprise more that just the head-injured; they include the poor, the suffering, infants, and the terminally ill. Each of these speaks for God. Their words to us, like Christ's, are often impractical, inconvenient, and unpredictable. Yet, above all, they're a relief. The voiceless return us to the simple words of Jesus. Often during his life on earth. Christ avoided giving answers and instead offered love. This book is really about asking the unanswerable questions and the silence that comes from asking those question--silence from the head-injured, comatose, children, the poor, prisoners, the terminally ill, and the suffering because they can't express themselves, and from us because they are questions without answers, save "faith"--the faith that is needed to hear the silence--the hope that hearing "in faith" can bring.

258902: Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God

Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God
By Kay Warren

Are you ready to exchange your agenda for God's? Kay Warren shares moving stories from around the globe that put faces on the needs of others---AIDS outcasts in Africa, orphans in Malawi, HIV patients in America. You'll be challenged to repent of your apathy, look differently at the world's suffering, and do something about it! 352 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

God Of The Poor
By Dewi Hughes

Serving the poor is a Christian virtue but there are a whole host of ways in which we can act. Such a broad agenda needs a wide biblical vision in the light of the massive problem of poverty. For Dewi Hughs, the Kingdom of God, with Jesus Christ as king is fundamental to this vision.

32247: God's Neighborhood: A Hopeful Journey in Racial Reconciliation and Community Renewal

God's neighbourhood: A Hopeful journey in Racial Reconciliation and Community Renewal
By Scott Roley & James Isaac Elliott

"Jesus relocated, and calls us to follow...his creation became his neighbourhood. Scott Roley was once an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in the contemporary Christian music scene, but then God called him to a different kind of ministry. He left his life of privilege, became a church pastor and moved into a disadvantaged neighbourhood. There he began to learn hands-on what "loving your neighbour" required of him--social justice, community development and racial reconciliation. Today, as a community leaders and activist, he is embodying the ideals that are needed to forge a just society. His work demonstrates how God uses faith-based organization to change lives. Roley's life journey exemplifies Christian hope in caring for the disinherited and renewing our communities, one neighbourhood at a time.

Let Justice Roll Down
By John Perkins

His brother died in his arms, shot by a deputy marshal. He was beaten and tortured by the sheriff and state police. But through it all he returned good for evil, love for hate, progress for prejudice and brought hope to black and white alike. The story of John Perkins is no ordinary story. Rather, it is a gripping portrayal of what happens when faith thrusts a person into the midst of a struggle against racism, oppression and injustice. It is about the costs of discipleship--the jailings, the floggings, the despair, the sacrifice. And it is about the transforming work of faith that allowed John to respond to such overwhelming indignities with miraculous compassion, vision and hope.

419640: Got The Time?: A Search for Hope amidst Homelessness

Got The Time?: A Search for Hope amidst Homelessness
By Lori Gonzalez

Lori Gonzalez-author, homemaker and mother of three-took time out of her hectic schedule one evening to "dish up the gravy" at a Los Angeles area homeless shelter. What began as a simple act serving food to the homeless became a passion as Lori Gonzalez began to get involved in the lives of those who live on the edge of society, In the book the reader gets to meet many of the homeless people, hear their stories, and walk with them as they attempt to get on with their lives-either within the conventions of society or seemingly divorced from it entirely. As the reader will find, Got the Time? has a double meaning. It is a question that homeless people often ask, which seems ironic since all they have is time on their hands. For those who might feel a tugging at their hearts whenever they encounter the homeless, it is a simple plea. Will you take some time out of your busy schedule to help? For churches, it is fulfilling one of God's greatest commands-to do for "the least of our brethren." Got the Time? is a book filled with inspirational, real life stories of those who are homeless and of those who help.

