I usually avoid books on alleviating poverty as I find that many are either unrealistic in their approach or the author heaps on so much condemnation you want to just give out of guilt or give up out of frustration.

What drew me to this book was the fact that it was written by Compassion International's Senior VP of Global Advocacy. Though I was not familiar with the author, Scott Todd, I was very familiar with Compassion. My wife and I have sponsored children via Compassion since 2001 and we love the organization and the work they do.

So, with that out of the way, I wasn't sure what to expect from Hope Rising. What I found was a book that definitely fits the title. I found that hope truly was rising within me. The basic premise is that EXTREME poverty can be eradicated. Scott Todd speaks about our low expectations that extreme poverty can dealt with and then goes about showing how much has truly changed even in the last 20 years. I did not know so many inroads have been made in the war of poverty. I found myself encouraged to do my part.

I really enjoyed Scott Todd's look at Matthew 26:11. This oft-quoted verse on poverty has just as often been misquoted and Scott looks at the entire passage in context. If anything else, this chapter should be required reading for anyone who feels nothing can be done re. poverty!

I highly recommend this book for every believer who believes God can make the impossible possible and wants to do their part in seeing lives forever changed!