THE STORY OF HOPE FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY

Dr. Ron Sider and I have written a number of books and articles together. So it was not a surprise when he called to ask if I was interested in working with him to edit a book that Judson Press had in mind – a reader on child poverty. The book would complement the Children in Poverty initiative sponsored by National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, and it would combine social analysis, theological reflection, and stories of effective ministries. We said yes.

The book grew in scope to include over forty contributors, plus selections of children's art and poetry. We were honored to have Marian Wright Edelman, outspoken children's advocate and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, write the introduction. The list of contributors is a cross-section of the diverse agents in our society taking a stand against poverty: university professors, policy analysts, nonprofit staff, pastors, writers, denominational leaders, professionals, community activists, children. You will, I hope, be hearing from many of these book participants through this blog, as well as new voices.

The book includes appendices with tools to help individuals and churches take steps toward a practical response to child poverty: a list of books and websites for more information, and a guide to planning a ministry program.

It was also Judson's idea to offer a free study guide online. The study guide has been used by hundreds of churches that have studied Hope for Children in Poverty in small groups as part of the ABC Reads initiative.

Due to the wide interest in the book and the critical issues it represents, its status as the ABC Reads selection has been extended through the end of the year. Hope for Children in Poverty has also been recognized as a finalist in the Social Change category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards and as "notable" in the Culture category of the Eric Hoffer 2008 Book Awards.

It has been my great privilege to be part of this project – to learn from the experts in the field, to be inspired by the stories of ministry pioneers, to be entrusted with the work of young poets and artists. I'll be honest: Shepherding this complex book project took a lot of work, a lot of babysitting hours, and a lot of patience (especially on the part of our publisher). But there is no doubt it has been worth it.

One high point of my involvement with Hope for Children in Poverty was an email we received after its publication. It was from a pastor, saying that after reading the book, his church was interested in starting a ministry involving foster children. I can think of no better book review.


Do more with Hope for Children in Poverty:
• Read the Table of Contents and Introduction
• Order a copy of the book from Judson Press (note: 10% of the proceeds from sales of Hope for Children in Poverty will go to the Children in Poverty initiative of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA)
• Download the free Study Guide
• Find out more about the editors, Ron Sider and Heidi Unruh