Kindness: Reaching Out to Others
By Phyllis Le Peau

The story of the Good Samaritan is reenacted every day. Whether it's a family on the side of the road with car trouble, a homeless person sleeping over an outdoor heating vent, or a panhandler asking for spare change, we either pass by or reach out in kindness. This Fruit of the Spirit Bible study will inspire kindness toward others by revealing God's kindness to you. The eight-volume Fruit of the Spirit Bible study series not only helps you discover what the Bible says about the vital traits that the Holy Spirit produces in believers, but also moves you beyond reflection and discussion to application. Designed for use in small groups or personal devotions, the interactive format will help you grow in your ability to reflect the character of Jesus.

Living on the Devil's Doorstep
By Floyd McClung

Just an ordinary young couple from American suburbia but they dared to dream that they could make a difference. Their dream took them all over the world: first to the backstreets of Kubal, Afghanistan and later to the bright lights of Amsterdam's red light district. Share their adventures, their heartaches and their joys as they reach out to people in need; sharing their home with hippies in Kubal or working among addicts, prostitutes and diseased in Amsterdam.

431861: Lost Boy No More: A True Story of Survival and Salvation

Lost Boy No More: A True Story of Survival and Salvation
By Abraham Nhial & DiAnn Mills

A profound testimony of faith and courage from the spiritual leader of Sudan's "lost boys"! When Abraham Nhial was nine years old, his village was destroyed because they refused to embrace Islam. Learn how he fled with 35,000 other refugees and eventually found asylum in the U.S.---and hope in Christ. 208 pages, softcover from Broadman & Holman.

Mama Heidi

In 1994, Heidi and Rolland Baker arrived in Mozambique amidst the hard times following the Mozambique civil war. Even the Red Cross trucks were not safe and were bombed. Before coming to Mozambique, Heidi and Rolland worked as missionaries in Indonesia and China. After hearing about the conditions in Mozambique, they decided to go there and worked with the poorest of the poor. They made a difference by adopting a dilapidated orphanage. The children had all kinds of diseases and sometimes even ate rats to survive. Heidi and Rolland began caring for the children, educating and feeding them. During the hard times, sometimes even threatened by death, Heidi and Rolland experienced amazing miracles of healing for the blind, crippled and those afflicted with AIDS. Currently, Heidi and Rolland have three residential orphanages and schools, caring for 700 children. Hundreds more are cared for by many of their thousands of pastors. The Bakers serve the most forgotten, including street children, prostitutes, the imprisoned and those surviving off a huge city dump. This documentary shows how Heidi and Rolland are a powerful inspiration for many in Mozambique, Africa and around the world. In color with an approximate running time of 52 minutes.

647850: Mission: God at Work, Faith in Action

Mission: God at Work, Faith in Action

This original series of documentary-style magazine shows was created as a prime-time series by Faith TV for airing on the Sky Angel satellite and many other outlets across America. It features stories of God's work taking place on nearly every continent around the world. Hosts for the series are Steve Saintand Dianne Becker, who use their personal mission experience to give a taste of the adventure of overseas work. Steve is the son of Nate Saint, one of the five missionaries killed in Ecuador in 1956. Dianne, who also served as producer for this series, has worked as a news reporter and has traveled the world producing many mission stories. The shows are hosted on location at Steve's base of operation near Ocala, Florida. There is a hangar full of stories at I-TEC--Indigenous Peoples Technology and Education Center, where they work to empower indigenous churches. Stories featured on Mission include cannibals transformed by God's love, living water offered to African villagers, street children offered a new life, and more. It also features stories from various mission agencies: Pioneers, SEND, World Team, Africa Inland Mission. These stories of God working will bring a new awareness of mission work worldwide. In color with an approximate running time of 225 minutes.

83578: Operation World, 21st Century Edition

Operation World, 21st Century Edition
By Patrick Johnstone & Jason Mandryk

The standard tool for missions and intercession has been updated again. It includes information accurage as of April 2001, and describes the fruits of several ongoing missionary efforts.

