Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian [Paperback]

Gary A. Haugen is founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), a global human rights agency based in Washington, D.C. Before founding IJM in 1997, Haugen was a human rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, and in 1994, he served as the director of the United Nations' investigation in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.

Haugen is the author of The Locust Effect, Good News About Injustice, Terrify No More and Just Courage. He has been recognized by the U.S. State Department as a Trafficking in Persons "Hero"—the highest honor given by the U.S. government for anti-slavery leadership. His work to confront violence against the poor has been featured by Foreign Affairs, The New York Times, the New Yorker, The Times of India, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, the Guardian and National Public Radio. He is a graduate of Harvard University and received a JD from the University of Chicago.

"This book is a strong call for every Christian to deepen their walk with God. I encourage you to read this book and seek God's direction for the next step of service in your life!"

—Jim Fretheim, Imprints, Winter 2009

"Just Courage is a life-changing book. Gary Haugen's echo of God's call to a life of significance and adventure is irresistible. He places the fight for justice right where the Bible does: square in the middle of Christian discipleship. Every follower of Jesus should read this book and take action on behalf of a world that 'waits, groaning' for us to bring hope, love and rescue."

—Lynne and Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community ChurchM

"I dare you to read Gary Haugen without growing a bigger vision of God. He is a prophet in our day calling us to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God."

—John Ortberg, pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

"Filled with inspiring stories. Haugen challenges modern Christians."

-- DKW, Libraries Alive, Summer 2009

"Haugen predicts that the American church is on the verge of an awakening to justice. Fighting oppression means going into dark places, but he encourages us to find the strength and courage to obey God's commands. Just Courage forces us to answer the question, 'Would you rather be safe or brave?'"

-- Relevant, March/April 2009

"Warning: This book is dangerous. Haugen's book is already having an impact on my ministry. My prayer is that many people read Just Courage and then allow the Spirit of God to speak and move us all to live for justice."

-- Jim Unruh, PRISM, March/April 2009

"This book will challenge youth, adults, and especially parents to remove their comfort barriers and enter a world where Jesus is saving and healing. This book is for anyone who desires to set out for a great adventure."

-- Jacqueline Davis, Moody Memo, December 2008

"This is one of the best books I've read this year. It is concise, well written, and challenging. This book provides a gentle nudge for those who desire to be gripped by the big issues of life but really don't know where or how to begin."

-- Debbie S. Book Bargains and Previews, (bookbargainsandpreviews.com), October 2008

"Here is a book about what it means to care - really care - as a Christian. If you honestly and prayerfully read Just Courage you will be changed - if you are willing to give your comforrtable christian life to make a difference. Just Courage as a lifestyle is both risky and irresistable."

-- Frank Mills, Borderlands Review, (frankamills.com), October 2008

" Just Courage is undoubtedly one of the most thought-provoking books I have read in years. More than just thought provoking, Just Courage is faith-provoking, action-provoking, and provoking in general."

-- Beauty of the Bible, (beautyofthebible.com), October 28, 2008

"Haugen really opens the eyes of the reader to the realities of darkness. It makes one wonder, at times, who are the people who perpetuate sex-trade houses where children are being abused and raped? Worse, it makes me confront myself and say: 'What am I doing to bring these people to justice and, following Jesus, set these captives free?' . . . [Haugen] makes no bones about the fact that Christians have, by and large, not done enough. There is much to be done and each day is a day to get it done. Courage is required. Christians need to move out of the safety and into the world where they might get dirty, or hurt, or run out of town. Christians must be advocates for the weak and oppressed."

-- Advance Signs (advancesigns.wordpress.com), September 6, 2008

"[A] brief but stirring call to trusting faith, to daily discipleship, to a global vision, the hope of what Christ's followers are doing, and how we can take further steps to be agents of healing, hope and social transformation, especially for the hurting or oppressed. The chapters are very short, the readings inspiring, the discussion questions provocative, practical, usable."

-- Byron Borger, Hearts Minds Books, June 14, 2008