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Strangers at My Door: A True Story of Finding Jesus in Unexpected Guests
Jesus Told Us Where to Find Him. Just Look for an Outcast.
His first followers knew that Jesus could be found with the fatherless, the widows, and the hungry and homeless. He said that he himself was a stranger, and commended those who welcomed him. If he really meant these things, what would happen if you opened your door to every person who came with a need?
Jonathan and Leah Wilson-Hartgrove decided to find out. The author and his wife moved to the Walltown neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, where they have been answering the door to anyone who knocks. When they began, they had little idea what might happen, but they counted on God to show up.
In Strangers at My Door, Wilson-Hartgrove tells of risks and occasional disappointments. But far more often there is joy, surprise, and excitement as strangers become friends, mentors, and helpers. Immerse yourself in these inspiring, eye-opening accounts of people who arrive with real needs, but ask only for an invitation to come in.
You will never view Jesus and the people he cares about the same way again.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
His first followers knew that Jesus could be found with the fatherless, the widows, and the hungry and homeless. He said that he himself was a stranger, and commended those who welcomed him. If he really meant these things, what would happen if you opened your door to every person who came with a need?
Jonathan and Leah Wilson-Hartgrove decided to find out. The author and his wife moved to the Walltown neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, where they have been answering the door to anyone who knocks. When they began, they had little idea what might happen, but they counted on God to show up.
In Strangers at My Door, Wilson-Hartgrove tells of risks and occasional disappointments. But far more often there is joy, surprise, and excitement as strangers become friends, mentors, and helpers. Immerse yourself in these inspiring, eye-opening accounts of people who arrive with real needs, but ask only for an invitation to come in.
You will never view Jesus and the people he cares about the same way again.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 13, 2014
Have you ever read Jesus’ words “I was a stranger and you welcomed” and been a little nervous?
What does it mean to welcome the stranger?
How far should a Christian go to show love like Christ?
In Strangers At My Door, by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, we have several examples of someone putting their own life at risk to serve others. If that doesn’t give you a little chill, make you feel just a little inadequate, I don’t know what will. When I say “feel inadequate” I’m only talking about feelings; do not read that statement as “Jesus won’t love me/bless me/save me if I don’t do the same things that guy did.”
Hartgrove and his wife bought a house in North Carolina in an area where they would be a minority; in other words, they were white and majority of the neighborhood was black. Their purpose was to, quite literally, welcome strangers into their home and love them like Jesus would love them. Over the years their door has been open to the homeless, the recently paroled, the poor, the widow, the addict, and in a couple cases the not-so-mentally-stable.
Guests did have to follow some basic rules as they tried to give them a solid foundation; Guests had chores, they prayed together, they ate together, and they were always welcome to join them at church. Many guests became life long friends and started new lives leaving behind what dragged them into the gutter. Other guests were never heard from again. A few guests were asked to leave. In every case, Hartgrove believes that he learned something about Jesus.
In all, it’s an amazing experiment and if you get nothing else from this book you should get this; it can be done. It is possible to give of yourself to an extent that seems outright dangerous and accomplish something significant in someone’s life. This isn’t even new to Christianity. In the first centuries of the church when Rome still ruled the world the Christians were known for helping others at their own personal risk. It can still be done and it’s still needed.
With this particular book there are just a couple things that cause concern. I say that with some hesitation because these people are doing ministry that is needed and they are helping people. I don’t want to be the bad guy here, but “good works” do not eliminate the need for “good gospel.”
Hartgrove is, by his own admission, a “red letter Christian”. This movement teaches that the “red letters” are the important words because they are the words of Jesus. In reality, the entire Bible is God’s Word and every word in it are the words of Jesus. Giving this starting point you’d think that the most important thing Jesus called us to do was to help the poor. This is an important task and Christians are called to do that, but the most important thing we are called to do is bring people to Jesus so that they will repent and be saved.
