Serving God Globally: Finding Your Place in International Development

"A wise, indispensable guide for those contemplating working in development."--Ron Sider, author, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunge r;president, Evangelicals for Social Action
Dominating the daily news cycle today are the grim realities of grinding poverty, sex trafficking, gender discrimination, child soldiering, HIV/AIDS, failed states, corruption, and environmental breakdown. In the midst of such pain and brokenness, the followers of Christ cannot stand idly by, for God calls them into the mission of reconciling all things, first by easing suffering and then by building flourishing communities through the process of transformational human development.
Roland Hoksbergen has over twenty-five years of experience in the field of international development. In this practical handbook, he explains what development is, what development workers actually do, and how young people can prepare for mission careers in this field, both in North America and abroad. In addition to setting the big picture for how Christians approach the big questions of international development, the book draws on stories, advice, and wisdom culled from personal interviews with about fifty development professionals. Each chapter ends with action steps and reflection/discussion questions for group use. This unique vocational resource for students interested in mission and development work will serve as a text for global studies, development, intercultural studies, and missions programs.
Contents
Introduction: God, You, and the World Out There
1. What to Do and Why: Four Contemporary Views on Development
2. For God So Loved the World: Insights on International Development from Four Christian Traditions
3. Common Ground: Basic Principles for Working in Development
4. How Many Niches Are There? An Overview of the International Development Field... and Where North Americans Fit In
5. Becoming an Effective Foreigner: What Kinds of People Are Needed in Development Work?
6. Finding Your Way: The College Years
7. The Early Years after College: Getting from Here to There
8. Into the Future
9. Resources for the Road
Index