Book Review: The Hole in our Gospel

Every once in a great while I run across a book so relevant, inspiring and convicting that I want every one I know to read it. The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns is one of those books.

This is a book I highlighted, pondered, and read out loud to whoever would listen. In it, Mr. Stearns, president of World Vision, shares his own story of being pulled from his "American dream" life to work among the world's poorest.

Reading Mr. Stearn's testimony is reason enough to pick up this book. He writes from a place I could completely relate to. He did not condemn me or the church, but he did issue the challenge to do more. He challenged Christians throughout the book to "embody the gospel so that others can see, hear, and feel God's love in tangible ways", and to present the whole gospel to the world instead of just "going to church, studying the Bible and avoiding the most serious sins."

Throughout the book Mr. Stearns discusses the issue of poverty and the American churches lack of response to it. He shares stories of people who were able to rise above poverty and ways we can help more people do the same. He encourages the reader to take the time, talents and treasure God has given, search out God's purpose for themselves and act to change the world.

The message in this book is an important one. I hope many people read it, and more importantly, I hope many people are moved to action as a result.