Nevertheless: The Incredible Story of One Man's Mission to Change Thousands of People's Lives

by John Kirkby, Tina Morris (Editor), Josie Barlow (Editor)

The Incredible Story of One Man's Mission to Change Thousands of People's Lives Kirkby, John; Barlow, Josie and Morris, Tina

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, Christianity, Finance

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is an awesome organisation that does great work. This book is a testimony to bold faith, and I mean really bold. Almost unbelievable, but it's true and inspirational. Here is a Christian organisation taking God's command to look after the poor seriously. John Kirkby heard God's call and he obeyed and the rest is history. Practical help for people in financial trouble, love and compassion. Faith in action. Great stuff. Great little read.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for inspiration to keep you on track and not give up on achieving your goals, this is the book for you. Very motivating especially if you're starting your own business or you are up against big odds.

John Kirkby is a man I have the utmost respect for and will support him in his work if I can.

[Charmaine Kambabazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book of faith! I thought I knew the work of CAP fairly well but reading about John’s early days in establishing CAP, I realised I had a lot to learn! John’s faith despite so many setbacks and struggles is inspirational. I honestly don’t think I would have had the faith to make half the decisions he and his staff team did had I been in their position! I loved the fab and uplifting ending too! This book has made me even more excited to begin working with CAP in September (didn’t think that was possible)! I truly recommend

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really mixed feelings about this story.
Firstly, let me say I read this on the recommendation of a friend, but not until actually buying it when a national CAP representative came to our church.
I've long been interested in financial matters, and had been educating myself through the likes of Dave Ramsey and Mr Money Mustache. I have also done the CAP money course through my church.

With that as my background for reading this story, I couldn't help but admire the good work done through the UK debt centres, but I REALLY struggled with the philosophy of not paying people on time and investing in growth without capital. I'm a Christian too, and I can admire the huge steps of faith that these people took in getting CAP off the ground, and the results speak for themselves - thousands of people pulled out from under a load of debt and despair, but it just struck a nerve in me.

Past experience has taught me that my nerves can be telling me one of two things: either the thing is wrong, or the thing is right and there is something IN ME that is wrong. Do the ends justify the means? Probably. Was anybody actually really hurt by the strategies used by CAP in the early years? It doesn't seem like it. Is my faith and willingness to step out being tested? For sure!

As for the writing style, it is basically a collection of journal entries with explanations and summaries interspersed. There are also segments written by others involved in the process. Easy enough to read, but it took me a while, because it wasn't captivating.

[Mark Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a family we've been following the guidance from the CAP Money course for several years and have seen the benefits in reduction in debt and increased savings. Although I thought I was fairly familiar with the story of Christians Against Poverty and their founder John Kirkby, I'd never read this book. We'd bought a copy directly from the charity some years before and this Christmas decided to read it.

It's an edge of your seat journey with John sharing with remarkable honesty how his life had broken down and how he'd been led to help others avoid situations he'd been in.

At times his story makes for uncomfortable reading as for over a decade he grew the charity despite rarely having money to even pay previous commitments in terms of salaries and bills. Yet his faith and the faith of those who chose to work with him was time and again proved worthwhile as funding was obtained and received. The story stikes me as very similar to that of Barnado's. If I recall correctly, Thomas Barnardo also ran his charity on faith.

I would highly recommend reading Nevertheless to find out how CAP helps those in debt, and teaches money management skills, and to be inspired how faith in God can be used to make a positive difference to society.

[Melanie Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book Journeys of Hope, which is full of incredible stories of how God is changing lives through Christians Against Poverty (CAP)), so I turned to this one next. Nevertheless is the story of John Kirkby - how he came to Christ and how he began CAP. A lot of the book is taken from his personal journals and recounts the challenges that CAP faced for many years as they became established as a ministry. It's amazing to know all they've been through and the way John persevered when he could have easily given up. Our church is starting a CAP debt centre so it was really helpful to hear of the history of CAP and get a feel for their ethos and values. I did find the book slightly repetitive and discouraging to read, but I guess that gives a taste of how John Kirkby and the other CAP staff must have felt for years! God has rewarded their faithful tenacity and is continuing to bring much fruit from this ministry.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is a charity I think could do some very important work in helping people in debt to restructure these and get debt-free and that does good work helping people to avoid getting into this situation in the first place. However I found the concept that the founder of the charity was willing to let his staff end up in the same situation (and even ask them for loans for the business when he couldn't pay them) while continuing to expand to hire more staff utterly baffling - I can see that his faith and trust in God to provide is absolute, but this just didn't work for me.

