Praise for
WHY NOT TODAY
Why Not Today is a vitally important book for our generation. If we do not take this global scourge seriously, we will be as though we did nothing about slavery, segregation, apartheid or other historical injustices. This book will open minds and hearts to one of the most important issues of our day. Please take time to read it. Then get copies to give to your friends.
DR. GEORGE VERWER | Author, World Missions Advocate
I know Friends Church and have spoken there. Its a dynamic congregation that doesnt just preach the Gospel, but lives the Gospel. I love what its doing to help release a generation of boys and girls still known as the lowest of the low. This is Christ helping us live out justice and mercy, speaking out for people with no voice. Whether India grabs you by the sleeve or Christ doesor both!here is a great book about one man whose response was: Why not today?
GOVERNOR MIKE HUCKABEE
I resonate with Matthew Corks story, well told in the pages of Why Not Today. It reads like a novel, taking us into his world as a leader and into the movement that is changing India. This vision of freedom transformed Matthews role as a leader. It transformed a growing army of people just like you who are standing up for the cause of the Dalits. Matthew introduces our mutual friend Dr. Joseph Dsouza, who now plays a prophetic role in the transformation of a nation. You will be inspired, taught, encouraged and most of all, prompted to get involved.
ANDREW SCOTT | President, Operation Mobilization USA
My friend and alumnus of Azusa Pacific University, Matthew Cork, has written a compelling story about leadership and the power of vision. More importantly, this story shines a bright light on the dark side of the burgeoning global economy: the widespread violation of human rights. Our students serve worldwide, and I am proud to say that this new emerging generation is uniquely prepared to become a voice for the voiceless. This book will inspire and energize this new generation to change the world for good.
JON R. WALLACE | President, Azusa Pacific University
It was the great missionary to India, William Carey, who said, Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. This book, Why Not Today, does both. I read it just as I anticipated my first trip to India and, because of this book from Matthew and Ken, I know I will go with a heart more in tune with Gods heart for the plight of the Dalits.
WAYNE SHEPHERD | Radio Host
Matthew Cork captures you with his honest vulnerability. Matthew allowed himself to be wrecked by the disparity of what he saw and experienced in India. An emotionally driven, bold declaration was backed up by integrity and perseverance through a journey of twists and turns as he and his team sought to make a difference in the plight of the Dalits. As a result, multitudes will be challenged to see people with different eyes and take action.
MARY FRANCES BOWLEY | CEO/President of Wellspring Living, author of The White Umbrella
Why read Why Not Today? Because a pastor went from being a Christian to a Christ-follower, and the difference is big. For starters, you open to real riskto geography that outstrips your comfort zone. Youre not just about the church anymore, youre about the world. Youre getting over what Matthew Cork calls the virus of religiosity to be part of what Jesus is doing all over the globe. And theres no better place to be.
BOB ROBERTS | Founder and Senior Pastor, Northwood Church, author of Bold as Love
Why Not Today powerfully describes the impact that one church in this country can have when they wholeheartedly commit to make a difference. You will be challenged to take a personal inventory on what you can do to end this stain on all of humanity.
CATHEY ANDERSON | Founder, Freedom Climb
Dont read this book unless you are prepared to be disturbed, inspired, and awakened to a new world inside and outside of yourself. It happened to my friend Matthew Cork; and Ill warn you in advance, his passion is contagious. His story will not leave you in a dark place, but will lift you to a place that is strategic, exciting, and purposeful.
GENE APPEL | Senior Pastor, Eastside Christian Church, Anaheim, CA
2013 by
MATTHEW CORK and KENNETH KEMP
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
Published in association with the literary agency of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc.
Edited by Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse
Cover design: Erik M. Peterson
Cover images: Girl and slum image Kenneth Kemp
Interior design: Smartt Guys design
Photo for Matthew Cork: Frenzel Studios
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Cork, Matthew.
Why not today : trafficking, slavery, the global church and you / Matthew Cork, Kenneth Kemp; [foreword by] Joseph Dsouza.
pages cm
Summary: Three hundred million - thats the number of people subjected to slavery, sex-trafficking, discrimination, and unspeakable poverty in India. Thats the same number of people as live in the entire United States. They are the Dalit people, the untouchables. When Matthew Cork, a California pastor, first encountered the Dalits he was shaken to his core. He learned that Gandhis success at bringing about freedom did not extend to freeing the Dalits from the bondage of the Caste system that has oppressed them for centuries. Cork was moved to commit his church to partner with The Dalit Freedom Network to build 200 schools over ten years, a commitment of over 20 million dollars. And they are doing it. The movement has gained such momentum that a dramatic, feature-length film, Not Today (Nottodaythemovie.com) is being produced and promoted by the same group that did so for Courageous, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof. This book tells story of the Dalit people and the rising efforts to set them free, in both soul and society. It is a story of both brokenness and hope, of oppression and freedom. It calls the reader to join in the movement to freedom and restoration. The Dalits need your help. Why not start today?--Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8024-1083-2 (pbk.)
1. Dalits--India--Social conditions. 2. Dalits--Abuse of--India. 3. Caste-based discrimination--India. I. Kemp, Kenneth, 1948-II. Title.