Rare is the Christian who does poverty work with an intention to exploit people. Many are motivated to see justice for the oppressed. Some are driven by pursuing righteousness. Others passionately desire to see suffering alleviated. We all have good intentions, and having good intentions is a great starting point. But good intentions do not automatically lead to healthy poverty work, because we are vulnerable to our sin nature. Healthy poverty work begins when we grapple with the foundational weakness built into our work — the idealistic belief that we can rescue people from their circumstances.
This book will help you understand the three dimensions of poverty work — exploitative, ethical and redemptive — and how you can change your mindset to minister effectively in a community of poverty in a way that honors Christ and transforms those who are served.