David Z. Nowell

Following Jesus involves getting your hands dirty. So argues David Nowell, author of Dirty Faith: Bringing the Love of Christ to the Least of These. Nowell is the president of Hope Unlimited For Children, a Christian ministry which ministers to ‘sex-trafficked children, street kids and child prisoners in Brazil. Nowell’s book is brimming with heart breaking stories of ministry on the margins. But this book is also full of hope. Nowell and Hope Unlimited have been able to help kids transition from the hard life of the street to a place of security. They have also brought these kids to freedom in Christ.

Dirty Faith is about our willingness to enter into the suffering of those who society throws away. Nowell’s ministry context takes him to the streets of Brazil and he shares the stories of the kids he’s ministered to there–his successes and his failures. He makes the case that Christians have the responsibility to stand against injustice and minister to those who are hurting (i.e. the ‘widowed and the orphaned’ see James 1:27). This doesn’t mean he isn’t passionate about proclaiming the gospel. Nowell advocates concern for both the physical and spiritual well being of the kid’s in his care. He also urges a thoughtful approach to ministry which is mindful of systemic problems and ongoing behaviors that aggravate the person’s suffering.

I haven’t interacted with specific passages from the book in this review. I don’t think that Nowell says much new about injustice or our responsibility; however I think he is thoughtful in his approach. One standard critique of missions-type-books is their focus on global issues, sometimes obscure issues and ministry opportunities here. Nowell speaks from his ministry context, but nowhere does he expect his readers to have the same calling and experience as him. This is a book meant to motivate and move us into action on behalf of the marginalized in this country or abroad. It is meant as a way of lighting a fire underneath us and moving us to action. This is good stuff. I give this book 3½ stars.

Notice of material connection, I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.… (lisätietoja)

I could tell this book was special, even in the first couple of pages. This book is not a neutral book. It will either soften you or harden you. As you read this book, pray for God to soften your heart and to not miss out on a truth or lesson He has for you.

Dirty Faith is all about how to go about ministering to the “least of these”, that is orphans, widows, those who are being sex-trafficked, those in prison, etc.

I found this book to be challenging at every turn, but never condemning. I also found this book to really cause me to think.

You will not find “pat” answers in here. There is no advice to merely throw money at a problem. There is challenge. There is wisdom. There is compassion. And there are frequent calls to action. Act. Act with wisdom. Act with the right motives. But act.

I knew I had a lack, but awareness isn’t enough. I didn’t know the remedy. This book coupled with prayer is part of the remedy. The remedy for indifference. The remedy for a lack of compassion. The remedy for not knowing what to do.

If you suspect you may have some indifference or lack of compassion in your life towards those less fortunate than you and you would like to change that, then you will probably love this book. If you are already doing works of service in this area, this book may give you a fresh perspective or new ideas or fresh encouragement to help you keep going.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (lisätietoja)