Based on the supposition that "When we pray God works," Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk have put together a prayer guide covering the entire populated world. Whether you are an intercessor praying behind the scenes for world change, or a missionary reaping the benefits of intercession, Operation World will give you the information necessary to bring the good news to those who have not heard it. It offers demographic and geographical information for every country in the world, as well as answers to prayer (for applicable countries), and prayer requests.

Alphabetized for easy reference, Operation World offers some of the most useful and comprehensive data geared to missions and evangelization. And the appendices are packed with contact information, names of government officials, resources, etc. The book is indexed by people groups and place, so information is always easy to find and use. Pray for countries that are put on your heart, or follow the year-long plan in the book and pray for the whole world. Either way, you can be part of the Great Commission, and help to spread the Gospel.

284577: Our Endangered Values: America's Crisis

Our Endangered Values: America's Crisis
By Jimmy Carter

A balanced, courageous consideration of the explosive issues in our culture wars. "Carter has helped his nation as a peacemaker, backstage diplomat, monitor of foreign elections, and advocate for the homeless, and by his own example provides the best case for traditional religious values,"---New York Times.

Out of the Comfort Zone
By Ray Comfort

Most of us have our own "comfort zone" - the place where we feel safe and satisfied. However, circumstances often drive us out from that area in which we feel most comfortable. Such was the case when Ray Comfort found himself being taken 7,000 miles from his homeland in New Zealand, to speak to the daunting residents of the most dangerous part of Los Angeles, California. MacArthur Park was infamous for being the home of murderers, drug addicts, thieves, pimps, prostitutes, and unfortunately, the destitute and homeless. At times, this fast-moving and true-life drama will make your hair stand on end as you enter the dark side of the supernatural. It will also encourage you and lift your faith as you learn how a celebrated Hollywood actor teamed up with Ray Comfort to bring an amazing message to America.

Paradigms in Conflict
By David J. Hesselgrave

A prominent missiologist provides insight and guidance on the hot topics within Christian mission circles in this unique and timely discussion. Through the authoritative use of Scripture and drawing from the social sciences and history, David J. Hesselgrave tackles ten of the most pressing issues facing missionaries and students of missions today. In spite of the rapid changes taking place, Hesselgrave determines that much of traditional theory, practice, and theology is still valid, if not essential, for the future of Christian missions.

Renewing the City: Reflections on Community Development and Urban Renewal
By Robert D. Lupton & Ray Bakke

Community developer and urban activist Robert D. Lupton looks to the Old Testament example of Nehemiah as a role model for community transformation and renewal. Lupton sees the book of Nehemiah as the memoirs of an urban developer who transformed a decaying city into a place of security and vitality. Placing Nehemiah's story in juxtaposition with contemporary realities offers encouragement and concrete models for how our own metropolitan environments can be revitalized. Nehemiah's example--and Lupton's--offer guidance and hope for all who would seek the welfare of their cities.

Online Organizations involved with Mercy Ministries and Outreach to the Disadvantaged.

945305: Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger
By Ronald J. Sider

When Ron Sider's Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger first appeared twenty-eight years ago, it shook readers to the core. Informed about the issues of world hunger and poverty, they could no longer ignore the plight of their global neighbours. This thoroughly revised edition of Sider's best-selling book outlines the progress that has been made in the last three decades, and the work that is still left to do. Every day 30,000 children still die of starvation and preventable diseases, and 1.2 billion people, live in relentless, unrelieved poverty worldwide.

Why is there still so much poverty? Conservatives blame sinful individual choices and laziness. Liberals condemn economic and social structures. Who is right? Who is wrong? Both, according to Sider, who explains poverty's complex causes in this new edition and offers concrete, practical proposals for change.

66166: Serving with Eyes Wide Open; Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence

Serving with Eyes Wide Open; Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence
By David A. Livermore

Your passport to learning how short-term missions can best serve Christ's kingdom.

