Book Review: "The Hole in Our Gospel: The answer that changed my life and might just change the world." by Richard Stearns

When I first started to read this book, I thought it was going to be some sort of Bible study. Perhaps in a way it is, but it is more a call to action than just something to read and ponder. Richard Stearns presents this hole in our gospel, but before he does, he tells us about his life, his journey from a troubled childhood (son of an alcoholic, neither of his parents had gone to high school, father married and divorced three times) to becoming the CEO of a major corporation… the “good life”. He then continues to explain how he became a Christian and submitted his life to God. It never occurred to him that God might have a totally different life plan ahead for him. This book reveals how he struggled with the decision to follow his life’s calling to become the CEO of World Vision. Stearns captured me right in the beginning as he told “his” story, and I would have been satisfied for him to have stopped right there and felt that he had written a grand book. But that was only the beginning of even better things to come.

Let the reader beware… this book is a call for action. As I became caught up in his work with those less fortunate in our world, I began to realize how interconnected we really are, and how each of us needs to step up to the plate and do something that will help all the struggling, dying people [think of the children] throughout the world. Imagine having to walk hours each day to bring water back for your family. And that the water you bring back is dirty and makes the family sick, where 30% of the children die before the age of five. It is time now to make things happen, to engage with the poor, and to change the world for the better.

For me, this was not a “quick read”, as I lingered over his words, and felt his call to action. Once you read this book, you will suddenly look around and see things in a totally different light. We can no longer ignore the plight of others who are so desperate for our help. What does God expect of us? Twelve men changed the world 2000 years ago. We can change the world today.

As an added note, "At author's request, all royalties due to the author will benefit World Visions' work with children in need."

“Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary” ---St. Francis of Assisi

I was in Assisi three years ago. I walked the narrow, hilly streets of his village, toured his church, and viewed his resting place. Richard Stearns teaches us in “The Hole in Our Gospel” that we preach the gospel through our actions. This book is a winner.

"The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, Thomas Nelson, Publisher, Nashville, TN USA, as reviewed by Diana Shores