Faithful in Small Things

“How we define poverty is important if we truly wish to help reduce it.”

Perhaps you have read about Myers’ four-part definition of poverty or “When Helping Hurts.” What those books do in theory this book builds upon in practicality, providing specific context for ministry to the poor in North America. If you are not familiar with those other works then this short read is a great primer and excellent summary. It compels anyone who wants to be effective in caring for the poor to first understand their own poverty and be willing to listen and learn first.

I wonder if the subtitle will unintentionally alienate some readers. This book is not simply for those who already consider themselves needy (though it will be a great encouragement to those who feel their meager offerings are not important). Those who have themselves experienced a material lack are generally the ones who understand more readily the struggles of poverty and how to best address it. The principles and examples detailed are more important for those who care but who are not acquainted with poverty themselves or close enough to those who are experiencing it.


The author reminds readers to have humility as they approach the multifaceted issues of poverty. “I don’t believe the question is whether we are broken people but rather whether we have discovered our own brokenness yet.” Understanding our own pride and self-righteousness in former approaches will enable us to get to the root of the problems instead of just putting bandages on the symptoms.

He also addresses some factors that impede progress like the prevalent thought that many Christians assume poverty is caused by laziness and poor choices. For those who have not experienced poverty firsthand it is hard to comprehend how abuse, oppression, and injustice play a key role in reducing the power to make good choices. When a mother must choose between obeying the law or feeding her child it is condescending to look on her incarceration or homelessness and say, ‘Well, if she had just made better choices...’

This is an important read for individuals, mission’s councils, and non-profits both big and small. In this we are given a window into the life of the rural poor to awaken our compassion and we come away better equipped and armed with compassion and effective tools to better serve as Jesus's hands and feet.