by AG
Whether you are a person who can relate to numbers and statistics or not, it is hard to not be moved by the figures presented by Richard Stearns’ new book, The Hole in Our Gospel. Stearns, the President and CEO of World Vision, shares startling facts regarding the poverty in the world and the response, or the lack thereof, that has been shown by the church. For any follower of Jesus, this book will challenge you to look beyond the comforts of our own lives and give you glimpses of the hurting world that is in need of our help.
In the few weeks while I was reading this book, two major events took place: 1) a French Airliner crashed off the coast of Brazil, and 2) Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died. Both events took front-page news, capturing the world’s attention. Anytime someone loses their life, it’s a sad event. However, as it’s explained in The Hole in Our Gospel, there’s a sobering reality that roughly 26,500 people in the world die every-day of hunger and sickness. That’s like “One Hundred Crashing Jetliners” (a chapter title in Stearns’ book) and I can’t help but ask where the media coverage is for those losing their lives daily during this crisis. Why have we become so numb to those dying due to poverty and not done more to help? Or more importantly, why have I?
Richard Stearns shares a lot of stories and experiences he has had as President of World Vision, but does a great job of not making this a 279-page support ask for the ministry. It’s about the gospel- not just knowing what Jesus did on the cross for us, but taking action on that knowledge and sharing the gospel with love by helping those in poverty with their needs as well.
I agree with Stearns as he closes the book -this is a remarkable time, filled with a remarkable opportunity to help the world. Is the church today going to be part of the solution? Reading this book will inspire and remind you why it should be.
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