Thankfully, simply taking the book at face value, it is not a theology book. It is, in some respects, like David Platt’s Radical. There is an intent here to describe a single facet of the Christian faith; help those in need. To that end Hartgrove offers some moving and inspiring stories that are well worth the read.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. Read more of my Book Reviews.
What does it mean to welcome the stranger?
How far should a Christian go to show love like Christ?
In Strangers At My Door, by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, we have several examples of someone putting their own life at risk to serve others. If that doesn’t give you a little chill, make you feel just a little inadequate, I don’t know what will. When I say “feel inadequate” I’m only talking about feelings; do not read that statement as “Jesus won’t love me/bless me/save me if I don’t do the same things that guy did.”
Hartgrove and his wife bought a house in North Carolina in an area where they would be a minority; in other words, they were white and majority of the neighborhood was black. Their purpose was to, quite literally, welcome strangers into their home and love them like Jesus would love them. Over the years their door has been open to the homeless, the recently paroled, the poor, the widow, the addict, and in a couple cases the not-so-mentally-stable.
Guests did have to follow some basic rules as they tried to give them a solid foundation; Guests had chores, they prayed together, they ate together, and they were always welcome to join them at church. Many guests became life long friends and started new lives leaving behind what dragged them into the gutter. Other guests were never heard from again. A few guests were asked to leave. In every case, Hartgrove believes that he learned something about Jesus.
In all, it’s an amazing experiment and if you get nothing else from this book you should get this; it can be done. It is possible to give of yourself to an extent that seems outright dangerous and accomplish something significant in someone’s life. This isn’t even new to Christianity. In the first centuries of the church when Rome still ruled the world the Christians were known for helping others at their own personal risk. It can still be done and it’s still needed.
With this particular book there are just a couple things that cause concern. I say that with some hesitation because these people are doing ministry that is needed and they are helping people. I don’t want to be the bad guy here, but “good works” do not eliminate the need for “good gospel.”
Hartgrove is, by his own admission, a “red letter Christian”. This movement teaches that the “red letters” are the important words because they are the words of Jesus. In reality, the entire Bible is God’s Word and every word in it are the words of Jesus. Giving this starting point you’d think that the most important thing Jesus called us to do was to help the poor. This is an important task and Christians are called to do that, but the most important thing we are called to do is bring people to Jesus so that they will repent and be saved.
Thankfully, simply taking the book at face value, it is not a theology book. It is, in some respects, like David Platt’s Radical. There is an intent here to describe a single facet of the Christian faith; help those in need. To that end Hartgrove offers some moving and inspiring stories that are well worth the read.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. Read more of my Book Reviews.
April 6, 2018
This collection of anecdotes was thought provoking. I would have given it three stars, if not for the author's writing style. The stories and observations are all first person, but the narration inexplicably alternates between first and second person. The book is full of statements like these: "You might have worked all your life to achieve a level of power where you could legislate righteousness from the most prominent city on the planet. But you know now that if you had made it to the White House, it would have cost you your soul." I, the reader, have actually not had that experience, and found his use of "you" statements like this to be annoying. Had he written entirely in the first person, I would have liked it much better.
July 13, 2019
Behold I stand at the door and knock
For anyone interested in a glimpse inside a beautiful, missional, monastic community that expresses the heart of God's call to hospitality (philoxenia: love of stranger) I highly recommend Strangers at my Door. Inspiring, convicting, and written with grace and honesty. I love this book!
For anyone interested in a glimpse inside a beautiful, missional, monastic community that expresses the heart of God's call to hospitality (philoxenia: love of stranger) I highly recommend Strangers at my Door. Inspiring, convicting, and written with grace and honesty. I love this book!
April 18, 2018
If helping the needy and being involved with community is something you hold dear to your heart then this book is for you!
June 8, 2021
Wow! This book really was amazing how he was able to understand people who are homeless or do drugs. I am thankful there are people like him and his wife out there. It was a good book.
July 8, 2021
Humanity on both sides of the door could be this title. Beautiful.