Short-term mission trips are great ways to impact the kingdom. Yet they can lack effectiveness because of mistakes or naivete on the part of participants. In this insightful and timely book, David A. Livermore calls us to serve with our eyes open to global and cultural realities so we can become more effective cross-cultural ministers. Serving with Eyes Wide Open is a must-have book for anyone doing a short-term mission or service project, whether domestic or overseas.

Author Information: David A. Livermore, (Ph.D., Michigan State University), is executive director of the Global Learning Center at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and is cofounder of Intersect, a ministry that provides leadership training and consulting to emerging leaders in Ministries around the world. Through these and other Ministries he has served with national leaders in over fifty countries worldwide. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

6123582: Shadow Women: Homeless Women's Survival Stories

Shadow Women: Homeless Women's Survival Stories
By Marjorie Bard

Since 1975, Dr. Marjorie Bard has listened to the homeless--especially homeless women. They have told her their stories despite threats of retaliation and begged her to bring their problems and the social injustice that underlies these problems to the attention of all who would listen, and those who deny any problem exists. Out of these encounters, as well as Dr. Bard's own experience of homelessness, emerges Shadow Women.

This book also describes being "at risk": a paycheck, widowhood, or unfair divorce settlement away from sleeping in a car, living in malls and parks, "dining" in grocery stores. And Shadow Women is about hope -- hope through awareness, participation, and innovation: awareness by individuals and communities of those hidden in the shadows; the participation of those with the problem and those aware of the problem in grassroots organizing for relief; and innovative strategies, gleaned largely from the experiences and ideas of homeless women, for restructuring aid, networks, systems, and beliefs.

91439: Stories from Below the Poverty Line: Urban Lessons for Today's Mission

Stories from Below the Poverty Line: Urban Lessons for Today's Mission
By George Beukema

Stories from Below the Poverty Line is a great book for Christians preparing for mission in this new century. These are real people with real experiences with urban poverty. These people provide inspiration for today's church. In this book you will find accounts of tragedy and triumph.

21156X: Ships of Mercy: The Astonishing Fleet Bringing Hope to the World's Forgotten Poor

Ships of Mercy: The Astonishing Fleet Bringing Hope to the World's Forgotten Poor
By Don Stephens

When Stephens transformed a decrepit ocean liner into a floating hospital 25 years ago, he had no idea what he was beginning. His flotilla of volunteers still travels the globe, bringing healing and hope to the poor. His powerful story of vision, determination, and faith will amaze and inspire you to respond to God's call.

91175: The aWAKE Project: Uniting Against the African AIDS Crisis, Second Edition

The aWAKE Project: Uniting Against the African AIDS Crisis, Second Edition

aWAKE stands for AIDS: Working toward Awareness, Knowledge and Engagement. 25 million people in sub-Saharan Africa have been infected with HIV. There are 12 million AIDS orphans living in Africa. 57% of those infected in Africa are women. 500,000 children will die of AIDS this year. The aWAKE Project is about action. In this rare collection, voices from across the world unite to combat the AIDS pandemic. Included are essays by Bono, Philip Yancey, Dikembe Mutombo, Rev. Franklin Graham, Danny Glover and Helen Epstein.

2742X: The Ethics of Assistance: Morality and the Distant Needy

The Ethics of Assistance: Morality and the Distant Needy

As globalization has deepened worldwide economic integration, moral and political philosophers have become increasingly concerned to assess duties to help needy people in foreign countries. The essays in this volume present the latest ideas on this important topic by authors who are leading figures in these debates. At issue are both the political responsibility of governments of affluent countries to relieve poverty abroad and the personal responsibility of individuals to assist the distant needy. The wide-ranging arguments shed light on global distributive justice, human rights and their implementation, the varieties of community and the obligations they generate, and the moral relevance of distance. This provocative and timely volume will interest scholars in ethics, political philosophy, political theory, international law and development economics, as well as policy makers, aid agencies, and general readers interested in the moral dimensions of poverty and affluence.

