The books I am are reading are stacking up and as usual I am reading three to four at a time. They're all so compelling and if I can not find one in my home somewhere I can pick up the one that is closest at hand. Here's an excerpt from "Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life — Rethinking Ministry to the Poor " Author John Lupton is an innercity warrior and veteran servant to the poor.
"The effectiveness of our efforts to empower the poor could be significantly enhanced if, prior to launch, would-be helpers would take the following pledge:
I will never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves.
I will never do for others what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves.
I will limit my one-way giving to emergency situations and seek always to find ways and means for legitimate exchange.
I will seek ways empower the poor through hiring, lending and investing and use grants sparingly as incentives that reinforce achievements.
I will put the interests of the poor above my own (or organizational) self-interest even when it may be costly.
I will take time to listen and carefully assess both expressed and unspoken needs so that my actions will ultimately strengthen rather than weaken the hand of those I would serve.
Above all, to the best of my ability, I will do no harm.
I will seek ways empower the poor through hiring, lending and investing and use grants sparingly as incentives that reinforce achievements.
I will put the interests of the poor above my own (or organizational) self-interest even when it may be costly.
I will take time to listen and carefully assess both expressed and unspoken needs so that my actions will ultimately strengthen rather than weaken the hand of those I would serve.
Above all, to the best of my ability, I will do no harm.
For more info on John Lupton's ministry click on http://www.fcsministries.org/up/
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