February 1, 2016
I'd read enough about this book and the author to expect that I would feel convicted, the holier-than-thou way of saying I thought I might feel guilty. You know, comparing one guy's sacrificial lifestyle to mine own, feeling that mine fell short. I do this often, in many situations, assuming that God has called all of us to do the exact same thing, even though gifting and situations are vastly different.
I suppose it's a good thing I choose to read the insides of these books as well.
Strangers At My Door by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a good choice for a read. You might recognize his name as being connected with Shane Claiborne as these two founded the New Monastic movement, focusing on intentional rhythms each day of prayer and community. They do this while living in hospitality houses, communities they have intentionally made to welcome anyone who might knock on the door.
And that's exactly who and what you'll find in this book. The stories of many interesting and various people who have knocked on the door of Jonathan and his wife Leah's North Carolina house. Listen to his own definition of what they have there:
We are an extended family of sorts - a broad community of married and single people with different work schedules and skill sets, all committed to sharing what we have and making a life together. We are not a shelter, maximizing our resources to most efficiently meet the pressing need. We area community - a peculiar sort of family - that must maintain a delicate balance between guests and hosts, employed and unemployed, workers and visionaries, do-ers and be-ers. Growth requires not only more space but also more people who can be successfully integrated into our family system. (pg79)
You won't get preachy reasons from Jonathan on starting your own community. You won't even read about the nitty gritty details of how they make this lifestyle work and manage to pay all the bills.
What Jonathan offers is story after story of the people who have come and how they have changed his life and his perspective. He doesn't paint himself as a hero or a savior to this community. Showing faults along the way, he writes about the lessons learned by all in this multicultural and multiracial family, something we can all take away as lessons in getting along with our neighbors.
Like I said a few paragraphs ago, reading a book like this can cause one to feel the need to start their own hospitality house in their own town. And maybe more need to do that. But that's not the only thing one can learn from this book. Perhaps learning about a greater capacity to love one another would be a great take-away for anyone who takes the time, not just to read this book, but to consider the opportunities we have whenever we come across a stranger.
After all, it was Jesus who said that He was a stranger, and it is up to us to let Him in.
I received this book for free from my good friends at Waterbrook Multnomah. They ask that I say something about the book, but assure me it doesn't have to be nice.
I suppose it's a good thing I choose to read the insides of these books as well.
Strangers At My Door by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a good choice for a read. You might recognize his name as being connected with Shane Claiborne as these two founded the New Monastic movement, focusing on intentional rhythms each day of prayer and community. They do this while living in hospitality houses, communities they have intentionally made to welcome anyone who might knock on the door.
And that's exactly who and what you'll find in this book. The stories of many interesting and various people who have knocked on the door of Jonathan and his wife Leah's North Carolina house. Listen to his own definition of what they have there:
We are an extended family of sorts - a broad community of married and single people with different work schedules and skill sets, all committed to sharing what we have and making a life together. We are not a shelter, maximizing our resources to most efficiently meet the pressing need. We area community - a peculiar sort of family - that must maintain a delicate balance between guests and hosts, employed and unemployed, workers and visionaries, do-ers and be-ers. Growth requires not only more space but also more people who can be successfully integrated into our family system. (pg79)
You won't get preachy reasons from Jonathan on starting your own community. You won't even read about the nitty gritty details of how they make this lifestyle work and manage to pay all the bills.
What Jonathan offers is story after story of the people who have come and how they have changed his life and his perspective. He doesn't paint himself as a hero or a savior to this community. Showing faults along the way, he writes about the lessons learned by all in this multicultural and multiracial family, something we can all take away as lessons in getting along with our neighbors.
Like I said a few paragraphs ago, reading a book like this can cause one to feel the need to start their own hospitality house in their own town. And maybe more need to do that. But that's not the only thing one can learn from this book. Perhaps learning about a greater capacity to love one another would be a great take-away for anyone who takes the time, not just to read this book, but to consider the opportunities we have whenever we come across a stranger.
After all, it was Jesus who said that He was a stranger, and it is up to us to let Him in.
