Maureen Trowbridge reviews 'Embracing the Poor: Releasing, resourcing and equipping the poor for world mission' (Ed. David Adams, 2011, 190 pages, New Frontiers International, RoperPenberthy Publishing)

This eye-opening collection of essays, brought together by David Adams with a foreword from Matthew Frost (CEO of Tearfund), gives an indication of just how much the Bible has to say about 'the poor and needy' and the help God wants to give them through his people.

Jesus Our Example

Beginning with a chapter on God's heart for the poor, the book makes no assumptions, turning first to the question of 'Who are the poor?'. Subsequent chapters give much space to Jesus' own attitude to the poor, with authors noting that "Compassion was a hallmark of the life of Jesus" (p25).

Christ himself was poor and though the gospel he brought was for all, "he was particularly concerned that the poor and needy would realise that this good news was for them" (p24). Indeed, when he stood in the synagogue in his home-town of Nazareth and all but announced his identity as Messiah, he chose to use the words of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18-19).

We then trace the response of Jesus and the early Christian Church to the plight of the poor, following Jesus as he travels the country caring for the needy by healing the sick, restoring sight and feeding the hungry. In the process, he forms a new community of disciples and followers.

This eye-opening collection of essays unpacks God's heart for the poor and the help he wants to give them through his people.

Call for Personal Response

Lest readers grow comfortable reading about Jesus' actions without giving a thought to their own, Embracing the Poor also has a richly practical bent to it, looking at how Christians today can continue to live out the grace and compassion of Christ to the poor.

Helpful guidance and advice is given on ministry within the church and how to help those in need so that their lives are changed as they come to know and trust in God. Chapter 7 in particular provides a sound biblical model for churches caring for the poor. Aspects of 'good practice' are also considered, with one chapter containing 20 'key indicators' of good practice for those planning or continuing an existing ministry.

The book closes with inspiring real-life stories of those who have been transformed and are now walking with God, leaving the reader with an inescapable challenge to draw near to God themselves and be changed: "It is our prayer that through reading these testimonies you will put this book down not merely having been informed but that they will cause you to be drawn closer to God in worship of the One who is able to bring about life-changing transformation" (p169).

In the words of Geoff Knott, former Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, this book "will move you, it will challenge you, it will change you. Be warned."

Embracing the Poor is available from the publishers for £9.99 + P&P.