Johnson, Terry L.
As Christians, we understand that we are all expected to be givers. Too often, though, we simply take the easy route of tossing money at problems without taking time to understand the underlying causes of poverty. Our intentions may be ever so good, but sometimes out "help" ends up harming the very people we are trying to help. How can this happen?
In this book, author Gary Miller continues his Kingdom-Focused Living series with a thorough look at God-centered giving. He stresses Biblical principles that apply to all Christians who want to reflect God's heart in giving, whether by meeting financial needs in their local community or by seeking to alleviate poverty abroad. The many stories and real-life examples make this book easy and enjoyable to read, but its message is profound and urgently needed. Learning and applying these principles truly has the potential to changes lives - first our own, and then the people God calls to share with.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Examining Our Giving
1. The Other Side of the Wall
2. Giving – Why Do I Do It?
3. “God, Could We Make a Deal?”
4. Living and Giving With a Goal
5. Giving to Him That Asketh
Part 2: A Closer Look at Poverty
6. Defining Poverty
7. “It-Is-Broken”
8. A Comprehensive Cure
9. The Poor, the Lost, and the Heart of God
Part 3: Unintended Consequences
10. Unintended Consequences
11. Searching Out the Cause
12. Wealth and Wisdom
13. The Problem of Paternalism
14. Needing the Needy
15. Short-Term Missions – Avoiding the Pitfalls
16. Unintended Consequences at Home
Part 4: The Great Need for Discernment
17. Money, Management, or Mentoring?
18. Aiming at the Right Target
19. Categorizing Need
20. The Appropriate Response
21. How Can I Know?
22. The Curse of Dependency
Part 5: Discovering and Developing What God has Given Them
23. What Is in Your Hand?
24. Indigenous Sustainability
25. The Search for Sustainability
26. Let Them Be Children of God
Part 6: Using the Resources God Has Given Us
27. Good Literature
28. The Power of the Local Church
29. Stewarding Our Material resources
30. Where Do We Go From Here?
Endorsements
"During my years on the mission field, I saw firsthand that the traditional approach to helping the poor seldom produced lasting results. Through trial and error I discovered a few of the principles taught in The Other Side of the Wall, but I wish this book had been available to me then to fill in the gaps in my understanding. It provides a clear, complete, and logical view of the whole subject of giving, and most of all, it is thoroughly Biblical in its message. I intend to share copies of this book with both foreign missionaries and local Christians." - South America
"Having lived in Central America twenty years and attempting to fill a deacon's role, my heart was saying 'Amen' time after time as I read through this book. I wish I'd had it in my hands twenty-five years ago." - Central America