I received this book for free from my good friends at Waterbrook Multnomah. They ask that I say something about the book, but assure me it doesn't have to be nice.
March 30, 2014
The author is a graduate of Duke Divinity School, an evangelical, who set up with his wife a house, Rutba House, that opened it's door to the homeless and needy. What was of particular interest to me is that he did this in an area of Durham, NC called Walltown, which is a "transitional" neighborhood with poor folks, drug houses, liquor houses, students, some urban homesteaders and a neighborhood in which I have bought and renovated many houses, (that is my job: bobschmitzproperties.com) helping the neighborhood get "better and better." Before reading this book I knew nothing about this house.
He did not set up a house that he visited during the day. He and his wife and kids lived there and welcomed others who had substance abuse issues, prison records, etc to live there with them in the extra bedrooms, eat, pray, do chores with them. Jonathan saw it as his way of searching for Jesus amongst the least of them and the book describes the struggles, failures and triumphs of the community. He describes how much he learns and is blessed by these people. He accepts them not as strangers or clients but as friends, companions, community members. It is a remarkable story. He describes the myriad of ways that the poor and disadvantaged are kept that way in specific individual stories.
One of the most telling of the stories was a visit by a new neighbor, a white professional lady, who had bought a fixed up a house nearby and came by Rutba house to meet with the people there and suggest that a neighborhood watch be set up. This idea did not go over well with the Rutba house members as it was clear that the lady looked at people like them and their friends and families in the neighborhood as threatening. Did I say that most of the poor people in the neighborhood and the welcomed friends at Rutba were black and the homesteaders were white? The lady left and invited any members to visit her. The next evening one did, a local kid made good who was going to college while living at Rutba. He described to the lady that talking like that might get her a rock through her window. She called the police that she was threatened by a black man. When Johnathan found this out he was appalled and went out to find the kid. She was doing something that could get that kid arrested and maybe killed. Poor blacks and the police don't necessarily mix well in the South or elsewhere. When he asked the lady to come over and talk again she said she was afraid and sent two other people who after talking with for hours into the night, Jonathan had to ask to leave. He thought it was the only time that he had done that in this house of welcome.
Unusual guy, unusual story, a little bit preachy and assuming but a quick read.
He did not set up a house that he visited during the day. He and his wife and kids lived there and welcomed others who had substance abuse issues, prison records, etc to live there with them in the extra bedrooms, eat, pray, do chores with them. Jonathan saw it as his way of searching for Jesus amongst the least of them and the book describes the struggles, failures and triumphs of the community. He describes how much he learns and is blessed by these people. He accepts them not as strangers or clients but as friends, companions, community members. It is a remarkable story. He describes the myriad of ways that the poor and disadvantaged are kept that way in specific individual stories.
One of the most telling of the stories was a visit by a new neighbor, a white professional lady, who had bought a fixed up a house nearby and came by Rutba house to meet with the people there and suggest that a neighborhood watch be set up. This idea did not go over well with the Rutba house members as it was clear that the lady looked at people like them and their friends and families in the neighborhood as threatening. Did I say that most of the poor people in the neighborhood and the welcomed friends at Rutba were black and the homesteaders were white? The lady left and invited any members to visit her. The next evening one did, a local kid made good who was going to college while living at Rutba. He described to the lady that talking like that might get her a rock through her window. She called the police that she was threatened by a black man. When Johnathan found this out he was appalled and went out to find the kid. She was doing something that could get that kid arrested and maybe killed. Poor blacks and the police don't necessarily mix well in the South or elsewhere. When he asked the lady to come over and talk again she said she was afraid and sent two other people who after talking with for hours into the night, Jonathan had to ask to leave. He thought it was the only time that he had done that in this house of welcome.
Unusual guy, unusual story, a little bit preachy and assuming but a quick read.
