When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Withouth Hurting the Poor and Yourself

This book is wonderfully insightful, blending ministry stories, theological insight and years of practical experience. The authors share how people and ministries over the years have unintendingly caused harm to people by approaching poverty with material mindsets or what might otherwise be called relief. This approach isn't wrong in and of it's self but it is not holistic and isn't forward looking providing the necessary help appropriate for each situation. The book presents a theology of poverty the is rooted in the fall and thus we all experience poverty and to truly alleviate poverty requires more than relieving there material situation but requires them being made right with God. Thanks for this book, it is much appreciated.

This book breaks down the materialistic mindset which so many western countries unknowingly bring to the missions field with statements about those we seek to serve like """"if only they had better quality resources"""" or """"all they need is to be trained better"""" or """"if we give them new tools it will make a difference"""". With probing questions and self-reflection that our ego and about our ability to """"fix"""" other people is actually part of the problem, this book wonderfully brings a realisation that material poverty is only part of the battle and that we have a bigger goal of walking beside those we seek to serve, recognising that we have just as much to learn from them about humility and reliance on God for our daily bread as they have a need of dignity and support. This book breaks down many unhelpful assumptions and pursues a restoration of relationships, self-identity as a creation of inherent worth and value to God and reconciling our lives in relation to the rest of creation and the resources we have been given to steward. This is a must read before your next mission.

This book delves deep into the multifaceted issue of poverty and how to help. I particularly liked the way they defined poverty from a Biblical starting point, and exposed that our western 'material' mindset of poverty is only one aspect of poverty- often not the biggest issue that needs addressing. \\r\\nAbsolutely required reading for anyone thinking about overseas mission or thinking about how to engage better with serving their local community.

This book radically changed my outlook on poverty and overseas aid. I am passionate about training women to break the cycle of poverty and this book has caused me to rethink my motives and actions. It should be read by everyone embarking on an overseas mission trip so that their mind may be shaped and they may be put to use by God for the people they are serving. It helped me to see when aid was needed and when development was needed. and to see some of the negative impacts of our actions in poorer countries.