The Orphan, the Widow & Me: Paying It Forward with Both Hands

by J.T. Olson, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman (Foreword)

After being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings, JT Olson went on to start a faith-based non-profit serving orphans and widows. Olson's childhood tragedy gave him an overwhelming understanding of the need to find loving homes for the world's orphaned and vulnerable children. Both Hands follows his powerful journey towards spiritual restoration by recounting significant moments in his life, including his family's life-altering decision to adopt a little girl from China. Read his compelling transformation of pain into passion, the joy found through adoption and the value of every life.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2017

Reviews

[Ian Minielly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure how this book came into my possession. However, reading a biography of a man who suffered a terrible tragedy and did more than manage to hold it together is worth a read. The author is honest about his struggles coping with loss and some of the impact that has on his decisions and planning.

However, as things often happen, God put someone in Olson's path that made a difference and made an explicit Gospel presentation. As many do, the author did not immediately become the pillar of the faith you would expect, but continued struggling. Time and again God shows mercy and compassion on this family and by the time the book is written many lives have been changed and more are being changed It is a good read, quick and easy while being light on theology and heavy on life.

[Rod Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be one of JT's early readers. Get ready for tears and laughs in this heart-warming story about a man and a wife who pursued an incredible God-given vision to help widows and orphans. Great read - ENJOY!

[Susan R. Lundine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

If you've ever considered adopting a child, read this book. It gives several inspirational reasons you should go for it. JT Olson turned his personal tragedy into a wonderful nonprofit that helps hundreds of people.

[Trey Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was inspiring from cover to cover. It tells the story of a man who finds his God-given purpose in life despite many obstacles. I was delighted to read it and found it to be one of the best reads I have had in several years.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone thinking of adopting or wondering how to help widows and orphans

[Abe · Rating 4 out of 5]

the heartfelt backstory of an inspiring ministry. if you have a heart for orphans, and want to hear a personal story of redemption , here it is!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a family hoping to adopt in the future, JT's biography was a great read that helped push me to feel like it was all possible. Great read and happy to have read it!

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good and easy to read. This is an amazing ministry.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

JT Olson is fabulous to work with on a Both Hands project. It was really interesting to read his whole story & all the pieces that fell together throughout his life.

[Kim Gjerde · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this book 2.5 stars. The author tells the story of how he was orphaned as a young child and how throughout his life and career he has come full circle, by not only adopting a child from China, but also starting a foundation called Both Hands which serves both widows and orphans. A great book for someone considering adoption.

[Elizabeth Fegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are planning to adopt, or have a heart for orphans and widows, this is a must read!!!