December 9, 2013
I was intrigued by the idea of this book when I signed up for a change to win it in the giveaways. When it arrived in the mail I experienced a bit of trepidation, in case it turned out to be a fatuous experiment in Christian one-upsmanship. Not that one can't extract a splinter of wisdom from even the most overwrought prose, but I was afraid of being flailed with mawkish miracle-ing and outlandish proselytizing to the tune of missing the message.
My fears could not have been more unfounded. This book is a gift to read, a memoir of flawed, earnest spiritual growth that spoke right to my heart. The author's simple, yet piercing commitment to his faith is balanced by his humor, his humility and his heart. Reading this book changed me for the better and I immediately wanted to share everything about it. In fact, I finished reading it in the middle of the night and had to settle for putting it on the table in our entryway, and by the time I woke up someone else in my household had already claimed it!
I love the immersion in the hospitality house experience he conveys, and the way he is serious and humorous in turns and always in good time. I especially love that he repeatedly experiences revelations about human connection in a completely accessible way--shares it truly with you so you can feel a shadow of the reaction in your own self. My favorite thing is when he again and again realizes that helping others is mainly offering to be genuinely with them with whatever they're experiencing. That sometimes letting you do that for them is the hardest part for others, and that when the shoe is on the other foot, it could be the hardest thing for you. I love that he doesn't sugar-coat the dangers and disappointments of his experience and doesn't artificially heighten the highs. This is a great book and I would recommend it heartily to anyone.
My fears could not have been more unfounded. This book is a gift to read, a memoir of flawed, earnest spiritual growth that spoke right to my heart. The author's simple, yet piercing commitment to his faith is balanced by his humor, his humility and his heart. Reading this book changed me for the better and I immediately wanted to share everything about it. In fact, I finished reading it in the middle of the night and had to settle for putting it on the table in our entryway, and by the time I woke up someone else in my household had already claimed it!
I love the immersion in the hospitality house experience he conveys, and the way he is serious and humorous in turns and always in good time. I especially love that he repeatedly experiences revelations about human connection in a completely accessible way--shares it truly with you so you can feel a shadow of the reaction in your own self. My favorite thing is when he again and again realizes that helping others is mainly offering to be genuinely with them with whatever they're experiencing. That sometimes letting you do that for them is the hardest part for others, and that when the shoe is on the other foot, it could be the hardest thing for you. I love that he doesn't sugar-coat the dangers and disappointments of his experience and doesn't artificially heighten the highs. This is a great book and I would recommend it heartily to anyone.
July 23, 2016
This was really an amazing book. Many people may be familiar with the scripture where Jesus says "I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in..." and the response is "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger? and He replied what you did not do for the least of these you did not do to me." (Matt. 25:40-45 paraphrased) Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and his wife Leah take these words to heart and decide to try to be Jesus to the least in their community. They move to the Walltown neighborhood in Durham, NC - an area of mostly African-Americans known for povery, drugs, and gang violence. They basically open up a hospitality house and will take in anyone in need. Anytime day or night their neighbors can call or stop by for help. They live with the very people they are trying to help. He is honest with the struggles and the failures, but there are also LOTS of success stories. Many of the people they help never had long-term, healthy relationships with anyone and fell easily into drugs or gangs and prison, but when they realize these people truly care for them and will be there for them many are able to completely turn their lives around. This was an inspiring read of a couple who truly took Jesus's words to heart and decided to try their best to be Jesus in their community for people who need it the most. Obviously, not everyone can do work like this, but I'm thankful there are people out there like the Wilson-Hartgroves who are giving their lives to really help people like Jesus did - meeting them where they are with love, compassion, and grace.
December 2, 2013
What would happen if you moved your young family to a ‘dangerous’ neighborhood and opened the door to everyone who knocked? What if, instead of a homeless drug addict, you saw Jesus standing on the front porch? Jonathan and his wife, Leah, moved to the Walltown neighborhood of Durham, NC, to start a hospitality house where the fatherless, widows, hungry and homeless could become a part of the family.
