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The Poor Will Be Glad Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty

This eminently practical book shows how ordinary people can help fight poverty around the world. Focusing on proven initiatives such as microfinance and employment-based solutions, the authors outline specific steps we can take in leading the charge against spiritual and physical poverty. Also includes photographs by award-winning photographer Jeremy Cowart (www.jeremycowart.com).

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Publisher’s Weekly Gives Outstanding Review to The Poor Will Be Glad
THIS IS PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (PW) REVIEW OF “THE POOR WILL BE GLAD” – EXCELLENT REVIEW

The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty Peter Greer & Phil Smith. Zondervan, $19.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-310-29359-0

It’s unusual to discover an engaging, detailed and affecting manual delineating a Christian approach to alleviating global poverty. That’s what Greer and Smith have given readers in this resource-rich guide to how individuals, businesses, churches and denominational groups can use the basics of microfinance–the provision of financial services to the poor–to partner with communities and find “employment-based solutions with proven results for effectively reducing poverty and extending the kingdom of God.” Greer, president of the Christian relief organization HOPE International, and Smith, a retired businessman and philanthropist, are enthusiastic realists, aware of the challenges facing those who are severely poor; the difficulties, new skills and patience required in churches that want to be catalysts for change; and the complexities of partnering with corporations that may have other, sometimes conflicting, agendas. The book works in large part because of the real-life experience, passion and dedication that both men, who write different chapters, bring to the table. Their biggest achievement may be helping to push skeptical readers off the fence about the potential of religiously funded microfinance–and giving interested parties plenty of practical tools to get started. (Nov.)

5 Stars Prepare yourself to be excited by Greer and Smith’s stories about the effectiveness of Christ-centered microfinance!
The Poor Will Be Glad is a must read! This isn’t just for the economics or international development enthusiasts. The Poor Will Be Glad is written to those who want to see lasting change in the developing world. Greer and Smith explain the current trends in microfinance and how this revolutionary model of banking is changing the world. It explains the importance of holistic economic development and how the church can practically become involved.

This book will excite you about the microfinance wave that has been rising. Join the revolution and get involved today!

5 Stars Well worth your money
The Poor Will be Glad is a simple and entertaining read that will introduce you to the work of microfinance. I would recommend this book to those who have an interest in learning about microfinance but don’t want to get overwhelmed with the technicalities of it. Once you are passed the basics of microfinance at the end of the book the authors list several resources to keep you get up-to-date and engaged in the topic. The photographs make the book more human; you can’t read this book and not see that microfinance is not so much about small loans as it is about giving someone opportunity, choice, freedom, self worth, and dignity.

5 Stars from the practioner’s perspective
The Poor Will be Glad is a clean and logical handbook for any Christian looking to take the next step away from traditional charity. What I love most is the practioner’s perspective this book is written from. Living and working in a developing country, I have seen firsthand the damage done by good intentions and a flawed understanding of “what the poor need.” Also, as someone who often has difficulty with books based on theories and hypotheses, this is a refreshing read. Rooted in experience and practical application, Greer and Smith’s book is both compelling and convicting as I attempt to apply the practices herein in my own life.

Personally, I am excited to implement this book in my work as an introduction to microfinance and its practical implementations. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to understand the necessity for Christ-centered microfinance in this exploding industry!

5 Stars A Passionate Overview of Christian Microfinance
If you are looking for a connection between economic development and Christian ministry, then feel free to hit “add to shopping cart” right now. This book not only connects the two, but does a beautiful job of showing how they should not be separated. Be ready to catch the authors’ passion and do not be surprised if you find yourself reusing examples from this book to tell your friends and family about the benefits of microfinance.

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