Chris Marlow - Doing Good Is Simple: Making a Difference Right Where You Are

A truly hopeful, practical, humble, real, and empowering book about partnering with God to see the kingdom come. If you want to do good in the world but feel overwhelmed, Im so happy to hand this book to you with my highest confidence that it will matter in you and through you. Ive worked with Chris for years now and hes the real deal.

Sarah Bessey, author of Jesus Feminist and
Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith

Too busy to get involved? Feeling ill-equipped? Chriss Doing Good Is Simple answers those excuses and more by proving that God can use anythingeven lemonade, whistles, and garage salesif we have a willing heart and a clear understanding of why we exist. This must-read book proves that lives are saved when we get creative, have a little fun, and adjust our thinking.

Adam LaRoche, retired baseball player and abolitionist

Sometimes you read books about the difficulties in this world, the extreme poverty, the millions of orphans, and the slavery that still exists, and you know there are things you need to know, but when you put the book down you feel nothing but sadness and helplessness. This is not one of those books. While Doing Good Is Simple gives you some hard truths, from the very beginning the overwhelming feeling is one of hope. You finish reading knowing that there is absolutely something you can do to combat the evils in this world. There is most definitely a way you can be a part of the solution. Ive had the privilege of traveling with Chris Marlow and have seen firsthand the lives Help One Now is saving with the help of many everyday normal people like you and me. What he is saying is true. We are called to do good in this world, and its not as hard as you might think.

Korie Robertson, author of Strong and Kind
and star of A&Es Duck Dynasty

So many times, we think we have to have a lot of money, influence, and time in order to make a big impact. In Doing Good Is Simple, Chris Marlow flips that belief on its head and shows you that making a difference really can be simple. His book and the stories in it will inspire you to start doing good right where you are with the time and resources you have!

Crystal Paine, founder of MoneySavingMom.com
and New York Times bestselling author

Most of us want to do good. But the fear of doing it the wrong way often keeps us from doing anything at all. Doing Good Is Simple is full of stories, biblical insight, and true-life experiences that inform, equip, and empower us to live a life of compassion. Its a much-needed read by a man who knows what hes talking about.

Brandon Hatmaker, Founder of the Legacy Collective;
author of Barefoot Church and A Mile Wide

If you want to start a movement, read this book. If you want to live a better, more fulfilled life, read this book. If you doubt such a life is even possible, read this book. Chris is right: Doing good is simple. And through approachable but powerful stories, he guides you through a process that will change your life, your community, and maybe even your world.

Jeff Goins, bestselling author of The Art of Work

With so many opportunities to do good in modern society, the call to philanthropy can leave us feeling weighed down and worn out. Luckily, as Chris Marlow says, it isnt as difficult as it appears. Transforming your life into a force for social change is as easy as squeezing lemons or opening a garage door. If trying to be good has left you feeling burned out, beat up, or bewildered, this book is for you!

Jonathan Merritt, author of Jesus Is Better Than You Imagined
and contributing writer for The Atlantic

Im so grateful for Chris Marlow, his radical vision, and humble exampleshowing me how to better love and serve my neighbor. His book Doing Good Is Simple is built on years of hard experience and relational authorityand it calls us to see and love the person right in front of us.

Dr. John Sowers, President, The Mentoring Project

Chris Marlow is a bridge builder who made inviting my blog readers to do good in South Africa simple. What I thought would be hard and complicated, Chris and Help One Now made easy. Thousands of moms rallied around one simple project that resulted in a community water point, vegetable garden, playground, and classrooms. No mega donors, just many small amounts given by readers right in the middle of their everyday lives.

Lisa-Jo Baker, author of Surprised by Motherhood
and community manager for (in)courage

Doing Good Is Simple is refreshingly honest, unpretentious, and filled with life-shaping insights that will inspire you to do good. Chris reminds us of the collective power of simple actions that truly do make a world of difference. Read this book and get ready to participate.

Charles Lee, CEO of !deation and author of Good Idea. Now What?

Overwhelmed by the needs around you? Doing Good Is Simple will help you cut through the fog with a clear path towards making an impact with whatever background, experience, or resources you have.

Mike Rusch, CEO, Pure Charity

Words cant express the commitment Chris has shown with his lifes actions, but this book will give words to how we might join him in action!

Jeff Shinabarger, Founder of Plywood People and author of
More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Generosity

ZONDERVAN

Doing Good Is Simple

Copyright 2016 by Chris Marlow

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition June 2016: ISBN 978-0-310-34361-5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Marlow, Chris, 1973 author.

Title: Doing good is simple : making a difference right where you are / Chris Marlow.

Description: Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 2016.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016000227 | ISBN 9780310343578 (softcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Christian life. | Helping behaviorReligious aspectsChristianity. | ChangeReligious aspectsChristianity.

Classification: LCC BV4501.3 .M268 2016 | DDC 248.4dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016000227

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published in association with Christopher Ferebee.

Cover design: Curt Diepenhorst

Cover photo: belindaroberts / Getty Images

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

First printing June 2016

This book is for:
My three favorite people in the world
Necole, Bailey, and Mackenzie;
the Help One Now board, staff and tribe
Im thankful for all the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment;
you make the world brighter through the lives that you live;
and our local leaders,