Jonathan does not preach through this book—he doesn’t tell us all to go out and start our own hospitality houses. Rather, he simply strives to share the lessons he’s learned about Jesus and our broken society through the people he’s met on this journey. There are meals shared, stories told, prayers lifted and struggles overcome. But there are failures among the victories, because no family is without faults. Laptops are stolen, trust is broken and friends disappear.
I devoured the first half of this book in one sitting, and then stretched the rest over the following three or four days, working it in around other commitments. For some of you that may not seem like a huge accomplishment, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve finished a book in less than two weeks. Which, of course, means Strangers at My Door is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it.
(I won this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway! All opinions expressed above are my own.)
*This review was originally posted to poetree.
Jonathan does not preach through this book—he doesn’t tell us all to go out and start our own hospitality houses. Rather, he simply strives to share the lessons he’s learned about Jesus and our broken society through the people he’s met on this journey. There are meals shared, stories told, prayers lifted and struggles overcome. But there are failures among the victories, because no family is without faults. Laptops are stolen, trust is broken and friends disappear.
I devoured the first half of this book in one sitting, and then stretched the rest over the following three or four days, working it in around other commitments. For some of you that may not seem like a huge accomplishment, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve finished a book in less than two weeks. Which, of course, means Strangers at My Door is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it.
(I won this book in a Goodreads first reads giveaway! All opinions expressed above are my own.)
*This review was originally posted to poetree.
May 20, 2014
This book is a collection of anecdotes and meditations based on the experiences of the author in his founding and leadership role in Rutba House, a hospitality house located in the Walltown neighborhood of Durham NC. A hospitality house is a place that offers friendship, food and shelter, and most importantly, love, to anyone who knocks at the door. The personal stories of the Rutba House family are moving and inspiring, and offer a deeper perspective into my neighbors here in Durham. This book is a very worthy read, which can't help but leaving the reader asking ways they can open the door to the folks around them, and in so doing be changed for the better. The chapter "Fire in my Bones" is especially compelling and moving, and shows how little i understand of those living so close by. But the entire book opens the reader's perspective, and offers a glimpse into our brothers and sisters, and of the political and religious systems which are largely failing them. This book resonates well with the previous book i read - Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn - which gave a detailed and intimate view into the life of a young African American man and his family as he grew up in the pre-civil rights period in the U.S.
October 12, 2013
Strangers At My Door by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrover is a very very powerful book about the man, his wife, and the people they have helped in their life. They have taken the bible verse from Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in" to heart and is doing exactly what it says. They did not care if the person was homeless, what race they were, if they had just gotten out of jail or disabled they helped them.
I have to admit I went into reading this book with skepticism but after reading it touched me and reminded of what Jesus tells us to do. We are to give the gospel to whoever is out there not just those who look good or are nice to us but to everyone. We are to even pray for our enemies. This wonderful couple has taken in the homeless, criminals, and anyone who comes to their door needing help even if people are worried about their lives. I really don't want to give away any of the stories they have told and they all do not turn out peaches and cream.
I have to admit I went into reading this book with skepticism but after reading it touched me and reminded of what Jesus tells us to do. We are to give the gospel to whoever is out there not just those who look good or are nice to us but to everyone. We are to even pray for our enemies. This wonderful couple has taken in the homeless, criminals, and anyone who comes to their door needing help even if people are worried about their lives. I really don't want to give away any of the stories they have told and they all do not turn out peaches and cream.
January 2, 2014
What would happen if you opened your house to every person who stopped by?
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove provides a collection of personal stories when he does exactly what Jesus calls: taking care of the fatherless, the widowed, the hungry and the homeless.
With a tendency to feel like Blue Like Jazz, this book is a group of stories tied into a narrative whole. You will be glued to the pages as you read about how crazy Jesus-like hospitality can be.
There is no doubt you will be challenged as you read. You may find yourself thinking, "There is no way I would raise a family in this type of situation". When we hear horror stories about the human condition - it seems evil is on the rampage, This book unveils how beautiful human beings can be to one another.
The stories, the people involved and the indirect challenge from Wilson-Hartgrove will ferment in your brain long after you've passed this book on to your friends.
