The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

In The Hole in Our Gospel, Richard Stearns tells the agonizing story of how God lead him to his current position as president of World Vision as he wrestled with the decision to leave behind the worldly success he'd worked so hard for. 
The heartbreaking stories of the people and places he's encountered in his work with World Vision accompanied with a section of full color photos makes those people and places come alive and their plight much more real and close to home. Stearns ask the question What does God expect of us?, and the book is all about the answer that changed his life and might just change the world.

The Hole in our Gospel is a thought provoking book full of facts and statistics supporting the need for the work of relief organizations and what we can do to help. He uses supporting scripture throughout along with a scripture index and has included a study guide to use along with the book. Also added is a QandA with Stearns' wife Renee, and several chapters on what we can do by partnering with World Vision and additional resources to use.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com BookSneeze.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 gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Army of Ordinary People by Felicity Dale

An Army of Ordinary People is simply that, ordinary, everyday, untrained people making an extraordinary difference for the Kingdom of God. Felicity Dale shares stories of ordinary people she and husband Tony have encountered in their journey to build God's Kingdom through "house churches" or "simple churches". Using the New Testament principles as stated in Luke 10, she chronicles the lives of everyday individuals as they become the church and share the gospel with friends and neighbors where they are.

This book has changed the way I think about 'church'. Using the Luke 10 model brings the church to the people, therefore reaching those who wouldn't normally darken the door of a church building and enabling them to then reach friends and family members within there own sphere of influence in a homey natural environment. The examples prove you don't have to be a Bible scholar to reach and teach others just be willing to be used, and always be on the lookout for that "person of peace". This type of church is a perfect example of "where two or more are gathered in my name". This book should be a must read for anyone wanting to reach those around them and see His kingdom advanced.


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