When Helping Hurts [Paperback]

This book is an easy read with some keen insights. Great Introduction to Poverty & Community development Issues.

The Key Keen insights:

For example -in the west we view poverty as a "lack" of resources, where as the poor use psychological terms to describe their situation - How it makes them feel ashamed, embarrassed, powerless etc.

Secondly - The authors highlight the three kinds of "Help" one can give - Relief, Restoration, Development. Unfortunately the westerners approach almost all we do from the "Relief" category. Very Damaging and has created serious dependency, and harm to local people.

Thirdly, another keen insight is reminding us to NEVER ask a community what their needs are. It makes them immediately define themselves by what they "LACK" This is negative and causes further depression as you highlight all they don't have. It sets the community development person up as the only provider from the outside, making the poor think they have little or nothing to offer- it must come from outside sources.

Rather ask; "What resources, skills, knowledge etc do you have at your disposal around you to bear on your family or community issues. Help them to focus that, and then maybe you might be a small part of that skill/knowledge/resource equation. However, this question begins with the people thinking about what is "right" with me and my community.

I recommend making it mandatory reading for all Christian field visitors, short -term mission teams (From grade 7 up) and missionaries who already are trying to do something, anything , to help poor families.

Read the book if you would like to BEGIN helping the poor.
It's the perfect starter book on the subject. Will also keep you, and any field visitors, humble about our "real" place in the helping process among the poor.

Andy Rayner Man Of Peace Development (org)

I was given this book, as I was preparing my heart for missions. I have to say this book is bang on in what it says. I have to say I was shocked when I found myself relating to the talk about those in poverty. I had never ever thought of myself impoverished as money has never held a great regard in my life, relationships and the love of God & family took its place. I was a single parent of two since my children were 4 months & 19 months old and my husband had left. One of my children was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 9. I do remember periods of times where I would not eat so that my children would have food on their plates. I can tell you that this book is very accurate on the perspective of those living in poverty and the levels of poverty.

When Helping Hurts is a "must read" book for anyone involved in Christian ministry. When Helping Hurts gives a very clear picture of what truly healthy, wholistic ministry looks like. In a world gone crazy with relief focused ministries which are actually doing harm to others, this book presents a new way of considering serving the needy. Although many people serve with good intentions, without realizing, they are actually creating more harm than doing good. If you truly want to serve in a way that is healthy, wholistic, and Christ-like, this book is imperative. Please read and apply the principles portrayed in When Helping Hurts.