Since joining the Convoy of Hope team, I’ve been amazed at the surprises I’ve encountered in the scriptures regarding God’s heart for the poor. I’ve grown up in the church, but missed some pretty important lessons from the 2000+ verses where He shares how He feels about those in need.
Our interns and I discuss His heart for the poor and our passions to help them during each training session. We talk, watch videos, hear from great people and read. The most engaging book we’ve read on compassion and His heart is Hope Lives: A Journey of Restoration by Amber Van Schooneveld.
The book challenges without sending anyone on guilt trips, and encourages without letting anyone off the hook. I especially appreciate the ways Amber connects life in our own context with ways we can help others in need around the world. It’s a book for those who drink Starbucks, update their facebooks, don’t necessarily feel called to live in the jungle but who care deeply about Jesus and others.
I got in touch with Amber and she was gracious enough to share via Skype with our fall team on the last day of the term. It was fun.
I thought I’d pass on my thoughts on this great book. There is companion curriculum for small groups (or youth groups).
