Richard Stearns - Stearns 2 in 1: The Hole in Our Gospel and Unfinished

The Hole in Our Gospel 2009, 2010, 2014 World Vision, Inc.
Unfinished 2013 World Vision

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture references marked CEV are from the Contemporary English Version. 1991 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.

Scripture references marked ESV are from the English Standard Version. 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Scripture references marked MSG are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson. 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

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Scripture references marked KJV are from the King James Version.

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ISBN 978-0-8499-0000-0 (ebook 2-n-1 collection)

At the authors request, all royalties due to the author will benefit World Visions work with children in need.

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CONTENTS

PRAISE FOR THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL

Richard Stearns is quite simply one of the finest leaders I have ever known. I first met him when he was a high-flying CEO of a major US corporation. Despite the rarefied air he was accustomed to operating in, I was struck with his humility and kingdom-centered worldview. When he became president of World Vision, I had a front-row seat to witness the way God used his mind and heart to inspire thousands of staff and donors to do their absolute best in alleviating poverty and eradicating the effects of AIDS from the planet. His new book, The Hole in Our Gospel, will call you to a higher level of discipleship. I am rooting that you will allow God to take you to a new place of compassion and activism. Now is the time... Richard Stearns has the strategy... your move!

BILL HYBELS, FOUNDER AND SENIOR PASTOR OF WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH

His form of worship is to be the eyes of the blind and the feet of the lame. Rich Stearns is much more than a powerful voice in the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty; he is an action hero.

BONO, MUSICIAN AND COFOUNDER OF THE ONE CAMPAIGN

Brace yourself... this is one powerhouse book! In a knowledgeable, loving way, Richard Stearns carefully explains why theres a hole in our Christian belief system. He redefines words like neighbor, wealth, possible, awareness... then, with challenging directives, shows us tangible ways this hole can be repairedeven eradicatedwhen each of us pours hope and compassion into it. He expands our thinking, gives us courage, and believes change can happen; and when youve finished reading, youll believe it too.

LUCI SWINDOLL, AUTHOR AND SPEAKER

The Hole in Our Gospel reminds us that the society in which we live reflects our choices; we are responsible. That is a frightening message, but also a liberating and empowering one. Through the strength of his analysis and the lens of his experience, Richard Stearns inspires us as individuals to reconsider our basic decisions about life. How we respond will do much to influence our fateand the worlds.

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT, FORMER US SECRETARY OF STATE

If I had to pick a person who has made the transition from belief to action, from success to significance, Rich Stearns would be at the top of the list. The Hole in Our Gospel challenges all Christians to move out of the cloister and into the worldfor Gods sake.

BOB BUFORD, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF LEADERSHIP NETWORK AND AUTHOR OF HALFTIME AND FINISHING WELL

Rich Stearns has penned a passionate and persuasive book aimed at Christians who find themselves absorbed with their own existence; pursuing the American dream of health, wealth, and happiness. Rich traces his own spiritual journey from having it all to sacrificial living on behalf of those who have nothing. Not only is Rich eloquent, hes right.

KAY WARREN, SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND COFOUNDER OF SADDLEBACK CHURCH

World Vision plays a strategic role on our globe. As the largest relief organization in the history of the world, they initiate care and respond to crisis. Rich Stearns navigates this mercy mission with great skill. His book urges us to think again about the opportunity to love our neighbor and comfort the afflicted. His message is timely and needed. May God bless him, the mission of World Vision, and all who embrace it.

MAX LUCADO, PASTOR AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

The Hole in Our Gospel reminds us that God has the power to transform the world through us. Read this book and let Richard Stearns be your guide back to the Lord.

KEN BLANCHARD, COAUTHOR OF THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER AND LEAD LIKE JESUS

This book is a clarion call for the church to arise and answer the question, who is my neighbor? In an often careless world of indifference and intolerance, the world is searching for an expression of Gods love beyond mere words. If you read this book, you will be inspired, but if you do what this book is asking, you will be forever changed. Rich Stearnss book is like a safari for hurting souls that cannot be written in the safety of an office suite. He has been out in the trenches and he has brought us a message from God: Church, where art thou? If you have been feeling something missing or an aching emptiness inside, read The Hole in Our Gospel. It will show you how to fill that void!

T. D. JAKES SR., PASTOR OF THE POTTERS HOUSE OF DALLAS, INC.

With passionate urging and earnestness, Rich Stearns challenges American Christians to embrace the whole gospel of Jesus Christ by embracing the neediest and most vulnerable among us. After reading the moving stories, the compelling facts and figures, and Stearnss excellent application of Scripture and his own experiences at World Vision, you will no doubt be asking yourself, what should I do?