Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary. - St. Francis of Assisi
Its 1998 and Richard Stearns heart is breaking as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai, Uganda. His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa. It took answering Gods call on his life, a call that hurtled him out of his presidential corner office at Lenox-Americas finest tableware company-to this humble corner of Uganda.
This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel.
Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
Read this compelling story and urgent call for changeRichard Stearns is a contemporary Amos crying let justice roll down like waters. Justice is a serious gospel-prophetic mandate. Far too many American Christians for too long a time have left the cause to others. Read it as an altar call.
--Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC
Rich Stearns calls us to exhilarating obedience to Gods life-altering, world-changing command to reflect his love to our neighbors at home and globally. The Hole in Our Gospel is imbued with the hope of what is possible when Gods people are transformed to live radically in light of his great love.
--Gary Haugen, President & CEO, International Justice Mission
Richard Stearns is quite simply one of the finest leaders I have ever known.... When he became president of World Vision I had a front row seat to witness the way God used his mind and heart to inspire thousands.... His new book, The Hole In Our Gospel will call you to a higher level of discipleship.... Now is the time...Richard Stearns has the strategy...your move!
--Bill Hybels, Founding and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL
Rich Stearns has given us a book that makes absolutely clear what God hopes for and expects from each of us.... He reminded me of my personal responsibilities and the priority I must give them and also where lifes true rewards and fulfillment are to be found.
--Jim Morris, former executive director, United Nations World Food Program
World Vision plays a strategic role on our globe. As the largest relief organization in the history of the world, they initiate care and respond to crisis. Rich Stearns navigates this mercy mission with great skill. His book urges us to think again about the opportunity to love our neighbor and comfort the afflicted. His message is timely and needed. May God bless him, the mission of World Vision and all who embrace it.
--Max Lucado, author of 3:16The Numbers of Hope, Minister of Writing and Preaching, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX
Rich Stearns has penned a passionate and persuasive book aimed at Christians who find themselves absorbed with their own existence, pursuing the American dream of health, wealth and happiness. Rich traces his own spiritual journey from having it all, to sacrificial living on behalf of those who have nothing. Not only is Rich eloquent, hes right.
--Kay Warren, Executive Director HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
An urgent, powerful summons to live like Jesus. Stearns weaves solid theology, moving stories, and his own journey of faith into a compelling call to live the whole Gospel. Highly recommended!
--Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action, Author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger
With passionate urging
