Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living

by C. Thomas Davis, Tom Davis

In Bible times, God maintained a special provision for the less fortunate. As His people harvested their fields, they were instructed to always leave a portion of the crops for those in need.

Today, God's heart continues to beat for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless. And as His children, our divine commission remains the same, a directive that's nothing less than the heart of the Christian message.

Author Tom Davis encourages us to move beyond words and become Christ to those in need. Join Tom as he shares a journey from around the world and our own backyard as people's lives are changed through the power of compassion. Filled with remarkable stories of hope and mercy, Fields of the Fatherless will inspire you to love "the least of these," and discover the joy found in becoming the hands and feet of Christ.

Genres: Adoption, Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

FROM PUBLISHER: C. Thomas Davis is an international missions consultant and serves as the President of Children's HopeChest, a missions organization bringing God's hope to orphans around the world. He served as a pastor for ten years and has an M.A. in Theology from the Criswell College. Tom is also a professional speaking consultant, training speakers in presentation and communication skills. His greatest joy in life is raising his four children, Anya, Hayden, Gideon, and Scotlyn with his wife, Emily, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

If "pure and faultless religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress," how many of us are REALLY walking in a pure and faultless religion? This short (but profound) book will challenge you to put feet to your faith & action to your beliefs. Fields of the Fatherless is about giving ourselves to sacrificial, compassionate living. It's about turning our focus outward, even to our own hurt. It's about not being afraid to "get involved." Adoption is definitely a part of this response, but Fields of the Fatherless is about discovering the joy of compassionate living in all ways. Here are a few quotes that particularly impacted me:

p.39 "If the fields are white for harvest, why do we spend all of our money painting the barn?"

p.47 "God puts the poor in our lives so we will reveal compassion. It's a test for us and a promise for them."

p.81 "John Piper believes... adoption is the 'visible gospel.'"

p.113-4 "The padlock on our compassion is FEAR... fear is what prevents us from growing and changing. Fear wants nothing to change; fear demands the status quo. And the status quo leads to death."

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was good, i liked it. I wanted to like it more than I did, but I don't think I'm the intended audience.

This book is written for Americans who desire to be introduced to what God says in the Bible about caring for orphans, widows, and immigrants.

The information presented is simple and straight-ahead. A good deal of Scripture is covered. Though I didn't always agree with some points of the author's exegesis, I do agree with his overall arguement that care of the needy is central to Biblical mission. The book is a short, quick read (only 134 pgs., I read it in about 1.5 hours). Honestly, the presentation of the book appears to me that the publisher was trying to lengthen a long pamphlet into a short book. :)

A good place to start for those looking to be exposed to these concepts, but degreed Bible students, or others who have been challenged to ponder these truths in the pages of their Bible may find it lacking rigor.

[Molly Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, but full of so many truths about God and His heart for the needy. His heart is seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments and Davis does a good job of using these Scriptures as a basis for his message: God cares for the least of these and we are required to, as well. I love Davis' honest, but compassionate way of writing truth. The stories he shares are both his own and those of whom he has met along the way. I recommend this book to all believers as a genuine challenge to live out the heart of God.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shorter read meaning the ideas can't really be develop in as great of depth. I also felt it focused too much on us and our ability to achieve and motivate ourselves. I would recommend The Justice Calling by Hoang and Johnson.

[Ali Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick read, but full of truth and reminders of God's call to love the least of these. I really enjoyed this book and was convicted by its message.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and convicting and inspiring.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest. After reading What Difference Do It Make? this book didn't quite measure up. I think Tom Davis is awesome. He is a humanitarian, he does wonderful things, and he is someone I really look up to. But his writing just wasn't as engaging.

That's not to say that Fields of the Fatherless wasn't good. It's only to say that maybe I shouldn't have read it right after the other one. This is another book that is a wake up call for Christians. The Bible says to care for orphans, widows--"the least of these", yet very few Christians get out there and do it.

I know I need to do better. There were a few dry parts in this book, but there were also a lot of things that were beautifully written. Tom Davis definitely has a heart for orphans and the less fortunate, and it shows through in his writing. I think I enjoyed his more recent book, Red Letters: Living a Faith That Bleeds, a little better, but I would still recommend this if you're dealing with holy discontent. That feeling that there is something more out there for you to be doing. I would rate this 4/5.

[Diane Chaniewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good, quick read. There were many points (as in scriptures) I have known, yet it was interesting to hear Davis' personal story. My favorite parts were the "Notes from the Field" segments. I wish that those parts were longer and that there were more of them.

Overall, good read, especially for those who want to help out the 'least of these' in their local community and worldwide. The scripture is true, we will always have these 3 among us: the widow, the orphan and the stranger. Coming from a fatherless (and thus single-mother) home, I resonate on a different level from the orphans in destitute conditions, however there are common threads connecting us.

We all deserve to feel and be loved.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I very clearly agree with Tom Davis in this book, but the organization, style, and depth of insight leave something to be desired. There are much better discussions of Biblical justice and mercy in other sources, such as Richard Foster's "Freedom of Simplicity" or Tim Keller's "Generous Justice." Although, comparing Davis to either Foster or Keller is akin to comparing me to Mother Teresa- not really fair. I think Davis' very personal experiences make this book teeter over the edge of emotionalism and my reading time is better spent elsewhere.

[Lynette Karg · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read, due in part to the fact that there is not a lot of depth in this treatment of an important, oft overlooked subject. He draws our attention to important Scriptures, but unfortunately, he is sloppy with his exegesis of them, undermining, rather than supporting his case. The title verse is the most obvious example; he connects it to the portions of each Israelites' field that were left unharvested for the poor, but the context and plain reading would suggest a field owned by an orphan. Since this is the title and overarching theme, it becomes no small problem.

[Brandon Fryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just hits home. About my past, my future, my inspirations, I absolutely love it. It was a great read for my trip to Africa as well. I recomend this to anyone who wants to help children or does not have a father around.

[Jeff Learned · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this at a time when I needed to be reminded why I do what I do. The book is a simple, quick read. It touches on the essential points of the issue while engaging the reader with some great stories along the way.

[Allen Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realistic book on what moves God- the orphan & the widow. Some of the verses that were quoted were excerpts from longer passages. Context was missed on some, but overall a good book on practical ways to get involved with ministry & how to spot need in our Churches.

[Lance Towers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the stories shared in this book by Tom Davis. "There is a valuable blessing in store for those who care for the fatherless," Davis claims. The eight stories from various contributors in chapter eight plainly underscore this truth.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amen! This book is AMAZING!

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It inspired me at least to contribute money and then try to figure what else I can do.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite book inspiring me to fight for orphans.

[Candice Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly life-changing! A book everyone should read.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opening book

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I read from Tom Davis. It was a life-changing book for me.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great principles about how all Christians are called to care for orphans, widows and strangers. It's inspiring and a fast read, but I didn't feel like this was a really unique take on the subject.

[Darren Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm often asked what is the best book on orphan care and adoption. I always say to start with this one.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat inspiring, but a pretty weak book. If you're looking for a Christian book on adoption read "Orphanology" by Tony Merida.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

great, and very encouraging

[Jt]

heart moving book

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this book for morning devotion when CBS ended. Good book.