Published at Thomas Nelson
About the book
"Preach the Gospel always. Use words if necessary." - St. Francis of Assisi
It's 1998 and Richard Stearns' heart is breaking as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai, Uganda. His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa. It took answering God's call on his life, a call that hurtled him out of his presidential corner office at Lenox-America's finest tableware company-to this humble corner of Uganda.
This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel.
Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
Who is Richard Stearns?
Richard Stearns brought nearly 25 years of corporate experience to World Vision when he became its president in June 1998.
Stearns holds a bachelor's degree form Cornell University and an MBA form the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His professional career began in marketing with the Gillette Company. From 1977 to 1985, he held various roles with Parker Brothers Games, culminating in his appointment as president in 1984. In 1985, he became a vice president at The Franklin Mint, then joined Lenox in 1987 as president of Lenox Collections. In 1995, Stearns was named president and chief executive officer of Lenox Inc. As president of World Vision Inc., Stearns is responsible for U.S. operations, which include fund raising, advocacy, and program development.
Stearns and his wife, Renee, have been World Vision supporters since 1984. The couple has five children and live in Bellevue, Washington.
My Thoughts
Speechless. Moving and disturbing. These are the words that comes to my mind when I think about this book. It is a wonderful book that will be an eye opener for any Christian who is willing to let the Spirit be in their lives.
Because honestly, you won’t be the same when you finished reading this book. Part autobiography and part teaching, this book will make you want to do more for the poor – close to home or elsewhere in the world. You will read how God move Richard Stearns in the current position of president of World Vision, how Mr. Stearns became a Christian and how he lived while being young. You will be torn to read about the stories in the book from the little boy who had lost his legs to the woman who was disfigured and forgave her attacker. I admit that I cried while coming to certain parts of the book. The chapter that moved me the most is certainly chapter 12 where you learn more about the importance of water. Water is indeed life. And to hear how Richard’s wife prepared herself to a speaking engagement on the subject is moving. It got me thinking of the importance of water in my own life and how sometimes we take it for granted.
I would strongly recommend any Christians to get this book and to be moved by it. Be open to the Holy Spirit to touch you in places you do not expect to react. It is a life changing book – guaranteed. You won’t be the same after finishing reading this book. I know I am changed.
Canadians can give to World Vision easily over the internet. Go to http://www.worldvision.ca/Pages/Home.aspx.
The Hole in Our Gospel has received the ECPA 2010 Christian Book of the Year Award.
This review was possible because I received a copy of The Hole in Our Gospel from Thomas Nelson.
The Hole in Our Gospel is available everywhere – even at amazon.ca.
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