If nothing else, hopefully it will cause you to treat that neighbor a little bit better.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Crown Publishing Group.
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove provides a collection of personal stories when he does exactly what Jesus calls: taking care of the fatherless, the widowed, the hungry and the homeless.
With a tendency to feel like Blue Like Jazz, this book is a group of stories tied into a narrative whole. You will be glued to the pages as you read about how crazy Jesus-like hospitality can be.
There is no doubt you will be challenged as you read. You may find yourself thinking, "There is no way I would raise a family in this type of situation". When we hear horror stories about the human condition - it seems evil is on the rampage, This book unveils how beautiful human beings can be to one another.
The stories, the people involved and the indirect challenge from Wilson-Hartgrove will ferment in your brain long after you've passed this book on to your friends.
If nothing else, hopefully it will cause you to treat that neighbor a little bit better.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Crown Publishing Group.
April 22, 2014
This book teaches not through social or political theory or analysis of biblical texts, but through stories. It is such a simple plan: identify yourself as a hospitality house, open your door to whoever knocks, and believe that Jesus accompanies every guest. The neighbourhood in which the author and his wife chose to live means that most of their guests come with all sorts of brokenness but one of the startling things is how the grace of God remains evident in the darkest places, how it is the well ordered together people who often have the most to learn, and how love never fails to make a difference. There is no idealism in this book. Dostoevsky is quoted knowingly at the end of the book: "Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams". It is hard for me to imagine my wife and I moving into a troubled neighbourhood, but I can imagine us opening the door of the house where we live a little more readily.
September 11, 2013
I am all about Christian books that talk about stepping out of ones comfort zone and radically following the Lord, and this book was one of the best! Jonathan Wilson- Hartgrove not only wanted to read his scriptures, but he and his wife wanted to live out the scriptures so they decided to open their home to anyone who came knocking, what followed was an exciting journey full of many unexpected turns, some sorrow, but most importantly full of joy as Jonathan and his wife answer the call and seek to reach out to those around them in need.
This book was wonderful and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be encouraged and challenged by the saying of Jesus "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" and the results that followed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are my own.
This book was wonderful and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be encouraged and challenged by the saying of Jesus "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" and the results that followed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2014
This was a wonderful book based on the verse Matthew 25:34-40 which says "
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?" These people welcomed everyone into their house. They welcomed people who were homeless. They welcomed people who were in prison. I loved this book. I love the idea of hospitality house.
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?" These people welcomed everyone into their house. They welcomed people who were homeless. They welcomed people who were in prison. I loved this book. I love the idea of hospitality house.
June 12, 2015
I've underlined so many parts of this book that challenge, rebuke, comfort, and push me. Still other passages remind me of mentors I have known, mentors who have offered me their lives as a living book to contemplate and grow from. Strangers at My Door nudges me to get growing.
One of many underlined parts that stays with me: Feeding people at your dinner table is not a strategy to end hunger, just as welcoming guests as if they are Christ is not a way to end homelessness. But you are not here to fix a problem called homelessness. You are here to open yourself to a mystery you do not understand. You are here to learn through friendship what it might mean not to try to help people but to struggle with them for the justice that lifts us all.
One of many underlined parts that stays with me: Feeding people at your dinner table is not a strategy to end hunger, just as welcoming guests as if they are Christ is not a way to end homelessness. But you are not here to fix a problem called homelessness. You are here to open yourself to a mystery you do not understand. You are here to learn through friendship what it might mean not to try to help people but to struggle with them for the justice that lifts us all.
January 8, 2014
This was a very fast read despite the topic - a white, college-educated couple moves to a rough neighborhood in Durham, NC and open a hospitality house. I felt the story was honest enough about showing the author's foibles, yet was upbeat without being sanctimonious.
However, there is so much more I want to know. How do he and his family make money? How does he deal with the fact that possible criminals are living in the house with his kids? I wanted more of the troubles described. It seemed a bit too easy in the book, which I am sure it is not. Mostly, I want to know how he deals with his faith and keeps going with this endeavor when I am sure he faces all sorts of trials and doubts.
