This summer I finished this great book titled The Hole In Our Gospel by Richard Stearns the president of World Vision. You can pick up a copy in the River Pointe Bookstore.

This book is personal as it follows Richard’s journey from the epitome of worldly success as the CEO of Lenox to answer the call to become the president of World Vision. I loved his honesty as he openly shares his lengthy struggle and resistance to the idea.

This book is informational but not in a mere fact-stating kind of way. Richard puts out vital information about what is going in on in the world in a way that is current and thought provoking. For me chapter 11 was worth the price of the book, in it Richard unpacks the complexities of poverty juxtaposed against the typical American views on the subject. This is a chapter I will be going back and re-reading. Here is an excerpt from that chapter:

“Perhaps the greatest mistake commonly made by those who strive to help the poor is the failure to see the assets and strengths that are always present in people and their communities no matter how poor they are. Seeing their glasses as half full rather than half empty can completely change our approach to helping.”

This book is challenging and incredibly inspiring. I highly recommend it. In this book you will find compelling stories of the revolutionary power of the gospel and I believe you will find yourself inspired to do your part in demonstrating the whole gospel of loving God and loving your neighbors and our friends of North Richmond.