As I read this powerful book, I could not help but feel inadequate in my ministry. I questioned myself as to whether I am doing all I can to bring Jesus to "the least of these." As followers of Jesus, many will give financially to meet needs of those who are willing to get dirty to bring these souls to the Lord. But how many are willing to go? Am I?

When I see the homeless beggar, I may take him food, clothing, or give him money, but am I willing to stop and talk to him? Am I willing to sacrifice my time, my day, to show him the way of salvation? Am I willing to really become involved in a life to change a life?

This book will convict you to change, get out of your comfortable life, and become a tool to bring transforming power into the lives of a few or many. Although the task may seem enormous, David Nowell shows what can happen when some give their all for many.

In the first half of Dirty Faith, the author reveals the great need for the body of Christ around the world. In the second half, he shares examples of ways, often creative, that churches, groups of Christians, and individuals have used to assist those people groups in need. This book not only broke my heart, but sparked vision of what I should be doing.

Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be a part of change in this world? Let Dirty Faith be the catalyst for change in your life and world. You do not want to miss reading this book. I highly recommend it to individuals, churches, life groups, and Bible study groups

I could write a really long review on this book. I was so moved as I read it. The Holy Spirit spoke to me countless times. It's interesting how, so many times, when we are seeking - God will put exactly what we need in our path, and not just once but multiple times. This book, for me, was just an affirmation of the concepts God has been laying on my heart - A reinforcement so to speak.

"What if overflowing love shapes everything we do?"

Warning! If you don't want to be convicted or changed... then don't pick up this book. I honestly don't think anyone can truly read this book with an open mind and not re-think living the Christian life, how we use our blessings, and what God has called each of us to do. This book is a call to ACT! It's easy to have a passive faith - to be apathetic- We're saved, comfortable, and not overly concerned with others. If we do feel a tug on occasion, we just drop a few extra dollars in the plate for missions, serve a meal at a homeless shelter, or maybe take a week off to go on an overseas mission trip. But we avoid long term investments in the lives of "the least of these". Except, if we truly reflect on Jesus' life, ministry, and actions.... He invested himself in the lives of others!!

The content of this book is not pretty or easy to read. Children in slums, prostitution, prisons, gangs, as criminals, being trafficked, lives that seem to be ruined and without hope ... Children who only know that type of lifestyle, and even after being rescued may chose to return - because it's all they've every known. Yet these are children (people) "who need the healing that only comes from the Father of love". God loves them no less than He loves me. "As followers of Christ me must seek redemption and transformation ... that redemption begins in forgiveness, because without forgiveness there can be no relationship." "Our focus is to love others in a way that brings transformation." Transformation requires relational activity. Its about a long term commitment and investment

Faith calls for action. Being Jesus to those around us. Its also a call to relationship! Loving the unlovable.

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.

"This is a book about perspectives and possibilities. It is about looking at our world through the lens of grace, about seeing people as Christ does. It is about a different way of extending grace to and beyond the community of faith. It is about compassion--hurting alongside those in need. But again, it is not about a super-Christianity; I don't find that concept in the New Testament. It is about normative faith, the kind that lives out the life of Christ." The key to this book is not just in reading about someone else's work for the poor and 'the least of these.' "Scripture does not know about an arm's length faith." The book is meant to stir the reader's heart, to shake us out of our lethargy, and infuse us with fire in our spirits. It's not written to overwhelm us with the colossal needs of the vulnerable, but to offer examples of how to change our perceptions so that we can find a niche where we fit in.

While the author pummels us with grim statistics about the "least of these" around the world, I still found the book a great source of hope. What has been done in the name of Christ has wrought transformed hearts in the most seemingly hopeless cases. I learned about individuals and their circumstances and how their transformation has impacted their lives, their families' lives, their neighborhood and beyond. I encourage you to read this book, allow your heart to be shredded and regenerated by the hope and joy found in these stories.

I found this book gripping. It was hard to put down once I started reading it. David Nowell talks to us in plain, simple language, as if it were a face to face conversation. Not only does he share the stories of Hope Unlimited for Children, but he teaches us truths he learned through his experiences getting his hands dirty and his heart entangled in the lives of those he served. I couldn't read this book and remain passive about the plight of the children he was in continual contact with.

"Important point: All the language in Scripture about what God expects of us, and then what He will do for us, was not--is not--an abstraction. 'Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to' (Deuteronomy 15:10). None of this is a hypothetical. It was proven in the laboratory of the church of Jerusalem. They took God's words at face value, and it proved out for them." Nothing in this book is brand new. It is an application of Scripture as the early Christian community of Christ followers applied it. They lived it and proved it over and over again. To me, this is a challenge to ditch our cultural traditions that exist in the name of Christianity and move back to a Christ-centered community that focuses on giving not taking, on healing and sharing instead of protecting ourselves and focusing on our own welfare.

I would love to see this book the focus of group Bible studies with the purpose of loosening up and reaching out more. I believe the book's goal is to reach the heart of Christians who are coasting, overly self-sufficient, unfocused or self-focused, living outside of God's provision, who have lost the vision Jesus of Nazareth gave to His disciples. It is not an evangelistic book, yet it is all about evangelism, because God's work cannot flow from a dead heart and from a dead Church. Go ahead. Read the book. I dare you!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher's blog review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Dirty Faith is not just another book encouraging Christians to "try harder". Instead, David Nowell has started a conversation the Church must have if it is going to regain relevance in today's world. Through his use of thought-provoking real-life stories, in-depth study of Scripture, and gut-wrenching stats, Nowell exposes the self-focus of the modern Church, challenging each member to step out of our comfy pews and lifestyles and embrace "the least of these" the ones Jesus himself called his brothers and sisters. Nowell's statement that the Church holds the answer to societal ills (global orphan problem, broken foster care system, desperate families, etc.) should serve as a wake-up call to each of us who say we believe God can transform lives. If that's true, why don't we see it happening? Could it be that the Church doesn't actually believe we hold the answer? Could it be we'd rather keep it to ourselves than actually follow Christ and share it with those who need it most? If you want to be a follower and not just a believer, Dirty Faith is a "must read". Its truths will make you uncomfortable even as they draw you closer to obedience.

Dirty Faith: Bringing the Love of Christ to the Least of These by David Z. Nowell is a call to action of all of us. He gives many examples/stories that show how poorly tended need any of us to help them and give them the guidance they need. It may seem almost to simple but many of us think that someone anyone will be there to help these individuals. I was inspired and I know anyone else that reads this book will be too. It is a life changer in the best of ways. I was given a review copy from Bethany House publishers and all opinions are my own.