The Hole in Our Gospel

The Hole in Our Gospel is the story of Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, and his journey from the top of the corporate ladder, hitting his “American Dream,” to his experience aiding the poor and following God’s plan for his life.

The “hole” that Stearns speaks of is the ministry of Jesus and God’s command to help the poor and destitute of the world, and how in our culture we focus so much on the service aspect that we forget it is all about the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

After reading this book I really gained a lot of insight. It is a practical book and also convicting.

Stearns’ writing style causes you reflect on your own mistakes and also learn from what he has gone through.

I was impressed how Stearns accepted the call of God and ended up being exactly where he needed to be at the right time and place. It was a great reminder that regardless of our emotions, outer circumstances or financial situations that obeying God is the only way to be truly satisfied.

Most of the book is a testimony of how God brought Stearns to a brand new place in his life where he couldn’t help but feel passionate and excited about serving those in need. The book has so many stories of Stearns’s experiences in other countries that make you realize how fortunate we are.

One of my concerns about this book was that it would be so focused on “social justice” that it would condemn those who are “rich and powerful,” but it did not go that route which made me more eager to read it. I think that there is a balance when it comes to enjoying life and God’s blessings, and also in helping people. Sometimes books of this nature can have the mindset that anyone with “stuff” or living a comfortable lifestyle are somehow in sin.

But I believe this book just really portrayed that yes that stuff is great, and helping people is also wonderful, but if we forget to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people it is really not going to change a person’s life.

The Noticer - It's All About Perspective

The Noticer is one of the best books I have read. I plan to keep this in my library forever and have recommended it to people even after only reading the first chapter, and now that I've finished it I want everyone to share the experience I had of reading it. This book helps you to really think about your life, your trials and your successes and see them through a new lens of perspective. As "Jones" tells us throughout the whole book, "It's all about perspective." Isn't that the truth. I was inspired by this book, and the interactions throughout the book will relate to your life in some way, shape or form. Each of the encounters with Jones give you a new appreciation for the good parts of life. Instead of looking and dwelling on mistakes this book helps people to see the positive outlook through every situation. I was reminded that life is more than meets the eye, and people go through situations in life that shape them and make them the way they are. It takes a selfless person to really see through the outer shell that people wear and truly learn how to care about people and have compassion on them. It also helped me to think about my life and the people who have made a positive difference. I want to be able to thank those people and let them know how they've shaped my life. What a great book, I plan to read it again!