Merciful

Book excerpt: Pastor Randy Nabors understands poverty. He grew up in the projects of Newark, New Jersey, before he and his wife Joan were called to a life of ministering to people in need. In Merciful, Nabors offers a practical set of guidelines and recommendations to help the poor. He bases his proven methods not on charity or pity, but on biblical mercy. Charity only provides for the immediate needs of the poor-a noble goal, but not one that helps over the long term. Mercy guides people as they learn to help themselves, allowing them to develop meaningful, rewarding lives free of the shackles of poverty. Merciful begins with Nabors's own experience with poverty and how it shaped his ministry and views. He examines the problem of poverty from both a theological and philosophical standpoint, focusing on practical, long-term strategies to help the poor. Along the way Nabors tackles the many issues surrounding poverty, discussing what helps rather than what merely enables, and the limitations of government and nonprofit assistance. A committed, caring congregation of Christian believers can end the cycle of impoverishment and permanently improve the lives of the disenfranchised. Randy Nabors can show you how.