741976: The Justice God is Seeking: Responding to the Heart of God Through Compassionate Worship

The Justice God is Seeking: Responding to the Heart of God Through Compassionate Worship
By David Ruis

When the apostles in Jerusalem sent Paul out on the Church’s first missionary venture, they launched him with one charge: "Remember the poor." It is the same challenge brought by worship leader David Ruis in this exploration of the intersection of worship and justice, the crossroads where love of God and love of neighbour meet. His passionate exhortation for God’s people is to worship Him with integrity, cultivating a love of mercy while refusing to ignore injustice. "We cannot be a worshiping people without being a community of justice, within and without our walls."

This is an invitation to experience a new way of seeing, of aligning our hearts with the heart of God – only then will we comprehend the justice God is seeking.

93822: The Kid's Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference

The Kid's Guide to Service Projects: Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want to Make a Difference
By Barbara Lewis

Pick a topic that interests you-animals, community development, crime fighting, the environment, friendship, hunger, literacy, politics and government, safety, senior citizens or something else. Then flip through this book to find ideas for service projects, from simple, to large-scale that involve whole communities. Start making a difference today!

The New Face Of Hunger
By Tony Hall

News stories tend to highlight what's sensational---from terrorist attacks to natural disasters. Hall, a former U.S. representative from Ohio, shares, on the other hand, constructive stories of how liberals, conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, and people of faith are joining forces to help the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. 208 pages, hardcover. W.

The Theology of the Hammer
By Millard Fuller

Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International, shares his dream to end worldwide poverty and homelessness.

524020: Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America

Under the Overpass: Faith on the Streets of America
By Mike Yankoski

Yankoski's soul-searching and eye-opening book chronicles his 5-month trek from Washington, D.C., to San Diego---into the murky world inhabited by alcoholics and addicts, the dirty and downcast, the homeless and hopeless. Mike and his companion, Sam, learn life-changing lessons about the meaning of grace, contentment, mercy, human dignity, and more. An unforgettable read. 224 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

023063: What Does the Lord Require?: Meditations on Major Moral and Social Issues

What Does the Lord Require?: Meditations on Major Moral and Social Issues
By James L. Killen

Contemporary life is filled with a host of contentious moral and social issues. There are many thorny topics, both personal and political, which bring out a cacophony of opinions that can overwhelm us. While we are inundated with questions, there often seem to be no clear answers. So how should we respond? As Christians, we must constantly ask ourselves, "What does the Lord require of me?"

In this outstanding collection of meditations, James Killen examines many of today's hot-button issues with an eye toward helping readers think through their beliefs and responsibilities. Mindful of our call to live in faithfulness to God's purpose, each essay draws on the Bible and the Christian faith to discern how God would have us respond to the emerging situations of our world's history.

What Does the Lord Require? is topical, inspiring reading--and with thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each meditation, it's an excellent resource for adult classes or study groups, as well as for a sermon series that is sure to connect with congregations.

738142: When Necessary Use Words: Changing Lives Through Worship, Justice, and Evangelism

When Necessary Use Words: Changing Lives Through Worship, Justice, and Evangelism
By Mike Pilavachi

Deep down you know it: There has to be more than singing songs on Sunday morning, handing out tracts at work, or helping out at the soup kitchen. How do we integrate worship, evangelism and justice into our lives as a whole, rather than compartmentalizing all three?

Mike Pilavachi wants to see all three elements come together! With humorous prose and fascinating stories, he shows how the natural outflow of worship is telling people about Jesus and compassionately helping them navigate the injustices of the world. We can't invite someone to church and ignore their physical needs; nor can we give out food at the local church pantry and disregard people's spiritual hunger. Says Pilavachi, "A life of passionate worship means feeding the hungry, standing up for those who suffer injustice ... We must preach the gospel at all times, speaking and acting out God's love to a hurt and broken world."

Foreign Language Study Materials Heading on a mission or mercy trip? Find helpful cds, books and dvds to aid you in learning some of the language before you go.