Tom Davis - Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living

What people are saying about

Fields of the Fatherless was a moving and inspirational experience for me. Tom expresses many of the thoughts and beliefs that I share, and I pray that this little book finds its way into the hands of millions of Christians.

Kay Warren, president of Acts of Mercy and author of Dangerous Surrender

In his life-changing book Fields of the Fatherless , Tom Davis shines a bright light on the true meaning of living out the gospel. His much-needed message reminds us of the urgency and frequency with which God commands His people to care for those who desperately need provision and protection. Based on a wealth of vital but often overlooked scriptural truth, this book is sure to surprise, challenge, empower, and ultimately bless you!

Heather Kopp, editor and best-selling author, and David Kopp, cowriter of the New York Times best-selling The Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine

Tom has produced an interesting and compelling work that I hope finds its way into the hands of every Christian who is asking, How can I make a difference for God in the world? Through Fields of the Fatherless you will look into the eyes of some beautiful but desperately needy children. Their stories will win your heart, and through Toms wise direction, you will discover how to rescue theirs. This book is on my highly recommended list.

Chuck Smith Jr., founding pastor of Capo Beach Calvary and author of Frequently Avoided Questions: An Uncensored Dialogue on Faith

Tom Davis has written a heart-stirring book that is sure to be a wake-up call to all who desire to please God.

Lisa Bevere, speaker and best-selling author of Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry

As taught in the book of James, religion that pleases God is caring for orphans and widows. Christ said, whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. In this book, Tom Davis explains the why and the how to, and he and the Lord give us great encouragement to do it. Enough said!

Norm Miller, chairman of Interstate Batteries

Tom Davis makes his case: We all can make a difference in the lives of the fatherless. What seems so daunting becomes so doable as Tom gently but insistently urges us to reach out to the lonely and the hurtingdown the street and across an ocean. When we do just that, when we do reach out, our fear of getting involved with the fatherless quickly fades as we come to relish the privilege of reassuring young lives of our Fathers unfailing love. Surely one reason Jesus taught us that it is better to give than receive is because, it turns out, giving is receiving.

Dr. Mark Elliott, professor of history at Southern Wesleyan University

The story of the fatherless causes such a kaleidoscope of deep emotions because it is our own story. Our home is Eden, conversing with our Father, yet we all live far apart from the place and the parents we were designed for. Tom Davis provides us a mirror to our deepest pains and most powerful joys through the stories of amazing children and adults cared for by an even more amazing God. Fields of the Fatherless will move you to a life of deeper love and more urgent action.

Brad Smith, president of Bakke Graduate School of Ministry

FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS

Published by David C Cook

4050 Lee Vance View

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.

David C Cook Distribution Canada

55 Woodslee Avenue, Paris, Ontario, Canada N3L 3E5

David C Cook U.K., Kingsway Communications

Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 6NT, England

The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.

All rights reserved. No part of this ebook may be reproduced, scanned, resold, or distributed by or through any print or electronic medium without written permission from the publisher. This ebook is licensed solely for the personal and noncommercial use of the original authorized purchaser, subject to the terms of use under which it was purchased. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights.

The Web site addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you.

These Web sites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of David C Cook, nor do we vouch for their content.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version . NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved; and NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible , Copyright 1960, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

LCCN 2008922801

ISBN 978-0-7814-4847-5

eISBN 978-1-4347-6656-4

2008 Tom Davis

Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc,
7680 Goddard St., Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

First edition published by Global Publishing Services in 2002 Tom Davis,
ISBNs 978-0-9714100-1-5, 0-9714100-1-1

The Team: Andrea Christian, Steve Parolini, Amy Kiechlin, and Jack Campbell
Cover Design: The DesignWorks Group, Jason Gabbert

Cover Photos: Steve Gardner, PixelWorks Studios, Inc.; JupiterImages; Shutterstock

Second Edition 2008

To those God calls the fatherless, whose cries are echoing across time. May their lives be radically changed because those calling upon the name of Christ as Savior hear their cries and are moved with compassion to act.

and

In Loving Memory of

G ERALDINE A LICE B RANHAM

There are some significant people whose kindness and graciousness have greatly contributed to the birthing of this book. My heart is overflowing with thankfulness for their effort and encouragement.

Don Papeyou have been more than a publisher and agent to me. It was your vision for this book and belief in its message that has brought it to this point. From the depths of my soul, thank you for being a good friend.

Andrea Christianyou have become such a good friend. I love your heart for the poor and oppressed. How many countries do you think we can travel to in the years to come?

Alive Communicationsthanks to Rick Christian and Beth Jusino for believing in the message God has placed in my heart and for continuing to refine it!

I would like to especially thank my project manager of the first printing, Katherine Lloyd, who is a wonderful lady and a gift sent from above.

Eternal gratitude goes to my unsung hero, Heather Harpham Kopp, who personally sacrificed time and effort simply because she loved this project and has a huge heart.

Thanks to Holly Halverson for the hours of editing and reading that helped make this book a reality.

Without the inspiration of my good friend, Chuck Smith Jr., Im not sure Id have had the stamina to endure this undertaking. Thanks for your friendship and wisdom. You will always be special to me.

To George Steiner, Matthew Monberg, Samantha Kerr, and all of my colleagues at Childrens HopeChest who continually labor beside me in the fields of the fatherless: Thank you. Visions arent worth having if you see them alone. George, thank you for believing in me as you continue to see things in me that are hidden to the rest of the world. You are a true man of God who is Christlike in his every breath.