However, there is so much more I want to know. How do he and his family make money? How does he deal with the fact that possible criminals are living in the house with his kids? I wanted more of the troubles described. It seemed a bit too easy in the book, which I am sure it is not. Mostly, I want to know how he deals with his faith and keeps going with this endeavor when I am sure he faces all sorts of trials and doubts.
March 8, 2014
"I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review."
Cassandra's Review- The pure love shines through in the pages of this book. It is not every day I read about people so selfless and open as the author and his wife. I would never open my home up to strangers or drifters but I have had times when I would send a traveler away with a bag of food and drink. In a story that is made so you think about your own actions while learning through others this book will hold you in the bindings and hug you in end. I loved reading adn sharing this book with my family and I hope you get the chance to as well.
Cassandra's Review- The pure love shines through in the pages of this book. It is not every day I read about people so selfless and open as the author and his wife. I would never open my home up to strangers or drifters but I have had times when I would send a traveler away with a bag of food and drink. In a story that is made so you think about your own actions while learning through others this book will hold you in the bindings and hug you in end. I loved reading adn sharing this book with my family and I hope you get the chance to as well.
January 18, 2014
A leader in the New Monasticism movement, Wilson-Hartgrove shares stories from his experience as the owner/facilitator of Rutba House in the Walltown neighborhood of Durham NC. This is a fascinating series of musings on his interactions with people - particularly the outcast of our modern society - and how they revealed the presence of the Risen Christ. Moving in many ways; challenging to everyone who would call themselves Christian. A powerful book to read and pray about.
July 5, 2014
Picked this book up at the library, and found the personal stories of how the cauthor and his Rutba House, a Christian community that welcomes visitors, guests, neighbors and strangers in North Carolina. The book was very hopeful and encouraging to me. If you really want to help people go live among them and love them with encouragement and hope, not just a hand out, work along side them. Be there. Excellent inspiration.
September 6, 2013
An honest portrayal of the joys and sorrows of radical hospitality and the benefits and costs to the author and his family. Inspiring for all who wonder about living lives of radical hospitality but shirk away due to familial and societal pressures and expectations. Wonderfully written with powerful stories.
September 15, 2014
This was a poignant and interesting read. I don't think that I could live this way, but kudos to the Wilson-Hartgroves for practicing radical hospitality and truly radical compassion. As they are just around the corner in Durham, I'm tempted to go visit. We all need a little inspiration every now and then . . .
December 12, 2013
I started out thinking this was wonderful. But, at least for me, it got too political (although I agree with ending capital punishment) and too self-righteous. I finally ended up putting it down around 2/3 of the way through it. What could have been a wonderful testimony to following in the example of Christ became a political agenda.
April 5, 2014
The author shares his experiences with hospitality to total strangers as he strives to follow Jesus in being a friend to the fatherless, the widows, the hungry, and the homeless. It's a quick read, but this unusual story will challenge you, with humor and real-life accounts, to think differently about the world and your place in it.
March 19, 2014
Inspiring, challenging and humbling at the same time. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove encourages the reader to recognize Jesus in the "distressing disguise of the poor." His analogy of carefully greeting the stranger and testing to see if it is Jesus (a la Matt 25) is one I will never forget.
June 21, 2017
This book is about seeing Jesus in the stranger. I love the stories of learning and listening from one another, living in grace and redemption together and understanding and working towards justice together. This is an important book. Read it.
August 10, 2015
I worked with homeless folks at my library for 9 years without knowing what Wilson-Hartgrove was up to at RutBa House in my town. I actually read this book to see if I recognized anybody. While I couldn't clock any specific folks, I definitely recognized our community in these pages.
May 14, 2016
Very challenging read that drives you to examine your life and actions. While I may not agree on all points that the writer makes, I can see how his life has been shaped by his experiences. And I agree that this journey is about working out our salvation .
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