[Ian Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty amazing story that pictures John Kirby's almost boundless energy and faith. It was moving to read of his own struggles with debt and the anguish it caused, giving him a real insight into the devastating effects on so many people. His diary entries are very honest as he battled for years to get CAP onto a solid income footing (slightly ironic for a debt service!), so that staff often were paid their salaries late and bills were only paid as deadlines approached. Forming CAP and making it work has been a massive spiritual battle and a huge movement of faith. But what a blessing it is!

[Steve Worsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever you make of this book I'm sure you'll agree that it's memorable. For me it was a profound reminder of God's concern for the poor, and of what living 'by faith' can look like.

Towards the end of the book, some suicide notices are posted - all people who took their lives because of financial strife. This brought home to me more than anything, what CAP has achieved. If only each of those people had known of CAP they could still be alive with a hopeful future.

I felt challenged and inspired by this book.

[Clare S-B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inspiring story of one mans faith in God that turned into one entire organizations faith and reliance on God. It is amazing what this charity has accomplished, and the faith in the mighty God that has lead them through, some terribly difficult, discouraging and almost hopeless seeming times. Yet they prevailed and grew and have helped and still are helping so many people.

[Campbell Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do we love our neighbours living in poverty? This question is posed in the book... but it's not rhetorical. Somewhere between the front cover and the back, you may be nudged to be part of God's answer.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought I knew the work of CAP fairly well but reading about John’s early days in establishing CAP, I realised I had a lot to learn! John’s faith despite so many setbacks and struggles is inspirational.
If you say you follow Jesus, you need to read this book..

[Rob Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of founding Christian's Against Poverty - one of the most effective mission endeavours into western society. Much a story of how the organisation overcame it's own financial teething

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read on the history of Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

[Tracy Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book and it has inspired me to either become a volunteer for Christians Against Poverty or a life changer.

[Pete Husky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precarious tales of living on the edge starting up a charity. Incredibly open and honest account, which gives a great insight into how CAP (Christians against poverty) tick.

The tales of 'down to the wire with not enough cash to pay the wages' were many - at one point it felt like those situations overshadowed the rest of the book, which is a focus on many people who are desperate in debt get their lives sorted thanks to some compassionate and very practical help.

All in all though, definitely worth a read. Should inspire us all to do what God puts in our hearts to do, and to connect with and make a difference with people.

[maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a truly helpful Christian ministry maintaining the highest professional standards in the face of chronically inconsistent financial support. Kirkby's perseverance, trust in God's provision and personal sacrifice is powerfully inspirational. I was left wondering why government funding was refused to such an effective organisation. Oh, maybe it's because they're unashamedly Christian.

[Tutu Adelusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a small beginning when CAP founders water and grow their faith. It is a very touching account of how they struggled to birth their dream through one man(John Kirby). It was rough but they cut across and made the mark despite all odds. I recommend this to all believers to read. It is a must read Brethren!

[Liz Hill-O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read of a man who obeyed God's call to set up a charity helping people out of debt and leading them to Christ. What is most impressive is his raw faith despite the numerous financial challenges along the way, and God's complete faithfulness. Inspirational.

[Davina Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of God leading a person through horrendous debt and despair and of the birth of a ministry which continues to grow and with Gods help is transforming people's lives from despair to hope.

[Iain Hamill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting and encouraging account of the first 15 years of CAP.

I would have appreciated some more detail on the rationale for running at such a deficit/deciding the balance between stepping out in faith and wisely stewarding resources.

[Zena]

It is very inspiring as well as emotional and can touch a heart of even someone with a cold heart . I think it is a remarkable experience and I recommend it to everyone. I also don't think that it matters whether you believe in Jesus or not, I think you'll love it.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas how to break debt cycle.

[Robin Peake · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty inspiring

[Zoe Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring account of the formation of CAP. Also a very challenging and timely reminder of the poverty and helplessness people can find themselves when circumstances leave them in debt.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story of the Christian charity. Extremely honest & open account, very inspiring.

[Joanne Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

How one man's misfortune turned out to be the start of Christians Against Poverty. Many people and families have been helped out of debt including mine.

[Yetty Malumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirational

[K.B. Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational.