Enrichment Journal - Winter 2012 Table of Contents

Winter 2012

Compassion Ministry: Expressing the Heart of God

Many churches are doing compassion ministry. Others are wondering how to what to do to start compassion ministry. But one thing is certain: compassion ministry expresses the heart of God. Psalms 146:7–9 reads: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

God wants you and your church to minister to the needy in your community. This issue of Enrichment provides practical resources for starting and maintaining an effective compassion ministry. Learn from experienced compassion-ministry leaders such as Kent Anderson, JoAnn Butrin, Hal Donaldson, Steve Donaldson, Beth Grant, Bob Michaels, Samuel Rodriguez, Amy Sherman, Grant Standefer, Thomas Trask, and Scott Wilson.

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Theme Articles

INTRODUCTION
Compassion Ministry: Expressing the Heart of God

Richard L. Schoonover

Hand Out or Hand Up?: Empowering the Poor

Amy L. Sherman

It is time to move from reactive, commodity-based benevolence to the kinds of relational, holistic strategies that can truly bless our neighbors.

Mobilizing for Compassion: Moving People into Ministry

Grant Standefer

Consider these practical ideas as you lead your church to be the merciful, compassionate presence of Christ among the poor, broken, suffering, hurting, marginalized, and oppressed of your community.

Are You a Partner or Competitor?

Scott Wilson

Here is a fourfold strategy to help build bridges between your church and community.

Interview — The Practice of Mission

Rocky BArra, Wilfredo de Jesus, and John McHaffie

Many churches are doing compassion ministry. For those that are not, here is what you need to know to get started.

Rural Compassion for the Harvest — Small Towns, Big Possibilities

Steve Donaldson and Kent Anderson

Here are practical outreach ideas rural churches can implement to reach and serve their communities.

Mercy Rising — A Call to Love the Immigrant

Samuel Rodriguez

If your church wants to successfully reach immigrants, there are key principles you must follow.

Helping Families in Crisis

Robert Michels

What role does the church play in ministering to families in crisis?

The HIV/AIDS Epidemic — Who Will Cry for Me?

JoAnn Butrin

Few messengers seem willing to take the eternal message of Christ’s love and peace to persons dying with HIV/AIDS. How will you respond?

Sex Trafficking in a City Near You

A. Elizabeth Grant

Sex trafficking is no longer just a horrible issue in other nations and continents. This horror has come home to America.

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Interview - Praying for the Poor

Thomas E. Trask

While we might not be able to travel to far away places to meet the needs of the poor, there is something we all can do — pray.

IN CLOSING
The Irritating Word of God

George Paul Wood

From the General Superintendent

Compassionate Christ, Compassionate Church

George O. Wood with George Paul Wood

Compassion played a crucial role in the ministries of Christ and the New Testament church. Should it not play a crucial role in our ministries as well?