Created to Flourish

by Peter Greer, Phil Smith, Erin Longenecker (Editor)

This eminently practical book by two leading experts on poverty alleviation offers a clear plan to help Christ-followers translate their compassion into thoughtful action. Authors Peter Greer and Phil Smith draw on their personal experiences to discuss proven solutions for effectively alleviating poverty. Created to Flourish examines the pitfalls of traditional approaches and outlines a new model of economic development aimed at breaking the cycle of dependency. Through discipleship-based savings groups and small loans, families in poverty are employing their God-given talents to provide for their families and serve their communities. With photographs showcasing the dignity of clients from around the HOPE International network, this book provides straightforward guidance for individuals and groups eager to carry God's justice, mercy, and compassion throughout the world.

Genres: Christian, Business, Nonfiction

245 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2017

About the author

Peter Greer is an author, speaker, and president and CEO of HOPE International, a global faith-based economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Peter received a B.S. in international business from Messiah University and an MPP in political and economic development from Harvard's Kennedy School.
As an advocate for the Church’s role in missions and alleviating extreme poverty, Peter has co-authored over 14 books, including The Gift of Disillusionment, Mission Drift (selected as a 2015 Book Award Winner from Christianity Today), Rooting for Rivals (selected as a 2019 Leadership Resource of the Year in Outreach magazine), The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good (selected as one of the top 40 books on poverty by WORLD magazine) and Created to Flourish. More important than his role at HOPE is his role as husband to Laurel and dad to Keith, Liliana, Myles, and London. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, Peter and his family live in Lancaster, PA.

Blog: peterkgreer.com. Twitter: @peterkgreer. Facebook: @PeterKGreer

Reviews

[Audrey Putney · Rating 4 out of 5]

microloans! https://toli.org :)

[Karina Cortes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a detailed dive into Microfinance and how Christian organizations can use it to help people get out of poverty. I wish it talked more about how to use the principles in the book to help those out of poverty in the United States and not just in third world countries. Also the book has tons of beautiful pictures throughout but no explanation. The placements don't even make sense for example on one page they are telling a story of a women in Peru and the picture will be of a man in Russia. An informative read but if your focus is on ending poverty in America it won't be very helpful.

[Tim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ for any Christian in meeting physical needs so we can meet Spiritual needs. We are commissioned by King Jesus to Go and Make Disciples to a world that needs to “know how much we care before they care how much we know!” There so many blessings in giving a Hand UP, instead of just a Hand OUT! Endless wisdom and potential abounds in this volume!

[Rachel York · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and fascinating look into poverty alleviation and economic development. Microfinance, coupled with Biblical teaching, holds the potential to be a sustainable solution to spiritual and material poverty.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Describes microfinance as a way for Christians to help alleviate poverty in developing countries

[Matt Sones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful introduction to microfinance.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for work (pre-hire) - A great intro into the work of HOPE International. Peter does a fantastic job at describing HOPE’s origins and its model of holistic poverty alleviation.

[Brice Karickhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. However, like most books of the genre, instead of trying to read them all, wouldn't it just be easier to read Walking with the Poor and go from there?