|
“I warmly welcome this book”, writes UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his foreword to the book Micah’s Challenge, “it is harnessing faith to unite Christians globally…to deepen...commitment to people living in poverty through prayer, service and advocacy.”
The prophetic word of Micah to the people of Israel to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God,” (Micah 6:8), is explored for its application to today’s church in this new book. Drawing together insights from Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo and Joel Edwards, et al, Micah’s Challenge explores the theological, ethical and practical dimensions of the humbling call to act with justice, mercy and humility.
Not only does Micah’s Challengeaddress the broader biblical and theological frameworks of the call to care for the poor, but it reflects on how we live this out practically by laying bare the Christian foundations of the diverse missions of The Micah Network.
Given that The Micah Network also seeks to prophetically call upon, and influence the leaders and decision-makers of societies to maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed, an endorsement from Gordon Brown is both timely and encouraging as the government continue to “face a development emergency.” The Prime Minister adds, “In the coming year we must redouble our efforts to build a global coalition of faith, NGOs, private sector and government to galvanise the action needed. I know your efforts will be an inspiration to Christians and church communities around the world who tirelessly seek an end to poverty.”
Micah’s Challenge therefore looks set to be a book that not only calls Christians to think afresh and act redemptively as individuals and as communities, but speaks prophetically into a culture asking what can be done in a world of great need.
Micah's Challenge – published by Paternoster April 2008 - editors Marijke Hoek and Justin Thacker
|
