Additional information
by John Perkins (Foreword by), Randy Nabors (Author)
Pastor Randy Nabors understands poverty. He grew up in the projects of Newark, New Jersey, before he and his wife Joan were called to a life of ministering to people in need.
In Merciful, Nabors offers a practical set of guidelines and recommendations to help the poor. He bases his proven methods not on charity or pity, but on biblical mercy.
Charity only provides for the immediate needs of the poor-a noble goal, but not one that helps over the long term. Mercy guides people as they learn to help themselves, allowing them to develop meaningful, rewarding lives free of the shackles of poverty.
Merciful begins with Nabors's own experience with poverty and how it shaped his ministry and views. He examines the problem of poverty from both a theological and philosophical standpoint, focusing on practical, long-term strategies to help the poor. Along the way Nabors tackles the many issues surrounding poverty, discussing what helps rather than what merely enables, and the limitations of government and nonprofit assistance.
A committed, caring congregation of Christian believers can end the cycle of impoverishment and permanently improve the lives of the disenfranchised. Randy Nabors can show you how.
Author Biography
Randy Nabors is pastor emeritus of New City Fellowship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Urban and Mercy Ministries Coordinator for Mission to North America for the Presbyterian Church in America. A graduate of Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary, he has more than 40 years of experience in ministry to people in need.
Having spent his childhood in the projects of Newark, New Jersey, Nabors has a keen understanding of issues affecting inner city and urban life. He has ministered in the inner city areas of Watts and Compton, California, and the Wellston and Central West End of St. Louis, Missouri. He has also served many years as pastor of an urban church in Chattanooga, which has focused on ministering to African Americans, other ethnic groups, and the inner city community.
A retired chaplain with thirty-two years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve, Nabors lives with his wife, Joan, and has four grown children.
